*CATRICE Kaviar Gauche LE

For this holiday season Catrice created the most stunning limited edition collection in collaboration with the bride couture brand Kaviar Gauche (the third time already). It caught my attention immediately when I saw it on Veracamilla's blog, who also swatched the palette and highlighter for those interested. I have the whole collection (apart from one brush) very graciously sent to me by the best woman in the PR business, Natalija, who saw it on my wishlist. Collection consists of an eyeshadow quad in neutral colours, a massive highlighter, a beautiful brush bag and five brushes (eyeshadow blending brush exists too). The packaging has a Physician's Formula Nude Wear vibe, so it's dressed in nude leather, but instead of rose gold, it's combined with the always classic gold. I think it's a breathtaking collection and I'm sure it'll be a big hit. Launch dates will likely vary from country to country, but they state it'll be available from November to January.

V Sloveniji je kolekcija že na voljo od 8.11., na prodaj pa je/bo v drogerijah DM, Leclerc Maribor, Click2Chic, Ličila.si, Spar Citypark Ljubljana, Merkator Hipermarketih s Catrice stojali, drogeriji Ilirija, parfumerijah Beauty Word in drogerijah Müller.

Eye Shadow Palette C01 Sand Souci

A gorgeous eyashadow palette in a gold-leather design that contains four neutral shades in different finishes. It's got an iridescent skin tone shade with pink shimmer, an iridescent golden brown, a satin medium brown and a matte cool brown. Pigmentation is ok, but Catrice's newest single eyeshadow are much more buttery and opaque then these (I'm holding back for now, but I will go buy a few because I was so impressed in the shop). Eyeshadow colours combine well, blend ok too and with them I get a nice, subtle neutral look that gives the eyes a bit of definition.

€ 6.29

Highlighter C01 Éclat D'Or

The obvious first - this highlighter is huge! It's almost the size on my face and you get an whopping 35,7 g of product, so it'll last forever. It looks light beige-pink in the pan, but it contains warm gold shimmer, so it ends up a classic warm champagne highlighter which is what I like best. It's meant for face and body, hence the size, so it's a type of highlighter that's more on the subtle side, but the glow is nicely visible and the shimmer is so fine, you don't see any glitter, just a glowy effect. 

€ 6.29

Brushes

Highlighter Brush - a thin fan brush with thick enough bristles that is picks up highlighter ok and it's also quite precise if you want. It's soft and gentle on the skin, also all of these are synthetic. € 5.29

Eye Lid Brush - a classic shader brush, so the one you use to apply colour on your lid area. Since it's synthetic and a bit stiffer than those with natural bristles, it works better with cream formulas, but it's not problematic with powder eyeshadows too. € 4.29

Blush & Contour Brush - my favourite because I've been missing an angled blush brush in my collection. It's soft and picks up colour well, but I wish the bristles were just a bit shorter. € 5.69

Brush Bag

Another eye candy in the collection. The faux leather is soft and looks nice quality, overall the whole collection feels and look much more expensive than it is. There is space for five brushes in bag with slots varying in sizes.

€ 6.29

My brushes arrived in a set (three brushes: powder, eye lid and blush &contour, plus a makeup bag), but all the things are sold individually too, apart from powder brush which is exclusive to this set. It comes packed in a gold box, so a great gift idea and it costs 17.49 €.

Set čopičev je/bo na voljo v Leclerc Maribor, Click2Chic, Ličila.si, Spar Citypark Ljubljana in v drogerijah Müller.

MAYBELLINE Lash Sensational Mascara

I've had the waterproof version a couple of years ago and I really liked it, now I got the regular version pretty much mainly for the metallic (LE?) packaging (my hording of pretty things has a purpose, I swear), but also, since I started noticing regular mascaras are now working for me a lot better than before, I wanted to see if I like this one as much as WP version. Overall it's ok, predominantly a defining mascara, though it gives some volume too and I've noticed it gets more volumising the longer I have it, so as the formula thickens. It's not keeping my lashes lifted as well as I'd hoped, even though it starts off well. The longer I have it, the better it's getting and the more I like it. 

DM, 9.29 €

CATRICE COSMETICS Liquid Liner

010 Dating Joe Black

A repurchase. I bought my first one in the beginning of June, used it every single day and though it's not completely empty, I couldn't get a sharp line, so I bought a new one after only four months (I expected it'll last me longer). So far it's my favourite liner, though it's not the most precise, but I've been using it every day for 5-6 months now and it hasn't let me down yet. The formula is super black and very matte, it lasts all day with no smudging, flaking - anything really, it just lasts. The applicator is a felt tip that's comfortable, flexible enough, but not flimsy like a brush.

Müller, 3.79 €

CATRICE Dawid Tomaszewski LE Wild Matte Lip Colour

C02 Lucy's Red

I'll admit I got this because of the packaging, but the lipstick itself is great, as is usual for Catrice and I think this is the same as their new Ultimate Matt formula. They describe the formula as matte and it's pretty close, though it's more of a satin-matte instead and it's not like the Bourjois lipstick I'll describe bellow. It's creamy and glides on the lips easily, but this formula isn't completely opaque with one swipe, so it needs building up. Staying power is ok for a classic lipstick and it stains due to the pink base. Lucy's Red is a cool toned cherry red, a proper pin-up shade. Despite appearances, the packaging is plastic.

Ogrlica in obesek iz Fatalka.si.

