SEPTEMBER 2016 BEAUTY EDIT

I honestly can't believe September is nearly over and what a month it has been. It's been a turmoil of emotions in private life and all positive for once. It's also been pretty heavy on work front. Last week I had to take a blogging break due to my back giving in, but I've been back this week, as I missed it too much. Enough about me. You're here for my beauty faves and not to hear the ramblings of a mad woman. Without further ado I give you September 2016 Beauty Edit.

Makeup loves:

September was the month, I decided to go heavy on foundation shopping in order to find the perfect colour match, as well as formula. Price wasn't the issue, I just wanted to find the perfect foundation. I really like Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Stick Foundation in R230. It's perfect if you're ghostly pale with pink tones. It glides on the skin, blends beautifully with brushes but I've been also loving the good old Beauty Blender Pro Sponge this month, so sponge was the weapon of choice. Both give the most airbrushed finish to my face and if you've been watching my Snaps (i.dorottka) or Insta stories (@dorottka) you'd already seen me rave about it! 

I wasn't a convert straight away, as no primer truly worked, until I visited MUFE counter again and I was recommended Step 1 Skin Equaliser Redness Correcting Primer. This one's water based and it works beautifully with the foundation and my skin prone to redness. MUFE has been the discovery of the month and I have a whole post coming up, so I'll leave my full review for later. 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone is something I can't imagine my life without. It's pure glow, no glitter and works so well as a daytime highlight. I love the shade as it works great for pale skin and just look at it - gorgeous!

From left: Hourglass in Mood Exposure and Dim Light and very right Becca in Moonstone
Lips from top: Charlotte Tilbury Kim K W, Huda Beauty Gossip Gurl & Jeffree Star in Scorpio

My Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit truly shows the heavy wear it's been experiencing and I'm starting to hit the pan on the setting powder in Dim Light. It's the most gorgeous setting powder and I love it! Recently I love using it on top of my natural Bamboo Silk Powder from Eco-Cosmetics 4U, I talked about in August Faves (POST). I like to set my foundation with it and then buff it with Hourglass Powder. For my undereyes I use only Hourglass powder with my absolute fave Sigma Tapered Highlight Brush. It's not the cheapest brush, but OMG it's perfect for undereyes and highlight alike. It gives the most natural and long lasting finish. I've also been using and loving the blush in Mood Exposure from the same palette. It's a very natural mauve nude and works beautifully for autumn. 

To finish up with makeup, I have three lipsticks I've been obsessed with in September. Starting with a definite No 1, which is my new Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Kim K W. I'm not a huge CT fan, but this nude has made me a convert! Formula is incredible and it's one non matte lipstick I've been wearing! If I wanted a bit more in terms of lasting power, I went for Huda Beauty Liquick Lipstick in Gossip Gurl. It's such an incredible formula, the colour is perfect for a daytime statement lip (if you're pale as me of course!). Bloody gorgeous! Last but certainly not least, a special shout out to Jeffree Star Liquid Lipstick in Scorpio. It's not something I can rock to work but I've been wearing it on the weekends as I am in love with both the colour and formula. IT's now available on Beauty Bay so don't miss out :) *Scorpio is sadly out of stock* 

Skin, hair and body hits:

I'll start with a hit of August that I completely forgot to include in last months faves! I got badly burnt on my holidays in Spain (despite the SPF!!) and nothing work. I didn't sleep until I managed to drag myself to Pharmacy and the lovely Pharmacist recommended ISDIN Immediate Effect Lotion Spray. It's saved my life. It allowed me to sleep. It saved my tan and my sanity. It's a HOLY GRAIL of after suns. Honestly, if you're off on holidays in the sun - pick up this spray & you can thank me later! Sadly I don't think this is available in UK...

Haircare wise I have been LOVING Garnier Ultimate Blends Weightless Nourisher Balm is THE ONE for me. It makes my hair oh so soft! I originally tried a sample from the paper and even raved about it in the empties as I went and bought the full size the very next day. It's cheap, it does the job and my poor hair is usually dry, coarse and frizzy and this has made a huge difference!

To continue on masking subject, one face mask has won the month of September and it's Tony Moly I'm Real Avocado Mask Sheet Nutrition. My skin loves it. It actually fits my face and leaves my skin feeling nourished, plumped and glowing. I bought mine at Sephora for only 1.50 Euros but it's now available at Cult Beauty for outrageous amount of £6.00. Selfridges is slightly cheaper and has them at £5.00. If you'd like to give it a go I'll link it here, but honestly shop around online!

