MAKEUP

CATRICE Liquid Eyeliner

010 Dating Joe Black

I used up one more. It's my favourite eyeliner formula that I use every day and I always have a spare in stock. It's super black, dries matte, has a great applicator that is easy to use and it lasts all day on my lids. I gave Essence a try for a while, but it's not as good, so this remains a solid favourite.

Repurchase: Done.

SKINCARE

BALEA Erfrischendes Wasch Gel

I've used up several of the old versions and this was my first reformulate tube which I prefer because they got rid of the strong masculine scent. It's a gentle face gel that I use as a second cleanser after oil. 

Repurchase: Done.

L'OREAL Pure Clay Glow Mask

This is my second used up pot of these. This was the green version meant for treating imperfections and oily skin, but I had three versions (also Glow and Exfo) and they have the same effect (well Exfo is a clay mask + scrub). It's a standard clay mask that I use when I have spots or my skin feels a bit off and I need a "skin care day" to fix it up a bit. It does the job and smells ok, actually this has my favourite scent of the three as it's most "spa like". Though the packaging has an extra lid that should help the product from drying out, both I used up were so dry by the end I had to mix them with water to revive them. 

Repurchase: I have two more in stock, but yes. It's quite expensive though for what it is, but one pot lasts me a while.

SECRET KEY Pink Racoony Hydro Gel Eye & Cheek Patch 

These were so cute, shaped like pink hearts and they could be used in one piece or cut in two for using under the eyes. Problem with these is that though they are hydrogels, the closer I was to the end, the less moist they felt. They felt so soothing under the eyes and that pleasant cool feeling remained for a while even after I took them off. I find they don't do any dramatic difference, they merely moisturise and I didn't notice them helping dark circles or lines, but they are very pleasant on tired eyes. The scent was very strong at these and it was the scent of roses that I don't like that much in cosmetics, but otherwise these were nice. 

Repurchase: These were my first ones and I'd like to try some other ones like Petitfee, SNP or Berrisom.

HOLY SNAILS Hanbang Shark Sauce and Honey Shark Sauce

This should be amazing, in mean it's got a high percentage of niancinamide, plus ceramides and ginseng in the Hanbang version and organic manuka honey, propolis, royal jelly in the Honey Shark and they both have hyaluronic acid, ferments and liquorice extract - so all the good things. However, I never got the brightening effect I expected from either of these. It was a simple serum product that when I either included it in my skin care routine or excluded it, I didn't see a difference. Shame, I had high such hopes for this after seeing so much excellent feedback. On a plus side, 7 ml samples lasted a long time and I wasn't frugal with them. 

Repurchase: It's too expensive and I'm not seeing the results I want.

NUXE Huile Prodigeuse

I've been using this oil since 2013 and for years I've used it every single day. Now I still use it very often, but since I started exploring K-Beauty products I tend to forget to use it because I have so many other steps in the routine, but tit's always been that one product that I turn to when something I'm testing broke me out because I know this works for me. My bottle is a very old limited edition because I tend to stock up on these way before I use up the old bottle, so it got its turn only now. I find this oil really suits my skin so well, it's light, non-greasy and one of those products I can always relay on. While I had this bottle, I tested The Body Shops Oils of Life Oil and I loved it even more, but I still want to have another bottle of this too.  

Repurchase: Yes, I really want to try the new Florale version too.

BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel

This version has already been updated and has gone through a reformulation, so I don't think this review will help you much, but both Biore gel and Essence (version 2015) were the best sunscreens I've tried. They were the lightest such products I've tried, didn't leave any stickiness, white cast or greasiness, instead they were more like primers with a velvet finish. I still have an essence in this old version bought last year, which was unopened until this year, but after I use it up, I'll try the new formulas of these.

Repurchase: Yes, the new versions.

SHEET MASKS

All of these are my favourites and ones I've repurchased. I have separate reviews for each:

MY BEAUTY DIARY Natural Key Series Facial Mask Black Pearl - great brightening effect

THE FACE SHOP Solutions Pearl - another with a brightening effect and best sheet fit for me.

THE SAEM Natural Skin Fit Mask (Disney Edition of packaging) Grapefruit  - super comfy essence and a good moisturising effect.

ETUDE HOUSE 0.2 Therapy Air Sheet Mask Madecassoside - soothing, repairing and nourishing. My new love.

PAPA RECIPE Bombee Honey Mask - nourishing and smells amazing like honey.

PAPA RECIPE Bombee Whitening Honey Mask - my all-time favourite. Very brightening and nourishing, smells like honey.

Repurchase: Definitely, yes to all and I still have most of these in stock.

BALEA Hydrogen Masks for eyes and lips

These were nothing special in terms of effect. The eye mask felt refreshing, but I saw no visible improvement and the lip mask did less than my Palmer's lip balm does. But they are very pretty with the lace pattern. I think these were made permanent after being a LE.

Repurchase: Maybe the eye patches.

BODY

DOVE Deeply Nourishing Shower Gel

My favourite shower gel because it's the creamiest formula I know and it's not drying. I finally found a big packaging in Slovenia, which I'll keep on buying.

Repurchase: Done.

SUBRINA Shower Gel

Cherry Blossom

I've actually gone through more than one of these, plus Perfume Drops and Pina Colada version. These all smell so good and the scent lasts on the skin, at cherry blossom almost like a fragrance. Bad side that I've noticed after a long periods of using these they are drying, so I swap between the more expensive Dove with Subrina. These are also some of the cheapest shower gels here, with a price under 2 € for 400 ml. 

Repurchase: Done.

