Bamford Botanic Lip Balm

I have to say that I am quite picky with lip balms, as such I am always on the hunt for a perfect one. In the past I have really enjoyed Nuxe's Reve de Miel Lip Balm, but Nuxe is not cruelty free. When I came across the Bamford's Botanic Lip Balm it visually reminded me of the Reve de Miel Lip Balm but also ticked the boxes in terms of ingredients and being cruelty-free. I decided to pick it up and give it a go. 

In term of packaging it comes in a recyclable glass pot with a clean design. I know that many people will say that pot containers aren't the most hygienic nor user-friendly but I personally don't mind it.  You get 15ml of product. The list of ingredients is very lean including coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa seed butter, grapefruit peel oil, bergamot fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, peppermint herb oil, rose flower oil and arnica herb extract. It's 100% organic and free from parabens, petrolatum and mineral oil. It has a shelf life of 12 months.  

The lip balm has a minty scent, since it contains peppermint. Usually I am not a fan of minty lip balms as I don't prefer the tingly sensation they provide. This one however has a very mild barely there tingly sensation which I don't mind at all. The texture of the lip balm is not too thick nor gloopy. It feels very comfortable on the lips. It doesn't sit on top of my lips like a lot of lip balms containing petrolatum do. I can feel that it's actually doing something for my lips by keeping them hydrated and soothed. I usually use it before going to sleep or if needed throughout the day. It also works really well under a liquid lipstick. 

Overall, I am very satisfied with this product. It has an affordable price point, it's cruelty free, doesn't contain any nasties and does a good job at protecting my lips. If you have been looking for an effective organic lip balm, I think this one is worth checking out. 

Let me know what's your go to lip balm! 

Until next time, 

Muffy

The Natural Deodorant Co. - Gentle Deodorant Cream

I have been on a hunt for a new natural deodorant, since Net-a-Porter has ceased to offer the occasional free shipping option. I have been previously using the La Vanilla one, which is too expensive now with shipping costs being more than the actual product itself. However, not so long ago I came across a completely new brand, at least to me, called The Natural Deodorant Co. As the name implies this independent British company specialises in organic natural deodorants. I decided to give it a go and see if it's as good as it claims to be.

The Natural Deodorant Co. Gentle Deodorant Cream in Tangerine

Let's start with the packaging which I personally really like. It's a simple yet sturdy glass jar which might not be ideal for some people but I highly appreciate that I can later re-use it, without just throwing it away as I would a regular deodorant stick. I think the whole product presentation has a retro vibe to it which I do enjoy. 

The Natural Deodorant Co. currently has three types of deodorants in their offering: Clean, Active and Gentle. I picked up the Gentle one as it's aimed at sensitive skin and does not contain baking soda. In each category they have a few scent options, I personally went for tangerine. 

Consistency of the deodorant

In terms of consistency and ease of application I was pleasantly surprised. The texture is not too runny. In a way it reminds me of a non-gritty cookie dough. I just scoop a pea-size amount of deodorant and apply it directly to the armpits. It's non-sticky and dries instantly to a powdery finish. You don't have to wait around for it to soak in, instead you can just proceed with your normal routine. It doesn't leave white marks on clothes which is a big plus. The tangerine scent is very pleasant without being too overpowering. 

When it comes to the ingredients list it's short and clean. It contains: Arrowroot, Magnesium Oxide, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Clay and Tangerine Oil. The deodorant is vegan and cruelty-free. It's free from gluten, parabens, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance, fillers and aluminium. You can also find the best before date handwritten on the jar.  

Now, does it get the job done? Absolutely yes. It has kept me feeling fresh and comfortable all day. I do have an office job, therefore I can't say how well it will hold if you have a more active lifestyle. I think in that case I'd recommend checking their Active deodorant line. 

Overall, I think it's a great option if you have been looking for an everyday natural deodorant that actually works and doesn't cost a fortune. I have picked mine from Naturisimo but you can also get it from The Natural Deodorant Co:s own website. If you don't want to commit to a full size product you can order samples from Naturisimo and The Natural Deodorant Co. as well. This is super handy and I think more online retailers should do that!

Let me know if you have tried The Natural Deodorant Co. deodorants and, if yes, what your favourite scents are!

Until next time,

Muffy

Jouer Long-Wear Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick in Noisette

Staying on the topic of liquid lipsticks, today I am bringing your way a review of the Jouer Long-Wear Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick in Noisette. I heard mixed opinions about this product and decided to check it out for myself. The colour I picked would not come as a surprise, as it's my typical brownish nude. But let's get into the review, shall we.