For my cleansing needs I re-discovered Aurelia Probiotic Miracle Cleanser. I missed this little guy. It's such a great cleanser and I use it as my second cleanse. It's great for giving your face not only a super gentle cleanse but also a good massage while you at it. I forgot how much I love it!

And the title of skincare winner of all time goes to... Créme De La Mer... I wish I didn't love it. I only got 7ml sample so I use it for special occasions but believe me when I say this: it's magic. The whole hype is true and I say that with the heavy heart as I already plan on starving myself to buy it full size. Miracle product that makes your skin look incredible. If you're after the perfect skincare - that's it!

So there you have it, I think I found so many gems this month and I'm glad to share them all with you. I hope you'll find some inspiration here and please share with me your beauty loves of the recent months:)

Thank You For Reading,

Love

HUGE AFFORDABLE NATURAL SKINCARE HAUL FEAT. SYLVECO, TOŁPA, OLVITA, VIANEK, RESIBO & BIOLAVEN

I am a self diagnosed skincare addict. Whilst I enjoy high end skincare, I also love discovering new brands and recently it's important to me that my skincare is actually good for my skin long term. I try and introduce natural skincare to my routine as much as possible and recently I did some damage on my favourite online store that specialises in natural and organic products. 

Quick word about the website itself. The Natural Skincare is ran by a lovely Justyna, who's goal is to introduce affordable skincare brands in to UK market. And she knows her stuff! We've met online few months back and I've been obsessed with her store. I now order there exclusively, as there are a lot of amazing brands and products plus it's super affordable too! What I love about the store are the product descriptions, which tell me not only an ingredient list but also suggest what skin types or skin concerns each product is for! If you haven't already visit her page on Facebook now (CLICK HERE) and receive 5% discount code if you like the page! Talk about saving :) Plus enjoy a FREE mask with any purchase over £20.00 and FREE delivery with purchases over £40.00. In my experience the package arrives within 3 days, the products are packed safe and you also get a lot of samples :) 

*Disclaimer: I ordered most of the bits myself, but they are two products I was sent to test. These will be marked with *** for your convenience.*

Back to the haul itself. There were few bits I needed replacing so I'll start with the basic stuff. Ecolab Hawaii Shower Oil replaces my current bath time favourite from the same brand. It's such a great shower oil, it cleanses and moisturises at the same time and both me & mom can't imagine using anything else. Plus this stuff lasts forever, as you only need a tiny bit. I always use a special gel for my intimate needs and this time I'm trying Vianek Intimate Moisturising Gel. I used my my Sylveco one recently and was in desperate need of a new intimate wash. I hope it'll be as good, if not better. I'll probably talk about it in the empties once I'm done with it, so watch this space.

I was running dangerously low on my Ecolab Rejuvenating Face Tonic (POST) so I decided to order some. This time I decided on two new to me tonics. First up Sylveco Hibiscus Face Tonic, which meant to be amazing for dry and sensitive skin. I plan to use it at night or with sheet mask as a treatment. Secondly I picked up Vianek Moisturising Tonic Mist, which I'm going to use for my morning toner needs, as it not only tones but also refreshes due to the mist application. I'm really looking forward tho trying this duo, as I've heard great things!

Both me and mom were running low on skin serums and having spoken to Justyna I decided to try two from the website. First up Resibo Smoothing Face Serum isn't what I call cheap and at £25.00 a bottle I expect great things from it! It came highly recommended as Botox in a bottle and with key ingredients like Marula oil, buriti oil, vitamin C, Stoechiol - butterfly lavender erextract, Lakesis - oil from ''crystal tears'' of Pistacia lentiscus tree, I hope it won't disappoint. The pro ingredient is Lakesis, or an oil of ''crystal tears'' of Pistacia lentiscus tree, cultivated on Greek island of Chois. It reactivates youth proteins - KLOTHO and synthesis of fibres strengthening the skin, which in turn regains its density and looks fuller and firmer. 

I also picked up a brand new serum from Biolaven. Biolaven Anti Wrinkle Serum For Face and Neck. It contains soybean oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil and vegetable squalene which are responsible for its moisturising and smoothing effect, also Vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant, slows the aging process of the skin and reduces the effects of harmful external factors. I have high hopes as its described to even out the skin tone & support the process of rebuilding collagen and elastin. 