THE BODY SHOP Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter

This is one of my favourites scents from The Body shop, although unlike any other body butter I had from them this changed its scent in time. Originally this has a lovely sweet milky-honey scent, then it became more musky. Texture, however, is just not the same The Body Shop rich goodness and this is more like a medium thick regular cream. It was still moisturising enough, but I prefer their original body butter texture. 

Repurchase: Yes. 

BALEA Rasier Schaum

Coco Melon

This was the first time I bought the mousse version instead or the gel one I usually buy. At first I thought there is no big difference between the two, but as it got low on product, it wasn't sticking to the skin as well as gel, but otherwise this is still pretty good and if I like any of the LE scents I'll get it again instead of a gel. I loved the scent of this edition. It was mostly like melon, but the coconut note made it a bit warmer. I hope Balea reuses this scent sometime.

Repurchase: Only if I like any LE scent, otherwise I'm sticking to the gel version. 

NIVEA Pearl & Beauty Anti-perspirant

My standard deodorant. I'm a fan of the feminine powdery scent and it's got this powdery particles that I find work in keeping me dry longer. 

Repurchase: Done.

HAIR

L'OREAL Elvive Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Shampoo

One of my favourite drugstore shampoos, but this isn't sold here anymore and it was replaced by the equally fantastic Extraordinary Oil. Both are very similar to the much more expensive Kerastase Oleo-Intense, meaning they are like a shampoo +  a good conditioner in one (it doesn't claim to be a 2-in-1) and so far they are the only cheap shampoos I've found that work for my very dry, coarse and thick hair. My hair isn't at all tangled or nor does it leave that squeaky clean feeling I despise at that shampoos because my hair needs a lot of care, instead it feels smooth when I'm rinsing this off and I can comb my hair wet with no problems. The scent of this one was nicer than of Extraordinary that I'm using now, but that's the only difference. 

Repurchase: I don't know if this version doesn't exist anymore, but Extraordinary Oil is exactly the same except for the scent and it's the one I'm using now.

HEAD & SHOULDERS Anti-Dandruff Supreme Moisture Conditioner

I liked this as a conditioner because it was ok even on my super dry hair, even though it doesn't feel heavy, however, it unfortunately didn't work when it came to eliminating dandruff. Not that I'm surprised about the latter because I've tried almost everything and nothing really works long term. I'd buy it again purely because it's a good cheap conditioner for dry hair.

Repurchase: Yes.

DOVE Advanced Hair Series Regenerirende Aufbaupflege

An averagely good drugstore mask, but not quite enough for my hair. I need a bit more than this, especially if I want my hair to stay moisturised for more than a day, but for someone with moderately dry hair it should be really good. I'm not sure if this exists anymore because Dove has made some major changes to their hair care line

Repurchase: Not since I found Pantene Repair conditioner.

MACADAMIA Professional Weightless Moisture Leave-in Conditioning Mist

This was originally a missed purchase that I bought in my search for a Orofluido Sahara replacement. I was going to buy their Healing Oil Spray, but they expanded their range at the time with their Professional line and I thought this too was an oil in spray like Sahara (I've since finally found a replacement in Createurs de Monoi Shine spray). This is a regular leave-in conditioner and it's super light, so from the start I thought this won't do anything for me. Yet the longer I had it, the more I started to appreciate, especially because of the great list of ingredients which includes keratin in hydrolysed form, which is the best version of proteins. It's feels like nothing on the hair, yet I do feel like it's giving my hair an extra boost of moisture and the mist is so fine, making it easy to spray all over the hair quickly. I think this formula would suit any hair type and it should be great even on those with thin hair that gets easily weighted down. Only thing I had to get used to was a strong fragrance, which isn't a bad one, just more unique than most hair products. It's like an oriental perfume with heavy notes, so in summer it's not so easy to handle. 

Repurchase: Yes, because of the good ingredients, but I recently got Schwarzkopf Bonacure Bonacure Fibre Force Fortifying Primer instead. 

HASK Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner

I saw a very positive review on these HASK masks and though I was very doubtful because most people don't have such thick and dry hair like me meaning they need a lot less care for their hair to feel amazing, I grabbed one in Müller after checking the ingredients. The latter are not outstanding and I'm bothered by the fragrance on 4th place, but the rest looked ok and it has lanolin on 5th place which should help seal the moisture in. Oils are after 5th place, but there's several of them, not just argan. The mask is nicely thick, just the way I like it and it's possible it would feel heavy on thin hair, but I can't say for sure. There is 50 ml in the packet which was just enough for one use for my long thick hair, but for some this could last up to 3 uses and certainly 2 for most. It's got an orange scent with some oriental feel, so it's not a zesty fresh type of scent. For a deep treatment, this proved to be fairly weak for my hair. At first the effects of this were ok. It wasn't amazingly nourishing for my hair, but decent enough. However, by day two my hair was so dry and far from being soft, so I had to use just a conditioner again (I used Aussie) to replenish moisture. Maybe for most this will be a good deep treatment to use when the hair needs a pick me up, but for me it was a waste of time. 

Repurchase: No.

SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL Blondme Blonde Toning 

Steel Blue and Sand

For my first use I used half a tubes of each Steel Blue and Sand, which didn't get me to the desired cool medium-dark blonde I want, so I got an extra tube of Steel Blue and use a mix of 3/4 Steel Blue + 1/4 of Sand plus bleached my hair to a lighter shade to see if it will tone the yellow-orange tones I've been trying to get rid off. For a demi-permanent colour this is pretty drying, more so than the bleach, which was surprising. I expected it to turn grey-blue when it was processing, just like those toners for very pale blondes turn purple, but it surprisingly turned pink-mauve. It toned golden yellow hair best, which is a level 9-8, while it turned my lightest pale yellow strands (level 10) blue silver grey, which I did not like at all and shade Ice would have been better for those. The orange strands level 7-8, which I expected it will tone based on reviews and colour theory were left the same as without a toner, so my hair was looking very uneven with ultra cool and warm bits. I've been trying my best to lighten my hair enough to tone it and get it to actually a darker shade that I have now (I want a cool dark blonde and I'm a golden medium blonde now), unfortunately even if I leave the bleach on for 45 minutes, it's a slow process with my thick, naturally dark hair. I hoped this toner will help with the orange-reddish bits, but it only works properly on golden medium blonde hair,so  lighter hair than I expected. Plus I noticed it washes out so fast with a regular SLS shampoo, so I'd recommend you use a sulphate free shampoo or a cleansing conditioner after using these. 

Instead of Blondme developer, which is only sold in 1l versions, I used Ilirija's Hydrogen Cream 3% which is sold everywhere here and comes in a 120 ml bottle, which is just enough for mixing with two tubes of this toner. 3% is best for toning bleached hair because it doesn't lift (much), it just deposits the colour, so it's the most gentle and least damaging percentage of developer. The formula is very liquid compared to Blondme, so I needed a lot more mixing to get a smooth consistency, but it worked just fine. 

Repurchase: Yes, maybe, I don't know. Depends if I'll go any lighter, as it's not working 100% on my currently uneven colour. I picked up a L'Oreal Excellence 7.1 and 8.1 to see if the ashy tones in those are strong enough at least tone down the warm tones. If I decide to give up on blonde  I'll probably use shade 6.3 since it's a colour I quite like out of the darker shades.

PURITO Defence Barrier pH Cleanser

This was a lovely very cleanser with a nice thick foam and I'd like it a lot if it didn't irritate my eyes a bit. It's not as terrible as other K-Beauty cleansers I've tried, but it's still not as gentle as Balea's.

Purchase: No.

PURITO Centella Green Level Calming Toner

This is a slightly thicker toner than they usually are, but overall nothing special when it comes to moisturising. I prefer EH Moistufull collagen, but this is intriguing because it has Centella Asiatica Extract high on the list.

Purchase: It's likeable because of the ingredients.

PURITO Centella Green Level Recovery Cream

Though it feels like a light lotion, this takes quite a while to sink in. Since I have dry skin I like that I have this filter of cream for a while, but it's something I'd only use at night. It promises to fade acne scars and contains 49 % of Centella Asiatica Extract and Niacinamide high on the list, so this sound quite good, but based on a sample I can't report on long term results. 

Purchase: Again, it's likeable because of the ingredients. 

Have a great day!

MAKEUP REVOLUTION Fast Base Stick

F1

These are now available in DMs and when I swatched one in the shop, I just loved how the texture melted into the skin and it looked so perfect on the back of my hand. Also the lightest shade is very light, so it's a new foundation in the drugstores that's appropriate for Snow Whites. But when I tried it the first time on my face, I was less impressed with the texture. While the formula is so soft and buttery, it sat weird on the skin, like a heavy foundation that refuses to blend in well (I used a brush). In a strange turn of events, this looked more decent at the end of the day - all the patchiness was gone and it looked blended much better, so this is definitely a formula that needs to be warmed up to blend in well. Coverage is very high, almost full and the finish is somewhat satin - if I apply a thin coat it's more matte, if the layer it thicker it's a bit satin shiny (my skin is currently dry). It lasts well on the skin, even on my nose where stuff usually wipes off fast. Shade is perfect, it's a bit darker than Essence #insta perfect 10. My main complaints at this foundations aside for the blending issue are that you use a lot of it (in two uses a couple of millimetres were already gone) and that it's an obvious foundation, but that's what you get at such full coverage. I give it a 3.5/5 for the formula and 5/5 for the shade. 

DM, 7.99 €

ESSENCE Volume Stylist Curl & Hold Mascara

A repurchase of the cheapest mascara I like, but I quickly started to regret not buying Beyu Beauty Queen, which spoiled me in the last months, or at least Maybelline Lash Sensational which is my second favourite. Essence one creates long lashes and it's overall pretty good, but what bothers me at it's that it's very hard to remove. It's almost like a waterproof formula and I need to use a separate good remover to get it off. 

DM, 3.79 €

183 DAYS BY TREND IT UP Swing Liner Black

Normally I’m a die-hard fan of Catrice’s liquid eyeliner, but the shape attracted me to this one and also the reviews were very positive. Two versions of black eyeliner exist, a glossy and matte one, mine is the latter. I thought I’ll love the applicator and though it sits so comfortably in hand, it’s too long and it bothered me a lot from the start, but I got used to it. The felt tip, however, is great, it’s precise and just right in terms of softness. Formula is really good - very pigmented, smooth, very black, smudge-proof and very long-lasting. It dries matte as promised, so I have no complaints in how well it looks on the eyes, but this is a very difficult liner to remove and a separate oil remover is needed (my double cleansing method with Biobaza oil and Balea gel doesn't get it off). If you're looking for something very resistant, this is it, but I think I'll go back to Catrice because I don't feel like doing an extra step in my cleansing routine every day.