Müller, 4.29 €

CATRICE Dawid Tomaszewski LE Glow Stick

C01 Fashion Flash

Another one I got for the packaging, but I like creamy highlighters in general. It's a champagne glow with a warm undertone, which suits my skin tone perfectly. Formula is creamy and soft, it easily transfers on the skin and blends well. I apply two coats, since the first usually blends out too much, but the glow is moderately strong as you can see on my picture. Packaging is again plastic and feels somewhat cheap, but it looks lovely and I love the triangle design. 

Müller, 5.69 €

*BOURJOIS Rouge Velvet The Lipstick

06 Abrico'dabra and 09 Fuchsia Botté

These caught my attention a while ago as does anything that claims to be matte, but given they are 14 € I held back on buying them. I was later send two shades, while a total of twelve shades exist ranging from nudes, pinks, reds to burgundies and as is usual for Bourjois the shades are classic, most of them universally flattering. I swatched all of the shades in the shop and shade 03, a light pink, is the one I like most, though I also loved 05, a rosy medium shade. Formula of these is surprising. I expected a waxy type of formula that is usually used for matte finishes (like at Catrice above), but this one is so buttery like it has not wax, it just glides on the lips with no breaks. The finish is pretty much like matte liquid lipsticks when it sets, so needless to say I'm loving it - also these barely transfer, just like a liquid versions. The latter made me want that 03 shade even more, while I know I won't be wearing these two shades, since I dislike orange and bright pink isn't an every day shade for me. Staying power is nice. It survived a meal, but it starts to fade after maybe 5-6 hours and it's not the nicest even fading, but you don't get that ring of colour. 06 Abrico'sabra is an orange shade and 09 Fuchsia Botté is as the name suggests a fuchsia shade in a warm pink version. One thing that bothers me about these is that they are impossible to apply precisely because they are so buttery, so make sure you have a matching lip liner.

Drugstores, 13.89 €

*BOURJOIS Miraculous Contour Universal Lip Liner + Primer

I never had a clear lip liner before, but these are meant to keep the lipstick from bleeding and feathering. This one feels like a silicone primer for the lips. It helps the lipstick go on smoother and should help it stay in place, though my lipstick always stays in place anyway. In terms of adding staying power, I haven't seen a difference yet, but I haven't used it with all my lipsticks and I wear long-wear formulas anyway. It's a retractable eyeliner, so no sharpening is needed. 

*L.O.V. EXTRAordinary Perfecting Fluid Foundation

010 Ivory Elegance & 040 Honey-moon

The next L.O.V. things are all new products for fall. EXTRAordinary perfecting fluid promises some anti-ageing effects, more specifically to hydrate, add elasticity and reduce fine lines - bold statement for makeup. The stand out feature is the packaging which is an upgraded cushion/tension pack and the foundation is dispensed by pressing a button. You get a standard foundation puff for application, which is a bit hard compared to my Tony Moly one, but it blends seamlessly. I got two out of four shades - the lightest 010 and third in the line-up 040, both are for medium skin tones and much too dark for me, so I can only make 010 work with the help of a lot of TBS Adjusting Drops. Formula is creamy and thick, Catrice has the most similar formulas (excluding HD) and it a lot of aspects it behaves like Catrice foundations, to be more specific the discontinued Nude Illusion. Coverage is medium, but easily buildable to medium-full. It looks ok over the pores and lines, but it doesn't hide them and the finish is just like at Nude Illusion that satin finish with a level of healthy radiance, but it is a noticeable foundation. Overall it's a very likeable foundation, looks ok on the skin, it doesn't look cakey and it doesn't make the pores look worse, so I would rate it high if it weren't for the horrible shade range that excludes everyone under or over NC/W25-35. 

Müller, 14.99 €

*L.O.V. LASHseduction Instant Volume Mascara

Just a classic volumizing mascara. When it's new the formula is wet and gloopy, so it's got a potential to be clumpy if you go over two coats, but it gives a lot of volume, so it's at the moment my most volumizing mascara (compared to Lash Sensational, Paradise Extatic and Essence Volume Stylist). It's a messy mascara - at least I can't get an application without getting some on my lids, but otherwise it doesn't run or smudge during the day. The brush is classic, not exactly defining, as it's more meant for building up the volume, but I also don't need a separate brush for combing the lashes. Due to being so wet, it drops my lashes, so it's not my personal favorite, but if you don't have problems with that and you want a lot of volume, consider this one in your selection.

10.99 €

*L.O.V. LOVtreat Color & Care Nail Lacquer

640 Soft Sensuality

I think these are replacing the old line of nude nail polishes that had a white cap or at least they did on the stand in my local drugstore. All shades are pale and I believe sheer with one coat. They contain calcium, proteins and almond oil which nourish the nail and I have to say that when I took this shade off, my nails did't have that usual beat up/yellow stained look. My shade 640 is a milky nude, more on the warm side, but it looks very natural and as I said it's sheer with one coat, though it has a thick formula. With three coats I get 80% of coverage. Like all L.O.V. nail polishes it lasts great on my nails.

6.49 €

*DUALcover Concealer & Retoucher

025 Sand Sophistication

This has a combination of a stick concealer and a liquid concealer. The first has medium- full coverage, but it's quite a stiff and thick formula, meaning obvious on the face and not easy to work with. The second is meant for under the eyes and it claims it contains "Shadownyl", which brightens the under eye are and lessens the appearance of wrinkles. It comes in two shades, I got the darkest one, so I can't wear it, at least the stick side, but I mixed the liquid side with TBS drops for the purpose of testing. The liquid side is very shiny-dewy and it stays like that all the time. Coverage is light-medium, but buildable, due to that shiny texture which never truly sets, it also creases. 

