BEYU Beauty Queen Volume Mascara

I used the last bits of this mascara in mid-July, but it has served me well. I keep recommending it to those who message me about mascaras and I noticed not a lot of people know about this one, or they missed my posts about it, so here it is again. This is great volumizing drugstore mascara that catches every lash and doesn't clump them up. The formula isn't that thick, gloopy mess that would drop my lashes in seconds, instead it keeps them lifted well enough and I've actually stopped using lash curlers, except for special occasions. I've also mentioned before that this is a mascara that worked perfectly from the moment I opened it, so no annoying wait for it to dry up a bit or any other issue. The brush is a classic one that is comfortable to use, so that's an extra plus and what I started to appreciate a lot since I got Essence's Volume & Curl mascara - it's very easy to remove, whilst Essence requires a triple cleanse. I miss it already even though I got the super hyped up Paradise Exposed/Lash Paradise by L'Oreal, but I only used that one twice and I admit it has a similar effect.

CATRICE Travelight Story LE  Liquid Liner

C02 Deep Dark Waters

(picture of it on the eyes)

I've searched for a proper navy eyeliner for a long time, actually the first one I bought was all the way back in 2007 and I never got exactly what I wanted until this wonderful collection came along. The colour is one of those dark navy blues that looks black from afar, so it gives the classic definition to the eye, but from closer up you see it's a nice blue, so it kind of also emphasizes your eye colour. It's nicely pigmented, so not some random sheer eyeliner, but it's very liquid so the pigment can shift if you don't apply it with some care. Staying power is excellent on my eyes and it easily lasts all day even in the summer heat (but I don't really sweat a lot or have oily eyelids). 

MAKEUP FACTORY Mat Lip Fluid

61 Velvet Rosewood

I neglected this one way too much since I got theBalm's Committed, but I dug it up this month from my stash and was just blown away at how beautiful it looks on the lips. I deliberately apply a thin coat because I feel it gives me just the right amount of definition for a very simple every day makeup without looking too dark and harsh for the summer - the look with it is at the end of the post. This one is one of those mauve-rosy-brown shades that's a bit lighter than for example theBalm's Charming, so I think it looks more wearable (for me of course). The finish is nicely matte and I don't find it drying, especially compared to Colourpop's Ultra Mattes, so I'm enjoying wearing it. I actually thought I lost on a car trip and I felt so bad, I already planned on getting a new one. This just shows how much I like it because it's expensive for a lip product. 

AVON True Colour Perfectly Matte Lipstick

Peach Flatters

I'm sure most pale porcelain princesses like me know how hard it is to find a peachy pink that's actually that shade and not orange/too peachy on light skin. This one is one of those rare gems that's not just properly peachy-pink, but also a muted version of the shade, so not in your face bright, but it still lifts up the skin tone. Petra sure know how to pick shades for me. I've said it before , but Avon's Mattes are wonderful, so nicely siliconey-creamy and smooth with a nice matte-ish finish. If you like Milani's Moisture Mattes give Avon's a try and vice-versa. 

PHYSICIANS FORMULA Sexy Booster Sexy Glow Blush

Rose

I wanted the glow on my cheeks this month and this is one of the best blushes for that. It's the perfect mix of a highlighter plus warm pink blush that gives a beautiful glow to the cheeks without any obvious shimmer. This is such an underrated blush for me in the beauty community, but it may be because it's more for pale skin tones since the shade is quite light and because it's expensive, but the packaging is beautiful.

SECRET KEY Pink Racoony Hydro Gel Eye & Cheek Patch

This is by far the most adorable skin care item I've ever tried. I've used these cute heart patches almost every day since I got them on my smile lines just to hydrate the area, diminish the appearance of lines and more to make the condition stop progressing. They look gimmicky, but on that day that I was too busy to use them, I did notice a difference despite that these are actually designed for use under the eyes and on the cheeks. These are hydro gels meaning the essence is a part of the patch as well and they are shaped like hearts, which are perforated in the middle, so you can easily tear them into two parts. They stick on the skin well and even if I smile wide they don't move, but they are slippery in the pack and for a few minutes on the skin before they warm up. The only minus is that they are heavily scented with a type of rose scent, but I already got used to it.