Jouer Long-Wear Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick's Applicator

The product comes in a sleek rectangular packaging which I like. The wand is pretty standard, however the handle feels a bit toy-like. I'd guess because it's noticeably smaller compared to other liquid lipsticks in my collection. That being said it's nothing major that would stop me from using this product. The liquid lipstick has a distinguishable sweet scent and contains Vitamin E. It's paraben and cruelty-free and has a shelf life of 12 months after opening. 

In terms of formula, it's quite thin but opaque (Dose of Colors texture is more cushiony). It doesn't dry immediately which I appreciate, because it gives enough time to perfect the application. It feels extremely comfortable on the lips for a few hours but as with all liquid lipsticks it starts feeling drying eventually. When that happens, I just put a lip balm on top and continue with my day. It doesn't flake nor fade away in a weird or patchy manner.

Jouer Long-Wear Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick in Noisette

The colour Noisette I adore. I own a lot of browny nudes but this one stands out as it's more of a warmer brown. For comparison MAC Whirl is more rosey and Urban Decay 1993 is darker and cooler. 

Overall, I am very happy with this product. I am actually shocked by how much I ended up liking it. It must be the best liquid lipstick I have tried thus far, followed closely by the Dose of Colors Truffle. I can't say that all Jouer liquid lipsticks are created equal as I have tried only Noisette, but this one is a keeper! 

Let me know if you have tried any of the Jouer liquid lipsticks and what are your thoughts. I'd love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Dose Of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick in Truffle

Dose of Colors is hands down the brand I have wanted to try for the longest time, but it has been pretty challenging to get in Europe. Now this has changed as Beautybay started carrying it. I initially wanted to pick up the liquid matte lipstick in Stone, but that shade seems to be sold out all the time everywhere. I was lucky enough though to snatch Truffle, which has been on my radar as well. I have tried quite a few liquid lipstick formulas and I wanted to see how this one compares. To find out just that keep on reading!

The reason why I got interested in the brand is because it's vegan and cruelty-free, plus it's still a rather niche brand. I personally like to support niche and indie brands. The product comes in a really nice cardboard packaging which is colour coded. The liquid lipstick tube has a frosted-glass effect that is very sleek and modern looking. I personally think the packaging and overall presentation is on point. Besides being vegan and cruelty-free the Dose of Colors liquid matte lipsticks are formulated without parabens and gluten. That is why the shelf life is only 6 months before the product goes bad. 

The applicator is quite unique. It's not your traditional doe foot. It has a slight dent which allows for more precise application and control. I never mess up when using this product. It's much more user friendly compared to others I have tested. In terms of formula it doesn't disappoint. It's opaque with one swipe and doesn't dry too fast, which means you can still perfect your application if need be. As it's a matte liquid lipstick it will be drying, but it's not as drying as for instance La Splash, Sleek and Stila. I noticed that I start feeling like I want to apply lip balm when I have worn it for about 3-4 hours. I think that's pretty good for a matte lipstick. Usually with other similar products within an hour or so I start feeling like it's crusty and super drying. 

Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick in Truffle

When it comes to longevity it performs really well. If I eat salad or something non-greasy during the day it can easily last the whole day. It doesn't wear off ugly like some matte liquid lipsticks tend to do. This can be due to the formula but also the shade. It's very close to my natural lip colour therefore you can't really see distinctively where it has worn off. In terms of shade I would describe Truffle as a darker pinky-nude. It's in the same colour family as for example Mac Velvet Teddy. Below, I have swatched it next to the Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit. They are quite similar, but Sleek's Birthday Suit is more rosy. Sleek is also a cruelty-free brand but I have been put off when I noticed that the shelf life of it's Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit is 36 months! 

L-R: Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit and Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick in Truffle

Overall, I am very pleased with the Dose of Colors Liquid Matte Lipstick in Truffle. In the future I would like to try other colours such as Stone and Cork, but for now I am pretty satisfied with what I have. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative of similar shade, Sleek's Birthday Suit is a good one (as long as you are not bothered by an insanely long shelf life for a liquid product).  

I hope you found this useful. Let me know if you have tried any of the Dose of Colors liquid lipsticks and what are your favourite shades!

Cheers,
Muffy

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel - Magic in a Bottle

As promised here is a review on one of the best discoveries I made during 2015 - Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel. This is by no means a cleanser I use to take off my makeup, that would be such a disgrace since this thing is darn expensive. I use it as my 2nd cleanse. But let's start from the beginning, shall we. 