12.99 €

*THE BODY SHOP Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup-Remover

This is most similar to micellar waters or toners. It's light, non-greasy, but effective when it comes to regular mascara and other makeup. It's gentle on the eyes, I feel no stinging at all and much like micellar waters it leaves nothing behind. The scent can be described as a day old camomile tea smell, which isn't my favourite, but it's not strong and overall this is a likeable product.

*THE BODY SHOP Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil

I like this a lot. It's a dry oil, so there's very little of that greasy feeling, but the skin is nourished and more importantly in such good condition. I've been using this for three weeks now, a little goes a long way as with most oils. This makes my skin so soft and radiant, I really like its effect. I might even replace my trusted Nuxe because it's even drier and I like the ingredients more as it contains black cumin seed oil, camellia oil and rosehip seed oil, but I'm not sure yet because the price is very high. The only thing that's a downgrade from Nuxe is the scent, since TBS has such a basic oil smell. 

*THE BODY SHOP British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask

The name might not imply it, but this is a moisturising type of mask that also promises some radiance. It contains rose petals, rose essence, rosehip oil and aloe vera, but also alcohol relatively high on the list and the texture is like a gel. The smell of this is great. I despise that granny rose scent they put in cosmetics, especially since it smells absolutely nothing like real roses that are planted by the house, which I go sniff every five minutes when they are in bloom. This has that exact authentic rose scent - finally something true to life. Although based on ingredients I'd say this is a classic sleeping mask that doesn't need to be washed off, TBS' instructions say to rinse this from the skin after 10 minutes and since it ends up kind of sticky, I did wash it off after 20 or so minutes both time I used it. It left my skin looking really good and feeling very smooth and soft, in fact the results remind me a lot of some Asian Sheet masks (MBD Black Pearl, TFS Solution Pearl, Papa Recipe), so this is a really nice product in my eyes and I already put in on my wishlist. And to think I wasn't even going to use it because of the rose scent. 

*THE BODY SHOP Frosted Berry Body Butter

I adore TBS body butters, I tried nine versions (Vineyard Peach, Honeymania, Shea Butter, Satsuma, Passion Fruit, Grapefruit, Black Cheery, Almond and Cherry Blossom), well ten if I count this one, and all were fantastic, though textures differ, as some are thicker than others and those are the ones I like most. Vineyard Peach is my ultimate favourite, followed by Shea Butter and Satsuma. Frosted Berry is a Christmas edition and it has a forest fruits yoghurt type of scent, so fruity and fresh, plus slightly sour. Like all nourishing body butters it needs time to sink in, which makes me more secure that's it's actually moisturising my skin, so it's something I use before going to bed.

*THE BODY SHOP Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream

I loved this immediately when I tried it. The scent is divine, a honey sweets almond type of scent that's so comforting and so much better than the flowery Honeymania they tried to sell as as a proper honey scent. This one is from the line created for sensitive, dry skin and it doesn't contain soap, though despite that it foams ok and as you might expect the formula is creamy and not stripping.

*THE BODY SHOP Nigritella Eau de Parfum

This one was such a blast from the past to me. I used to wear L'Occitane's Vanilla fragrance that contained vanilla orchid notes and this has that exact note in it. It's such a rich floral note with strong oriental vibes and a base of vanilla, which is more sophisticated here than in most fragrances. I loved it straight away.

*THE BODY SHOP Eye Colour Stick 

Cyprus Bronze

I'm a fan of stick eyeshadows and I have several versions. In fact I have a very similar selection of shades from other brands, however, Cyprus Bronze is the lightest version of such a shade I own. My winners are Kiko eyeshadows with their rich pigmentation and excellent staying power, this one is already not as pigmented and it doesn't transfer on the lids quite as opaque, but the texture is still smooth and soft. Shade is a classic bronze shade with shimmer that looks good on anyone. Staying power is ok, but not exceptional, it creases a bit, but it doesn't end up a mess on the lids. 

MY HOIN NI Arbutin Whitening Mask

Since I've gone through most of Balea masks, which proved to be disappointing, I'm exploring our drugstores further for some decent finds, though we have so little of them (Essence, CadeaVera, Garnier, Schabens and Innel are some I found). Based on ingredients these My Hoin Ni ones 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. And guess what - this is almost exactly like My Scheming masks. The sheet is thin compared to Balea, but it's not ultra thin like some, it fits ok (again it's slightly too big around my chin), it's very saturated with product and it actually drips. It has a plastic protective filter just like My Scheming and some others. The essence is light and absorbs fast, so this is nice also for oily skin. Scent was not my favourite, as it was kind of chemical and sour. Effects were 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 the best sheet mask I've found in Slovenia and the only one I can compare to Asian ones.

Ingredients.

Műller, 2.99 €

L'OREAL Casting Créme Gloss

360 Black Cherry

After ten years of not dyeing my hair anymore, I've started to crave a bit of a change. I actually really, really want to get bayage, but first I don't know if I can trust any of my local hairdressers, since I've been burned so many times (the reason why I stopped dyeing my hair) and it's expensive. So one day I just arrived at an idea that I want a deep red-purple shade and I started exploring my options. I wanted a temporary colour before I commit to anything and I found that L'Oreal added some nice looking dark shades that promise to work also on such dark hair as mine. I actually had one of these colours way back close to 10 years ago when they launched, I got it due to massive popularity and because I needed to cover my bad hair dye job, so I got a chocolate brown, which didn't really show up well on my hair, but I read reviews about this red Black Cherry shade before I bought it and most said it's the best among Casting colours. These wash off after 28 washes.