Bombee Rose Gold Honey Mask Pack

I posted how gorgeous the gold honeycomb design on the sheet is in my Empties, so go check it out if you're interested, but aside from being the prettiest sheet mask I've tried, it's also one of the best in terms of effect. I love the original Bombee Honey and this one has a very similar effect. It's another brilliant one that evens out the skin tone by calming everything down, it nourishes and leaves the skin super soft. I had this annoying spot on my chin that just refused to calm down and this toned it down significantly (I started testing Skinfood's Black Sugar Serum instead of Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence and it's very likely the cause why that spot appeared and refused to heal. I switched to remaining testers of COSRX Galactomyces and it's so much better now). The scent of this one is mostly honey, but there is some rose mixed it. I actually liked the combo despite disliking rose scents. Definitely repurchase worthy.

BALEA After Sun Dusche

I never liked this scent whenever I checked it in the shop. Everyone was praising it, but in all the years it's been a summer limited edition I was never impressed by it - that is until this year. The scent is one of those high-end summery ones that aren't exactly like sunscreen, but somewhere in the ballpark. Think something like Bronze Goddess or Guerlain's Terracotta, so it might be tiare flower what I'm smelling. It's slightly oily, so a little bit nourishing, but it washes off completely without any filter.

BALEA Fuss Butter Lovely

Oh, the smell of this. It's been so hot this month that my fragrances were just out of the question (why don't I have something citrusy or clean?), but this is so uplifting and fresh. It's got a fantastic orange-minty scent that reminds me of Ricola Orange Mint Drops, so I keep opening and sniffing the pot. However, it's not the most nourishing product and my skin, especially my feet need a lot more. It's thick, but whipped and it needs time to absorb, but it's not quite nourishing enough, still I love using it because of the scent.

For the end I'll just quickly go through the makeup I've been using pretty much every day. I never share my makeup routine, so this time I'm including it in the favourites. 

Base: 

I'm still using Maybelline's Fit Me Matte & Poreless foundation, now official my favourite summer foundation and I got another shade, this time 100, which is actually almost the same as 110, so both suit me and I'm using my big AliExpress oval brushes for blending. On the pictures bellow it's actually Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation in 50, since it's new and I'm trying it out. I've been using my fave concealer Bourjois Radiance Reveal under the eyes and nose, and just on my eyelids some discontinued powder by Catrice instead of an eyeshadow, so eyeliner wouldn't accidentally crease.

Eyes: 

Eyeliners have been both from Catrice, so I'm still using Liquid Eyeliner in Dating Joe Black (used for the pictures bellow) and the navy Travellight Stories LE one. Once I finally admitted to myself that Beyu's mascara is dry, I bought Essence Volume Stylist which is nicely volumizing and it keeps my lashes up, but it's a nightmare to remove (means good staying power though. Definitely close to the promised 18h). On the pictures it's L'Oreal's Paradise Extatic - again because it's new and I'm trying it out. I couldn't be bothered to apply a single eyeshadow the entire month.

Cheeks: 

Pretty much all month I've been wearing Physicians Formula Sexy Booster. No highlighter needed for obvious reasons

Lips: 

Has been Avon Peach Flatters or Makeup Factor Velvet Rosewood. I had both versions of fotd in my Instagram Stories, but I'm again sharing a look with Velvet Rosewood.

Have a great day!

SECRET KEY Starting Treatment Essence 

Rose

This was a sample 30 ml size (bought two for 6$) and it lasted me about two months because I was applying it with hands instead of cotton pads. While I was using it, my skin was nicely balanced, smooth and more healthy looking. I still got an occasional spot, but that's life. In general I've found essences are fantastic and they were instrumental in improving the condition of my skin. The first one I tried was COSRX Galactomyces whose results were so mind blowing I immediately started exploring these essences and which to try next. So far I still think COSRX's is the best for the price, but I loved SU:M 37 's essence too. 

Repurchase: Maybe. I still have one bottle and samples of COSRX, after that I'll decide which one I'll buy.

ESTEE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II

I'm sad to see this ran out, it's one of the best skin care items I've ever tried. Due to its tear-inducing price tag it's my very, very occasional treat, I resorted to buying it when my skin is just was not right and nothing helped. It's a product that normalises my skin and keeps it in balance, so it's that one reliable product that I can count on making my skin look healthier. It won't work absolute wonders in a few hours as you might expect from the exorbitant price, but there are noticeable improvements in a week(s) of everyday use. I won't say it prevents blemishes or dry them up until the morning, but it helps the skin heal faster, so those pesky blemishes diminish quicker and the marks fade faster too. The skin becomes more hydrated, but this is a product that shouldn't be used on its own, it's merely to assist your normal moisturiser and it also helps the skin to look healthier, less grey and blah. When I'm using it, though of course my skin isn't completely clear, there are no large blemishes. All I get on occasion are tiny white heads and that's it. I've found a decent and cheaper replacement in Banila co. Miss Flower Mrs Honey Essence Oil, but that product is considerably heavier, more appropriate for winter months and those with oily skin won't like it, while I think ANR is appropriate for all skin types.

