Empty Bottles - August 2015

August was a busy and exciting month. My little boy was 2 on 19th and I was busy with all birthday preparations and family. Not much happened in the beauty world for me. This month I have only two empties to share and review.

1. YESto Cucumbers Daily Gel Cleanser for Sensitive Skin. This is the most gentle facial cleanser I have ever tried. Amazingly it deep cleans, gently lifting dirt and impurities - leaving skin soothed, calm and clean. This daily gel cleanser is 96% natural and it can remove my daily make-up and doesn't irritate my eye skin either. 

YESto Cucumbers Daily Gel Cleanser contains organic cucumbers (to rejuvenate and soothe the skin), Aloe Vera (gentle moisturiser to refresh the skin) and Green tea (antioxidant and astringent to treat troubled skin and breakouts).

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

Water (Aqua), Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Maris Limus Extract, Alcohol, Copper Chloropyll, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum).

*Certified Organic Ingredient

I will give YESto Cucumbers Daily Gel Cleanser for Sensitive Skin 5 stars out of 5. I like this cleanser for its fresh cucumber scent; gentle, effective and natural formula and how it leaves my skin - soft, calm and clean.

2. Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner. This is a natural orange flower toner with orange flower water, aloe Vera and Centrella Asiatica extract. Not the most appealing scent for a toner, but it isn't easy to find a lovely scented natural toner. It is alcohol free and suitable for all skin types.

If you are kin on orange flower, this toner is something to check out. I did some research and found out that orange flower water is well known for its regenerating and healing properties and is often used as an anti-ageing ingredient. 


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

Aqua/Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Water*, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract*, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid. *ingredient from organic farming. Free from animal-derived ingredients. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Product colour or texture may vary slightly due to natural ingredients. Store in a cool dry place, out of direct sunlight.


I had a lot of fun with this beauty product, but in the end something went wrong. I don't know if my skin got tired of it, or this toner has expired before its time, but I started to get burning sensations and redness after each use. This is a "no" sign for me and even I still got a bit toner left in the bottle, it is going into my bin.

I will give Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner 3 stars out of 5. It is a lovely, fresh and natural toner, but my skin had enough of it within few months. This is actually first beauty product, which got rejected by my skin and it isn't a sensitive type.


Have you tried any of above? What do you think?
Marija

MWgifts - New Stock Update

I just listed few more fabulous gift ideas on MWgift eBay and thought to share this with you. Click on the links for more photos and details. As usual free UK delivery. 

1. Decoration for window/door frame with Cowrie shells, beads, small round mirrors and vibrant pom poms. 

2. Decorative jewellery/storage box with three compartments. Made with embossed silver metal and hand painted with blue, yellow, red and green colours.

3. Decorative book style jewellery box. This is the star of MWgifts at the moment, beautifully made and can fit a lot of jewellery, bracelets and watches.

Promise a beauty post tomorrow.

Marija 

My Beauty Discovery - August 2015

I like to share with you in my beauty discovery posts something special and usually discovered by chance. I run out of my face wash week ago, went through my beauty shelf in the bathroom and found this little thing from Lavera. 

It is actually hair and body wash for sensitive skin. Because it is a natural body wash I though to give it a go, while I am deciding on new face wash. My face is part of my body, right?! Mind you, I wouldn't use an ordinary shampoo or shower gel on my face. Nevertheless I am so surprised with the results.

Lavera Organic Basis Sensitive 2-in1 Hair and Body Wash is gentle, yet effective. Has light, refreshing scent and foams a little bit. I am glad I found the way to use this sample and if you like universal beauty products, this beauty discovery of the month is something to check out. 

According to Lavera's website this product has been completely re-formulated to provide a gentle cleansing experience. It is hydrating and calming, contains see extracts and plant keratin from oats and wheat to offer gentle cleansing for the skin and hair.