I already dyed my hair with this, which I posted on Instagram Stories for those who follow me. I ended up using just one box, it turned out to be enough, despite the fact I have very long and thick hair. Results are visible, but as I kind of suspected nowhere near what the box shows. My dark brown hair now has a red shine that is visible in the sunlight, otherwise the difference is very subtle. I wanted more, but I'm not disappointed by the results. I'll do a full review of this, I just want to see how long it will last, since I wash my hair once or twice a week.

DM, 5.99 €

 *VICHY Dercos Micro Peel anti-dandruff Scrub Shampoo

Since I've tried Matrix Scalp Synch scrub, which has been discontinued, I'm trying to find every similar product to try. Luckily this one found me. It contains 1 % piroctone olamine, 1,5% salicylic acid and glycerine, plus there are beads suspended in the gel. It's meant for oily scalp and it promises to remove both visible dandruff and those flakes that are stuck to the scalp (that's what I have most problems with and most shampoos aren't capable of removing it). The packaging is great, it has a nozzle applicator which means you can apply it directly to the scalp and the tube is soft, which my weak arms greatly appreciate. It produces a thick foam and you can feel only a bit of those beads, so it's not like a proper scrub and it ends up feeling very gentle. They advise you foam it up and massage it well all over the scalp, then leave it on to work for three minutes. Given that it's a shampoo for oily hair I was concerned it might be drying, but I guess that glycerine is doing its job , so my hair didn't feel that dry. It removed about 95 % of the dandruff that's stuck to my scalp, which I call an excellent result. It hasn't cured the dandruff yet, but I noticed it's less of it, so for now I'm giving it a thumbs up, however, I've seen good results with some other products and then the stop working, but well see with this one. I just really, really want this to be the one that fixes everything. One thing that it didn't help with was the itching, that's the only minus I can find so far.

Pharmacies, 14 €

Have a great day!

*PR products, just send for consideration.

MY SCHEMING

My Scheming is a Taiwanese brand and they have a large selection of sheet masks, not just of different formulas, but also different types of sheets. I bought all of mine on eBay, seller house_of_fashion.2013 with whom I have great experience. Prices for most are $1.80, some are $2.03 and Hello Kitty version is $2.47.

Classic Series Moisturizing Facial Mask 

Skin Clarifying Astringent

This one is praised as a saviour for skin with breakouts and problems with excessive oiliness. I got it just in case my skin has a freak-out, so that's when I used it.

Fit & Sheet: The classic series has a pretty standard sheet, material isn't stated in English on the pack, but I think it's cotton that's thin, but not utra thin like some sheet masks. The fit isn't bad on my petite face, just a bit big in the lower part, as a majority of sheet masks I've tried.

Essence: is very light, as expected for such a mask and it's absorbed quickly. At all My Scheming masks you have plenty of leftover essence that I use as a toner for the next few days.

Scent: medicinal, nothing special, but you can smell it when the mask is on the face.

Effect: I used it when I had a volcano forming on my chin, so one of those nasty pimples that just erupts full force and refuses to heal or disappear for a week. My chin felt itchy because of the infection before I used it and though it still tingled for the first 15 minutes, it then subsided. Once I removed it, the remains of the essence absorbed quickly and my skin started to feel tight, but it felt smooth, matte and dry to the touch. Pores looked the same and the spot didn't diminish immediately. By the morning the spot didn't look that much smaller, especially compared to COSRX patches which prevented it from becoming bad, but my skin was completely matte. In terms of oil control this is pretty brilliant. My skin isn't exactly oily, but I do get a shiny forehead and this kept it at bay really well. I wouldn't call it a mask for emergencies, but it's great for oily skin that just refuses to stay matte.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? Not for me, only if my skin becomes very oily, but if you are having trouble keeping your skin matte, you might want to give this one a try.

Moisturizing Essence Series Facial Mask 

Oolong Tea Oil Cut Mask

I got this one for free and I didn't hear anything about it before I got it, but it claims to be rich with vitamin C and tea phenol. It promises to help regulate oiliness, improve blackheads and large pores, so this one is for acne-prone and oily skin.

Fit & Sheet: it's got a thin sheet, like other My Scheming masks I've tried and this one is almost invisible on the face. It's heavily saturated with the essence, so it sticks well and feels comfortable. Again it's a bit big on the lower part of the face.

Essence: like at most My Scheming masks, it's a light toner-like essence that absorbs fast. There is a lot of it and because the sheet is wrapped in an additional plastic coat, it drips like crazy when you take it out.

Scent: it's got a hospital/disinfectant scent, like a few other My Scheming masks.

Effect: about ten minutes after I took it off my skin started to feel tight (I haven't applied a moisturiser yet). Like at a lot of Asian masks I got that classic "my skin looks so healthy look", fresher and a bit brighter (due to niacinamide, but it wasn't like at brightening masks). A few smaller spots diminished by morning, but the large, more prominent one on my cheek remained the same. Pores didn't look smaller, nor did it help with blackheads. I'm thinking this one might have a better effect if you use it several times a week.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? It's not bad, again as I said more for oily skin, but I wouldn't buy it again.

Invisible Mask Series Moisturizing Facial Mask 

L-Ascorbic Acid Whitening

This one and Mandelic Acid one are some of the most frequently mentioned as masks that have the best visible results. L-Ascorbic Acid promises to tackle uneven skin tone.

Fit & Sheet: It's one from the invisible series, so it's an ultra-thin one that's almost see-through, but not completely. It's also has one of those plastic wrappers, so when you open it it's super drippy. The fit is a bit large for my petite face.

Essence: very light and it absorbs fast leaving nothing behind, just as the two masks above plus the Mandelic one.

