April Beauty Haul: Dr. Organic, L'Oreal, Jason, Revlon, Herbal Essences and a Mystery Buy

This month's haul is a very special one for me and I would like to share with you my mystery buy first.

Ta dah...

My own Foreo Luna for Combination Skin. I bought it in the beginning of the April and will post a full review after three months I think. I want to give myself enough time to form an opinion and see what results Foreo Luna will bring.

Do you have one? Do you think is worth the hype? 

My other April's buys are as follows.

I am taking really seriously sun protection this year and have finally bought a facial sunscreen. I will make a separate post about my sun care routine later, but for now you can read all about skin protection in here. I bought Jason Facial Natural Sunscreen SPF 20. It is light and without a scent. I am looking forward to use it this spring/summer and maybe beyond if I will like it. 

As you know from my April empties, I run out of Micellar water and I thought to give a try to L'Oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Water this time. I can tell you that I am hooked at the moment on Micellar water and I can even see a difference between Nivea and L'Oreal. I enjoyed Nivea a lot, but I can feel that L'Oreal Micellar water is more gentle and doesn't have a scent at all. I am quite pleased with it at the moment, don't think I am going back to the eye make-up removers any time soon.

Another natural product I bought is Dr. Organic Aloe Vera soap. I thought to give it a break from my favourite La Florentina in Iris Pallida soap. I probably will be back, because I think La Florentina smells just delightful and it actually lathers better and lasts longer. I bought Dr. Organic Aloe Vera soap before and I know it is gentle to the skin and I like it light scent.

I have decided not to splash on a shampoo, but I wanted one with a nice fragrance which stays on the hair for some time. Herbal Essences came in my mind and I bought small bottle of Bee Strong to try out.

And the last but not the least - Revlon ColorStay Shadowlinks in Taupe. I mentioned it in my spring cosmetics and I just love the colour and the feel of them. After long time I bought not matte, but satin eye shadow. Nice shade for the crease for my daily make-up.

What special did you buy in April?

Marija

Empty Bottles - April 2015

April is about to end it is time to share my empties with you. It's been an amazing month and I have more than usual to write about. 

I won't say much about Timotei Vivivd Colour shampoo, I used it before and it is simple, but good shampoo to use.

1. Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute. This lovely face mask came in my first ever Glossybox and it's been my favourite for the past 6 months. Ladies and gents If you are looking for a moisturising face mask - this will tick all your boxes. It has a creamy texture, good formula, works within 10 minutes and has a lovely fresh scent.

Here is the ingredient list for you to have a look:

AQUA/WATER, HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, OCTYLDODECANOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE, ANHYDROXYLITOL, TOCOPHEROL, CITRIC ACID, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, XYLITOL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ALLANTOIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PARFUM/FRAGRANCE, SAFFLOWER OIL/PALM OIL AMINOPROPANEDIOL ESTERS, CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, POLYSORBATE 60, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE POWDER, TETRASODIUM EDTA, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, SALICORNIA HERBACEA EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FLOWER EXTRACT, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) FLOWER EXTRACT, SCLEROTIUM GUM, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, LUPINUS ALBUS SEED EXTRACT, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) SEED EXTRACT, PISUM SATIVUM (PEA) EXTRACT, DISODIUM EDTA, AVENA SATIVA (OAT) KERNEL EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) FRUIT EXTRACT, ROBINIA PSEUDACACIA FLOWER EXTRACT, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT [N2503/A].

I will give Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute 5 stars out of 5. I love it for moisturising and calming effects on my skin, it is such a treat to use it. I know that ingredient list is not a "clean" one, but there are nice ingredients to enjoy and mask is actually good.

2. Nivea Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water. This is my first experience with Micellar water and I can tell you it was great. Nivea Micellar Cleansing water gently removes eye make-up and doesn't irritate nor the skin not the eyes. 

Here is the ingredient list:

Aqua, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Panthenol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Decyl Glucoside, Poloxamer 124, Polyquaternium-10, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Acetate, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol

I can see a lot you should to avoid, but I am pleased this list is much shorter than most of Micellar Waters I have checked.