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

Water (Aqua), Sodium Coco Sulfate, Glycerin, Lauryl Glucoside, Sea Salt (Maris Sal), Algae Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Straw Extract*, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract*, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Alcohol*, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Limonene**, Geraniol**, Linalool**, Citral**, Citronellol**

And here is the ingredient list for my YESto Cucumbers face wash to compare:

Water (Aqua), Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Maris Limus Extract, Alcohol, Copper Chloropyll, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum).
*Certified Organic Ingredient

I am considering to replace my three facial cleansing products (Micellar water, cleansing milk and face wash) with one gentle face wash. Do you know any other beauty products, which can be used in unusual, indirect ways. Share with me in the comments below.

I will give Lavera Organic Basis Sensitive 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash 5 stars out of 5. It left my skin clean, refreshed and soft. I haven't tried it as a shampoo, but I am not that kin on natural shampoos at the moment. 

Have you tried Lavera Organic Basis Sensitive 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash? What do you think?

Marija

Selling Online Amazon vs eBay - Individual Seller

My new project is live for a month now and I thought to share my experience with Amazon and eBay. Before starting MWgifts online I read few comparisons posts regarding online selling on Amazon and eBay and they influenced my decision to start with Amazon.  

If you would like to start selling online and are thinking where to start from, this post might be useful for you. Click here to access online seller page with all information you need for Amazon and here for eBay. 

You will need to read through their terms and conditions, check website's fees for listings and charges on sale. You can read below my personal experience with both websites and my own cons and pros of Amazon and eBay.

Selling online Amazon vs eBay

from individual seller's point of view

As I mentioned above I went with Amazon because they have a large and reputable market and I though my items will sell better with them. I have encountered my first problem with Amazon, when I started to list my first item. Amazon asked me for a barcode and with out one I couldn't list anything. 

I went online to do more research and found plenty of companies selling out barcodes to use on Amazon and eBay. That was firs misleading, because you do not need a barcode to sell on eBay. Unaware of this I bought 10 barcodes from BarCodeTalk to list my items and launch my MWgifts in time I planned it.

I can tell you it is easy to list your item, add photos and description. My second problem with Amazon was lack of free P&P. If you are an individual seller you can't provide free P&P, for that you need to upgrade for Pro selling. I wanted to offer free delivery for my UK customers and sadly I couldn't do that. Amazon added £4.59 as a delivery charge to each item and find it a little bit off putting from buying. Even my small price reduction failed to generate a sale.

My last problem with Amazon came from quite unexpected area. Apparently some of my photos due to lighting got not a white background and Amazon has specific photos requirements. That was the last drop which encouraged me to look elsewhere.


Now let's move on to eBay. After my disappointment with Amazon, I have decided to try it out. I am so glad, I did now. With eBay I found out that I don't need a barcode to list an item and I have few more pros to share.


What I like about eBay:
- I can see, if somebody viewed your item or watching it;
- It is all right to release, eBay doesn't charge for your first 20 listings a month;
- I can get offers and I can counter offer;
- I can offer free P&P.

And the best thing is I sold few items in my first week on eBay. This gave me some motivation boost and I learnt more about packing, posting and broaden experience with Pay Pal.


I still believe it is a matter of personal choice to go with Amazon, eBay, both, or any other site. It depends on items you would like to sell, your priorities and interests. Which ever website you choose it is important to read terms and conditions and don't forget to compare.

This is my personal experience and I am at the moment more happy with eBay due to actual sales and more relaxed way of listing and possibility to monitor interest on my items. Only one con as a beginner on eBay I reached my seller limit due to checks they need to carry out. I hope as soon as all checks will be complete, I will be able to use my 20 free listings a month to a full advantage.


Do you sell on Amazon and/or eBay? What are your pros and cons?

MWgift

Read more:
- MWgifts on Amazon
- MWgift on eBay

Foreo Luna for Combination Skin - Review

I promised you few months ago to review my Foreo Luna and I think I have been using it enough now and it is time to share.

Lets I tell you first about Foreo Luna. 