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Illuminating Vitamin Melting Cleanser

Oskia is a British skincare brand whose products are formulated by a team of nutritionists, cosmetics scientists and skincare specialists. It combines the best of both worlds, science and nature.  Renaissance Cleansing Gel comes in a 100ml bottle, which in my opinion is a descent amount. I love that it has a pump, so you don't have to bother with the squeeze tube. However, I don't like that I can't see how much product is left, which means I would be one unhappy person when it runs out without me anticipating it. Anyhow, it's packed full of wonderful ingredients and is suitable for the most sensitive of skins. I can totally vouch for that since I have extremely sensitive, atopic and eczema prone skin and this cleanser doesn't irritate it. It's also paraben free and suitable for use during pregnancy.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel Comes With a Pump

In terms of ingredients it contains vitamins A, C and E, Omega 6, Pumpkin Enzyme, Chamomile and Rose. Omega 6 is especially important for those people suffering from dry itchy skin, eczema or psoriasis. The consistency of this cleanser as the name suggests is of a gel. It has a pinky colour and a lovely rose scent. It's not an artificial rose, it's that of a real rose bush that blooms in summer. I adore the scent! How this product works; you simply rub it onto dry clean skin and it turns into an oil. I usually take a good amount of time to work it into the skin and wash it off. The skin is left feeling nourished and smooth without over drying it. I have been on a hunt for a cleanser that would not dry my skin out and offer actual skincare benefits. I have to say this ticks all the boxes for me. I don't think I will be trying a new cleanser anytime soon. 

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel Contains

Compared to other higher-end cleansers of a similar kind this one actually doesn't seem too bad price wise. For instance Tata Harper, Black Chicken Remedies, Sarah Chapman and Dr. Alkaitis come at a much heftier price tag. 

If you have been looking for a really good cleanser to pamper your skin and if everything else is simply too drying , give this one a go. Plus, Beautybay (that's where I got mine) occasionally runs some nice discounts site wide, so you can get it slightly cheaper.

Let me know what is your current favourite cleanser and if you can recommend one for extremely dry and sensitive skin. I would love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence

Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence has caught my attention about six months ago. I have been waiting for a moment when there will be finally a product along the lines of essence that is so popular in Asia. I am sure you have heard of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which is one of the most known in the skincare industry. Asians incorporate essence as part of their everyday skincare routine. I have given it a fair test and to find out if it's a marketing gimmick or something worth looking into then keep on reading!

Let's start with defining essence. It is not a toner nor a cleanser. Due to its high doses of active ingredients it's meant to sink deep into the skin when it has already been properly prepped. However, it shouldn't be confused with serums that come in smaller jars with an even higher concentration of ingredients. Kiehl's Iris Essence comes in a 200ml plastic bottle. Traditionally essence is stored in glass bottles, but I don't really mind the plastic. It means that it's that much lighter to carry if I take it with me whilst travelling. It is paraben and oil free. As with all essences the texture is very similar to water. It's runny and velvety. You need just a few drops to cover your entire face. Do not put this product onto a cotton pad, rather squeeze a few drops directly into your palms. I suggest patting the product into the skin instead of rubbing.

The key ingredient as the name suggests is the Iris Florentina Root Extract. It also contains Lipo Hydroxy Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate. It claims to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, dullness and rough texture over time. It's suitable for all skin types. I have been using this product since March, so for a good 5 months. I apply it in the morning and evening. This product should be added as an extra step in your skincare routine after toning and before serum. It helps prime the skin and ensures that whatever you put afterwards sinks in faster, penetrating the deeper layers of your skin. I have been really enjoying this product and I noticed somewhat of a difference in my skin. I like it mostly for its hydrating properties. My skin is extremely dehydrated while being combination. Therefore I really look for a product that will add moisture back to my skin without leaving it feeling greasy. And I see this one ticking all the boxes. In terms of fine lines and rough texture I haven't noticed a massive difference. However, I think that my skin looks more radiant and plumped. I haven't gotten any new breakouts either. I also noticed that the serums and masks absorb more rapidly after I incorporated this product into my regime. 

Is this a must have product? It depends. I personally like it. I enjoy having that extra step in my routine and it works in terms of keeping my breakouts at bay and providing hydration to my skin. That being said if you are used to products that deliver over night results this is not it. With this product you have to use it consistently over a course of weeks in order to notice a difference. Regarding its anti-aging properties I can't really comment either. I would say if anti-aging is your main concern maybe look for something more potent. 

