How the hell is it April already? Ok, I know how I've worked every waking moment of March. Almost. Time is flying and we're closing on Easter! How?!?!? Also am I the only one feeling the loss of that one hour in bed Sunday before last? Please tell me I'm not crazy, but I can't wake up in the morning, just can't. Getting up still feels like a torture!
New hair, don't care
March has been an interesting month. I cut my hair... Well, a good friend cut my hair! I drank prosecco to calm myself down. From waist long to this? We've drunk the whole damn bottle! I think the realisation what I've done came to me in an Uber home when I tried to play around with my hair and it wasn't there!! Missing limp symptom much? In all seriousness, I absolutely love it. It's how I imagined it would be and better. I haven't felt this good about the hair cut in a long while!
Hair took a spot last month and I finally found that even my hair can look bouncy and full of volume. Oribe Dry Texturising Spray | £20.00 for 75ml
Back to the subject of my awesome new haircut. I've been loving adding a little texture to my messy lob with the incredible Oribe Dry Texturising Spray. If you love the volume, this is a great alternative to dry shampoos as it's practically invisible and doesn't leave your roots matte. It's paraben and sodium chloride free plus it offers a UV protection to your colour treated hair. It really is an all rounder. It's also bloody expensive and I use it sparsely because of that. You can buy it in two sizes, and the larger one (300ml) will set you back by an astonishing £41.00! It's so expensive, yet so worth it. I'll be seriously upset when I finish it up :(
Skincare to Die For
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel | £29.50 | POST
Ok, this was love from the first use & I can't imagine my life without it! It's the perfect second cleanse Cleanser! It's gentle on my sensitive skin, gentle on the eyes and seems to be giving my skin a superb glow! I use 2-3 pumps and massage it onto the skin on face and neck. I continue facial massage for 1-3 minutes depending on how I'm doing with time. I use it morning and evening, morning as an only cleanse and evening as a second step. The scent, the amazing melting formula is the best I've tried to date. I'm obsessed! If you haven't already, give it a go, I dare you :) Perfect for dry and sensitive skin types. If you suffer from dullness or just need a bit of luxury to your routine, Oskia Cleanser is the one for you!
Ingredients:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Aqua, Cetearyl Olivate, Sucrose Laurate, Benzyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Sucrose Palmitate, Parfum (Natural), Geraniol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Citronellol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lactobacillus/Cucurbita Pepo Fruit Ferment Extract, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Sucrose Stearate, Linalool, Retinyl Palmitate, Ci 77491, Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate.
Oskia Renaissance Mask | £49.50 for 50ml
I'm so glad I was able to buy this deluxe sample with my February Latest in Beauty Box (and already got a new one in my March one too but shhh post is coming). The sample should last for good 6-8 applications (used it 4 times so far). I love the scent of Renaissance range and mask is no exception. The blend of Rose, Chamomile and Passion Fruit is simply stunning. In terms of application, the mask has a very unique pink gel formula. You only ever need a tiny bit. The gel turns into white sticky oil/cream when massaged in. This is actually super helpful as you then know, you've applied it well. I leave it on for a minimum of 30 mins but not more than 40 mins! It's super gentle and you don't feel the usual tingling other exfoliating masks/treatments I'm used to. The results are also more on a softer side. It won't replace my overnight Lactic/Glycolic Acid combo but makes for a nice change. Because it's gentle, it makes for a perfect pre-party treatment and I've used it as such twice already! It really prepares my skin for makeup and I found that my base looks beautiful afterwards.
In terms of active ingredients, the blend has been specially formulated to increase cell turnover and boost radiance. Formulated with MSM (Organic Sulphur), Vitamins and Minerals to increase cellular efficiency, cell turnover for the youthful glow.
Also enriched with natural Fruit Acids (AHAÉs) such as Passion Fruit, Lemon, Grape and Pineapple, it exfoliates by gently loosening cells in the epidermis. Papaya Enzymes have strong cleansing properties and remove old skin cells to clear congested pores.
Infused with Lactic Acid which is by far my favourite AHA. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and softens your skin. Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes are a tricky bunch. They leave the complexion even and brightened by reducing melanin production.