Repurchase: Yes, but not in the near future.

NEUTROGENA T/Gel Anti-Dandruff Dermatological Shampoo for Dry Hair 

Anti-dandruff shampoos are mostly very stripping and drying, so since I loved the original T/Gel, I ordered the version for dry hair after I used up that one. While it worked the first few uses, it then just stopped and with long-term use it really dried-up my hair. I purchased the original intensive version again, which is fine for now, but it's even more drying that this one. This version has a much more pleasant scent, which is cosmetic-floral

Repurchase: No.

LEE STAFFORD Treatment for hair that never grows past a certain length

I admit I'm hard to please when it comes to hair care and a great majority of drugstore stuff is useless to me. This is already the expensive side of drugstore at 10 € per 200 ml, but it's one of the rare ones that I liked. It's a protein treatment, so one of those that you'll see effect more through frequent use as it'll make your hair stronger, but it doesn't have the same effect as most conditioners have, by that I mean make you hair super, super soft. It's one of those masks that makes your hair look better, shinier, stronger, but like all protein treatments you won't get super soft, silky hair. It's very heavily scented with a smell similar to Angel perfume, so an oriental scent full of patchouli, vanilla, chocolate and all other heavy notes.

Repurchase: I don't know. I might if it were still sold here.

HEALTHY SEXY HAIR Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner

My favourite leave in conditioner and I've been using it for many years now. It's an extra hydration booster after I rinse off the regular conditioner or mask. It also helps tame frizziness to a degree and makes my sure my hair is in good condition. I forgot to use it a couple of times and my hair just wasn't right, it just felt drier, more rebellious. I only then realised I forgot putting my mini bottle into my regular hair stash, so I definitely notice a big difference if I skip it in my hair care routine.

Repurchase: Done, but in a mini size. I need to buy the full size. 

NIVEA anti-perspirant pearl & beauty

I just talked about this in the last new in, so I won't say much apart from that it's my favourite deodorant and I always repurchase it.

Repurchase: Done.

BALEA Rasiergel

Coconut Kiss

This version had a rather lame coconut scent, so I didn't enjoy it much. I think I still saw a few cans, but I repurchased the Apricot version which I like much more.

Repurchase: A different version.

ALVERDE Cellulite Körperöl

I didn't use this for cellulite, I used it as a shaving oil. It smelled nice like lemon candy and it did its job well. I'm not sure if I ever explained, but I do a double shaving routine, otherwise I'm still left with prickly legs since my hair so dark and strong. I use the gel first and then shave again using oil. It's smoother that way and the skin is softer because of the oil.

Repurchase: Yes.

BALEA Mizellen Reinigungs Tűcher

I just disliked these. Obnoxious strong scent and very basic cloths that felt harsh on the skin just aren't my thing. I used them to remove swatches, but they weren't terribly effective.

Repurchase: No.

SHEET MASKS

I already talked about some of these, did a review, had them in favourites and updated my post about sheet masks, so I won't do my typically long reviews. Instead I sorted them "repurchase worthy", "might repurchase" and "won't repurchase" categories.

Repurchase worthy:

PAPA RECIPE Bombee Honey Mask and Bombee Rose Honey Mask

These two are both my favourites because they do all I want - moisturise, even the skin tone by reducing redness, make the skin soft and plump it up a bit. I highly recommend these. Both smell like honey, the Rose one has a honey-rose fragrance and this gorgeous gold honeycomb design (picture bellow).

Repurchase: Yes, already done for Bombee Honey version, while I have most other Bombee versions to try. I'll buy a full pack of the version I love most.

THE FACE SHOP Solutions

Pearl (brightening)

Another one of my favourite. Excellent fit, it leaves my skin incredibly soft and smooth, hydrated, more even and just in general in great condition. Foundation applied like a dream after using this mask.

Repurchase: Yes and I'll try other versions.

ESFOLIO Vitamin Infused High Concentrated Essence Facial Mask

Milk

I didn't think much about this one when it was on my face and immediately as I removed it because all it seemed was moisturising. But in the morning my skin just looked better and my smile lines were reduced, so it's elasticity claim and high moisture are real. It's one of the cheapest with a nice, visible effect.

Repurchase: Yes and maybe the Pearl or/and Collagen version.

My Scheming Hello Kitty Series on the left and Papa Recipe Bombee Rose Honey mask on the right.