I will give Nivea Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water 5 stars out of 5. It cleanses gently and this bottle lasted  twice as long as Nivea's Gentle Eye Make-up Remover I used before. I think I will explore more of Micellar waters in the future. Do you have a favourite one?


3. Eau Thermale Avene Very High Protection SPF50 cream for dry and sensitive skin. This is really good sunscreen to try: light, doesn't stain your face with white streaks, has a light scent and feels so soft on the skin. If I wouldn't bother with the ingredients, this facial sunscreen is one of the best I have tried so far.

Here is the ingredient list for you to have a look:

Avene thermal spring water (avene aqua). C12-15 alkyl benzoate. Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol. Water (aqua). Diisopropyl adipate. Pentaerythrityl tetracaprylate/tetracaprate. Dicaprylyl carbonate. Bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine. Diethylhexyl butamido triazone. Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate. Butylene glycol. Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane. Potassium cetyl phosphate. Decyl glucoside.

Glyceryl stearate. Peg-100 stearate. Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer.benzoic acid. Caprylic/capric triglyceride. Caprylyl glycol. Disodium edta.fragrance (parfum). Glyceryl behenate. Glyceryl dibehenate. Hydrogenated palmglycerides. Hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides. Propylene glycol. Sodium hydroxide. Tocopherol. Tocopheryl glucoside. Tribehenin. Xanthan gum.

I will give Avene Very High Protection SPF50 cream 5 stars out of 5.


4. Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Oil. If I will buy a treatment oil for my hair, this one will be the first on my list. Read a full review here.


5. TRESemme Keratin Smooth Beautifying Oil. I bought it some time ago, it is a really long lasting hair oil. I used it as a hair conditioner, as a heat protection and just to smooth a frizz. This oil has a lovely scent, but I am not that thrilled with it. I will give TRESemme Keratin Smooth Beautifying Oil 3 stars out 5. It is just "ok". I didn't feel anything special and because there so many hair oils and serums on the market to try, I won't be buying it again.

Here is the ingredient list for you to have a look: 

Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Zea Mays Oil, Tocopherol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lycopene, Parfum, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl, Methylpropional, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool

6. Dove Youthful Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner. I got both from my last Glossybox. Dove Youthful Vitality shampoo is creamy and gentle. It didn't agree with me much, I needed to wash my hair twice to get the result. The conditioner  is fine with a pleasant scent and it did leave my hair soft, but I don't think it is enough nourishing for my hair. 

I will give Dove Youthful Vitality shampoo and conditioner 3 stars out of 5, because I didn't get any extra volume and I would say it is just normal gentle shampoo and conditioner to use. Nothing fancy, so they both deserve their 3 stars each.

Here are the ingredient lists:

Shampoo:

Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Collagen, Parfum, Polyquaternium-10, Cocamide MEA, Glycol Distearate, Disodium EDTA, PPG-12, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Acetate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, DMDM Hydantoin, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Methylchloroisotiazolinone, Methylisotiazolinone, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool.

Conditioner:

Aqua, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Collagen, Behentrimonium Chloride, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, PEG-150 Distearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool.

7. L'Oreal Infallible eye shadows. I inserted a link to the Boots website, you can check new L'Oreal's  Infallible eye shadows colours. I am not sure that you can buy these two any more. 

I am letting them go due to expiry date. Read a guide to cosmetics shelf life here. 

I have 016 Coconut Shake and 020 Pebble Grey shades. I used both in my daily make-up for past few years and amazing I still have a lot left in both jars. Maybe that why I don't buy a lot of cosmetics, they tend to last forever and I just get bored of them. 

Here are the swatches:

I will give L'Oreal Infallible eye shadows 4 stars out of 5. They are great for a daily make-up, but won't do for the evening - not enough pigmentation and layering doesn't look great. I loved them for their softens and colour.

8. So Susan Flutter Mascara. It is time to let it go as well, I have it opened for more than 6 months now. It is a pity I have used this mascara only for a week or maybe two. I got this mascara from my first Glossybox. So Susan Flutter is an intense carbon black mascara formulated with hyaluronic spheres to help you achieve the darkest, curviest lashes possible.

