The Body Shop Skin Defence Essence SPF 50 PA++++

Finding a suitable daily sunscreen/SPF can be pretty tricky, that is why I am still on a hunt for one. For my liking it shouldn't leave a white cast, cause breakouts or feel greasy. On top of that it should provide a sufficient level of protection, have a relatively clean list of ingredients and be cruelty-free. In the past I have enjoyed using Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defence SPF 50 but it no longer ticks all the boxes for me. Hence, I decided to branch out and try Body Shop's Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA++++.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50++++

The product comes in a simple white tube which for some reason reminds me of asian skincare packaging. I quite like it. You get 40ml of product and it has an expiration time of 12 months. The texture is quite runny and lightweight. It absorbs extremely fast into the skin without leaving a white cast. If you are not careful and over apply (which tends to happen since the consistency is watery and it's harder to control how much product comes out) it can make your face look shiny. For me this is not an all-year-round product. I prefer something a bit more nourishing during the winter months.

It doesn't have a typical sunscreen scent, which is a bummer because weirdly enough I do enjoy it. The scent it does have, in my opinion, is quite overpowering with a strong reminiscence of alcohol. It also tends to linger on the skin for a prolonged period of time. 

In terms of ingredients it contains Alcohol Denat at the very top of the list, which explains the borderline alcohol scent. Alcohol can be drying and irritating especially for sensitive skin. Perfume is another irritant that can be found in this product and something to be wary of. Among other ingredients it has Red algae extract and Vitamin C but in rather low amounts as these appear at the bottom of the list. This product hasn't broken me out after continuous use.

Overall, I was not a fan of this product. I was actually looking forward to using it up and trying something else instead. It's overly perfumed, has a too high concentration of alcohol to be used on a daily basis, didn't do much for my skin and frankly speaking is extremely overpriced for what it is (in Finland it retails for 29,50 Euros). As such my search for a perfect SPF continues... 

If you know of any good cruelty-free sunscreen with a clean list of ingredients, do let the girl know!

Until next time,

Muffy

Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask

I have been on a hunt for a reasonably priced hydrating mask after I have run out of the Glam Glow one which is extremely pricey and not in my budget at the moment. Having looked around I decided to pick up the Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask and see if it's any good. I have been using it for a good few months and now feel comfortable sharing my thoughts with you. 

As always let's start with the packaging. It comes in a squeeze tube with no outer cardboard packaging. The design is pretty basic and non-offensive. You get 118ml of product which is a good amount and should last for quite some time. It has a shelf life of 12 months after opening. It has no distinct scent. It's cruelty free, non-irritating, fragrance free and made in the USA. It's suitable for normal, dry and very dry skin.

When it comes to ingredients it's packed with various oils such as borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, olive fruit oil and apricot kernel oil. It doesn't contain PEGs which I personally try to avoid in my skincare. 

In terms of consistency it's on a thicker side but non-greasy. It glides over the face easily and absorbs quite quickly without leaving a sticky residue, which I appreciate. You can use this product as a typical mask leaving it for 20 min and rinsing it off or as an overnight mask. I prefer using it as an overnight mask. Occasionally when my skin feels exceptionally dry I use it as a night cream on consecutive days and it has worked well in this way too.

I will continue using this product and think it's a good one if you want a basic straightforward hydrating mask. It won't do miracles but no skincare will, but it will help relieve dry, irritated skin. It doesn't cost a fortune and the squeeze tube packaging helps retain the properties of light and air-sensitive ingredients.

I hope you found this helpful. I'd be happy to hear if you have tried Paula's Choice skincare and what you would recommend!

Until next time,
Muffy

Laura Mercier Highlight 01

I have been eyeing this product for over a year, but it hasn't been easy to get it where I live due to shipping restrictions or the product being simply out of stock. However, I was lucky enough to get it as a birthday present from my friend, oh boy was I stoked. The product I am referring to is the Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight 01, also commonly known as the Highlight 01. Spoiler alert - it did not disappoint, but to find out all the nitty-gritty details keep on reading!

Laura Mercier Highlight 01

Let's start with the packaging first. The product comes in a sleek black plastic compact, which in my opinion is unnecessarily bulky. Personally I would have preferred a slimmer packaging but I can understand where the company was coming from. Highlighting powders tend to be extremely fragile so I guess a heftier packaging makes it more secure. If that is the case or not, I am not sure and hopefully wouldn't have to find out.