MY SCHEMING Hello Kitty Series Moisturizing Hydrating Essence Facial Mask

Black Pearl Brightening

Though the Hello Kitty pattern was disappointing because it's too faint, the effects were nice. Instantly more bright and even skin, also nicely nourished without any tightness that I experienced from some masks. It's effects are very similar to MBD Black Pearl, so I liked it, only the sheet isn't as nice-fitting as MBD.

Repurchase: I prefer My Beauty Diary, but it's definitely worth the purchase if you're tempted.

Maybe:

MY SCHEMING Classic Series Moisturizing Facial Mask

Skin Clarifying Astringent

If you're looking for a mask for oily skin, give this a try. I used it before going to bed and my skin was perfectly matte for the entire next day. Not that my skin is super oily, but I have a shiny T-zone in the summer and this worked a treat. In terms of helping with any breakout or shrinking pores, it doesn't do anything.

Repurchase: if my skin went through an oily phase.

BANOBAGI Vita Genic Anti-Wrinkle & Whitening Jelly Facial Mask

Vitamin A - lifting

I'm torn about this one. I love the effect of it because it has one of the best effects on my nasolabial folds. On one side it virtually disappeared by the morning, and the other was barely visible. Even during the day, they didn't become as obvious as the usually do. But in terms of other effects, I found it one lacking, as there was nothing more than deeply moisturising, so no additional brightening, evening of the skin or softness, plus I find it probably broke me out when I was using the remaining essence (there is so much left).

Repurchase: Probably. If you're looking for something to help with lines, give it a try.

Wouldn't repurchase:

I love the Black Pearl version in this line and I got this one because it was just about as frequently recommended. Unlike at BP, the essence is milky, but it absorbs just as fast and isn't sticky. Effects were almost the same as BP, so it made my skin very soft, moisturised and comfortable, but it wasn't more even or radiant.

Repurchase: Again it's nice, but for the same price I buy the Black Pearl version that does that bit more.

MY SCHEMING Moisturizing Essence Series Facial Mask

Mandelic Acid Brightening Mask

This is a mask that has the best immediate results and my mistake was that I used it before going to bed. It makes the skin much brighter and diminishes spots, as well as reduces redness. But it's not a particularly nourishing treatment (still it didn't make my skin feeling dry like Naruko) and I really wasn't happy with my skin in the morning because those creases you get from pillows were much more intense. It's nice only as a treatment right before a special event, especially if you have some spots, but I use masks only before bed so no one can see me parading with one of these.

Repurchase. While I don't exclude the possibility, I get a similar result from MDB Black Pearl, except it doesn't work as fast on spots.

LOVEMORE Intensive Hydrating Moisturizing Facial Mask

Wine Yeast Whitening

 Immediate results didn't leave me with much hope because my skin looked  more uneven than usual, but in the morning it looked really nice. The redness I had around an old/healing spot was diminished, the skin was fresh, even and smooth to the touch. This one was overall nice if you don't mind the yeast scent and good also for those who have oily skin and/or who hate heavy skin care.

Repurchase: it's nice, but I prefer others that do that little bit more.

NARUKO Collagen Boosting Firming Mask

This one was a bit like that Taiwan Magnolia mask I put in my disappointing post, but it's got better effects, since it left my skin smooth and more even. It's another one of those that absorbs completely into the skin, so it's not moisturising or nourishing and I really needed an extra dose of extra care after use. But if you dislike how most sheet masks leave a lot of product still on the skin, try these two Naruko masks.

Repurchase: No, I want more moisture.

SAMPLES

COSRX PHA Moisture Renewal Power Cream - gel cream with a gentle pharmacy scent. It's got a medium consistency that's easy to apply, but it has a very wet type of texture and it sits on the skin for a while. PHA stands for polyhydroxy acids which are something like AHAs, but more gentle because they don't penetrate into the pores, so this is a version of acids for sensitive skin. I was using the sample of about a week on one side of the face to see the comparison and I didn't see much. It was a short time frame, so it's hard to say, but in that time it didn't make my skin more even, clearer or help fade old blemish marks. I would need more samples, but if you can't use AHA's due to sensitive skin PHAs might be a solution.

HOLIKA HOLIKA Skin & Good Cera Super Cream - a thick, rich cream that feels very nourishing and sits on the skin for a while. It promises to keep the skin hydrated for 72 hours, though I can't confirm that, but my skin was pretty moisturised for the day until I washed my face. It has a citrusy type of scent that's strong. This is a typical moisturiser for (very) dry skin.