Here is the ingredient list:

water (aqua), stearic acid, cyclomethicone, caranuba (caranuba cerifera) wax, glycerin, PVP, ethylhexyl palmitate, triethanolamine, beeswax (cera alba), sodium hyaluronate, methylparaben, propylparaben, [+/- (may contain/peut contenir) titanium dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), D&C red no. 7 ca lake (CI 15850:1)

Well it is a very dark mascara for sure, but it gave me more a spider's legs look and oh my, how it stained the eyelids. No way you can do a quick sweep and be on the move. I will give So Susan Flutter mascara 2 star out of 5. I just couldn't use it and for sure I didn't enjoy it, but it has not a bad ingredient list and So Susan is a cruelty free brand.


Have you used any of the products above?
Marija

Recent Reads - Humans

I was so impressed with the humorous side of Humans A to Z by Matt  Haig, so when I came across The Humans by the same author I couldn't resist reading it.

You can read from the back cover "There's no place like home. Or is there?" and what is inside the book will for sure leave an impression on you. I don't just mean the story line and how easily and lightly is written, but there is something personal in this book. Writing The Humans was a salvation for the author himself, it helped him to fight with panic attacks and other darker sides of the human soul (if one is truly exists?!).

The Humans by Matt Haig is a story about an alien who found himself on the Earth in body of a professor Andrew Martin. He has an important mission to accomplish and while he is on it he is exploring humans, their habits, values, personalities and (what is nice) his views about human race change.

This is a great opportunity to see the humans from the other side we never gave a thought. Who are we and what are our values and what we actually do with our time on Earth.

Here are some quotes for you to enjoy:

"Basically, the key rule is, if you want to appear sane on Earth you have to be in the right place, wearing the right clothes, saying the right things, and only stepping on the right kind of grass."

"If you think something is ugly, look harder. Ugliness is just a failure of seeing."

"You are lucky to be alive. Inhale and take in life's wonders. Never take so much as a single petal of a flower for granted."

"That was the price of human civilization -  to create it, they had to close down the door to their true selves. And so they are lost, that is how I understand it. And that is why they invented art: books, music, films, plays, paintings, sculpture. They invented them as bridges back to themselves, back to who they are. But however close they get, they are forever removed."

and my the most favourite quote

"Don't aim for perfection. Evolution, and life, only happen through mistakes."

The Humans by Matt Haig

Have you read this book or any other by Matt Haig?

Marija

My Cosmetics - Spring 2015

I wanted to share with you what I use for my daily make-up this spring. I don't use much and prefer close to natural look. If you are just like me or starting out with your first make-up, I believe you will find this post useful. Mind you I don't have any serious skin conditions or problems to hide, so I can allow myself this minimum, I understand it could be a different story for you. 

Face:

- I use a face powder to keep my skin matte. At the moment I am using Bourjois Paris Healthy Balance Unifying Powder. It is ultra fine and soft, has anti-shine property and as stated by Bourjois enriched with exotic fruit therapy to restore and re-balance the skin.

- I use a concealer for under eye's and a few blemishes on my face. I have Ms Sporty Liquid Concealer to finish. I like the consistency and it has a light to medium coverage.

- Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics All Over Glow. I got it from the Glossybox and do use once in a while. You really need a tiny bit of it and I am considering to use it along with my body cream to get the glow for first sunny days. Jelly Pong Pong cosmetics are 100% cruelty free. This is an oil-free lightweight highlighting gel, enriched with pearlescent pigments and jasmine extract. 

- Nicka K New York Colourluxe Powder Blush. A lovely soft mineral blush, you can see a brighter pink in the swatch - the third line from the right. Actual blush looks much lighter on the cheeks - great for a daily make-up.

Lips:

- Carmex Moisture Plus Berry Lip Balm. I mentioned it in my lip balm collection - my favourite lip balm this spring. Beautiful colour, keeps my lips soft and gives just enough moisture. 

- Natural Shea butter and cocoa lip balm. As you can see I have re-used a jar from Royal Apothic Tinties. I will post a recipe later on for you.

Eyes:

- Lavera Eye Shadow Base. It is a natural, fragrance free and almost transparent primer (see the swatch - tiny drop on the top on the right). It is much easier to do eye make-up when it is on and my make-up tend to last longer.