I mentioned to Justyna that my Mom's looking for a good facial oil for mature skin and she kindly sent us Olvita Rosehip Seed Oil*** to try. This is meant for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Super excited to try it and I will be using it alongside mom to see if it works as well as it promises. I love a good facial oil!

I was also kindly gifted Sylveco Birch and Seabuckthorn Face Cream with Botulin*** and I'm super happy about it, as it came highly recommended by my friend and a fellow blogger Anna. She has her Youtube channel and you can find her HERE. Her channel is in Polish and I know many of my readers are so, if you're on a lookout for a niche beauty channel with super honest reviews, check Ania's out! Back to the cream itself.  The main active ingredients - betulin and betulinic acid, derived from birch bark - soothe and regenerate the skin. The cream is enriched with seabuckthorn oil, which contains antioxidants: vitamin C and carotenoids, which are nutritious, healing and protection, support natural cell renewal. The promise is that the cream will help reduce the minor wrinkles, slow down the aging process and improve resistance to harmful external factors. I have high hopes for it as Anna recently compared it to Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream and the difference in price for these two are massive!

Last but not least I've ordered some face masks from a renowned natural skincare brand Tołpa. I haven't seen it available in UK yet, so I was super excited to try them. I ordered four sets and I plan on testing them soon. All the masks contain product for two uses. I ordered Tołpa Green - Regenerating mask for dilated capillaries. I battle deleted capillaries so I'm looking forward to seeing if this mask improves the appearance of my skin. I also got Tołpa Dermo Face - Provivo 35+ - Restoring skin's youth glow-mask - face, neck, decollete and bust. I'm all about that radiance and glow so have high hopes for this mask! Tołpa Dermo Face - Rosacal. Strengthening-soothing bandage-mask - face, neck and decollate is meant to help with skin sensitivity and also reduce redness so it's up my street for sure. Lastly I ordered a Tołpa Dermo Face - Stimular 40+ - Anti-wrinkle firming mask-concentrate - Face, neck, decollete and bust for my mom as she enjoys a good face mask and was intrigued by the promises this product makes. It promises to firm the skin and reduces wrinkles as well as restoring elasticity and flexibility. I will report back on all of the above for sure. It's worth mentioning that all Tołpa skincare comes without artificial colourings (0%), pegs, silicones, paraffin oil, preservatives, parabens and formaldehyde donors!!!

Thank You For Reading,

Love

SPLURGE OR SAVE? KAT VON D SHADE + LIGHT VS MAKEUP REVOLUTION LIGHT AND SHADE

Couple of weeks ago the dream of every beauty blogger came into a fruition when Kat Von D Beauty range launched in Debenhams. We say so long to the ridiculous shipping charges and customs, as we can now get the whole range in UK. Buy Kat Von D Shade + Light in UK here

Seeing Makeup Revolution launched their own version of Kat's Shade + Light palette, I knew I wanted them both to compare for you. Having tested them for a week each, I come to you with my opinions on both palettes. 

Have you entered my blog's 3rd birthday giveaway for the chance to win over £150 worth of makeup?

Packaging:

KvD - matte black hardened cardboard with a good quality mirror. It feels very sturdy, yet it's light enough to travel with. KvD gothic style logo is clearly displayed on front alongside the name of the palette. It all looks very dark, but still professional. I really like the packaging here. Shade names are printed on the back, keeping in with the front design.

MUR - clear plastic leaves a lot to be desired. It feels quite cheap, however it's in line with the original MUR packaging. I'm quite surprised they didn't go in line with their Iconic Pro matte black plastic which would suit this palette better. I don't adore the packaging, however the price of the palette speaks for itself. Ingredient list is printed on the back.

Have you entered my blog's 3rd birthday giveaway for the chance to win over £150 worth of makeup?

What's inside?

KvD - Palette hosts 12 eyeshadow pans. 3 large ones at the top are weighted at 2.3g each and the rest at 1.1g each. Three shades at the top are a superb idea with super light beige (setting shade) and two transition shades being probably the most used in any palette. All shades are matte. Kat's products aren't tested on animals and are completely vegan.

MUR - Palette hosts 12 eyeshadow pans with the exact same layout as KvD. Pans are smaller than in the original but not by much, MUR doesn't display the exact weight for each pan. New formula is now talc free and all the shades are of matte and semi-matte finish. I like to call it MUR matte finish. All MUR products aren't tested on animals. It comes with a double ended brush. Whilst I don't rate the blending side at all, I love the flat side for packing up pigments/foil shadows so I always keep them.