DM, 2.99 €

COLOURPOP Super Shock Shadow 

So Quiche (Ultra-glitter), Nillionare (Ultra-glitter) and Hanky Panky (Matte)

I finally got a chance to try these hyped-up eyeshadows and honestly, I think they are not all that. I only got them on Friday, so I need to give them a good test before I can form my opinion on these, but the formula is pretty much exactly the same as Essence's Melted Chromes, so very soft-buttery and just like at those, I miss just a bit more pigmentation. I expected this amazing super richly pigmented, fully opaque texture, but I need to build it up at all three shades and even so I couldn't get get So Quiche to look more intense today. One thing I've noticed is that when I swatched them on the hand, I could not wipe off all the colour, even after a shower, which is impressive. So Quiche is a taupe mixed with some light olive-gold and it's got quite big violet shimmer. It's my favourite of the three, so I think I'll wear it a lot, though the shimmer is a bit much. Nillionare has a weak bronze base and it's more about big shimmer particles. It's a lot warmer than I expected based on swatches, which looked more like a darker version of So Quiche. I got Hanky Panky just because I wanted to see what the matte texture is like and it's a much warmer shade than I hoped and it ends up quite a peachy medium brown on me. I can't pick these up with a brush, so I apply them with fingers. I need some time with these, so I can see if they impress me more in the future.

Colourpop, $5

COLOURPOP Super Shock Cheek

Flexiterian

I got this based on a recommendation from Petra (Adjusting Beauty) who praised it as one of the most reflective highlighters. Mine arrived in a pitiful state and the whole thing already fell out of the pan in a single chunk. Formula is super creamy, though still powdery under fingers and a brush doesn't pick it up, so I need to apply it with fingers. I'm failing at the application because it just does not look as intense and creamy/dewy looking as I hoped. My skin is currently dry and it's not applying that nicely, and today after 6 hours I don't have a nicely applied highlighter on the top of my cheeks, but the shimmer is everywhere on my face. As with the eyeshadows I've only used it a couple of times and I need to give a proper test before I say something definitive. It swatches super nicely, like you can see on the picture, a very intense off-white champagne warm highlighter, it's just on my cheeks that I'm having a bit of a problem. 

Colourpop, $8

DEBORAH Fluid Velvet Mat Effect Liquid Lipstick

02

I finally checked this off my wishlist and immediately loved it. It definitely one of the best, if not the best, matte liquid lipstick formula in our drugstores. It's fully opaque, smooth, applies nicely with no patchiness, dries completely matte in a minute and it's completely transfer proof. I don't find it drying on my lips, but as I mentioned many times before, nothing is drying on me, so I'm a bad example. I got the second shade, which is one of the lightest. It's a light-medium pink that's very easy to wear. If they had some more pretty shades, I'd expand my collection, but the shade range is quite bright and the neutrals are quite dark.

DM, 6.99 €

AVON Mark Epic Lip Lipstick

Blushing Beauty

Petra from Adjusting Beauty sent this to me along with the Avon nail polish, Etude House sheet mask and a couple of K-Beauty samples (thanks again!). She's already done a full review with swatches for all shades here. This lipstick claims to have built-in primer and it promises a flawless smooth finish. To me this is a classic lipstick with comfortable formula and a creamy finish. I don't think it looks any more flawless than any other similar lipstick, but it's a nice formula to wear. I've seen these looking more shiny on most swatches, while on me it's closer to satin creamy. Shade Blushing Beauty looks like a mauve in the tube and on me it's medium cool-neutral pink, so an easy shade to wear. 

Avon, regular price 8.50 €.

AVON Mark. Gel Shine Nail Enamel

Rain Washed

I've wanted this shade for so long, but I kept putting it off, so a big thanks to Adjusting Beauty who sent it to me. It's such a pretty light blue that leans to violet and grey tones. The formula is a gel one, but it's still somewhat of a classic pastel, so it needs two, sometimes, three coats for full opacity. Petra swatched it when it was still under a different name. 

6.50€

BIOBAZA Exclusive Face Cleansing Micellar Oil

My standard cleansing oil, I've been through quite a few of these so far. It's not the best oil, but it's half cheaper than L'Occitane's Immortelle. It's rubbish at removing mascara and liner, but it removes all the rest and it works well with my skin, which is something that doesn't happen with most oils. I want to find something cheaper and better, but I'm reluctant to experiment for now. 

DM, 12.75 €

MIXA Micellar Water Anti-dryness

Another one of my staples. This is my favourite micellar water because it's so much stronger than the rest of my collection, I mean it doesn't remove waterproof makeup, obviously, but it does a good job on the rest. It's also not scented, doesn't leave any filter and doesn't break me out. Plus it's got pH 5.5 which is important to me.

DM, 6 €

BALEA Erfrischende Reinigung Tücher 3 in 1

I use the cleansing gel from this line, but I've never tried the wipes. I never use them on the face, as I use micellar for that, but I use them to remove swatches when I'm taking photos, so I want something strong for that job. They aren't exceptional and some rubbing is required, but so far they' done the job, though I haven't used them with any very pigmented lipsticks and that's where wipes usually fail. 

DM, 1.99 €

ETUDE HOUSE 0.2mm Air Therapy Sheet Mask

Manuka Honey

I've already tried several versions of these, my favourites are Snail and Madecassoside (Ceramide is great too). Manuka Honey is similarly to Ceramide meant for intense nourishment of the skin. I'll update you how I like it. Petra has a review here.

SECRET KEY Aloe Soothing Mist Toner

This is quite a simple toner meant for layering that promises moisture and soothing. It's super light, absorbs fast and has a pleasant, non-intrusive scent. It feels like a run-of-the-mill toner, so considering my current skin care I wouldn't necessary buy it because I have enough layering liquid products, but it's a good one with nice ingredients (aside from aloe vera,  it's also got hyaluronic acid quite high on the list).

$13.00

BLITHE Patting Splash Mask Energy Yellow Citrus & Honey 

This is quite a unique product. It contains lactic acid on 1st place (after water) and the instructions say you should use one cap of product diluted in a bowl of water. You should then splash your face with it and pat it in, or alternately use it under shower. It promises to rejuvenate, soothe and resurface the complexion, and that it condenses all the benefits of regular face masks into 15 seconds. I've used it both way and I noticed a difference the first time because my skin looked a bit brighter, but it wasn't such a massive change and later I didn't get any similar results. I prefer to use it under shower because it's quicker, while at the patting method I feel I'm wasting it and it feels a bit weird. It's ok, but I prefer sheet masks for better results. Petra's review. 