I am using few eye pencils this spring (Lavera Grey Eyeliner and MeMeMe Eye Liner in Clay), one black pencil eye liner from Lollipops and a liquid eye liner from Soap & Glory. My all time favourite is Lavera's eye pencil, it is soft and just the right shade of grey for me. It is a natural make-up as well, so I use it in my water line. I don't have sensitive eyes, but any other pencils make my eyes water.

Eye shadows: Natural Collection Duo Eyeshadow in Mocha Latte (I am using it as well for my eyebrows), Revlon ColorStay ShadowLink in Taupe and Marsk Mineral Eye Shadow in Fifty Shades. All of them I just adore. Natural Collection Mocha Latte is soft and easy to apply, plus they are a very affordable eye shadows if you are on the budget. Revlon ColorStay in Taupe is just gorgeous for the crease, it has satin finish. Most of my eye shadow are matte, but recently I have discovered a soft spot for satin eye shadows this spring. Marsk Fifty Shades are brilliant for push up liner.

I don't use mascara on a daily basis, only once in a while and at the moment I have Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Holidays in Ultra Black. It gives my lashes volume and the right definition.

Here are all my spring cosmetics on the stand. I am looking forward to put it on my dressing table when our decorating will be complete.

Brushes:

See make-up brushes in my my autumn/winter cosmetics. I swapped bronzer brush with a lighter powder brush I have from Cosmopolitan for years. It gives lighter coverage and dries faster after wash. As well, I am using ex-mascara wand as an eyebrow comb. It is great to apply Castor oil on lashes too. 

What is your make-up must have this spring?

Marija

Hair Oil Mix with Shea Butter - DIY Beauty

Finally I had a bit of spare time to create something with my own hands to enjoy. I run out of my hair oil treatments and for some time was just using 100% pure coconut oil, what isn't a bad thing to do. Read here about coconut oil benefits and qualities for skin and hair.

Hair oil mix with Shea butter

Shea butter is a natural conditioner for hair, it has moisturising and healing properties to restore and make your hair smooth and soft.  Shea butter is good as well to calm an irritated scalp and a natural heat and UV protector. Olive oil along with being a natural hair conditioner promotes a healthy hair growth. Castor oil promotes hair strength and restore scalp balance (hair growth, remedy from dandruff). Along with a head massage this oil will stimulate circulation and will help you to keep your scalp and hair strong and healthy. 

To make one of your own you will need:

Approximately.
- 200g Shea butter;
- 150ml Olive oil;
- 50ml Castor Oil (I am using Black Castor Oil)
- 50 drops of essential oil of your choice (I am using Blended Rose and Pure Vanilla essential oil, 30:20 drops) 

You will need as well:

- Empty bottle to store your oil mix;
- A bowl;
- One spoon for mixing and/or whisk;
- A pot with a little bit of water for melting


Place all the ingredients into a clean bowl apart from the essential oil/s. 

Place a pot with a little bit of water in it on the low-medium flame and put your bowl inside to melt the Shea butter and combine all the ingredient together.

Cool the mixture for about 5 minutes and add your essential oil/s. Pour carefully into a clean bottle or jar to cool completely and store your oil in cool and dry place for no longer than 6 months. It will harden up when in cool state, just warm the mixture up the same way you warm up the coconut oil. If you live in the warmer climate it will stay in a liquid form.

I use this oil once a week as part of my deep conditioning treatment. 

Even after first use, I have noticed a difference - my hair appeared stronger and softer. It is part of my hair care routine this spring , try it for yourself and share your experience in the comments below.

Which is your favourite hair oil?

Marija

Empty Bottles - December 2014

With my no shopping challenge this month I managed to finish few beauty products I had for some time. Here are reviews for all of them.

1. MONU Skincare Soothing Hawaii Facial Oil. I got this facial oil in November Glossybox and it has been my cleanser in December. 

MONU is professional skin care and this was my first experience with the brand. Hawaii Facial Oil is paraben free. It is created using a combination of hydrating Sandalwood and soothing Lavender essential oils to ensure skin feels comfortable and revitalised all day long. You can use this oil as a moisturiser or as cleanser as I did. I posted this month oil cleansing method, just click here to read all about it. 