You get 7,5g of product which is a generous amount, considering how little you need per application.For comparison Dior Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink contains 6g of product. In terms of ingredients it contains vitamin E and jojoba oil, which makes the formula less drying. It does however contain talc, therefore if you are sensitive or simply want to avoid it, this might not be the product for you. On the outer packaging it does say that the product has been dermatologically and allergy tested to minimize the risk of allergy and irritation. It hasn't broken me out, but this is just my experience. This product has a shelf life of 18 months. According to the research I have done I consider Laura Mercier to be cruelty-free. 

Laura Mercier Highlight 01- smooth baked powder formula

The product itself is of a dome-shape and is super silky and smooth to the touch. It doesn't contain any chunks of glitter or shimmer. When I dip my brush into the product, it does kick off a bit of powder. As a result I expect the compact to get messy especially with a prolonged use. That doesn't bother me, as I am pretty real with my makeup, but wanted to throw it out there just in case.

I would describe the highlight colour as a nude. It's not too cool nor too warm. It's extremely brightening on the cheekbones. Due to its finely-milled formulation it doesn't emphasise any texture on the skin and believe me I do have plenty. It provides an ethereal glow without being too obvious. If you want you can build it up for a more intense glow without looking like a disco-ball. It has a very good lasting power, when I come home in the evening I can still see it. It's a perfect highlighter if you work in an office environment or for those days when you don't prefer to be seen from outer space. 

Laura Mercier Highlight 01 swatch in a day light

Overall, I am very pleased with this product and will happily continue using it. If you have been afraid of highlighters because they would emphasise every pore and unevenness on your skin, or you can't decide what colour would work you, I would highly recommend checking this one out. It's not cheap but you get a good amount of product that will last you a long time. If your primary concern is finding a highlighter that doesn't contain talc I would keep my eyes peeled out for the new Makeup Geek highlighters that should be launching sometime in the near future.

Let me know what is your go-to highlighter and whether you prefer a subtle or a popping glow!

Until next time,

Muffy

Kypris Moonlight Catalyst

Today let's talk a little bit about luxury high-performance organic skincare. I have the Kypris Moonlight Catalyst here which I have been using consistently since March. As such I had a good amount of time to see how it performs, if it made any difference and eventually if it's worth the money.

Kypris Moonlight Catalyst

As per usual let's quickly look at the packaging. I think both the outer box and the actual glass bottle are stunning. I really like its presentation, aesthetics and uniqueness. What's more it actually feels and looks luxurious to me. Very often you pay immense amounts of money for a product and it comes in a cheap plastic packaging and even worse if it comes in a jar (meaning that it get's exposed to the air every time you open it and it looses all it's valuable properties).

Kypris Moonlight Catalyst simply put is an exfoliating serum that you use ONLY at night. It enhances cellular renewal, refines skin texture and evens skin tone. In my opinion you get a good amount of product (47ml) and it should last you for 6 months after opening. The consistency is that of a gel and you need 3-4 drops to cover your face and neck. You can use it on its own as a last step of your night routine or in combination with Kypris Beauty Elixirs or other oils, moisturizers of your choice. It's also a fantastic alternative to traditional retinol treatments if those are too harsh for you or if you are pregnant. 

It's packed full of amazing ingredients such as fermented pumpkin enzyme, Hawaiian sea algae, xylitylglucosides, rosehip seed extract, sea buckthorn fruit extract and neroli flower extract just to name a few. It's free from essential oils, it's vegan, cruelty-free and is sustainably sourced. 

Naturally anyone can use this product but it's especially beneficial for dull, tired or blemish-prone skin. Since it's an exfoliator and reveals new skin you HAVE to use an SPF during the day regardless of the season. 

As to my experience with this product, I have been blown away to say the least! I have never seen a skin care product deliver such visible results. I am talking about people commenting on how good my skin looks. I am not saying this as a person that naturally has good skin to begin with, that is not at all the case. I am actually a good example of someone that has struggled with pimples, texture and dark spots for years. Therefore, when I get compliments from people about my skin it's a BIG deal. I also noticed that my skin feels much smoother, I have less break-outs and it's more radiant. I will with no doubt continue using this product and re-purchase. 