NATURE REPUBLIC Aqua Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream - this is one of the most popular ranges of moisturisers and I already loved the design of packaging before I tried it. This is almost the same as Green Line HydroMineral, so a thick hydrating gel cream that dries to a velvety finish and works as an excellent base for makeup. The scent is very strong and perfumey, something like Davidoff Cool Water and more on a masculine/unisex side. Likeable.

AVON True Colour Perfectly Matte Lipstick

Peach Flatters

A few years ago I was on this endless quest for peachy-pink lipsticks that actually work with porcelain skin tones and don't look orange. Well, this is another such shade. It's a muted peachy-pink with just the right mix of both tones and though it's muted, it still has that bit of brightness that lifts up the skin tone. I've reviewed the formula when I posted about the shade Ravishing Rose, but this is again another very high quality matte lipstick with a lovely siliconey-soft formula that just glides on the lips and has a nice sort of matte finish.

Petra gifted this shade to me (thank you) and you can find her swatches of all shades here and the new three shades here.

Avon, 8.5 €

CATRICE Soft Blossom Nail Polish

06 Cherry Blossom Avenue

I got this because it was discontinued and it was cheaper than usual. It's a true baby pink with more warm undertones than cool and a satin finish. It's annoying to apply because it always ends up uneven somewhere, so at least three coats are needed despite that it has enough pigmentation. It's scented with a flowery scent.

Müller, 1.99 € 

ESSENCE Volume Stylist Curl & Hold Mascara

I'm actually waiting for the super hyped up Lash Paradise to arrive in Slovenia, so I've been putting off buying a new mascara, trying to squeeze my beloved BeYu for all its worth. But I just had to get a new one, it was getting ridiculous and I didn't want to splurge 12 € for a new BeYu one (I was so sure it's 7€. Why did I think that?), so I just went to the drugstore and picked the one that looked most interesting. I didn't read any reviews about this one or heard anything, so it could have been a big miss, but it's actually nice, especially for a regular mascara. The brush is super weird though, there is a bald patch on one side and normal length bristles on the other, it just looks unfinished I guess. It creates quite big lashes, so it's volumising and lengthening, it's also not that bad at keeping the lashes defined enough. In terms of curling the lashes and keeping them curled, it's not bad either, though it's not outstanding. It's close to what BeYu's does and my lashes are semi-curled because the formula is more on the dry side when you open it, so it's not a heavy mascara that's makes the lashes drop.

DM, 3.29 €

ITSTYLE COSMETICS

I won the second giveaway in my life, this time on Adjusting Beauty Blog and I got a bunch of ItStyle products. It's a completely new brand to me, so I don't know much about it apart from that they have a shop in Murska Sobota and that they have an online shop which I found when I was looking for prices. Petra has a two posts with reviews of their products and pictures of the shop: link 1 & link 2.

ITSTYLE Eye Shadow

40, 54 and 58

I get nervous about cheap eyeshadows (like MR and the likes) because I've had plenty of experience and I know they mostly can't compare to more expensive ones. Well, these are exactly those cheap-y type of textures. The white (40) is a classic matte shade that's on the chalky side, but ok. The dark brown (54) is actually quite nice, pigmented and smooth enough, though it requires to be build up slowly, otherwise you get too much pigment on one spot that's difficult to blend out. The black (58) is probably the worst black I've ever tried. I'm trying to remember a worse one, but nothing comes to mind. It's sheer, patchy, just impossible to build up and apply nicely. All are badly glued into the pans, so that's an extra minus from me, especially since full price isn't that cheap when you think about it. All are matte, so I don't know how shimmers/satins perform, but usually they tend to be better.

itStyle, 4.5 €

ITSTYLE Matita Occhi Eyeliner

6

I haven't owned a black pencil/kajal eyeliner since my misguided "black only in the waterline" phase of my mid-teens. I tend to stick to black eyeshadow for waterline and to liquid eyeliner for top lash line. This one is very standard, run-of-the-mill liner. Pigmented enough, but it needs some building up on the waterline and it's definitely not like of those new-age semi-gel inspired formulas that are inky black. 

itStyle, 3.95€

ITSTYLE Lipstick

2

Makeup Revolution that's what I'll say. Almost everything about this lipstick reminds me of MR's versions. The formula is very creamy and glides with ease on the lips, but it's also very prone to transfer. It's very pigmented, so you instantly get a fully opaque look and shade is a warm red, but otherwise quite classic. The packaging is very cheap, just like one of those cheap plastic tubes that MR uses. It managed to last really well, even through a meal, so that was a pleasant surprise.