Full size €41.50

L'OREAL Excellence Creme 

9.1 Natural Light Ash Blonde

I've already said some things about this colour in my November favourites. I've mentioned that I've done an extensive research into box dyes that would lighten dark hair by a couple of shades, so I wouldn't have to use bleach (which is so much more complicated). Since we don't have L'Oreal's Hi-Lift shades and the only similar colour Schwarzkopf's Blonde Lightener Box Dye LD had very mixed reviews, I got this one even though it's not meant for dark hair, but unlike other blond shades that lift colour, this has green tones (so I heard at least, it doesn't say on the box) instead of the usual blue or purple because it's an ashy shade, so it's better suited for those with dark hair because any dark hair that's being lightened will have a red undertone and this prevents it. It lifted about two shades, so my hair is now medium brown instead of almost black (very dark brown with a cool undertone), so just the way I hoped it would work. The red undertone is also barely noticeable, actually it's more of a golden reflect. It didn't damage my hair at all, in fact my hair felt like I just used my best hair mask (Moroccanoil). It was so soft and silky, it was shiny and it just felt great. Inside the box is also a protective serum which you apply on the ends before colouring, which clearly worked a treat and the bottle as an additional comb applicator for a more precise result, but I used my own pot and a brush because I find it easier and more precise that those bottles. One dye was almost enough, my hair was covered, but I wasn't sure I've really covered all spots in the back, so I used an extra box for my long, thick hair. I heard that these colours can be quite aggressive, but I didn't feel anything at all and my scalp is in good condition with no irritations. The conditioner is also really good, waaay better than Olia's and it was enough for my hair (60 ml). The colour has a bleach-y scent which lasted on my hair for a couple of days, but I can forgive that especially because my hair felt so amazing. 

DM, 5.49 €

SCHWARZKOPF Color Expert with Omegaplex 

L8

I want to do a balayage next, so I picked up two of these because I read these are great box dyes (I'd get L'Oreal's, but they don't have Excellence in a bleach version. I also heard so many positive things about Olia bleach, but we don't have it and I don't trust that colour after my last experience). This is a proper bleach, but it comes with an Omegaplex serum and a blue toner, so you have everything you need in a box. Honestly I don't expect an 8 shade lightening because I know my hair is too dark and I also don't want it to go soo light (I've read reviews about this that it indeed doesn't lighten all the way if you're very dark, but for balayage I didn't want to go super strong, so I picked L8 instead of the stronger L9). You get a pack of powder bleach, a developer, a tube of dye, a serum that you mix in the dye and two rather small packets of conditioner and blue toner with only 22 ml. That won't be enough for me, but I have something in my stash from Subrina, their new Spectra demi-permanent colour ice blonde just in case. I don't know when I'll have a chance to do this or even if I'll find someone to help me, but I've done it before on someone else, using the triangle technique and it came out so nice. 

Interspar, 6 € per box

I'll post the second part tomorrow.

Have a great day!

L'OREAL Paradise Extatic Mascara

While I agree with most that in terms of effect this is one of the best mascaras in the drugstore, I find it's too expensive (15 €) and what I resent a lot more si that it's dry within two months. European version also has less product than the US version and it's costs more, which I don't intend to support. There are plenty of similarly great mascaras that I'll buy instead.

Repurchase: Maybe, but unlikely.

CATRICE Liquid Eyeliner

My favourite liquid eyeliner and the second in a row I've used up. It's very black, matte and lasts perfectly on the lids.

Repurchase: Done.

BALEA Refreshing Wash Gel

Erfrischendes Washgel

A great and simple gel cleanser with a skin friendly pH that I use as my second cleanser after oil. The only minus is the men's cologne kind of scent (strong and fresh), but I got used to it.

Repurchase: Done.

SECRET KEY Starting Treatment Essence

Rose Edition

I've gone through two 30 ml samples that lasted me forever and I really love this stuff because I've been without it for a month or two because I was waiting for my order to arrive and my skin isn't quite as nice without it. It feels like a regular toner, so not one of those luxe K-Beauty ones, but like our regular toners and it has no scent. Regardless I chose a different essence to repurchase, COSRX Galactomyces 95, because I felt it did a bit more and it arrived just yesterday. Both are amazing essences that I think make the biggest change is how the skin looks out of all the new products I've tried and I recommend you try one through samples, since they are very cheap on eBay.

Repurchase: Yes.

TONY MOLY Panda's Dream White Sleeping Pack

My regular moisturiser that I use in the morning under makeup or I apply a heavier application as the last step of the night routine as a sleeping mask. It just agrees with my skin, adds moisture and keeps my skin in check.

Repurchase: Done.

DOVE Purely Pampering Nourishing Shower gel

Coconut Milk

My favourite shower gel. It's so creamy, non-drying and it smells amazing. I've gone through a few bottles of these and every time it gets almost empty, it's so difficult to get the rest out. This should be in a tube or have a pump.

Repurchase: Yes.

BALEA After Sun Duche

A shower gel that has a slight oily texture (so it washes off sunscreen) and a fantastic beachy/holiday scent. It's in the same family as Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess and Guerlain Terracotta, so mostly tiare flowers.

Repurchase: Yes.