Overall, I can warmly recommend the Kypris Moonlight Catalyst. Sure it's pricey but if you consider the amount you get (47ml NOT 30ml) and how much other luxury brands cost (e.g Sunday Riley, Tata Harper, Vitner's Daughter etc.) it's not that bad. Luckily it's becoming more available internationally and you can get it from CultBeauty or if you are in Finland from Liinu'n Organic Beauty. 

I hope you found this useful. I can't wait to try more Kypris products. I have been eyeing their Pot of Shade - Heliotropic broad spectrum SPF 30. Let me know if you have tried it!

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

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Embrace

I am not a fan of cream blushes. When I think about cream blush I can't help but feel like it's messy, will slide off my face and leave a greasy residue. But recently I came across a new brand of makeup called Kjaer Weis. Her cream blushes seem to get exceptional reviews and I decided to give it a go. I picked up the lightest shade in the collection called Embrace.

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace

Kjaer Weis is an organic luxury brand. Her products come in a modern yet sophisticated packaging which is refillable. I highly appreciate the brand's zero-waste packaging ideology. As I already have a few z-palettes I opted for a refill option just to see how I get along - plus it's cheaper. I do wish to get a proper compact eventually. 

Now let's talk a bit about the actual blush. It's a nude-pink colour which would look stunning on fair to light-medium skin tones. On me it looks more pink as I have a light-medium complexion but, for instance, on my friend who is paler it pulls more nude. It's made in Italy from certified organic ingredients including castor seed oil, beeswax, jojoba seed oil, rosa rubiginosa seed oil and gardenia florida fruit extract. It doesn't contain coconut oil which makes it suitable for sensitive skins prone to breakouts.  It's free from  gluten, petroleum, parabens, artificial colouring and fragrance. It has a shelf life of 12 months after opening.

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace

In regards to performance I can't say enough good things about this blush. It's highly pigmented, easy to apply and lasts on my cheeks for a good 8 hours. It doesn't leave a greasy residue but rather sets to a demi-matte finish. It blends effortlessly and is foolproof. You can apply this blush with your fingers or a synthetic brush. I use the Makeup Geek Angled Stippling Brush and it gets the job done. Since this is a cream product it doubles up nicely as a lipstick. I am not a fan of such pale colours on my lips but I can totally see myself using the more darker colours from the range.

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace swatch from the pan

Kjaer Weis cream blush in Embrace slightly blended

Overall I am very happy with this purchase. It has fast become my go to blush and I will keep getting a lot of use from it especially during Spring and Summer months. In Finland you can purchase Kjaer Weis products from Jolie. If you have been unsure about cream blushes, this would be a good place to start. If not for yourself I think Kjaer Weis products would make great gifts especially for someone in your life that appreciates niche brands, design and makeup. 

Let me know if you have tried any other products from the Kjaer Weis makeup range, I'd love to know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Lush Rosy Cheeks Fresh Mask

I am a big fan of Lush. They make some really nice products like the Mask of Magnaminty, Lip Scrubs & Balms and the Comforter Bubble Bar. I have tried almost all of their fresh masks simply because I shop too much there. If you return five empty pots you can get one fresh mask for free. This time around when I was returning my empties I decided to try a recent addition to their fresh masks selection called Rosy Cheeks.
  

As you can see it's pink. The consistency is rather thick, which means it won't slip and slide all over your face. It dries in about 10-15 minutes completely. Some of the key ingredients are kaolin, calamine powder and rose oil. As with all Lush products it's not tested on animals. The main purpose of this mask is to sooth and calm the skin. I think that it does a pretty good job at that. However, I have hard time understanding how can something be soothing yet so strongly scented. In my opinion the scent is extremely overpowering and it lingers on the skin. Surely it smells like roses but the intensity is way too strong for my liking (and usually I am not too sensitive to scents).

Another aspect worth mentioning is when you rinse this mask off it leaves your skin feeling and looking matte. I think if you have acne prone or oily skin you would love it. For me personally, I would have preferred it to be more hydrating. 

Overall, I think it's an OK mask. It's good for those days when your skin feels a bit meh perhaps due to stress or flying and it needs a bit of soothing and balancing. If you are looking for something that would be calming and hydrating I would instead direct you to my all time favourite Lush fresh mask - Catastrophe Cosmetic. 