itStyle, 4.95 €

ITSTYLE Lipgloss

18

Lipgloss is something I don't really wear that often. This one is a classic "90's-00's" lipgloss, so not of the new-age super creamy, cushiony formulas, but just basic shine formula. It's semi-opaque medium muted pinky-peach shade with a holographic glitter and it's not sticky at all. The applicator is a simple doe foot and the scent is like candy.

itStyle, 1.5 €

ITSTYLE Nail Polish

11

A classic red nail polish in a warm version of the colour. The formula is a jelly, so semi-opaque with one coat and even at two coats you still see the tips. Otherwise it's a pleasant formula to apply like most reds and the brush is of those medium wide ones.

itStyle, 3.95 €

CATRICE Travelight Story LE  Liquid Liner

C02 Deep Dark Waters

I got the two navy pieces from Travellight story, the eyeliner and nail polish. The eyeliner is pigmented, but very liquid, so it the colour can shift when you're applying it. I prefer to apply it slowly, sort of placing the applicator to the lashes instead of just drawing it, otherwise I have to wait for the first layer to dry and then apply another coat. There's minimal gaps if you draw with it normally, but still. The colour is a lovely, deep navy that looks black from far away, so it's a nice defining shade, but it's properly blue from closer up. Staying power is excellent. If you follow my Instagram Stories than you might have seen the picture of it after 11 hours where it still looked perfect. The applicator is felt, but smaller than at Liquid Eyeliner and not as nice, but not difficult to use and you can be precise. 

Müller, 3.29 €

CATRICE  Travelight Story LE Nail Lacquer

C03 Deep Dark Waters

I just had to get this because of the cute packaging and absolutely because of the shade since I love navy blue. It's quite a thick formula, pretty much full coverage with one coat if you manage to apply it evenly, which isn't that hard. The shade is just like at the eyeliner and deep, navy that's almost black, but noticeably blue in brighter light conditions. The finish is satin.

Müller, 2.59 €

CATRICE Illuminating Blush 

010 I am Nut's About You

My favourite blush is being discontinued so I got a spare. I suspected this long since I've first seen the new pattern, but at home my suspicions where confirmed - these are not the same. The new version is more peachy, less special to me, which is sad, but in any case I found a perfect dupe in Milani's Romantic Rose for the original version of the blush anyway. The staying power of the old and the new one are also different. I wore them one on each cheek and the old one lasted all day, while the new one was gone fast. Disappointed with the second version, to be honest.

Müller, 1.99 €

SECRET KEY Pink Racoony Hydro Gel Eye & Cheek Patch

I like the Gold Racoony hydro gel mask from Secret Key and they also have patches for under the eyes + spots in the Gold Racoony version. But I just had to get the newest Pink Racoony version because they are too adorable to resist. Again these are hydro gels meaning the essence is a part of the patch as well and they are shaped like hearts, which are perforated in the middle, so you can easily tear them into two parts. You get 60 patches which you need to use up in 6 months after the box is opened. They are meant as eye and cheek patches, so to depuff the under eye area (they are pleasantly cooling) and to help tone down the redness in the cheeks, but I use them every night around the mouth to lessen the look of my nasolabial lines. You leave them on the skin for 20-30 minutes. They work to a degree by hydrating the area and temporarily plumping it up. These are very heavily scented with a rose scent and even I, who has a hardy skin, feel a slight tingle of that overly fragranced product, so I don't think these are ok for sensitive skin at all (they don't claim to be anyway). You get a mini plate and spatula to get them out of the pot, but they are so slippery, I find it easier to get them with (well washed) hands. Though they are slippery, they stick on my skin well, especially once they warm up and you can do whatever with them, even smile wide. So far I like them even though they are more of a gimmick with a very temporary result. 

eBay, $11.90 (seller roseroseau, arrived in 49 days. I realised only when I paid that it's again RoseRoseShop and surprise, I again had to wait almost two months. What it wrong with that shop?)

BALEA After Sun Dusche

I've been avoiding buying this for years because every time I smelled it in the shop, I didn't find it anything special, but since it's very often that the scents develop differently under the shower and it had a big discount, I got it. And I have to admit, I rather like it. The scent is one of those high-end summery ones that aren't exactly like sunscreen, but somewhere in the ballpark. I think it most reminds me of tiare flower. It's slightly oily, so a little bit nourishing, though the function of oiliness is that it removes the sunscreen better. Repurchase worthy.