As with all Kiehl's products you can ask for a sample prior to purchasing a full size product. I suggest asking for a couple of sachets, those will last you for a good week or so. You can get this product at your nearest Kiehl's counter or online.

Let me know if you have tried similar products and what your thoughts are!

Cheers,
Muffy

Glam Glow Thirstymud Mask - Worth the Hype?

Glam Glow masks have been around for some time and only until recently I decided to give into the hype and try them out. Let me put it out there, YES it is an expensive mask especially considering the amount of product you get. However, I wanted to see for myself if the hype was real. The one I chose is the Glam Glow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment. To find out whether to save your pennies or splurge keep on reading!

Glam Glow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment

Glam Glow Thirstymud, as the name suggests is a hydrating mask. It claims to provide extreme moisture and is labelled as a  "Thirst-Quenching Hit in a Jar" that defeats dry, dehydrated skin. Among the active ingredients it has: hyaluronic acid and citric acid, coconut, ginger root, apples, raw honey and teaoxi olive leaf. It is free from parabens,sulfates and phthalates. All Glam Glow products except the Thirstymud mask are vegan-friendly, and all of them are cruelty free. You can use this mask in multiple ways which really pleases me. During the day you can apply it as a standard mask, leave it for 10-15 min and rinse with water. For a more intense hydration you can use it as an overnight sleeping mask. Just put a thick layer on your skin 10-15 min before going to bed to let it absorb. This mask can be your best friend when flying. Usually the air is very dry in a plane. Therefore to hydrate your skin and prevent it from going bunkers you can apply this mask at the beginning of the flight and leave it on for the duration of the flight.

Glam Glow Thirsdymud Hydrating Treatment Consistency

In terms of consistency it is very similar to a thick moisturiser. It has a beige tint to it and the scent is just divine. It smells like summer, vacation, coconuts and vanilla. It applies easily to the skin and absorbs within 15 min. You feel right away how your skin sucks in all the moisture. If you have dehydrated skin you know what I mean, it's the best feeling ever! This is the mask I pull out when I have dry patches and my skin is extremely dehydrated. It works wonders. It is important to note that you need a tiny little bit of this product to get the desired results. Unlike with the other Glam Glow masks, this one has lasted me for a good 6 months and is still going strong. I use it consistently once or twice a week. 

Did it live up to my expectations? Yes. I think it delivers exactly what it promises. I can see results when I use this mask. It has great ingredients and it has lasted me a long time. Is it worth the hefty price tag? Well, here is where it gets complicated. I have been gifted this mask and I enjoy using it. However, would I go and buy it myself, I am not sure. The thing is that there are masks out there that perform along the same lines for a fraction of the price.  I would say Origins Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask are good alternatives. I have been eyeing the Body Shop's Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask and likely be picking it up once I run out of this one. 

Bottom line is, I am happy to have this mask. It has been working great for me and I know it can get my dehydrated and dull skin sorted. However, if you are new to the whole overnight hydrating masks trend, I say try Origin's or Kiehl's and see how you get along. If you want to treat yourself and get pampered, this is a good one to go for! You can purchase it from Lookfantastic and it's on offer now.

Let me know if you have tried Body Shop's Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, I would love to know your thoughts!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Is It That Good?

I am sure you have heard about the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate in one way or another. I have been using Midnight Recovery Concentrate consistently for about two years now, and I can say with confidence - it's that good! But let's start from the beginning.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 

Kiehl's Mignight Recovery Concentrate, as the name implies, is a serum/facial oil you apply in the evening before going to bed. It can be used on its own or under a moisturiser. I typically use it on its own since I feel it doubles nicely as a moisturiser. The key ingredients are: evening primrose oil, lavender essential oil, jojoba seed oil and squalane (botanical lipid that helps restore skin's natural moisture balance). It's paraben, fragrance and mineral oil free. It claims to regenerate, replenish and repair for a smoother, healthier looking skin. It comes in a 30ml and 50ml glass bottle, which in my opinion is a good amount of product. I have mine in 30ml and it lasts me for a year. It has a dropper applicator and I apply around 3 drops of the product on my face. It doesn't absorb immediately but within about 10-15 min. It doesn't feel greasy or slippery on the face, which is a big plus. It has a slight scent of lavender but I don't find it too overpowering.