I hope you found this useful. Let me know if you have tried Lush's fresh masks, I'd love to know!

Until next time,
Muffy

Paula's Choice Resist Hydrating Cleanser

Not all cleanser are created equal. Some would say it's just a cleanser so how fancy does it have to be. Well, here's the thing. If you have dry and sensitive skin it needs to be darn fancy. From my experience the majority of cleansers have a tendency to dry the skin out and leave it feeling like the Gobi desert. Therefore, anything that has hydrating in the name I am all up for. As such I decided to give the Paula's Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser a go. Plus I heard only good things about it, so why the heck not. 

This is my first experience with Paul's Choice skincare. I got really intrigued by it, as it's cruelty-free, made in the USA, non-irritating and is liked by many around the world. I have to say that it can get a bit overwhelming trying to find the right product range for your skin, as there are so many to choose from. I decided to go for the Resist range which targets wrinkles and dry skin.

Paula's Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

Now the cleanser comes in a nice sleek bottle with a pump. Highly appreciate that. Plus you get a generous amount of product (190ml). It claims to be non-foaming with an exceptionally gentle formula that works quickly to remove makeup, while leaving your skin feeling fresh, soothed and soft with no greasy residue. It's suitable for all skin types. It's fragrance and colourant free. 

After using it for several months I would have to agree that it's non-foaming, doesn't irritate the skin and I just need a small amount (1 pump) to cleanse my whole face. However, I don't completely agree that it leaves the skin feeling soft, soothed and hydrated. After using it (I use it as a second cleanse as I always remove the majority of my makeup with an oil first) my skin and especially a few dry patches on my forehead felt totally stripped of any moisture. Every time I used it, sure my skin felt clean, but not comfortably clean if you know what I mean. I would say as the weather is getting warmer and my dry patches are not as prominent, it tends to work better. This leads me to believe that in winter when my skin is particularly dry it's just not potent enough.   

Overall, I would have to say it's an OK basic cleanser. I'd imagine if you have normal or oily skin you would enjoy it. However, if you have dry to extremely dry skin this is not going to do the trick. I will continue using it in Spring and Summer but for colder months I would need to bring out the big guns, for example my all time favourite Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel.

I hope you found this helpful and if you have tried any other products from the Paula's Choice line, please let me know what are your top picks!

Cheers,
Muffy 

Morphe Elite Brushes Worth the Hype?

T-B: Morphe E3, Morphe E27 and Morphe E18

Makeup brushes are my weakness. I just love them. I have been on the hunt for a new blush brush and my lovely friends gave me a few brushes from the Morphe Brushes Elite collection for Christmas.  I have been using them ever since and have formulated a pretty solid opinion. To find out if these are worth checking out or not, keep on reading!

Morphe E3

Let's start with the Morphe E3 - Precision Pointed Powder Brush. This brush can be used for multiple purposes but I personally prefer it for applying blush. It's extremely soft and distributes the product so smoothly on the cheeks, without tugging, pulling or skipping. The bristles are synthetic. I don't have anything like it in my collection and it has fast become my go to blush brush. It washes easily and dries pretty quickly. A word of advice if you notice that your blush looks sort of blotchy: it might be because you are using a brush with natural bristles. Try using a brush with synthetic hairs instead.

L-R: Sigma E40 and Morphe E27

Moving on to the Morphe E27 - Pro Round Blender Brush. As the name suggests it's great for blending out eyeshadow, so you don't have any harsh lines. It's super fluffy and soft. It's non-scratchy on the eyes, blends like a dream and is made out of synthetic bristles. To me a good blending brush is a must. My go to for a long time has been Sigma E40 but after using Morphe E27 I'd go as far as saying that I prefer it over Sigma E40 simply because it's softer and fluffier (you can see the comparison in the picture below). It also sits well in my hand and pretty much does the job for me.

L-R: Sigma E40 and Morphe E27

Next up is the Morphe E18 - Round Crease Brush. It's meant for a more precise application and blending shadow in the crease. I don't personally use it for such purposes. Instead, I found it works great for smudging out eyeshadow along the lower lash line. I have previously tried pencil brushes but those tend to be pretty rough on the delicate under eye area. Morphe E18 is dense but at the same time quite flexible and soft, which makes it perfect for dispersing shadow. As with Morphe E3 and Morphe E27 it's made out of synthetic bristles.