DM, 0.59 €

AVEO MED Milde Pflege Dusche

A repurchase. I featured this in my last monthly favourites as it's quickly become one of my favourites. It's got this lovely chamomile scent that I really enjoy and I like that it's pH friendly, but it's a pretty standard shower gel in terms of formula.

Müller, 0.99 €

BALEA Styling Wachs Power Flex

I haven't bought a regular wax in years, but I have the got2b Rise'n Shine Soufflé whipped one which is absolutely lovely for defining curls and taming frizz on dry hair. Unfortunately it's no longer sold here and I'm reluctant to order on Boots until I have a long enough list to justify the 10 pound delivery charges, so this is more of a temporary thing. I can already see that I more of less wasted 2 €. It's very much a standard hair wax with its thick, greasy type of texture that keeps the hair tamed and also gives shine, but it's heavy and it just weighs the hair down, making it limp and lifeless. It's would be nice for men's 30's inspired hair style or for super frizzy hair with a very thick, heavy texture, but for curls this is bad. It's got a strong coffee meets caramel scent.

DM, 1.99 €

A'PIEU Pure Block Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++

Petra send me a sample of this, you might recall I have it on my wishlist since I heard it's one of the lightest sunscreens. Currently I'm using Biore watery Essence (2015 version) which is super light. This is comparison is already a thicker, more of a classic sunscreen type of texture, it's also has that typical almost white cast finish when you're applying it in a thick coat like I'm used to apply Biore (the recommended amount 1/4-1/2 teaspoon), but it blends in without leaving any white traces. It's greasier from the start, but it sets to a slightly velvety finish in about 5 minutes. That's longer than Biore, but it's still acceptable and it's a lot nicer in terms of elegance than 99% of European sunscreens. I prefer Biore's Watery Essence more because it's so much lighter, but this is nice if you have sufficient time in the morning because you need to wait for it to dry before you start with the makeup. I'd still like to try Etude House and Missha to compare.

THE ORDINARY Coverage Foundation

1.1N

Oh the hype around this foundation even before it started actually selling. Again Petra provided me with a sample, so she'll have a proper full review. It's a standard liquid foundation with a lot of coverage. The first time I used the standard amount I use with other foundations and it was just waaay too much. Coverage was medium-high, to me it was already full coverage, but my skin is in good condition, so it have a different idea of what full means. Most of my freckles were covered to a degree, as were old blemish marks and the dark area on my nose, I also felt like I don't need concealer under the eyes, but I saw on the pictures that they still looked red. My skin is currently normal, and the finish was satin, but it's the type of foundation that needs a lot of time to dry on the skin, so it's prone to transfer. In general it's a foundation that's obvious on the skin, not in a sense that's it looks dreadful over pores or lines, it's just very obvious you're wearing foundation. The shade I got is 1.1N which is the second in the neutral range (1.0N is lighter). It's about NC/W13 and a shade darker and less yellow than NARS Siberia, peachier and darker than Revlon's 110 Ivory, less yellow and darker than Maybelline Fit Me Luminous 110 Porcelain and lighter than Healthy Mix Serum 51. Shade-wise it's not a bad match for me, in fact it's perfect at application despite the peachy undertone, but it oxidises and looks obviously mismatched, that is until a few hours later when it becomes perfect again. Staying power is excellent, it managed to survive the day, but as I said this is not a particularly nice looking foundation. I'd give it a 3/5, Colorstay and Sheer Glow are nicer for a similar level of coverage (both more expensive though). I use drops of this foundation, so I get more of a light-medium coverage and I like it much better.

BALEA GEL Erfrischendes Washgel

A repurchase, thought mine isn't empty yet, but I can see thought the packaging that most of it is gone. It's surprisingly quick since I've only had the first tube for a months or two. Luckily it's cheap. It's a thick, slippery gel that doesn't foam much and has a strong masculine clean fragrance, which cleans well and has a ph 5.5.

DM, 1.19€

BALEA Fuss Butter Lovely

I bought this on a whim because it was hot and I wanted something that smells fresh and uplifting. This is exactly it, a super fresh orange-minty scent, it reminds me of Ricola Orange Mint drops. The texture is more whipped than I expected. It's still thick, but I expected a very thick butter which I would desperately need for my feet. I use it on the body too and it needs maybe 15 minutes to absorb. I would prefer something that is more nourishing, but I'm enjoying the scent at lot.

DM, 2.99 €

BALEA Rasiergel

Fruity Dream

One of my favourite versions so far. It say it smells like apricots and quince, but I smell a proper scent of ripe plums. Otherwise it's a standard great shaving gel.