With this product I actually see the difference in my skin. Every time I use it, in the morning my skin looks glowy, plumped and redness is diminished. I have combination skin and it works wonders. It soothes aggravated breakouts and helps heal them. It's also effective for getting rid of dry patches. I would imagine this product to be suitable for all skin types. For instance my sister has dry skin and she has been enjoying it as well. It hasn't caused any sort of allergic reaction or irritation on my skin and I have a pretty sensitive one. As with all Kiehl's products they are generous at giving samples, so if unsure I highly recommend trying it out before committing to the full size product. 

Tip: Even though this product is targeted for the face it can be used for multiple purposes. If you have dry hands, cuticles or dry areas on your body you can add a few drops to your hand cream or lotion. This would intensify the nourishment. It can also be used as a bath oil, if you want to treat yourself to a calming, relaxing bath. Lavender is very good for relieving stress.

I am not one to rave about the skincare product unless I have given it a proper long-term test. Therefore, I am comfortable in saying that if you are looking for a new face oil, give this one a go. It's paraben and mineral oil free and is 99.8% naturally-derived. It does what it says on the tin. I am not sure how effective it's in terms of anti-aging, since I am still in my 20s but we shall see in ten years. A 30ml bottle retails for 42,00€ and you can purchase it at your nearest Kiehl's counter.

What is your tried and true serum/face oil/treatment? I'd love know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Blushing with Makeup Geek

I have a confession to make: I love blush. It is one of my favourite parts in a makeup routine. A normal person doesn't need a blush of every single rainbow colour, unless you are obsessed with it like me. In order to satisfy my craving but not spend a fortune on it I looked to Makeup Geek. I say if you are a blush addict you need to stop whatever you are doing and check out Makeup Geek blushes now!

I have already reviewed Makeup Geek eyeshadows and pigments, so if you are interested you can give them a read here and here. All Makeup Geek products are talc free, paraben free, cruelty free and are made in the USA. I have a total of 6 blushes in my collection and I believe the range consists of 13 shades. These blushes come in pan format and as compacts. I prefer the pan simply because it is easier to store and I can have all my blushes in one place. I keep them usually in a Z palette, which you can purchase from Makeup Geek website or Beautybay. Now let's take a closer look at the blushes. I have the following shades:

Bliss - light peachy coral

Summer Fling - soft burnt orange

Infatuation - medium matte terracotta 

Secret Admirer - light orchid purple

Randezvous - rosey to medium pink with purple undertones

Love Affair - intense pink - coral

L-R: Bliss, Summer Fling, Infatuation

L-R: Bliss, Summer Fling, Infatuation

L-R: Secret Admirer, Randezvous, Love Affair

L-R: Secret Admirer, Randezvous, Love Affair

Makeup Geek blushes are a dream to work with. They are very smooth and highly pigmented. With shades like Love Affair it is enough to just dab your brush a little bit, otherwise you can overdo it. They blend seamlessly on your cheeks without leaving streaks. In terms of longevity they are the best blushes I have tried hands down. Usually when I put blush in the morning by lunch time it is almost gone. When I use these blushes they do not budge. That is the one quality I appreciate most about these blushes. The shade selection is also very good; you have warm and cool tones. However, I would have liked to see a natural rosy shade along the lines of Tarte Exposed, Mac Cubic, NARS Douceur and Urban Decay Video. 

In my opinion Makeup Geek blushes are comparable to Mac. I don't own any Mac blushes and the main reason is because I am very satisfied with these. Mac blushes are of the same size, can be bought in a pan or compact and have a wide range of colours. However, Mac blushes retail for 22,00$ per compact and 17,00$ per pan, while Makeup Geek for 12,99$ and 9,99$ respectively. Makeup Geek ships internationally.

If you are looking for new blushes that are cruelty, paraben and talc free, affordable, and have some fun colours, Makeup Geek is where it is at. You can't go wrong with Bliss or Infatuation: those are flattering on anyone if you ask me. If you fancy unique colours or a potential dupe for Mac's Full of Joy that was discontinued - Secret Admirer is worth checking out!

What is your all-time favourite blush? Let me know!

Cheers,

Muffy

Behind the Scenes of CosmEthics

Remember I told you that I will be digging deeper into CosmEthics App? Well, I did. I actually contacted the company and had the pleasure of visiting them at their office in Helsinki. Having worked in a startup myself I really enjoy the cosy and friendly atmosphere that it comes with. I had the opportunity to chat with a few people and I am bringing your way some interesting insight into the app and its development. 