Formula:

KvD - all shades are very pigmented and quite soft. Not all are super buttery but it doesn't affect pigmentation. They blend lovely on the eye and last for up to 12 hours on a primer. I found they last better on Urban Decay Original Primer Potion than on MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. Some shades swatch 'chalky' however I didn't experienced much fall out. A little dusty in the pan perhaps. It is not the best formula out there, but I have to give it thumbs up, because it's pretty darn good.

MUR - most shades are nicely pigmented with the lightest shades being a little less than desired. All shades are soft to touch but I wouldn't call them buttery. I don't know if it's the talc free formula but most shades are quite dusty and fallout is to be experienced. Nothing I can't deal with, just putting it to there. I really like the pigmentation on most, they loose out a bit when blending and if I'm honest, KvD shades are easier to blend. I can't quite pinpoint why the formula doesn't appeal to me as much as in Chocolate series palettes, but maybe due to the lack of super buttery shimmers MUR normally surprises us with. I think the biggest difference is the lasting power as I feel like my mascara smudges on a lower lash line when I wear these eyeshadows and in general doesn't last as well

Composition:

Both palettes are really a trio of eyeshadow quads. So if you're not so greta at picking up the shades that work together - this composition should help you out. I like there are a great mixture of cool, neutral and warm shades in KvD palette. MUR's palette is lacking true cool tones in my opinion, as they are all sightly warmer in tone. 

Shades:

Laetos (1) - light beige with yellow tones, great to set your primer with

Lazarus (2) - cool taupe, great for transition or even contour for those super pale like me 

Ludwin (3) - light camel with orange tones, another transition shade or even to warm up the complexion

MUR 1 - light beige with yellow tones, slightly darker than KvD

MUR 2 - neutral taupe, looks slightly warmer than KvD

MUR 3 - light camel with more orange tones than KvD, definitely warmer 

Samael (4) - neutral medium brown, great to deepen the crease 

Solas (5) - neutral dark brown, another great eye contour shade

Lucius (6) - neutral light beige, great for highlighting the inner corners

MUR 4 - slightly warmer than KvD medium brown 

MUR 5 - again warmer than KvD dark brown with some red tones

MUR 6 - neutral light beige, similar to KvD, maybe a half tone darker

Saleos (7) -medium dark muddy cool brown, great to deepen the crease

Shax (8) - true black

Liberatus (9) - lightest cool tone beige, nearly off white

MUR 7 - neutral dark muddy brown, slightly warmer than KvD

MUR 8 - black, slightly less intense than KvD

MUR 9 - neutral light beige, identical to MUR 6 shade

Succubus (10) - warm reddish medium brown

Sytry (11) - dark neutral brown with some warm tones

Latinus (12) - warm light to medium beige

MUR 10 - warm reddish brown, slightly darker than KvD

MUR 11 - dark neutral brown, slightly warmer than KvD

MUR 12 - medium beige, couple of tones darker than KvD

Top swatches - Kat Von D
Bottom Swatches - Makeup Revolution

*all swatches done in natural light, with a help of ring light, without a flash*

Overview:

Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette has become a cult product amongst beauty lovers and professionals alike. I can certainly see why. The shades are pigmented, apply smoothly and blend beautifully. If applied over a good primer, they last forever with the same intensity. Is it the best formula out there? Maybe. Matte eyeshadows are generally harder to get just right and this palette comes pretty close to the ideal. I was quite worried when I first swatched it back in Sephora in Spain, so I walked away. However now I see, I was wrong. Yes, the swatches leave a lot to imagination, but working with this palette is something else altogether. It is not the best palette in the world, but it's a great every day palette. If you're like me and prefer mattes due to your hooded eyes, I would highly recommend picking this palette up when you're in Debenhams next. 

Available HERE for £36.00

Have you entered my blog's 3rd birthday giveaway for the chance to win over £150 worth of makeup?

Makeup Revolution Ultra Eye Contour - Light and Shade is a great 'dupe' for Kat Von D palette. The new talc free formula means the shadows certainly apply smoother, despite the fact they feel less buttery. The pigmentation is great on most shades and they blend well together. The lasting power isn't as great as KvD and the packaging is less than optimal. These are two of the cons I found with this palette. However, if you're in the market for good quality matte eyeshadow palette and not looking forward to spending £36.00 on one, I would recommend giving it a go. Mattes are mostly semi mattes but honestly they're great to work with and photograph well. 

Available HERE for £8.00

Thank You For Reading,

Love