DM, 1.99 €

PAPA RECIPE Bombee Masks

I tried the regular bombee mask a couple of months ago and it was one of my favourite masks ever, so I wanted to try all the different version, decide which one is best and then order a full pack. I'll let you know how I like these on Instagram Stories and some post in the future.

Bombee Honey Mask

I already reviewed this one in detail, but as I said it's one of my favourite ones ever, so I repurchased it despite the high price. It does everything I want and it made my skin look fantastic. It has very similar effects as MBD Black Pearl and TSF Snow White in a way that the skin looks more even, with less pronounced redness, it's smooth, hydrated and happy, but this gives that bit extra and that is that it temporarily plumps up the skin and diminishes the look of my smile lines. It's popular for a reason.

Bombee Whitening Honey Mask

I tend to enjoy brightening/whitening version even more, despite the original itself is brightening enough on my skin, so I'll see how this compares. It has niacinamide high on the list.

Bombee Rose Gold Honey Mask Pack

This one has a  high content of damascus rose, but what I'm looking forward to seeing is the rose gold mesh design it has (google it). 

Bombee Black Honey Mask Pack

A black sheet version of the mask and also apparently has black tinted honey, so that's a bit worrisome how it'll look, but regardless, I hope it's good.

Bombee Ginseng Red Honey Oil Mask Pack

Ginseng is one of the most treasured ingredients in K-beauty world and I also liked the idea it's apparently an oily essence. It's even more expensive than the rest of them, though.

eBay, $3.95-6.15 (seller: mystery_ju, arrived in 46 days)

VPROVE Snail Essential Mask Sheet

Gold Expert

I got this one as a GWP and I can't find it on eBay. The name says it all, it's a sheet mask with snail extract. I've tried Naruko's Snail mask and disliked it, but I hope I like this one more. Snail extract is this "miracle" ingredient that supposedly deeply moisturises and repairs. Actually I haven't found a better treatment for sunburns than snail extract, they are gone by the morning.

NIVEA Anti-perspirant Pearl & Beauty

For a while there I concerned this was discontinued, but I guess all that happened was that it's not sold everywhere where Nivea products are sold like before. I've talked loads about this in the past years and I've gone through so many cans, but it's still the spray deodorant I trust the most. It has these powder particles that actually do something, so it's not just a can of fragranced air. This one I also took the roll-on version because I plan to combine them. It's the way I've been wearing deodorant for years now, so I combine either a stick or roll-on with a spray because I found it's the only way deodorants don't just stop working on me. Pearl & Beauty is my favourite scent of deodorants, it's a lovely floral-powdery sweet scent that' very lady-like I guess.

Leclerc, 2.94 € each.

I feel that the era of chubby lip pencils has been already gone for a while, but I'm sure most of us are still keeping a few in our drawers, just maybe a bit farther back. I got this shade in My Beauty Box, a rather generous content considering these balms alone retail 11.49 € here (box with 5 random items costs 12€. It was an April one so no point in posting the contents). My other shades include Unapologetic which is one of the original shades like Striking, plus I have two of the "newer" shades Enchanting and Fiery. I still find these are some of my favourite drugstore matte formula, though you don't exactly get the properly matte finish like at Colourpop Matte X formula, but these are comfortable and nicely pigmented. Since I'm already doing a review for Striking, I just decided to reswatch my other shades too.

I've talked about the formula of these before, but it's quite a silicone-y feeling formula, meaning it's very smooth when you apply it and almost slippery. All shades are nicely pigmented, they just glide on the lips without skipping and they don't emphasise dry patches. Even Unapologetic which is quite old by now, still performs perfectly, so you can rest assured these don't dry and become all crayon like. The finish is satin, so as I said in the intro you don't get a real matte finish and they transfer like a regular lipstick.

Staying power isn't exceptional, but these last ok on the lips if you don't eat or drink a lot. The pen format makes them easy to reapply, so that's convenient. The packaging is one of those pens that luckily wind up, so no sharpening is needed. On the other hand it also means that once the top is blunt, you lose much of the precision.

Striking

Unapologetic

Unapologetic is a bright pink coral and a dupe for Mac's Impassioned. I bought it online because I think it's still not sold in Slovenia, while the new shades they added in autumn are. 

Fiery

Fiery is a warm, deep red and I think it's the darkest shade in this line, however, don't let the packaging fool you. The actual shade is lighter and warmer than the packaging indicates, so to me this is more of an entry level burgundy. I have a comparison with several such shades here.

These are sold in drugstores and cost 11.49 €. I hear Elusive is quite popular and looks similar to Mac's Please me.

Have a great day!