Scent: like bleach or cleansing supplies, basically it's like you just walked into a hospital.

Effect: I felt slight burning - a strange sensation considering my skin is very far from sensitive. After I took it off, I noticed no immediate results, but it was at least moisturising enough without leaving any residue behind. The next day maybe my skin was a bit more even, a bit smoother, but I'd say the biggest difference was in that it was a lot more matte than usual. Just like the two mentioned above, it's one of the mask that I'd say would be nice for oily skin.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? I wasn't as thrilled about the results as a lot of others and it's again a mask for oily skin. Wouldn't repurchase.

Moisturizing Essence Series Facial Mask 

Mandelic acid

This was one of those that I was most excited to use because I heard a lot of positive things and it was the most frequently mentioned as a mask that has the best visible results. 

Fit & Sheet: I described the sheet for this series at Oooling Tea - thin sheet that's slightly too big for me around my chin. Again it's very saturated with essence and it dripped a lot as I was unfolding it.

Essence: Very light, like a toner and it absorbs very fast, leaving almost nothing behind - so the same as the other three above.

Scent: Again it smells like a hospital, in particular that disinfectant scent. This changes in time that's on the face in it becomes sour, like acid. That lingers afterwards, but I wasn't that bothered.

Effect: 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 nor moisturising and I really wasn't happy with my skin in the morning because those creases you get from pillows were much more intense, also my smiles lines were more prominent. It was such a wrong time too because I was woken up abruptly the next morning, so in the next two minutes I was applying eyeliner and trying to get dressed, obviously no time for foundation before I rushed into a car and I just prayed my skin will unfold/un-crease into something resembling human before I reached the town. So I would recommend this only as a treatment right before a special event, especially if you have some spots, but as an overnight treatment use something that you know will add elasticity to the skin (like Banila serum or Nuxe oil).

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? I was a little bit let down and I find My Beauty Diary Black Pearl much better, but I might give it another chance.

Hello Kitty Series Moisturizing Hydrating Essence Facial Mask

Black Pearl Brightening

I got this for the packaging, obviously, but also because Black Pearl from My Beauty Diary is one of my favourites and I hoped this one works about the same. It's a limited edition one and it exists in three versions of what I think are My Scheming's most popular versions (aside from Pearl, it's Hyaluron and Snail Essence). It has a cute Hello Kitty pattern of the sheet with a bow and whiskers, which just makes it so cute.

Fit & Sheet: It's a classic My Scheming, like at Astringent -thin, but large for my face, so it was creasy a lot. It has a bow and whiskers pattern on the sheet, however, it's in a pale peach shade, so unfortunately not that visible especially when wet.

Essence: a light, toner-like essence that's quickly absorbed. It reminds me a lot of MBD Black Pearl.

Scent: Nothing special or noticeable, but it's not medicinal like the other My Scheming masks.

Effect: This one made my skin instantly more bright and even, also nicely nourished without any tightness that I experienced from some masks above. Its effect is indeed very similar to MBD Black Pearl, so I liked it, only the sheet isn't as nice-fitting as MBD.

Ingredients: here.

Worth it? It's not as good as My Beauty Diary's version, but similar. It's worth it, but I'd rather buy MBD because it's smaller. 

PAPA RECIPE Bombee Masks

I've already raved about the original Bombee Honey mask, which was at the time my favourite mask ever, that was until I tried the extended range of Bombees. I embarked on a mission to try all the different versions, decide which one is best and then order a full pack. Two versions impressed me even more than the original, which I shared in my past monthly favourites, while the other two weren't quite as nice, but still some of the best sheet masks I've ever tried. If you're a sheet mask enthusiast, I really recommend you try these, though these are not easy to find as some others. I got individual ones on eBay ($3.95-6.15, seller: mystery_ju) and now I ordered a full pack on Sweet Corea (still waiting for the parcel).

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 makes 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. It's popular for a reason. Review here.

Ingredients: Here.

Worth it? 100%

Bombee Whitening Honey Mask

I tend to enjoy brightening/whitening masks the most, though the original Bombee is brightening enough on my skin already, but this one truly wins for me. It has niacinamide high on the list.

Sheet & fit: Fit is the same as original, so it's ok for me, it's only a little bit big around the chin as a great majority of masks. The sheet is one of those thin ones, though not completely invisible on the face as some are.

Essence: similar as at original it's a light toner-like formula, but leaves a lightly damp/tacky layer. You have plenty of leftover essence that I use as a toner for the next few days.

Scent: A great honey scent, a bit creamy. I enjoyed it a lot.

Effect: This is a fantastic mask that not just evens outs the skin, but actually brightens. I think this is the first time I notice a mask lightening a mark from a spot. Skin is both nourished, calmed and super soft, truly I could not help but admire the condition of my skin in the morning and went for a no foundation day, only my circles were still a problem. 

Ingredients: Here.

Worth it? Absolutely. I already ordered a full pack of these. 

Bombee Rose Gold Honey Mask Pack

This one has a  high content of Damascus rose, which is also said to be brightening, but the main feature is the rose gold mesh design it has. 

Sheet & fit: Fit is the same as original, so it's ok for me, it's only a little bit big around the chin. The sheet has the most beautiful gold honeycomb design that just looks so luxurious. That's what I call a proper treat.

Essence: is the same as the original and whitening version - light, but leaves a lightly damp/tacky layer.

Scent: I get mostly honey, but here it's mixed with something, probably rose, but it's definitely not a granny type of rose and I actually like this combo.