The first thing I was curious to discover was what is happening at their end once I attach the pictures for analysis and press the send button. They get a tremendous amount of new products sent to them daily. Hence the time it takes for a product to be added to their database depends on the amount of products they have waiting in a pipeline. They keep track of the time it takes to analyse the product and are aiming to improve it constantly. The actual process consists of three steps: typing the ingredients, verifying the ingredients and checking for toxicity by the in-house bio-scientitsts and referencing scientific research. I really appreciate that they have an actual science team working with them. It is comprised of people from various backgrounds such as chemistry, biochemistry and toxicology. This gives at least reasonable credibility to the validity of their information.

What is also interesting is how they compile their default lists. I asked about the Vegan one in particular. They have put it together based on the concerns vegans usually have and also feedback they received from people who are vegan. I think it is fantastic that they listen to people and want to continuously meet their needs better. A good example of this gesture was also when I mentioned having an atopic eczema. They immediately suggested that I talk with their scientists and see if they can make a corresponding list. Despite their main market currently being Europe they are planning on expanding. You can already get the app in several languages: Finnish, Chinese, Portuguese and French. 

Overall I think this app has a lot of potential. It is not only important for educating people but also increasing visibility for niche brands that have good quality products and ethics, but not necessarily millions to allocate for marketing. It can become a viral hit like Uber (biggest taxi company in the world that doesn't  own a single taxi but provides a platform) bringing a positive impact on how people consume and discover products.

This app is definitely worth checking out if you still haven't. With our society becoming more conscious of what it consumes in terms of food and cosmetics, I believe this app responds to this newfound awareness. 

If you've tried this app I would love to hear your thoughts! What are the things you enjoyed and what could be developed better?

Cheers,
Muffy

Disclaimer : I was not sponsored by ComsEthics to write this post, I wrote it out of my own interest.

LA Girl Cruelty Free BB Cream

As the weather gets warmer I like to go lighter on the base. I put aside heavier coverage products and pull out something that makes my skin look a little bit more even but still able to breath. I don't mind my imperfections peeking through. My all time favourite base that fits these criteria is the Armani Luminescence CC Bright Moisturiser SPF 35. However, I wanted to find a more reasonably priced alternative. That is when I bumped into LA Girl Pro BB Cream and I have been using it religiously ever since.

La Girl Pro BB Creams

La Girl is an affordable US based brand that offers a variety of makeup products. I have previously raved about their concealers. If you are curious you can give it a read here. These Pro BB Creams are cruelty free, paraben free and fragrance free. They come in a variety of shades ranging from fair to dark. I am sure you can find one suitable for yourself. I initially picked up the Natural one but it ended up being slightly too dark, so I placed another order for the Light version. Now that I have a little bit more colour I like to mix the two together. They have one variant in between Light and Natural which is the Light Medium and I am guessing that one is probably an ideal match for me. I am an NC25-30 in MAC for reference. 

L-R: La Girl Pro BB Cream in Light and Natural

The consistency of these BB Creams is very pleasant. It is not too thick nor runny. It blends in easily and you can apply it with your fingers or a buffing brush. If I am in a hurry I just slap it on with my fingers and I am out of the door. It offers a light coverage but it is buildable. It will not cover imperfections, scaring or discolouration. I would suggest using a concealer for those areas. This BB cream provides a satin finish. I like to set it with a powder in any case, just because I have combination skin.  It wears beautifully through the day and you don't feel like you have anything on your face. In about 5 hours I would need to touch up with powder or blotting papers since I do get oily, but that happens with any foundation, bb cream or cc cream. 

The best part about this product besides everything else I mentioned is that it's affordable. It retails for 5,50$ and you get 30ml of product. I purchased mine from BeautyJoint. The only downside and a big bummer is that it does not have an SPF factor. I always apply a separate SPF or a moisturiser with an SPF regardless, so it is not really a deal breaker for me. But I can understand how it can be for some people. Although, if you are going somewhere where you will be photographed it is a good choice. The flash will not reflect off you as bad and cause a stark white face, which usually happens when you wear a base with high SPF. 

Overall I think this is a great product. It is moisturising, evens out skin tone and is good for those days when you can't be arsed to do the whole makeup shebang. If it is crucial for your base to have an SPF protection, I would naturally suggest skipping this one. 