L-R: Morphe E18 and Makeup Geek Outer V Brush

L-R: Morphe E18 and Makeup Geek Outer V Brush

Morphe E18 is very similar to the Makeup Geek's Outer V brush (as can be seen in the images above). The Makeup Geek's Outer V brush is just a tad bit denser. They both do the job, however I prefer Morphe E18 as it's more gentle. I mostly use the Makeup Geek's Outer V brush for applying an inner corner highlight and it's fantastic for that. 

Overall, I am very happy with the three brushes I own from the Morphe Elite Brushes collection. If you are on the market for affordable, good quality and synthetic brushes I think these are worth checking out. I have been eyeing Morphe E4 - Angled Contour brush, but it's always out of stock on Beautybay... arhhhhh!

As always if you have any suggestions for budget-friendly makeup brushes I have been missing out on, please let me know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Dior Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink

I rarely review luxury products on my blog but occasionally I do get a chance to try something out of the ordinary. I got this beauty as a gift and it's no doubt one of the standouts in my makeup arsenal. I am referring to the Dior Glowing Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink, from the Dior's limited edition collection for Spring 2016. Since it's Dior it's pricy, very pricy. Therefore, I wanted to get this review out for those of you that have been thinking if this is worth a splurge or not.

Dior Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink

First things first, the beautiful embossment speaks for itself, so no need to ponder too much on that. I do appreciate the fact that the product feels luxurious without weighing a ton, so it's easy to carry around in your makeup bag. Though when going on a holiday I am sure to take with me less precious pieces of makeup since if they break in transit it's not the end of the world. Just for your information these highlighters come in two shades: Glowing Pink (the one I have) and Glowing Nude. Glowing Nude is more of a golden champagne and is equally stunning, however I felt like Glowing Pink was more unique with the pinkish iridescent shift to it.

Also worth mentioning that the product comes with a mini Kabuki brush made out of white goat hair. When I went to ask about the brush the sales lady assured me that it was cruelty-free since the hairs are taken from the goat's beard which is trimmed. I just want to throw this piece of information out there, so you can draw your own conclusions. In my opinion the mini Kabuki brush is totally unnecessary as there is no way I can decently apply a highlighter with it, it's too dense and big for a precise and flawless application. 

Now let's talk a little bit about the product itself.  It's finely milled and doesn't have chunks of glitter, which is a big big plus. The texture is very soft and buttery, I would perhaps even describe it as a gel-powder. If you want your highlighter to be seen from outer space this product is not for you. This provides more of a sophisticated glow if you know what I mean. There is nothing wrong with an intense highlight but for someone with texture or mature skin that might not be the best look. I personally didn't own any highlighters until I received this one, simply because I have texture and scarring which made me stay away from anything that can potentially emphasise it. If you like you can for sure make this highlighter more "in your face" by simply building it up until the desired intensity is achieved. From my experience using this product it hasn't emphasised any texture or imperfections. I just lightly sweep it over the tops of my cheeks with the Real Techniques Setting Brush. The Dior Glowing Pink illuminator doesn't contain talc as do for instance Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors Pressed.

Dior Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink

Would I recommend it? This is where it gets tricky. I think the product is beautiful, it does a great job at highlighting and providing a fresh glow to the cheeks. Glowing Pink is quite an interesting shade compared to your typical champagne, gold and white highlighters. That being said Dior is not cruelty-free, as it tests on animals when required by law, e.g China. If you are not concerned with that this product will deliver what it promises and you would enjoy using it time after time. However, if you are looking for a cruelty-free alternative I'd recommend checking out recently launched Hourglass Ambient Lighting Strobe Powders. Unfortunately here in Finland Hourglass is not sold so it's impossible to see for yourself what these powders are like, but reviews seem to be pretty positive. Here again remember that as with the Dior Glowing Pink illuminator these powders would give you a subtle glow, nothing crazy. 