Foreo Luna is an innovative skincare device that delivers deep-cleansing via T-Sonic technology and anti-aging (for some reason this spelling FOREO is using in their press release) through lower-frequency pulsation. It is made by innovative Swedish company FOREO and it is offering a completely new way to care for the skin. The LUNA's secret is the T-Sonic pulsations that are channelled through a unique brush surface of soft silicone touch points.

Foreo Luna promise 100% convenience with the waterproof design for use in the bath or shower, while every LUNA device offers a minimum of 300 uses per single full charge. Fitting easily into your morning and evening routines, they also require no replacement brush heads.

LUNA delivers a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion with 2 minutes of use, morning and night. In addition to cleansing, the LUNA also features and Anti-Aging Mode to reduce the visible signs of aging, has 8 speeds for optimal comfort and effectiveness and is available in 3 models tailored for different skin types.

I got light blue Foreo Luna for Combination Skin. 


Now a bit more about my Foreo Luna for Combination Skin.

I am using it only once a day - in the evening, because I do remove my make-up and cleanse my face daily before I go to sleep. If you are following my blog, you probably know that I don't always clean my face in the mornings. At the moment I don't think my skin needs it.

I use cream cleanser to remove make-up and any dirt my skin collected during the day with cleansing mode lightly massaging all over the face and neck. I rinse any traces of cleanser with help of face cloth, apply face toner and use second mode on the other side of my Foreo Luna to deliver light massage and relax facial muscles.

It did feel a bit strange and tickly at first, but after few days I knew there is no way back for me. I like the gentle vibration and silicone brush is brilliant to cleanse my skin. I have been using it for more than three months and I can see the improvements. My skin tone is brighter and face looks fresh and radiant. 

I am glad Fore Luna didn't give me any kind of irritation or skin sensitivity as some facial cleansing devises do. I still get my hormonal and heat bumps, but they are not as profound as they used to be.

I wash my Foreo Luna with a hand wash after every other, otherwise it is very simple in maintenance and doesn't require a lot of care. My first charge is still running, I wonder for how long it can last? Mind you, as I said, I am using it only once a day.

It is true pleasure to cleanse my face now and my two minutes of Foreo Luna a day are such a treat! I will give Foreo Luna for Combination Skin 4 stars out of 5. Amazing mix of technology and skin care. I am glad to have it in my bathroom cabinet. I can't claim that it reduced visible signs of ageing, but I enjoy massage mode every evening and can see that my skin does looks better that it used to be.

Do you have a Foreo Luna or other facial cleansing device?
Marija

Read more:

- My updated skin care routine

Glossybox - August 2015

My August Glossybox has arrived and I am delighted to share with you what did I get. Apparently Glossybox is celebrating their fourth birthday this August, so they collected a very special box. There are treats from around the world and four full-sized products hailing from Spain and the US.

Ta dah... Here are the treats from my Glossybox.

1. Naobay Calming Face Toner. 

This refreshing citrus-scented lotion provides 4-in-1 skincare action. Applied with a cotton pad, it effectively removes traces of make-up and impurities from the skin. It also cleanses, tones and soothes the skin thanks to Chamomile and Gotu Kola extracts. Naobay is a natural brand from Spain. This skin toner is approved by ECOCERT and it has 99.13% natural ingredients (12.16% come from organic farming).

Bottle looks very smart indeed, but my first impression was - "oh my, it smells strange"! I am bit fussy with face toners, but I am so glad it doesn't smell funny as soon as you apply it onto the skin. I know all so well, that natural skin care can have quite unconventional scents. Will keep you posted with this one.


2. Sass Purifying Cleanser. Well, I usually leave this part of a personal care off my blog. Intimate care should be intimate and personal. Just click on the name with a link to read more about this product.

3. MeMeMe Lip Glide. It is in Playful Peach shade, formulated with a matte-velvet finish Lip Glide offers ultra high pigment. Will be my first lip crayon to try, this one promises effortless and precise application. Here is the swatch. Lip crayon felt soft on the skin, I will review it later for you as I use it.