BALEA Duche & Creme Coco & Nectarine

This is long discontinued, but I have a few bottles in stock because this scent is just amazing. Why did Balea discontinue this, it's a great peach scent. Formula is the same as other Dusche & Creme by Balea, so not nourishing, but decent if your skin isn't dry.
Repurchase: I can't buy this one, but I occasionally buy other Balea gels, so yes.

SOAP & GLORY Smoothie Star Body Buttercream

I didn't like this as much as I like their Orangeasm version because this is a lot lighter and has a more whipped texture, while I prefer thick body butters that stay on the skin for a long time. It's not like a lotion that just sinks in in a minute, but it does sink in a lot faster than body butters and it nourishes the skin well (mine is occasionally flaky dry and this helps). The scent started to bother me in a while, since it's got a prominent almond note that at times smelled a bit fake to me, but it's a gourmand type of scent with vanilla, pistachio and almond fragrance. I just used it up quickly so I can get The Body Shop instead.

Repurchase: No, I prefer others.

BALEA Rasiergel

Fruity Dream

A staple of mine, I went through so many of these and through most LE's. This one had one of my favourite scents so far, as it smelled like plums.

Repurchase: Done.

L'OREAL Elseve Extraordinary Oil Nourishing Shampoo

I've mentioned this one so many times and I've been repurchasing it for a few years now. It's the only drugstore shampoo I've found so far that works for my dry hair. It cleans well and at the same time leaves it somewhat silky and nourished.

Repurchase: Already done.

JOICO K-Pack Intense Hydrator

One of my favourite hair treatments. The name says it all, it adds an intense boost of moisture to very dry hair. I've repurchased it many times..

Repurchase: Yes.

KÉRASTASE Nutritive Nectar Thermique

I still maintain this is one of the best heat protectant for really dry hair, however, if you don't have dry, thick hair, you probably won't see that much of a point of this product. My hair always needed more care and this works as a leave-in conditioner plus heat protectant in one, so it helps the hair staying nourished longer (my hair doesn't get greasy the longer I don't wash it, it gets drier instead). While this lasted me a long time, it's the price (which is getting higher with years actually) that is the reason why I won't buy this for a long time, plus I found a combination of drugstore products that do the same (Dove Super Quench for nourishment and Balea Wunder Serum for heat protection). 

Repurchase: Yes.

DOVE Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute Supreme Crème Serum 

Luckily I have a few of these in stock, otherwise you'd be reading a lamentation for one of the greatest, yet difficult to get hair products for me at the moment (I can get it only on Amazon UK now). My dry, rebellious hair adores this stuff and nothing else in the drugstores tames it as well. In short it's a godsend for dry, coarse hair that is never silky. With this I don't even have to use a round brush when I'm blow-drying my hair, it just dries straight with no frizz. It's a silicone cream product, not the lightest, so those with thin hair won't like it (it's says on the bottle itself that's it's for wavy, curly hair which is usually coarse and thick) and it also works amazing on dry hair as a frizz tamer and shine enhancer. If you have Style + Care version in shops, this is the same thing.

Repurchase: Obviously.

OROFLUIDO Sahara

This is sadly discontinued, so a bit pointless to put it here, but it was seriously so good, one of the best things to have when my hair was extremely dry. So I'm looking for a replacement (recommendations welcome). It was an oil in spray type of product.

Repuchase: I definitely would it it still existed.

LADY GAGA Fame 

Edp

I love this fragrance. It's not quite the classic celebrity juice with a fruity sugary vanilla vibe, instead it's apricots with honey as a sweet base and some incense that gives it depth. One of the underrated treasures in the drugstores.

Repurchase: Yes.

Have a great day!

  

ETUDE HOUSE Black Hydrogel Eye Patch

I got this mostly because it's cute and it looks like a Catwoman Halloween mask, but I've tried Etude House's Line Patch and I find their stuff is quite good. This is a black hydrogel mask that promises a firming, brightening and moisturising effect.

The patch: It's a classic hydrogel mask with a honey comb design. This means it's slimy when you take it out of the pack and you might have some problems with it sliding off, but as soon as it warms up in the first few minutes, it's stuck on pretty well. It fits nicely around the eyes, I put it close to my lower lash line, so I covered the circles with it. The only issue I had was with the ears falling off because they reached my hair line. The masks is a smoky grey colour instead of the advertised black.

Essence: The hydrogel is the compressed essence, but you get some extra fluid in the plastic tray which prevents it from drying out. It's a very light essence that completely absorbs and fast.

Scent: is nothing special, just kind of chemical.

Effect: If we go one by one:
1. Firming - haven't really noticed much in that respect, not that I have that much to firm yet, but I haven't noticed any lines under the eyes being reduced or that my skin would feel any different that usual.
2. Brightening - I saw no visible effect, neither in the general area and neither just on my circles. I wouldn't say my circles are terrible (some disagree, but I dismiss them. I admit I sleep little, 5-6 hours, but I wake up naturally with no alarm clock), however, I have pronounced redness under my eyes, since I was a child. I saw no improvement in lightening or making my under eye area more even despite niacinamide being high on the list of ingredients.
3. Moisturising - it was nicely moisturising, I'll give it that.
One great use that Etude house failed to mention is that since this is a hydrogel, it's fantastic for putting on tired eyes after a long day, as it has a pleasant cooling effect and it relaxes the eyes. 

Ingredients: here

Worth it? I'll admit it's more or less a gimmick, but it's fun and nice if your eyes are tired and need some much needed relaxation. 

Cosmetic Love, $1.59

ETUDE HOUSE Bubble Pore Cleansing Patch

Another absolutely adorable cat themed patch. It's a bubble mask that promises to cleanse, minimize pores and help with excessive sebum production. 

Fit & sheet: The patch is from the same type of soft black sheet material as Sexy Look black sheet mask and Balea black mask, so it's soft and comfortable on the skin. It covers the nose and a part of the cheeks. 