I hope you found this review useful and it helps you decide if this is something to add to your shopping list or not. If you have any recommendations for cruelty-free subtle everyday highlighters please let me know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Urban Decay Nail Colour in Vice

Urban Decay Nail Polish in Vice

Recently I have been going through my friend's nail polish stash to see if there is anything that tickles my fancy. And I happen to spot the Urban Decay Nail Polish in Vice. As far as I know Urban Decay doesn't carry nail polishes as part of their permanent line at the moment. But lo and behold I hear that they will be bringing them back and adding to the assortment. As such I figured why not put this guy to a test and share my experiences. 

Let's start with the obvious - packaging. In my opinion it's edgy, unique and I personally really like it. In regards to the colour itself, it's a metallic purply-wine colour. I usually don't gravitate towards metallic shades simply because my nails are very textured and this type of formula tends to emphasise it. Nevertheless, I think if you like metallic, complex shades you would love this one.   

Brush Applicator of the Urban Decay Nail Polish in Vice

One of the most important decisive factors for me whether I buy a nail polish or not is the brush. Doesn't matter how phenomenal the colour is if the brush is not to my liking, I wont use it and hence makes no sense spending money on it. The Urban Decay nail polish in Vice has an elongated slim brush and that is exactly the kind of applicator I just can't work with (and you will see exactly that in my messy application in the image below). I prefer more of a shorter flatter brush which pretty much covers my nail in one or two swipes. Think about the likes of Wet n Wild MegaLast polishes, YSL, Essie (non-prof one) and Essence. I could perhaps make it work if it was a nude shade but with bold colours such as Vice which are pretty unforgiving you simply can't get away with a sloppy application.  

Urban Decay Nail Polish in Vice

In terms of longevity it's OK. It's not the most long-wearing nail polish in my collection. That being said the longevity of a nail polish depends on what top and base coat you use, if any and what you do during the day (e.g type on the computer 24/7, wash dishes, open packages etc). As such I don't think it's a fair evaluation of how good or bad a nail polish is. As with all Urban Decay products these are cruelty-free. In terms of price I would expect it to retail for around 15.00 EUR. 

My final thoughts are, if you like metallic finishes, don't mind the skinny brush and looking for cruelty-free nail colours this could be a good alternative. Otherwise I feel like there are better options out there. I do hope Urban Decay will re-introduce these nail polishes and maybe for some miraculous reason changes the brush to a more user-friendly one and comes up with more creamier shades. In that case I would be one happy customer but we shall wait and see!

I hope you found this somewhat useful and if you know of any brands that make cruelty-free nail polishes please do let me know!

Until next time,
Muffy

Catrice Glamour Doll Volume Waterproof Mascara

Today, I am bringing your way a short and hopefully informative review of the Catrice Glamour Doll Volume Waterproof Mascara. Whether you like a mascara or not is very individual, since we all have different preferences. I personally look for a mascara that does a bit of everything. It lengthens, volumizes, separates and most of all doesn't flake or smudge. My all time favourite mascara that does it all is the Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill (not a waterproof version). However, now that I am trying to shift towards more ethical beauty choices I decided to give Catrice Glamour Doll Volume Waterproof a go. 

Catrice Glamour Doll Volume Waterproof Mascara

Catrice is an affordable cruelty-free brand and I have heard a lot of good things about this particular mascara. It's opthalmologically tested, which means it's safe for use around or near an eye. What initially pleasantly surprised me is the wand. It's not one of those intimidating ones that you either gonna poke yourself in the eye with or it will get all over your eyelids. It has plastic bristles that grip really well onto your lashes. This mascara has a dryer formula, so keep that in mind. It does an incredible job at separating your lashes and curling/lifting them from the roots. If you have straight lashes this would be amazing for you. I have naturally curled lashes, therefore I don't really need extra help in that department. In regards to lengthening it's rather alright and it gives zero volume.   

Close Up of the Catrice Glamour Doll Volume Waterproof Mascara Wand

That being said, my biggest issue with this mascara is that it smudges considering that it's a waterproof formula. This was a massive bummer for me. Whether I used it exclusively on the upper lashes or not it transferred and smudged. By the end of the day I had panda eyes. I always set my under eye area with a setting powder and even my non-waterproof mascaras never smudge on me.

Overall, it does a great job at keeping a curl and separating, but it does transfer ON ME. I will leave it at that and I hope this was helpful in any shape or form.

Let me know what are your all time favourite mascaras that are cruelty-free!

Cheers,
Muffy