4. Emite Artist Colour Powder Blush. Glossybox named it "blunzer" as a blush/bronzer hybrid. Smooth formula and balanced pigments for a natural look. I got shade number 108.

Amazing pigmentation and soft on touch. Will post a detailed review later for you.
5. Manna Kadar Lash Primer. It creates a fierce flutter and is developed to nourish and enhance lashes. Can be used as a base coat that amplifies mascara effects or as a overnight conditioner. This is my favourite product in the box and I will let you know shortly how I get on with it. 

First impression is good. Lash primer has a mild scent, I am looking forward to try it tonight.

Amazing box this month! All products are keepers, I couldn't be happier!

Have you tired any from above?

Marija

MWgifts on eBay

I am exploring selling online a little bit further and you will find MWgifts (or MWgift due to MWgifts wasn't available to use) on Ebay.

I would like to share with you my adventure so far and plan to make a separate post on the online selling subject. For now here the links to my beautiful gifts available to buy from eBay and what I like eBay so far I can offer you free UK P&P.

1. A lovely multicoloured beaded hanging string.

2. Beautiful beaded string with white elephants, jingle bells and oriental ending detail. Click here to view on eBay .

3. Another beautiful hanging string with elephants. Full of colour and vibe, will bring an oriental touch to any room or occasion. Click here to view it on eBay. 

4. Stunning door or window frame hanging set with crystals, jingle bells and colourful beads. Perfect for special occasions. Click here to view it on eBay.

5. Small silver metal embossed jewellery box. 

6. Medium silver metal embossed jewellery box. 

7. Beautiful, oriental style storage box with two compartments.

Here are all the links for now and I will keep you posted with my online sale experience shortly. Have you sold anything on eBay? Do you have advice or tips you would like to share?

Marija

Natural Hair Serum - DIY Beauty

I mentioned this serum in my updated hair care routine. I am using it for few months now and I love it simplicity and effectiveness. I use it to condition my hair after the wash just before hair drying to add some heat protection and a little bit after to smooth out the hair.

Natural hair serum

To make hair serum you will need:

yourbeautyblog1

- 15ml of Coconut oil;

- 5ml of Argan oil;

- 5 drops of Lavender essential oil;

- 5 drops of Geranium essential oil;

- 3 drops of Rosemary essential oil;

- 2 drops of Ylang Ylang.

Coconut oil is famous with its benefits for hair strength and growth. It isn't thick as a castor oil, so will be absorbed faster and won't grease hair as much. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and will give hair moisture, nourishment and it promotes a healthy shine. 

I selected essential oils from my collection which are the most beneficial to hair. This combination creates a gentle herby scent. You can use your own mix, if you like. What I love about hand made beauty, that you can personalise it and make something special just for yourself. Read here about essential oils I have and their benefits for hair/skin. 

You will require as will small empty bottle to store the serum. I had this small dark glass pipette bottle which is ideal in this situation. Pipette makes it so much easier to measure drops and avoid over oiling. I usually use 3 drops of the serum on my wet hair and 2 drops after a hair dryer.

yourbeautyblog1

To make the serum, just mix coconut and Argan oils first and add bit by bit the essential oils. 

yourbeautyblog1

20ml of serum will be enough for 3 months or even longer depends on your use. I wouldn't keep the mix longer than 6 months, due to lack of preservatives.

Looking forward to you reviews in the comments below!

Marija

Empty Bottles - July 2015

July is truly over and I am overdue with my reviews. It was an amazing month and I have few nice items to share.

1. Radox Relax Shower Gel. Well, this one lasted me a very long time indeed! I am a soap girl and use shower gel only once or twice a week. This shower gel has pleasant scent and contains few natural ingredients to help you calm and unwind. It lathers well and leaves skin soft, but I used to apply a body cream after each use. It is pleasant and inexpensive shower gel to try and enjoy.