Do you have any suggestions for an affordable light weight BB or CC creams with SPF? I would love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Mac Paint Pot vs Milani Shadow Eyez Pencil

If you want to get into Mac and don't know where to start, Mac Paint Pots are among the first things you should go for. They are very common in the beauty world and many people swear by them. I was very intrigued to try them for myself and after careful deliberation I decided to go with Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Groundwork. I was looking for an everyday eyeshadow base with a slight hint of colour that I can just slap on and go. Little did I know that I could have saved pennies big time!

Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork and Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait

In a nutshell Mac Paint Pots are cream eyeshadows that can be worn alone or used as an eyeshadow base. They come in an array of mostly neutral colours but you can find some really unique shades like sea foam (a.k.a Mac Paint Pot in Clearwater). Finishes vary as well from matte, to shimmery, to frost, to metallic. Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork is a matte neutral taupe colour. It is not too warm and not too cool, it gives just enough colour to make your eyelids look more put together. I really enjoy this colour. I usually wear it on its own. It would work especially well as a base for cooler shadows, since it has that taupe hue. Mac Paint Pots claim to be long-wearing up to 15 hours, water-resistant, stay-true to colour and crease-proof. I do not completely agee with that. In terms of staying true to colour it is so, what you see is what you get. However, long-wearing and crease-proof, not so much. When worn on its own it creases on me after maybe 5 hours of wear. However if used as an eyeshadow base it creases on me within a couple of hours. I need to use a separate eyeshadow primer like Nars Smudge Eyeshadow Base underneath to ensure it stays all day.

Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork

Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait

Now let's look at Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait. Milani is a US based affordable makeup brand that offers a wide range of products, among which are Shadow Eyez. They are eyeshadow pencils that can be worn alone as an eyeshadow base or as an eyeliner. I picked two colours: Almond Cream and Cafe Au Lait. They do have a decent selection of colours and finishes (matte & shimmery), but nowhere near to that of Mac's Paint Pots. Cafe Au Lait is a matte mid-toned, brownish-taupe colour. It is extremely similar to Groundwork. It might not look like it when swatched but on the lids when blended they look identical. One day I wore Mac's Groundwork on one eye and Milani's Cafe Au Lait on the other and nobody told me I look crazy. Shadow Eyez are not as creamy in consistency so you have to work a little bit harder to blend them out. They claim to be long lasting up to 12 hours, water-resistant and crease-proof. Here again I would disagree, as with Paint Pots they last around 5 hours on me until I start seeing a slight creasing. 

L-R:Milani Shadow Eyez Cafe Au Lait and Mac Paint Pot Groundwork

Mac Paint Pot in Groundwork and Milani Shadow Eyez in Cafe Au Lait are dupes in my eyes. They serve the same purpose, the colour is spot on and the longevity is the same. The only difference is that Mac's Groundwork comes in a pot, while Milani's Cafe Au Lait is a pencil which you need to sharpen. It is worth pointing out that the glass jar is not particularly travel friendly, while a pencil you can just throw in your bag. Another substantial difference is that Milani is a cruelty free brand and these pencils are paraben free. In terms of price Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pots retail for 20,50€, while Milani Shadow Eyez are sold for 6,99$. You do get 5g of product in Mac Paint Pots and only 2,8g with Shadow Eyez pencils. That being said, for you to use up an entire Mac Paint Pot before it dries out you have to use it every single day. 

I enjoy both products and iterate depending on my mood. If you have been wondering what is all the rave surrounding Mac Paint Pots and wanted to see for yourself, I say try Milani Shadow Eyez first. I would imagine Milani's Shadow Eyez in Almond Cream to be a great alternative to the very popular Mac Paint Pot in Painterly. You can get Milani products from BeautyJoint. 

Let me know if you will be giving Shadow Eyez by Milani a go!

Cheers,
Muffy

Unmasking the Mask

Very often masks are overlooked in the everyday skincare routine. I am not going to lie, I often forget to use them myself. Even if I have several masks in rotation I rarely see the results which make me want to comeback to a certain mask. What am I looking for in a mask? My main concern is to keep those pesky breakouts at bay and nourish my skin with good ingredients. Easier said than done. However, there has been one mask that hasn't left my skincare cupboard in a while and I doubt that this will change anytime soon. Of course, I am always thinking that maybe there is something better out there, but for the time being I am happy with what I have. This mysterious mask is the Lush's Mask of Magnaminty. Besides the tongue twisting name, it is a fantastic mask and here is why.