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 (I started using one new item of skin care which was very likely the cause why it appeared and refused to heal) and this just toned it down significantly. 

Ingredients: Here.

Worth it? Definitely, especially if you enjoy that your skin care looks pretty too. I'm planning on getting more of these.

Bombee Black Honey Mask Pack

A black sheet version of the Bombee masks, which contains propolis and manuka honey extract.

Sheet & fit: I wasn't a fan of the sheet. Yeah, it's black and it looks cool, but the material wasn't soft, it was too much like regular paper. Fit was ok, but I didn't like how much of the area around the nose wasn't covered. If you're looking for a great black sheet, try Sexy Look's.

Essence: I heard it has a black essence and that it can stain, but mine was clear with just a hint of grey tint and just like at the other versions, it's light and it leaves a slight damp/tacky layer that absorbs fast.

Scent: exactly the same as at original, a nice honey scent that is noticeable.

Effect: About the same as at the original, though it wasn't quite as good, possibly because the product evaporated from the sheet too fast instead of absorb in the skin. But in general the skin was nourished, more even and healthy looking. Even though it's my least favourite Papa Recipe Bombee, it's still one of the best sheet masks I've tried.

Ingredients: Here.

Worth it? It's nice and it works about the same as the original, but the sheet isn't as nice. Still if you find these are the cheapest version, go for it.

Bombee Ginseng Red Honey Oil Mask Pack

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

Sheet & fit: This one felt more paper-like than the original sheet and it was more rigid which was apparent as it dried. It also didn't stay wet for as long as others. There are herb bits on it, but not much and they are small, so it looks like someone added some tea in it.

Essence: initially it feels the same as other Papa Recipe ones, so light and fast absorbing, yet nourishing, but this one leaves a light oily feeling once it dries on the skin. 

Scent: it's almost exactly like Angel fragrance. Oriental with heavy herbal notes (it's just like patchouli) and some honey. It's a strong scent, so it won't be everyone's cup of tea.

Effect: While it initially feels more nourishing than other versions, my cheeks weren't as hydrated as I hoped they'd be in the morning (I used it on its own, no extra care). Otherwise it's the same as the rest of Papa Recipe, so my skin looked like a picture of health in the morning - happy and more even with a refined skin texture.

Ingredients: Here.

Worth it? Others are nicer, though maybe using it long-term would give the ginseng more chance to show its power. Considering it's more expensive and the scent is not that yummy honey one, I wouldn't buy it anymore instead of others.  You'll like this best if you're a fan of oriental scents and you like the mask to leave an oily filter behind.

One more version exists called Papa Bombee Honey Butter Cream Mask which I have yet to try. I hear it has a creamy essence and that it's very nourishing.

Have a great day!

This is the second shade I got from this line, so I've already talked about the formula and its similarity to Milani's Moisturising Matte lipstick, which alongside this one are my second favourite classic lipstick formula (after Colourpop Matte X). Peach Flattters is one of the original shades, they've expanded the range since the launch (I have the new Awakening Rose too, but I'll post swatches sometime later) and it's one of those shades that tends to look very different depending on your 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. To me Colourpop Matte X have the most perfect matte finish among lipsticks, but these are my second favourite, since they are very close to being properly matte (though I have to say the new Bourjois Rouge Velvet the Lipstick is so lovely too and even more matte looking).

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. However, if your skin tone is pink, this will look orange on you, while on those who aren't as pale as me, I suspect it won't just look lighter, but also pinker. I have no dupes, Milani's Darling is much pinker and the discontinued Catrice I'm Matt About You is brighter.

I got mine from the fabulous Adjusting Beauty who swatched all shades. Regular price in Avon catalogue is 8.5 €, though they often run an offer.

Have a great day!

A different type of format for the end-of-the-month post. I only had three favourites that I haven't mentioned in a while because I've been mostly sticking to the same products for the past few months and most have been in last favourites posts already. I share my favourites every month, but you don't get to see a general overview of products I use every day, my current skin care routine, body care and also what caught my interest or disappointed me in a span of a month. So this will be a mix of everything and I hope you don't find it too much at once.

FAVOURITES

MAYBELLINE Super Stay Matte Ink

20 Pioneer

I won't say I'm a big fan of the formula, especially when comfort is concerned because these are thick and super sticky in the first half an hour after application. However staying power of these is outstanding and Pioneer quickly became my perfect red. I've spend a couple of my visits to the drugstores trying to find something similar to L'Oreal's Blake (which to the best of my knowledge is  discontinued), preferably in a matte liquid lipstick form and I realised we have very little cool toned red shades, at least as pretty as this one by Maybelline. It's such a beautiful cool red with a pink-cherry base that has a timeless feel. I'll call this a perfect Snow White shade. 

 THEBALM Hot Mama Shadow/Blush

I've been avoiding peach blushes for a while now because I felt they look a bit too warm/unnatural on my pale skin and I prefer using mauve-rosy blushes for a more subtle, defined look. But I grabbed this at random, since when it comes to blushes I have phases when I dig out those I haven't used in a while and it reminded me how great this blush is. Applied with a light hand it gives me a very believable flush and the sheen in this is amazing - it's just like you'd apply Mary-Lou Manizer over a blush. TheBalm blushes are my favourite in terms of quality because they last so well on my cheeks, but all were in the peachy-pink or plum family before this year, however, now they finally released two blushes that are so much colours: Balm Dessert and Balm Beach.