Essence: This starts bubbling as soon as you take it out of the bag (they advise you rub the packaging in circular motion before you use the patch) and it quickly bubbles so much it covers the whole patch with a thick layer of foam. It happens in less than a minute and you feel a tingling of bubbles popping. The patch must be removed after 10-15 minutes and the remains of the foam massaged into the skin, then rinsed off. That foam is so luxurious! It's super fluffy and thick, it's just the most luxurious cushion of bubbles I've tried in a long time. I wonder if Etude House has a cleanser similar to this because it's very fun (I had something similar from Skin 79, but it felt drying)

Scent: it smells refreshing, like grapefruit and the same as The Saem Grapefruit mask. I loved it.

Effect: This pretty much just really cleans the skin. It felt cleaner than just with oil and gel, and it definitely removes all oil because my skin had no left and it started to feel tight. But in terms of pore minimising effect, I saw no change. 

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? I give it a 3/5 and I'll say it's more or less a gimmick as it works like a regular cleanser, but, that foam is fantastic and so pleasant to use, plus the smell is great and it looks cute, so if you want it, it's not a complete waste, especially if your skin is oily.

Cosmetic Love, $1.27

MY HOIN NI Arbutin Whitening Mask

Since I've gone through most of Balea masks which proved to be disappointing, I decided to splurge on one of these because based on ingredients they are the most similar to Asian brands, in fact they look very impressive, so I picked up the brightening version first, since those are the ones I like most.  

Fit & sheet: This is almost exactly like My Scheming Mask alongside some others like Etude House, Lovemore,… The sheet is thin, but not extremely, it fits ok (like most it's slightly too big around my chin), it's very saturated with product and the product drips when you take it out of the packaging. It has a plastic protective filter just like My Scheming and some others

Essence: is light and absorbs fast, so this is nice also for oily skin (they market it for oily skin here). 

Scent: was not my favourite, as it was kind of chemical and sour. 

Effect: was noticeable - brighter, more healthy looking skin as it usual as brightening masks (arbutin does its job here). My skin started to feel tight in a few minutes, so my normal-dry skin needs some extra care after it. So far it's the best sheet mask I've found in Slovenia and the only one I can compare to Asian ones.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? If you're looking for a proper Asian sheet mask in Slovenia or central Europe (I'm not sure where these are sold, but the importer is Hungarian), give these a try. They aren't cheap and they are pretty much a dupe for My Scheming which is cheaper, though the effect of this one better and the ingredients are nicer.

Műller, 2.99 €

MY BEAUTY DIARY Natural Key Series Facial Mask 

Squalene Restorative (Hydrating)

I'm a fan of the Black Pearl version from this brand and I got Squalene based on recommendations for a mask that is great for dry, winter skin. 

Fit & sheet: It's a standard sheet, so not one of the ultra-thin invisible ones and it fits me just like most sheet masks, so ok on the top half on my face and a bit big on my lower part. These have a larger section than others above the lips.

Essence: it has a comforting milky essence. Not all absorbs into the skin and it leaves a slight tacky filter which is gone by the morning. 

Scent: is pleasantly creamy.

Effect: I used this when I noticed some dry patches on my skin and this mask is great for hydration plus restoring the moisture barrier. As weird as it might sound, this left my skin looking "creamy". What I mean by that it had that milky, porcelain look, like someone put an Instagram filter over it, it was almost a bit blurred, still normal looking skin before anyone thinks I'm telling you fairy tales. But it wasn't all that perfect because where the sheet was creased on my cheek, it formed a deep crease on the skin and that didn't go away until the morning when I used my two products that add elasticity to the skin (Banila essence oil, which is discontinued *cries* and Sulwhasoo ginger serum). It also made my lines look deeper, so that was a bummer, however, the skin was hydrated, with zero dry patches and it felt very comfortable.

Ingredients: here

Worth it? Yes, especially for skin that needs hydration or has been over exfoliated, however, I'd use it only in combination with products that give the skin elasticity.

eBay, $2.03 

THE SAEM Natural Skin Fit Mask (Disney Edition) 

Grapefruit

I couldn't resist the packaging of this one, though Olaf is actually not my favourite Disney side-kick. It exist in a non-Frozen packaging and in other versions (this one is moisturising). 

Sheet and fit: this one has an ultra thin sheet, almost invisible when wet and very comfortable.

Essence: is just so nice. It's like a luxurious lotion, very comfortable and pleasant on the skin, plus it absorbs completely. It's similar to Banobagi, but with absolutely no stickiness. 

Scent: is a huge plus for me. It's got a strong grapefruit refreshing scent, like a refreshing drink. I enjoyed it a lot.

Effect: it promises a moisturising effect and that's what it did. The skin looked happy after use and properly moisturised.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? Definitely, it's one of my favourites I've tried so far. I love the sheet, comfy essence and the fantastic scent, so this one was a proper pampering experience. It's cheap on some websites (check everywhere before you go on eBay which has mostly for $2+). I give it an A+ and I already ordered more of these, plus a lemon brightening version.

Cosmetic Love, $0.59

VPROVE Snail Essential Mask Sheet

Gold Expert

I got this one as a GWP and I can't find it on eBay, at least not this version. The name says it all, it's a sheet mask with snail extract. I've tried Naruko's Snail mask and disliked it, so I assumed I won't like this one either, since Naruko is allegedly the creme de la creme, however, it turned out to be so lovely, I'd buy more if I could.

Fit & sheet: this has another standard sheet, similar to My Beauty Diary, so not that ultra-thin one, but still much thinner than Balea's. Fit was classic - again too big on the lower part of my face.