Lush Mask of Magnaminty

All Lush products are cruelty free and handmade. The self-preserving Mask of Magnaminty is also 100% natural. It is a new formula that they have brought out recently, which is great. This means that it is free from preservatives. They have managed to do so without altering the look, the feel and reducing the shelf life of the product. For instance, I have used an original formula that contained Mathylparaben and the self-preserving one that is paraben free. They have performed equally good and both have a shelf life of 4 months. The key ingredients are peppermint oil, african marigold oil, evening primrose seeds, fair trade vanilla and honey.

Consistency and Colour of Mask of Magnaminty

Let's talk about the consistency for a minute. It is pretty thick but you can easily scoop it out with your fingers. You can feel that it has been handmade as the texture is grainy, unlike with mass produced ones. As the name suggests, you can without fail distinguish the pepperminty scent and the colour supports the theme as well. I personally love both features. I find that peppermint is very refreshing and cooling to the skin. It says to leave this mask on for five to ten minutes, I usually keep it for 20 or 30 min. I am not too precise when it comes to timing my masks, unless it is a very strong one. The mask dries in about ten minutes and you can wash it off with warm water. It doubles up as a scrub due to its texture. The results are noticeable right away. You are left with more brighter and fresh looking skin. The inflammation and redness is reduced. It soothes the skin and you don't have that nasty feeling like your skin has been drained of all its moisture. I always bring this bad boy out when my skin is feeling dull, congested and needs a little bit of a pick me up. The only concern I have is that the big pot contains 315g of product and it is very difficult to use it all up in 4 months. Especially if you are using other masks in conjunction. Therefore, I would recommend starting with a smaller size (125g) and see how you get along. 

Tip: If you are unsure how your skin will react to this mask, you can ask for a sample. At Lush they can easily decant a little bit of product and give it to you to try at home. I advice doing this if you have sensitive skin. 

Overall I am very pleased with this mask. I have gone through numerous tubs of it. I like how it makes my skin feel, it is cruelty free, 100% natural and reasonably priced. The bigger pot retails for 17,65€ and smaller one for 10,50€. You can get it at your nearest Lush counter or online. 

Do you have any recommendations for what I should try next from Lush?

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 vs Lush Honey Trap

Nobody likes the look and feel of dry lips. Lip balm is an essential product in anybody's everyday routine. Despite being such a staple, it is difficult to find one that actually works. Now I became even more picky as I want it to be cruelty free, paraben free and do it's job. Lately I have been testing out Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush's Honey Trap lip balm. If you want to hear my thoughts, then keep on reading!

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm

Kiehl's lip balm comes in a squeeze tube which I think is a big plus, as you don't have to dip your finger to get the product out. You get 15ml of product, and it retails for 8,00€, which is reasonable. It doesn't have any distinguishable fragrance, but to me it is very reminiscent of vaseline scent. My biggest problem with this lip balm is the consistency. It is very slippery, it doesn't absorb into my lips and just pretty much sits on top of them. Hence, you are left with a glossy finish on your lips. The list of ingredients is not too impressive either. At the very top you get Petrolatum and a few natural ingredients appear at the end like the Aloe Leaf Extract. Kiehl's is considered a brand that tests on animals since its products are sold in China, which requires imported cosmetics be tested on animals.

Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm and Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 Packaging

Next up is the Honey Trap lip balm from Lush. Unlike Kiehl's lip balm it comes in a pot so you have to scoop the product out, which I am a little bit iffy about. It comes with 8g of product and is sold for 11,50€. I really like the consistency, it is very moisturising without feeling greasy. It gives your lips a slight sheen but nothing too glossy. I personally really like the scent, I can definitely pick up the notes of honey and vanilla. In term of ingredients it is packed with nourishing goodies like shea butter, almond oil, honey and extra virgin olive oil. It does contain Beeswax, so it is not suitable for vegans. But don't you despair, Lush also has a vegan version called None of Your Beesewax. It replaces beeswax with an extra virgin coconut oil and shea butter to give it a light texture and a slip. Among other ingredients are exotic mandarin oil, murumuru and cupuaçu butters. I don't own this one but I tried it at the store and I think I will be picking it up when I run out of the Honey Trap.

Overall my verdict is that Kiehl's lip balm #1 is an overrated vaseline with not so good ingredients. Honey Trap on the other hand
ticks all the boxes for me: it is cruelty free, paraben free and helps my dry lips. If you are looking to try a new lip balm, I say skip Kiehl's and check out Lush's Honey Trap instead! You can get it at your nearest Lush store or online. 

If you know of a good cruelty free, paraben free lip balm with an spf, let me know!

Cheers,
Muffy