Here is the ingredient list:

Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Parfum, Sine Adipe Lac, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, Sodium Lactate, Polyquaternium-7, Sorbitol, Glucose, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Coumarin, Limonene, Linalool, CI 17200, CI 42090

I will give Radox Relax Shower Gel 4 stars out of 5. Just a lovely shower gel, but nothing exciting. It has relaxing scent and lasts long. I believe deserves his 4 stars very well.

2. YESto Blueberries Smoothing Daily Cleanser for Fine Lines and Wrinkles. I bought two tubes of this cleanser in begging of spring as a change from my oil cleansing method. I believe I actually didn't review it for you, at least I couldn't find the reference. 

This cleanser is just perfect for sensitive, dry or mature skin types. I just love it for its creamy and gentle formula.

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

Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glycerin, Beeswax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii*, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Phenethyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Vaccinium Cyanococcus Fruit Juice, Parfum, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Limonene, Linalool.

It is 99% natural skin care product and I will give YESto Blueberries Smoothing Daily Cleanser 5 stars out of 5. It is creamy, rich in anti-oxidants and natural alpha-hydroxy acids. This cleanser left my skin soft and refreshed after each use. I have only minor reservations: its scent is a bit too sweet for me and I can only washed it off with the face cloth. 

This cleanser works well with my Foreo Luna, I will post a review on this little skin care gadget later in the month.

3. Korres Basil Lemon Body Milk. This is such a treat: vibrant, zesty scent with creamy texture. Absorbs in to the skin very fast and keeps it moisturised for hours. I used it once every morning and it was enough for all day. My first experience with Korres and it was a good one!

Here is the ingredient list:

Aqua (Water/Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Decyl Cocoate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Parfum (Fragrance), Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Caprylyl Glycol, Citral, Distarch Phosphate, Geraniol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Helichrysum Arenarium Flower Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Magnesium PCA, Manganese PCA, Panthenol, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Sodium Gluceptate, Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA.

I will give Korres Basil Lemon Body Milk 5 stars out of 5. It is moisturising, refreshing, contains Almond oil, Shea butter, Aloe, provitamin B5 and more to provide long-lasting hydration.

4. Dabur Vatika Night Repair Hair Cream. Last item from my Dabur Vatika hamper bag I bought from Ideal Home Christmas special I attended last year. This is an overnight treatment for damaged, brittle and split hair. It contains egg, castor oil, honey, coconut, henna and almond oil to help strengthen, nourish and condition hair. Not the great ingredient list if you are looking for more natural option, but I haven't found just yet a natural hair care which works for me. 

Here is the ingredient list:

Aqua, Paraffinum liquidum, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Caprylic capric triglyceride, Poly ethylene glycol 400, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Bis (C13-15 Alkoxy) PG Amodimethicone, Perfume, Triethanolamine, Olea europaea Fruit Oil, Carbomer, Ricinus Communis (Castor) seed oil, Phenoxy Ethanol, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Almond) oil, Methyl Paraben, Panthenyl ethyl ether, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Glycine, Disodium EDTA, Honey Extract, Butylated hydroxy toluene,Propyl Paraben, Egg Powder, Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) extract, Amyl Cinnamal, Lilial, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool

I will give Dabur Vatika Night Repair Hair Cream 5 stars out of 5. It rescued my hair so many times when they needed that extra bit of nourishment and care. 

5. L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Purifying Micellar Water. My second Micellar Water to try and I am completely sold. L'Oreal Micellar Water is gentle, yet effective with my simple make-up. I am so glad I found something I don't need to rub into my skin a lot.

Here is the ingredient list to have a look:

7819881, Aqua/Water, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin,Poloxamer 184, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium EDTA, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide.

I will give L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Purifying Micellar Water 4 stars out of 5, due to mess it does when you try to take off the mascara. Overall this is the best Micellar water I have tried so far. Read here my review on Nivea Micellar Water.


A very positive month it was with my empties, I don't have any beauty product in here I don't like. How was July for you, have you discovered something special in the beauty world?!
Marija