Essence: Naruko's was extra slimy and slippery, so I was surprised to see this one is clear lotion-like and very pleasant. It doesn't sink in all and in the morning there is this filter left on the skin, but nothing annoying. 

Scent: this has quite a strong scent, just like Naruko and like a typical anti-age skin care, so that perfumery soapy scent.

Effect: I really liked this one. It's simply very moisturising and plumping, so it helped temporarily diminish those two smile lines by my mouth, but it wasn't miraculous. My skin felt and looked really nice in the morning.

Worth it? Yes, it's very lovely and much nicer than Naruko's, but I can't find it anywhere, so instead I'm giving snails another chance by trying masks from other brands.

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. You get 60 patches which 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 around the mouth to lessen the look of my nasolabial lines. 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. 

Fit & sheet: They are shaped like hearts, which are perforated in the middle, so you can easily tear them into two parts. 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.

Essence: these are hydro gels meaning the essence is a part of the patch as well. There is pink liquid in the packaging which is light and absorbs fast into the skin.

Scent: 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).

Effect: I've been using them for a few months now, actually less and less to be honest. They work to a degree by hydrating the area and temporarily plumping it up, however, there isn't that much of an effect from these, so they are they are more of a gimmick with a very temporary result. I've used them under my eyes and saw no difference in the look of the skin, but they are wonderful when your eyes are tired since these have a cooling effect. I haven't used them on the cheeks because my skin is never red, regardless, if you plan these to use to tone down irritation, I'd advise against it due to strong fragrance. 

Ingredients: here

Worth it? They're cute and you get a lot of them, but otherwise than relaxing tired eyes, these aren't that special. They might make an adorable gift to those who work a lot behind the screens or strain their eyes. I'll probably buy Berrisom next because I hear they are better.

11$ on eBay.

MEDIHEAL LINE FRIENDS Ampoule Mask Sheet Pack

Mediheal are some of the most often recommended masks, especially their Aquaring formula. Like My Scheming they come in many version of sheets or hydrogels, but I got the limited edition version with Line Friends. Their regular packaging has a more serious look in case you're one of those who dislikes cartoon stuff.  For best results Mediheal recommends the use 2-3 times a week for 4 weeks, since skin has a 4 week turnover term  Four formulas exists in this limited edition, all are permanent in other lines. All have the same type of sheet that's pretty standard in terms of how thick it is, but they are larger than most I tried, so they covered a part of my hair too. By the way all of these have hyaluronic acid high on the list.
All four together were $8.20 on eBay (seller: rinishop)

*E.G.T TimeTox Ampoule

Anti-age. Contains fancy sounding ingredients like rh-Oligopeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Astaxanthin, so peptides that recover elasticity and firm the skin. It has a cute bear picture on one side of the mask.

Essence: light lotion that sinks in completely. Overall the essence feels ok.

Scent: The scent is definitely one I've smelled before at another mask and I'm 99% sure it was TFS Snow White. It's a sweet chemical scent.

Effect: As praised as these are, this is the first mask I didn't like the results of. While it moisturised and nourished my skin well, it just made my skin look worse in terms of how refined the texture is. By that I mean that my pores looked like they did before I started K-Beauty, so large and more gaping, even foundation didn't look nice the next day and it's a foundation that normally looks ok. This is an anti-ageing mask, but I can't say I noticed a dramatic change in elasticity of the skin, but it did plump the skin enough to hide the lines to a degree.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? I won't be buying this one anymore, my pores are sacred.

*P.D.F A.C Dressing Ampoule

For oily skin. Contains Centella Asiatica (madecassoside), Portulaca Oleracea Extract and Salicylic acid. It has picture of a duck.

Essence: the same as a Timetox, light lotion that sinks in fast.

Scent: nothing special, a cosmetic medicinal scent.

Effect: I used this when my skin wasn't clear and some spots started forming. This turned those spots into whiteheads, so it helped them ripe. It's more effective than My Scheming masks for oily skin, though I those are still much better for keeping the skin oil free and matte. This was was nicely hydrating too, but desperately needs to have something following in the skin care routine that adds elasticity because my lines looked deep and it left creases on my skin, so no plumping effect whatsoever. 

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? Only as very occasional treatment when my skin suffers from breakouts, but I don't like how creased my skin looked after use.

N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule 

For dry and dehydrates skin. Most notably contains hyaluronic acid, ceramide, but also witch hazel and mushroom extract (Fomes Officinalis). This one has a bunny and a bear hugging a duck. 

Essence: it's like a thick toner/light serum and there is lots of it.

Scent: is fresh, close to cucumber smelling products and overall very pleasant.

Effect: this promises hydration and that's what you get. It's the hype of essence that when it dries it leaves a layer on the skin, so when I was applying skin care later it peeled off and formed rolls in some places. Despite a good boost of hydration, just like at Timetox my lines looked deeper and it left a crease, but that layer did leave a glossy shine on the skin.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? I don't know, I don't really like it as much as everyone else and I really don't get the hype. I most likely won't repurchase.

I.P.I Lightmax Ampoule 

Brightening. Contains Ascorbyl Glucosife (Stable vitamin C-AA2G) that overcame the limitations of

vitamin C, arbutin and Morus Alba Bark Extract. It has a picture of a bunny.

Essence: is like a thick serum and it leaves a light sticky layer.

Scent: is medicinal and slightly sour.

Effect: this was a classic brightening mask. It evened out the skin tone, made the pores less visible and also the lines didn't look as intense. It's the best out of four from Mediheal I tried, but I've usedd better brightening masks (like Papa Recipe Bombee Whitening).

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? It's best from Mediheal, but I probably won't repurchase.

Have a great day.