I love everything about this oil: ingredient list is natural and full of antioxidants, lovely and relaxing scent and it left my skin fresh and soft.

Here is the ingredient list for you to have a look:

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Linalool, Tocopherol, Limonene, Geraniol, Citral.

I will give MONU Skincare Soothing Hawaii Facial Oil 5 stars out of 5. Because it is what its says on the pack and it does the job brilliantly and it is on my shopping list.

2. Lavera Organic Colour and Shine Conditioner. I decided to give another go to the natural conditioner and I am overall pleased with the results. Read full review here. I am looking forward to try any other natural conditioners out there for the hair detox purposes, will keep you posted.

3. Crabtree and Evelyn English Honey and Peach Blossom all purpose balm. This rich all purpose balm can be used on any area of the skin requiring targeted deep moisturising and that what I was doing. I used it as a lip balm, as a hand balm and as a cuticle softener and I believe there are lots of other ways you can make this balm useful.

I couldn't find full ingredient list for you, but according to the homepage of Crabtree and Evelyn this all purpose balm is formulated with moisturising shea butter and honey, combined with skin conditioning beeswax and peach blossom extract.

I will give Crabtree and Evelyn English Honey and Peach Blossom all purpose balm 5 stars out of 5. It is one of the best balm I bought and haven't made myself, I enjoyed a lot using it and I will buy it again if I will come across it. If you are looking for a lip balm and not sure which to buy, I would recommend this one.


4. Dove Purely Pampering Shea Cream Pot. I love Dove body butters, they are soft and make my skin silky and smooth.

Here is the ingredient list for you to have a look:

Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sorbitol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil, Isohexadecane, Glycol Stearate, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dimethiconol, Potassium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Isomerized Linoleic Acid, Urea, Collagen Amino Acids, Lactic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Stearamide AMP, Sorbitan Oleate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Coumarin, CI 77891

I will give Dove Purely Pampering Shea Cream Pot 4 stars out of 5, because I thought scent was a bit to strong for my liking and I am aware that ingredient list is not that great, but this body butter is worth spending money on.

5. Natural hair oil mix - DIY Beauty. This hair oil mix I made myself, you can find recipe here. This oil is full of vitamins a healthy hair need and it left my hair strong and silky. This oil will be always in my bathroom ready for the hot or cold hair oil treatment. Have you tried it yet, I would like to know what is your experience with it? I will give Natural hair oil mix 5 stars out of 5, because it's simply works. 

I also finished Timotei shampoo you saw last month in my hair care routine post, but I put in my recycling bin without remembering to keep it for the end of the month. It is a good basic shampoo to use; washed my hair well even with the hair oil in without drying them. It is affordable and I plan to buy it again in future, if nothing else will catch my eye.

What did you enjoy this month, share in the comments below?
Marija

My Lip Balm Collection: Reviews and Swatches

As I promised in one of my previous posts here is my lip balm collection. Being a conscious shopper I am surprised to find a "collection" in my possession. This time is due to Glossybox, not to my over splashing with cash.

I am not a lip gloss or lipsticks person - I love my simple natural lip balms. So I want to share with you my impressions and reviews on this small collection I got by chance not by a choice.

1. Burt's Bees Lip Shine. These are 100% natural, sheer glosses, enriched with moisturising Apricot Wax and Sunflower Seed oil. You can see swatches below - first two from the right.

Here are the ingredients for you to have a look:

All shades except Smooch: ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, lanolin, silica, cera alba (beeswax, cire d’abeille), armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, hydrogenated apricot kernel oil, hydrogenated apricot oil unsaponifiables, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil unsaponifiables, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, tocopherol, ammonium glycyrrhizate, glycine soja (soybean) oil, alumina., +/- (may contain): CI 75470 (carmine), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (iron oxides), CI 77891 (titanium dioxide). *natural flavour, Smooch Lip Shine: ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, oleic/linoleic/linolenic polyglycerides, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, lanolin, silica, cera alba (beeswax, cire d’abeille), acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed cera (wax, cire) polyglyceryl-3 esters, aroma (flavour)*, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, hydrogenated apricot kernel oil, hydrogenated apricot oil unsaponifiables, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil unsaponifiables, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, tocopherol, ammonium glycyrrhizate, glycine soja (soybean) oil, alumina. +/- (may contain): CI 75470 (carmine), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (iron oxides), CI 77891 (titanium dioxide). *natural flavour