PALMER's Swivel Stick

This is still the only lip balm I use and the only one I ever truly loved, but this month I found its new super power. In the last  months I've suffered a few minor injuries. First I fell and twisted my ankle, scrapped my knee pretty bad and it took about a month to heal (I couldn't bend my knee for almost two weeks). I still have visible cuts and I suspect I'll have a permanent scar there. And second I got a long thin burn going from the knee to my foot on one leg. Both injuries have been healing slowly, despite using panthenol and other creams, until I decided to use this. It started to heal so much faster, it erased 60 % of that burn in a week or so, before it just looked the same for a month. The scrape on the knee is a bigger challenge because it was a deeper wound, but I've seen some improvements as well. I need to buy some extra products from Palmer's, these really are effective. 

BRILLIANT FIRST IMPRESSIONS

/Če vas novica še ni dosegla, The Body Shop končno prihaja tudi v Slovenijo. Sicer bo le spletna trgovina, ampak bo vseeno veliko lažje priti do izdelkov. Kdaj bodo odprli svoja virtualna vrata še ni popolnoma znano, pravijo, da zagotovo pred decembrom, ustvarjene pa že imajo profile na socialnih omrežjih Facebooku in Instagramu/ 

*THE BODY SHOP Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil

I think I'm in love with this, at least its effect on my skin which is right now in such great condition. It's clear, soft and very radiant and this is the only thing I've been using. It's a dry oil, so there's very little of that greasy feeling, even less than at Nuxe, so that's a step up in my books, except for the scent which is somewhat nutty-herbal. Nuxe is still brilliant, though, and way cheaper, especially per ml, but I'm tempted to buy a full size of TBS. 

*THE BODY SHOP Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream

I loved this immediately when I tried it. The scent is divine, like a honey with sweets type of scent, but also with notes of comforting almond. I love it way more than Honeymania, their other honey scent which they promised will smell like the real deal, but it ended up smelling floral. Almond Milk line is designed for sensitive, dry skin and this shower cream feels like a lovely product, so I'd like to explore this line more.

*THE BODY SHOP British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask

This is a typical moisturising masks that I'm sure you can leave on overnight, though they recommend you wash it off after 10 minutes, which I did because it's a sticky thick gel. The effect of this were impressive. Not only was my skin nicely hydrated, but it was also super smooth, soft and it looked so good, in fact good enough for a no foundation day next morning - both time I used it. Its effect reminds me a lot of some Asian sheet masks, like TFS Solutions or Snow White, Papa Recipe and MBD Black Pearl. I also need to mention the scent, which is fantastic. I hate that granny rose scent that's in every rose scented product - this is far from it, in fact it's the most authentic proper rose scent I've encountered. It genuinely smells like roses that are planted by the house. 

*L.O.V. LOVtreat Color & Care Nail Lacquers

640 Soft Sensuality

You just can't go wrong with a L.O.V. nail polish. Each one I've tried I loved, this one included. It's a sheer nude formula, so at least three coats are needed if you want that milky effect, but it applies nicely, lasts well and it apparently even has some nourishing ingredients - we'll see how that pans out. I'm loving the packaging to death, all of their nail polishes should have a rose gold cap.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

BALEA sheet masks

In the last month I've been exploring locally accessible sheet masks, checking out what we even have in Slovenia and Balea's are some of the very rare ones, also the cheapest along with the a CadeaVera one (hydrating with pomegranate. They have one more, but it's a hydrogel that costs 3 €). I tried four versions in total (Vital, Aqua, mit Aktivkhole and Born to be Lazy), three recently and these have to be some of the least impressive sheet masks out there. I recall Vital being okay-ish, but the other three were a waste of my time. Vital, Aqua and Born to be Lazy have the thickest and least saturated sheet I've tried, so they aren't comfortable, neither super dupe moisturising like Asian masks are, though effects of Born to be Lazy and Aqua weren't completely bad, they just weren't as impressive as other masks I've tried.  The black Coal one has a lovely material, truly the sheet is so comfortable and nice, but it left my skin feeling tight, uncomfortable and with no visible effect. I won't be buying these anymore.

EVERY DAY HEROES AND OTHER PRODUCTS I'VE BEEN USING

MAKEUP

I'm still using CATRICE COSMETICS Liquid Liner in 010 Dating Joe Black every day, while for mascara I've been using three: ESSENCE Volume Stylist Curl & Hold Mascara (my fave, but it's starting to go dry), MAYBELLINE Lash Sensational Mascara in the new super pretty metal packaging (it could be more volumising and fan out the lashes a bit more. Not completely impressed by it to be honest) and most recently L.O.V. LASHseduction Instant Volume Mascara (super volumizing, but very wet for now and super messy).

I've been mixing it up with foundations, so I don't always use my favourite MAYBELLINE's Fit Me and neglect others, but none is as good, so I won't mention them. In the last week I've been trying to test the new L.O.V. EXTRAordinary Perfecting Fluid Foundation that I was sent, but I need to mix the lightest shade with THE BODY SHOP Adjust Drops to be able to pull it off. Overall it's CATRICE Nude Illusion formula in an innovative packaging - a thick, creamy texture with a medium coverage that can be build-up to close to full and it has a satin finish. For powder I've been using BOURJOIS Java Powder all month and as concealer BOURJOIS Radiance Reveal on good days (running kind of low now), while COLLECTION Lasting Perfection Concealer was my choice for days with spots + noticeable circles, switched from CATRICE Camouflage concealer because it looks too unnatural on me.

I've already talked about THEBALM blush under favourites, but for some extra highlight I'm still using the super-duper-shiny-it should-probably-be-illegal Unicorn Highlight by MAKEUP REVOLUTION (what is happening to me? I need something new).