Ingredients:
Glycerin, Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Olivate, Methyl Sulphonyl Methane (MSM), Sorbitan Olivate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum (Natural Fragrance), Alcohol Denat., Xanthan Gum, Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract, Inulin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Ribose, Petasites Japonicus (Butterbur) Root Extract, Lecithin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, CI 77491 (Iron Oxide).
Pixi by Petra Vitamin Wakeup Mist | £16.00 for 100ml | POST
Another great delivery in terms of facial Mist by Pixi. I picked it up on the visit to Marks & Spencer but it's also available to buy via Cult Beauty (for that UK & international delivery ladies!). It truly starts my skincare routine after cleansing. The scent and the mist itself are so refreshing and the blend of citrus is one of my favourites. I find that mists in general work better for me in terms of replacing toners in the morning. Quick and easy to use, I spritz it all over my face, neck and décolletage for an instant boost to my complexion.
Infused with Orange Blossom Water & brightening citrus extracts it gives a much-needed boost to any dull complexion. Dry skin types will know it best, whatever the skincare, we are constantly battling dullness and lacklustre skin. Enriched with lavender and arginine restores luminosity for that dewy glow from within look we all aspire to! It can also be used throughout a day to for a dewy boost over the makeup. I personally prefer Glow Mist - POST - for that purpose as I don't find Wakeup Vitamin Mist to be fine enough to use over makeup.
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Water, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citrus Grandis (grapefruit) Peel Oil, Adenosine, Tropolone, Disodium EDTA, Arginine, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Maltodextrin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pyridoxine HCI, Silica.
Merumaya Youth Preservation Moisturiser SPF20 | £33.50 for 30ml | POST
I've been a Merumaya addict for a while now and I've been singing praises - POST - for all the products I've tried so far! I was able to snatch Youthful Moisturiser in Latest In Beauty subscription box last month and put it to test instantly. The usual Merumaya scent can also be found in this product. I love the scent so this is a huge plus for me. Drier but not only types should love this richer yet surprisingly light formula. It sinks in easily, keeps my skin hydrated and beautiful throughout a day. I find it works great under makeup and add on of SPF is encouraged in a daytime moisturiser. Having said that, I keep adding on higher SPF over as I'm super pale and my skin needs a full cover.
The no bullshit active ingredients play a huge part in my interest in this Moisturiser. Matrixyl® Synthe-6™is possibly the most advanced anti-ageing component, designed to work where it's needed the most, mainly around forehead and crows feet areas. I am personally very self cautious about my forehead especially as it's the area my mum struggles with and we all know that pesky genetics will catch up with me at some point. Matrixyl® Synthe-6™is supposed to smooth out the wrinkles and rebuild the skin from inside by synthesis of skin components. Sytenol A is a broad spectrum antioxidant that works similarly to retinoids without the nasty side effects. Crambe Oil contains high levels of Erudic Acid which is responsible for intense smoothing. I can vouch for that, even after first application my skin felt smoother. Rehydrate, Dansonyl, Moistureplex Advanced, Primal Hyal 300 and Hyaluronic Acid Spheres are responsible for superb moisturising properties, by providing moisture regulation, fighting dehydration and providing the skin with toys to fight lacklustre complexion. Defensively is a mixture of Echium & Sunflower Seed Oils. It protects and repairs the skin whilst reducing irritation. It also moisturises and softens the skin. Mangosteen Fruit Extract and Tinosorb, Parsol HMS and Eusolex UV-Pearls blend work at boosting SPF and providing multi-spectrum protection against UV rays and helps fight existing UV damage.