I will give Burt's Bees Lip Shine 3 stars out of 5. They are not just natural what is great, but also give your lips sheer colour and a shiny, glassy  finish. I can't say that they are great in moisturising the lips and I do have a white line forming after a day of use (what I just hate in lip balms or glosses). But overall it is a great beauty tube for a spring/summer time and scent is just yummy!

2. Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butter in shade Coral. Beautiful packaging - tiny glass jar with a cute lid. A beautiful thing for a dressing table. This lip butter ads a hint of colour and I can say moisturises a bit better than Burt's bees. Check the swatch below in the middle.

I didn't keep a box and couldn't find a full ingredient list for you online. According to the official website Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butters are made with Argan oil, Grape Seed oil, Sweet Almond oil and Shea butter.

I will give Royal Apothic Tinties Lip Butter 4 stars out of 5. Even its ingredient list isn't as good as Burt's Bees Lip Shine, I found this lip butter more pleasant and effective. 

3. Carmex Moisture Plus Berry Lip Balm. This is my favourite lip balm in my collection and I plan to use and enjoy it this spring. It has a lovely berry tint and it is truly soft and full of right moisture lips need. Have a look at the swatch below second from the left.

Here is the ingredient list:

C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ozokerite, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Paraffin, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Aroma, Ricinus communis seed oil7, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado Butter), Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Linoleate (Vitamin E Linoleate), Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Camphor, Titanium Ethyl Vanillin, Menthol, CI77491, CI77499, Saccharin Contains Oxybenzone.

I will give Carmex Moisture Plus Berry lip balm 5 stars out of 5. This lip balm ticks all the right boxes for me and it is close to a lip stick, if you are looking for a moisturising one.

4. Pixi by Petra Lip Balm. If Carmex Moisture Plus is my favourite, this one is the least favourite lip balm in my collection. If you are after a lip balm with the most tint in it - you will love Pixi by Petra, it really stays on the lips for long. What I didn't like - it is so hard to apply, doesn't glide on easy. I find this lip balm very hard and even drying - what is unusual to say about a lip balm. Check the swatch below - first from the left.

Here is the ingredient list:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polybutene, Ozokerite, Octyldodecanol, Beeswax, Trihydroxystearin, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Phenoxyethanol, Vanillin. [+/- Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499), Red 6 (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)].

I will give Pixi by Petra lip balm 2 stars out of 5. Being a lip balm, it didn't perform very well with me, 2 stars for the brilliant colour stay. But you will need a lip balm to use on top of it to keep your lips soft and moist. 

Have you tried any from above?

Marija

Recent Reads - The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly

Here is another of my recent reads to share. I would say a very inspirational and easy to read book - The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-Mi Hwang.

This fable is about the hen named Sprout, who no longer wanted to lay eggs on command only to have them carted of to the market. She glimpses the world from the chicken coop and sees that there are other animal who roam free. This is amazing story about dedication to a dream,  acceptance of what ever come towards you and making the most of it, friendship, loyalty and the end to it all. 

I really liked the story line and the fact that the author didn't exaggerate hen's abilities or intelligence. This makes the fable liveable and relevant.

I don't want to tell you a full story line. It is a very short book, but I believe everyone will find something to reflect from it.

Here are some quotes from the book:

"If I can't lay an egg, what's the point of my life?"

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-MI Hwang

"Life wasn't like a sprout's, but still the name made her feel good. It was her secret. Ever since she'd named herself, she'd gotten into the habit of noting the events occurring outside the coop."

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-MI Hwang

"He's leaving! She'd always known this day would come. But she hadn't had enough time to talk to him or give him a proper good-bye"

The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly by Sun-MI Hwang

Have you discovered it yet?

Marija