For lips I've been wearing mostly MAYBELLINE Super Stay Matte Inks because I was testing them, but after that review was posted I returned to lighter formulas to give my lips a break, at the end of the month I settled back on my old trusted favourite NYX Cannes. I got a Catrice's lipstick in Lucy's Red from the Dawid Tomaszewski LE this month, you can find swatches of it and the highlighter stick here.

On my nails were only two nail polishes. In the first part of the month it was ESSENCE the Gel Nail Polish in 98 pure beauty and in the second L.O.V. nail polish mentioned above. I've been having a nude stage for months now. My top coat is as always SECHE VITE.

SKIN CARE

Day routine:

- Just water or if I have panda eyes I'll use MIXA Micellar Water Anti-Dryness

- TONYMOLY Panda's Dream White Sleeping Pack or when I get scared Panda will run out, GREEN LINE HydroMineral moisturiser which they recently discontinued (Basic for normal/combination skin is the same, anyway)

- BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++ (2015 version)

Night Routine:

- BIOBAZA Face Cleansing Micellar Oil (liking it less and less because it doesn't remove mascara well)

- BALEA GEL Erfrischendes Washgel

- COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (every time I stop using this for too long my skin gets worse. Staple for stable skin) or THE ORDINARY Advanced Retinoid 2%. I never use these at the same time.

- SECRET KEY Starting Treatment Essence (Rose Edition)

- SULWHASOO Capsulized Ginseng Fortifying Serum (occasionally)

- BANILA CO. Miss Flower & Mr Honey Essence Oil

- NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Oil

In the last week I've been using THE BODY SHOP Oil instead of Banila, Nuxe and Sulwhaso, so I can properly test it without interference with other products. 

BODY CARE

From shower products I've been most enjoying using BILOU Shower Foam, though BALEA's is exactly the same, it just doesn't smell as nice. I've actually used BALEA far more because typically for me I'm saving BILOU since it's "the good stuff". For a body moisturiser I've been using SOAP & GLORY Smoothie Star Body Buttercream. It's the body butter whose scent I like the least and I want to use it up quickly, so I can buy something from THE BODY SHOP (Shea and Satsuma are at the top of my list for a long time now, but the new Pumpkin Vanilla is so praised I can't ignore it). I actually got the Christmas version of the later, Frosted Berries, which smells like yogurt with forest fruit and it's to me a spring/summer scent. Soap & Glory is working great for dry skin and I don't mind at all it needs some time to sink in. 

I gave up completely of MITCHUM's Deodorant and I'm also not impressed that much by LADY SPEED STICK, so went back to REXONA to see if it works again, but unfortunately it's failed me a few times, so I'll have to find something new. NIVEA's Pearl &Beauty in spray is still great, but the roll on version did not impress me.

I still use only L'OCCITANE 20 % Shea Butter as my hand cream (Original and Vanilla) and PALMER's Swivel Stick as my lip balm.

HAIR CARE

Still using NEUTROGENA T/Gel, but it's not working that well for me anymore. L'OREAL Extraordinary is still my most used shampoo and L'OREAL Professional hair mask the only one I use. I've recently started making my own scalp scrub using sugar, baking soda, a bit of olive oil and some MATRIX Shampoo (I don't feel bad about wasting this one). Leave-in conditioner is still from SEXY HEALTHY HAIR and as always I use DOVE Quench Creme Serum. As a heat protectant I always use BALEA Wunder Serum. I still adore GOT2B Oil-licious Weightless Dry Oil Mist - the best fast fixer, healthy super shiny hair faker.

My hair styling routine has been the same for years now. I use REMINGTON Pro Soft Curls curler which has a 2.5 cm wide barrel, I brush my hair with a TANGLE TEEZER so I get more polished waves instead of spiral curls and then I get them into shape that lasts using GOT2B Rise 'n Shine Soufflé and finish with LEE STAFFORD hair spray. I forgot to take a picture of my hair dryer, but it doesn't matter, since it's discontinued for years now. I use a cheap Remington one and I also use the nozzle plus EBELIN's Round brush.

ORDERED

MISSHA MISA Geum Sul Vitalizing Tension Pact SPF30 PA++ #1 // Gold-Pink Cat Eye Sunglasses from AliExpress. These are for kids because I'm petite, but a large size exists // PAPA RECIPE Bombee Whitening Honey Mask Pack of 10, MEDIHEAL Line Friends Ampoule Mask Sheet Pack. All four kinds: E.G.T. TimeTox (firming, anti-wrinkle), I.P.I Lightmax (brightening), P.D.F AC-Dressing (for problematic, oily skin) and N.M.F Aquaring (hydrating) // THE FACE SHOP The Solution Mask Sheets 10 kinds: Peptides - Wrinkle care, Vitamin C - radiance, Hyaluronic Acid - hydrating, Propolis - nourishing, Pearl - brightening, Tannins - pore care, Beta hydroxy acid - smoothing, Madecassoside - soothing, Collagen - firming, Ceramide - moisturising

ADDED TO THE WISHLIST

MAYBELLINE Gigi Hadid Collaboration - just a more expensive spin on their products in a pretty packaging. Unclear if it will be available in Slovenia // THE FACE SHOP Rice Cleansing Oil // THE ORDINARY Buffet // TREND IT UP Highlightening Eyeshadow Cream Waterproof & the new CATRICE single eyeshadows because they are crazy buttery// ETUDE HOUSE Honey Cera Firming Body Cream (allegedly smells just like honey) // Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette In Bloom // Chloe - Love, Chloe fragrance (powdery - clean with floral notes) // CATRICE Kaviar Gauche holiday collection 2017.

Have a great day!