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Homosalate, Myristyl Myristate, Sorbitan Olivate, Octyldodecanol, Hydrolyzed Adansonia Digitata Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Bakuchiol, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Sodium PCA, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Urea, Silica, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Citronellol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Oleate, Trehalose, Limonene, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Polysorbate 60, PVP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyquaternium-51, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, Sorbitan Laurate, Phytic Acid, Linalool, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Geraniol, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Isoeugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, BHT, Hexylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid, Parfum (Fragrance)
Scent of the month
Fragrance wise, I've been choosing lighter and fresh scents lately, with one, in particular, making its way to the top of the list lately.Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Eau de Cologne | £20.00 for 100ml currently on offer for £11.00
I am quite particular about scents and generally love sweet scents. Coming into warmer months I wanted a new, refreshing fragrance which would satisfy the need for both fresh and sweet 'flavour'. I walked into a Boots store in London wanting to try the new Almond Milk but walked out with this mist instead of bath products (typical! LOL). I love green tea (drink salons of it!) and green tea scented products are a bt of a current craze for me. Fuji Green Tea Body Mist is a perfect daytime scent, fresh yet sophisticated. I've been overusing it recently and I'm not sorry. It’s the perfect blend of green tea, bergamot, lemon and mandarin top notes with a floral heart of camellia, jasmine and violet. It's so refreshing and crisp, perfect for waking up in the morning. I find it lasts pretty well for a mist too. If you haven't already, I recommend you give it a whiff when in Body Shop store next.
Face, Lips & Nails stand-off
L'Oreal Pro-Glow Foundation in Ivory | £12.95
I love to glow and L'Oreal Pro-Glow Foundation has become the favourite of mine, despite the fact I didn't think it would when I first used it. It truly looks beautiful on the skin, even after 12+ hours I usually have it on during the day. March has been busy work-wise and Pro-Glow stood the test better than most of my foundations. I get so many compliments when wearing this! I find that my dry skin likes it best applied over moisturiser and when I skip the primer. I set it in my T-Zone (yes dry skin can also become slightly shiny there!) with my fave RCMA powder and it truly lasts all day long. The shade is perfect and doesn't oxidise on me too much. The only con is highly alcohol scent but it hasn't been drying me out. It doesn't set in my lines on the forehead and smile lines, it looks beautiful after hours and hours of wear and becomes slightly shinier after 6 hours on me. At that point, I just remove the shine with my Blotterazzi - POST - and I'm good to go!
Soigné Nail Polish in Betterraves Rouges | £11.00
If you haven't heard of Soigné yet, you really should. If you struggle to find a polish formula that's not only healthier (5 free formula) but also on trend (so many shades to choose from!), Soigne is for you. I got mine in LiB box (post soon!) and not only is this red shade just perfect but it also lasts for ages. I always add a top coat to really make it last a long time. My nails lasted 4 days without chipping and that says a lot. The shade is a stunner and goes on opaque with a first coat. I always do two coats to ensure my manicure to look well done, though. Betterraves Rouges is a true red, perfect for making a statement.
Burts Bees Natural Lipstick in 501 Blush Basin | £9.99 on offer for £8.99 | POST
I've been an all around matte lippy lover for a while, that is until this year suddenly I rediscovered creme and glossy finishes. I was super happy to be able to test this new Burts Bees lippy, as not only the shade is my perfect pinky nude, but also the formula is just brilliant. I love how comfortable it feels on the lips but also how well it lasts considering. Burts Bees lipsticks provide lips with 8-hour moisture and for once this claim can be believed. My lips feel hydrated hours after the application. It's like a hydrating balm with a brilliant opaque colour. The finish is creme and light at the same time. Perfect for spring/summer.
L'Oreal Color Riche Matte in 346 Scarlet Silhouette | £6.99 each | POST
I love a good orange-red and have few in my collection. This is by far the most comfortable to wear out of them all, as the semi-matte finish doesn't dry out my lips. In fact, they stay moisturised for hours. The shade is super opaque and will suit any complexion. On super pale, it'll be a true statement red and as you know - POST - orange reds are super in this season. I honestly can't stop wearing it since the moment I managed to find it in Superdrug Birmingham Bullring (thanks, guys!). Ingredients include Moringa Oil which is packed with antioxidants and helps soften and nourish the skin and Rasberry Seed Oil which is full of Vitamin E responsible for hydration and skin elasticity. All natural ingredients come together to leave your lips feeling hydrated, supple and beautiful.
Makeup Revolution 3rd Birthday Party
March is also a very special month as it marks Makeup Revolution birthday. As many of you follow me for a good 3 years on Instagram, you know that Makeup Revolution and its creator Adam Minto, are fully responsible for my ever growing makeup collection. Without makeup revolution, the blog wouldn't be born as they gave me the confidence by sharing my early work with the world. Since then, they grew and Tam Beauty offers a wide range of brands and beauty products from makeup, through haircare to even skincare. All affordable, cruelty-free and inspired.
See all the professional photos here
See all the professional photos here
Attending a birthday party is now a tradition and I love going & meeting up with other bloggers. This year was even better as I finally managed to meet up with Dagmara (check out her blog here!) who's become a true friend since we've met many moons ago. We had a fabulous time and it felt like we've known each other forever. We drank, danced & talked. We had a pleasure of being introduced to #TeamPolska which is a Polish branch of Makeup Revolution family! It was a great night and I will remember it fondly. Until Halloween now Tam Beauty Family!
Drama, drama, drama and what I think about dupes
A few weeks ago a certain post came out and suddenly a subject of beauty dupes became a huge media drama. I won't be linking the post itself and here's why.
There's a lot to consider when talking dupes. First of all, us bloggers are a little blind when it comes to beauty industry viewed from a point of usual consumer. We don't mind spending hundreds of pounds a month on newest skincare, makeup, haircare and accessories. We've learnt about quality and are constantly pushing boundaries as to what is expected from the product. However, your usual consumer does not have hundreds of pounds in a budget to but all the latest releases and hyped up products and I truly believe a good dupe is sometimes more than enough. The reason I love dupes is simple, it started my love for makeup and without them, I wouldn't be here talking to you. At that point I was not able to afford the newest Too Faced palette so I willingly chose a dupe instead, wanting to try the trend without committing to a spendy purchase.
There were points raised about dupes stealing the ideas and potential customers. I strongly disagree with that. Dupes are meant for a different price point and therefore a separate market. Yes, it's all great to say it's a theft but is it really? Fashion companies, other high street beauty retailers have been doing this for years, only doing it later. Makeup Revolution is in the business of fast beauty and that, just as fast fashion is aimed at providing cheaper alternatives to a market of people who can't very well afford the product its inspired by. Is it truly fair? Maybe not, but don't be blinded with all these accusations. If you didn't think this was a marketing strategy, you are totally wrong. By joining the debate, brands open themselves to totally free advertisement. I actually laughed to Adam during an MUR event and asked if Kat Von D has been paid for all the advertising her video must have brought Makeup Revolution. I didn't mention the video yet, did I? Well again, this is a slightly uncomfortable subject for me.
When Kat and Jeffree fought quite publicly, the beauty world seemed divided. Everyone kinda thought Jeffree must be at fault given his big mouth, right? Now looking back at those videos and the current Makeup Revolution dupe drama, I am in both Jeffree's and MUR's corner. Why? A professional company creator does not and should not wash their laundry in a public eye, there are legal arrangements, court dates and many more options and if any of these were available said company/individual would take them. There's no need for more hate and drama on the internet is there?
Do I excuse dupes fully then? Not at all. I think people behind Makeup Revolution are a great bunch and fully capable of developing awesome formulas on their own, without having to dupe others. Some of my favourite Makeup Revolution palettes aren't dupes (looking at you Naked Chocolate!). They are capable of starting their own trends (New-trials vs Neutrals was released so much earlier than Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance!). There will always be a market for dupes and I respect that. I respect the fact not everyone can added luxury and high-end brands and most of all I respect Makeup Revolution to open beauty market wider to the public.
Thank You For Reading,
Love
Your photos from the party look gorgeous! You've totally convinced me to want to try the Burts Bees lipsticks xx
ReplyDeleteFirst off: Your new hair looks amazing.so bouncy and full. But I can imagine you having missing limb syndrome. Waist length? That ,ust ahve been quite a struggle getting there.
ReplyDeleteAnd on the subject of dupes... I have no strong opinion. I think I agree with you on that they are geared towards a different customer range and I can't help but wonder: How unique can an eyeshadow palette be? It van in terms of formula, but in terms of name and colors? Haven't we already seen all there is to be?
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
Your photos are fab, Dorota! I absolutely love your new hair! You know I'm a big fan of those Oskia products too! Love the photos of you & Dagmara! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin