Empty Bottles - September 2015

It is last day of September and here is an empty bottles' post with reviews as usual. 

1. Miss Sporty Liquid Concealer 001 shade Light. I believe I have found an affordable concealer which 100% suits my complexion and the daily make-up needs. 

This is a luminous liquid which conceals and smoothes out imperfection. It is enriched with antioxidants of vitamins C and E to help revitalise dull skin.

What I like about this concealer, it is very light and blends perfectly well with my skin. Doesn't leave any signs of itself visible. I don't have dark cycles under my eye, they are more pink shade. This concealer brightens the skin nicely and make me look more refreshed. I will give Miss Sporty Liquid Concealer 5 stars out of 5. It is the best I found so far from the drug store.

2. MONU Rosewood Reviving Mist. I got this from the Glossybox in July. A beautiful, refreshing mist. It is created using a blend of zesty essential oils from Lemon and Rosewood to Sandalwwod, Petitgrain, Geranium and Clary Sage. My skin just loved it and scent is lovely too for a toner. 

It inspired me to buy a spray bottle, so I can refill it with the toner and use every morning after the shower. Sadly, my sample bottle stopped spraying evenly after a week of use and I couldn't reuse the bottle.

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

Aqua (Water), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Methylparaben, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Propylparaben, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Petitgrain) Terpeneless, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil.

I will give MONU Rosewood Reviving Mist 5 stars out of 5. Ignoring the bottle fault, I think it is a very good natural and refreshing mist to have in your bathroom cabinet.


3. Organic Surge Lavender Meadow Body Lotion. A true lavender meadow! Such a beautiful fragrance, if you like the lavender scent. This body lotion is packed with it, but in a balance way. It is very light body lotion, but it was enough hydrating for my skin this summer. It absorbs quickly, contains skin-conditioning glycerine to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturised, while helping to protect from dryness and irritation.

Here is the ingredient list: 

Aqua/Water, Aloe Barbadensis Extract*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter*, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Citral. *naturally-derived ingredient. Naturally occurring within essential oils.

I would like to give Organic Surge Lavender Meadow Body Lotion 5 stars out of 5. It fully deserves the award. Will look out for it again next summer.


4. TRESemme Renewal Hair and Scalp Tonic Lotion. I had on and off with this one. First hair and scalp tonic for me to use. I usually prefer the oil, but I thought it was good during hot summer days. My scalp felt refreshed and happy with it. 

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

Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Melaleuca Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Panthenol, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Arginine, Biotin, Citrulline, Acetyl Tyrosine, Calcium Pantothenate, Zinc Gluconate, Ornithine HCl, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Climbazole, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Glucosamine HCl, Disodium EDTA, Pantolactone, Propylene Glycol, Polyquaternium-16, Polyquaternium-11, Denatonium Benzoate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Disodium Succinate, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool

According to official website Renewal Hair and Scalp system helps nourish the scalp and renew your hair. I thought it smelled gorgeous too. I will give TRESemme Renewal Hair and Scalp Tonic Lotion 4 stars out of 5. Just not sure this is my kind of hair care product, but was great to try it out. It didn't irritate and made my scalp feeling healthy and my hair were soft after each use. If you are looking for something new to add into your haircare routine, why not to check it out!?


I think it was a very positive month for my beauty world. 

Have you tried any from above? What are your thought regarding hair and scalp tonic, have you ever used one or using now?
Marija

Glossybox - September 2015

September Glossybox has arrived and it is amazing! This month is a style edition and they tried to combine new season's must haves. Here is my style edition Glossybox.

1. Maria Nila Luminous Colour Hair Masque. This item is really exciting one - professional hair care from Sweden. A gentle treatment for coloured hair that moisturises and nourishes hair for a silky result. Contains pomegranate extract and Colour Guard Complex to protect hair and reduce the loss of colour associated with washing, heat styling, UV rays and free radicals.

Can't wait to try it out. And I got this one like and the rest of September's items in full size. It smells lovely, it is sulphate and paraben free - hope I will have a good time using it. Will let you know.

2. Bellapierre Shimmer Powder. I hope it isn't too glittery and I will be able to use it as an eye liner.  

Bellapierre eyeshadow contains 100% pure Mica powder. According to the website it is long lasting, has a vibrant colour without any additional filler that can often smear, crease, fade and even cause allergic reaction. Bellapierre cosmetics are 100% Hypoallergenic and are suitable for all skin type, even the most sensitive.

3. Marsk Eyeshadow Brush Pro. This is a bit bigger version of my eyeshadow brush I am using right now. I am looking forward to see how this brush works and what difference, if any it will make. Will keep you posted for sure. 

According to Marsk this brush has precisely shaped bristles to create the perfect eye look. Good with mineral eyeshadow, so it should work well with Bellapierre Shimmer Powder. Perfect!

4. Nails Inc Nail Polish. I am only one left on this planet who never tried Nails Inc, well not for long now. I heard a lot about this brand, but never ventured to buy one. Colour is beautiful and I think will suit autumn very well. Will post swatch and review in few weeks time. Let's see if they really that long lasting and busy mum proof.

5. Invisibobble Traceless Hair Ring. This is new! I will need to check how to use it correctly. Never came across it before, have you? Well, this is what I like about Glossybox, it brings something new to try always.

According to Glossybox newsletter card, clever spiral design of these hair ties means they will secure your locks without leaving a kink - whatever the style. They have smooth finish means they don't rub against the surface of your hair, co they won't cause any damage or breakage. 

Homework for me. Maybe it is time to move on from my soft hair bands!?

If you want to get September Glossybox, just click here. Have you tried any from above? What is your favourite?

My number one is hair masque and the rest are great addition to my beauty world.

Marija

MWgifts - New Stock Update

MWgift listed few new items on eBay last week. Here are some photos and links to access the descriptions.

1. Beautiful embossed silver metal medium jewellery box with two flowers on the lid and velvet lining.

2. Smaller version as above. Click here for dimensions, photos and information. 








3. Small jewellery box got restocked. Ideal for small jewellery or accessories. 










4. Completely new item for MWgift(s) - Stylish jute bag. It is hand made, Eco friendly, in unisex colours, got a handy zip closure and soft cord handles long enough to wear on the shoulder.









Free UK delivery on all items.
Happy shopping everyone!
Marija

The Art of Letting Go

When life is full on and becomes overwhelming and staying calm and relaxed becomes almost impossible it is time to let go. Can you do that? Is it easy or even possible?

I always found it hard: not to worry about thing; forget unpleasant incident; relax with all this in my mind. Autumn is here and shorter days add up with their own blues. I thought it is time to do something and change.

I have browsed through few well being books and came across Reader's Digest Stay Calm Stay Healthy by Linda Blair. 

It has a lot to offer to defend yourself against stress and to improve your health. But the best part, I found some tips to total relaxation. I won't list them all, just 5 the best I plan to use this month to return to relaxed and happy self.

Five steps to total relaxation

inspired by Stay Calm Stay Healthy by Linda Blair

According to Linda Blair, if you will practise this routine every day for about half and hour, you will soon become skilled at "letting go". Then use it whenever you are tense, when life feels overwhelming, when you can't sleep at night or simply to restore energy levels. This is exactly what I need right now.

1. Lie down on a firm surface, a bed or sofa, or the floor on a mattress. Place a small cushion under your head and a large cushion or pillow under your thighs, to take the strain off your abdomen and ease the small of your back. Make sure you are warm - perhaps cover yourself with a blanket - as you can't relax completely if you get cold.

2. Focus your attention on your body. Become aware of your shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, diaphragm, back, mouth, jaw eyes, forehead and head. Stretch and relax your arms, hands, legs, feet and back one by one, giving enough attention and time to each part. Allow your facial muscles to relax starting with your eyes, then forehead. Use your fingers to gently massage your face. You can read here simple face massage techniques. 

3. Now imagine a smile beginning in your mouth and slowly spreading out into your cheeks. Feel as if your cheeks are widening a little, so that the whole of your lower face feels relaxed and calm.

4. Now enjoy the feeling of being deeply relaxed. Enjoy the feeling of ease. Rest in the calm that comes with letting go completely. Stay in this relaxed feeling, and rest your mind by picturing a beautiful and peaceful place. This is your inner sanctuary, where you can return for rest whenever you choose.

5. When you are in a state of deep relaxation, hold the awareness of your rejuvenation. When you wish to come back to normal alertness, so so slowly and gently. Stretch your body last time, wiggle your fingers and toes. Don't rush, try to maintain the feeling of calm for as long as you can.


This little DIY relaxation routine is great to unwind and to restore the inner balance. 

But if you not always have the time for it, I got another piece of advice motherhood gifted me with - deal only with a current problem. Don't worry about what might happen if you do this or that, just focus on what is going on right now and go slowly from there. This will not just save your energy, but also will allow you to appreciate beauty of present moment.


What is your best relaxation technique?
Marija

Balcony in Bloom - Summer Update

I were on leave last week and managed to tidy up my balcony. Sadly Fuchsia dried up and I needed something new to fill the gap. It was attacked by nasty green flies and I have used green fly killer from the garden store, but I am afraid it didn't do good to the delicate Fuchsia. 

I thought to learn on my mistakes and buy more fragrant plants with hope that green flies won't like them. Here is how my balcony looks at the moment.

I bought 6 pink Geranium plants and 6 large Marigolds last week and mixed them up with other plants I had already. Lavender and Tulsi (Holi Basil) are new, but you saw in my previous post Aloe Vera and Succulent plants. I separated Double Narcissuses bulbs and they are now in various pots to bloom in early spring.

My basket looked a bit poorly too with outgrown Petunia. It didn't give me as much blooms as I anticipated, but with a bit of tidy up, I think it looks lovely.

I had a lot of fun mixing plants to create various colour and texture combinations. Plus re-potting them with my little boy (he will be two in August) was such a treat. I can tell you gardening even balcony gardening can be family fan and brilliant activity for little ones who likes to get muddy.

Do you like gardening? Do you consider is a therapy and a way to relax and unwind? Share with me your balcony or small garden ideas, just leave the comment below.

Marija

His Bathroom Shelf

Today is the day! I would like to share his side of bathroom shelf. I have made posts with my beauty routines and don't know why it took me so long to create one of his own.

Few words about my husband before we start - down to earth man, doesn't bother much with brands or word "natural"; appreciates products for their properties, textures and scents. I can say ideal and never achievable part of me. 

I pulled all the toiletries out of the bathroom and tried to sort them out in few groups. Have a look.

Body care:

He is using two body lotions at the moment - Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant with pure Cocoa Butter and AMIR Hemp Seed Moisturiser. Vaseline body lotion has strong cocoa scent, so he alternates it with a mild AMIR Hemp Seed Moisturiser. Personally I like AMIR moisturiser for its consistency, scent and it has better ingredient list.

My husband is a soap man, but he likes to use body wash once in a while (this we have in common - yeyy!). I found Baylis and Harding Fuzzy Duck Black Pepper and Sage. Ladies and gents this black pepper and sage line has the most masculine and sexy scent.

Another two toiletries used once in a while are the bath foams. He has one from Baylis and Harding Fuzzy Duck and Radox Muscle Therapy with Black Pepper and Ginseng. Baylis and Harding is calming and relaxing, Radox on other hand makes you feel more energised. 

Oh, dear! Here is something you won't find on my bathroom shelf - spray bottle with antiperspirant. But apparently, my husband likes them more than any of his after shave. His Right Guard Total Defence comes first after Lacoste Rouge Eau de Toilette spray.

Facial skin care:

I will leave out the tools he is using for shaving, but  would like to share the skincare toiletries. His two all time favourites are Nivea and Gillette. I found few from both: Nivea Men Sensitive Shaving Foam, Post Shave Balm and Nivea Creme; Gillette Shave Gel Sensitive Skin travel size and Gillette after shave balm. New items he is trying out are Baylis and Harding Fuzzy Duck Body Balm and Body Scrub. 

His hair care routine is a very simple one - any shampoo and hair oil he can locate in the bathroom. You will find them in my hair care routine, I will leave a link below.

There are few nice items on his bathroom shelf. Some I like to use once in a while, like AMIR body lotion, others I love on him, like Fuzzy Duck. Do you have favourites on his side of bathroom cabinet?

Marija

Read more:

- Recent skin care routine

- Recent hair care routine

August Beauty Haul and Gifts

Last month of the summer, a busy one and I think my Glossybox subscription reduced my beauty haul by a degree. I only bought one insignificant item and the rest my mommy got for me when she came for a visit. There is at least one exciting item through so it is worth reading.

1. Nivea Free Time shower gel. I love citrus scented soaps and shower gel, they do magic with my senses and can improve my mood considerably. It is a simple, but soft and foamy shower gel.

2. Beauty Formula Relaxing and Healing Foot Mask and Soothing and Nourishing Hand Mask. This is a new brand for me to explore, my dear mother likes these two masks and says they do wonders with her feet and hands. I am looking forward to try and will let you know in my future reviews.

According to the brand Beauty Formulas relaxing and healing Foot Mask is specially formulated with the benefit of the active emollient Shea Butter with Apple, Peppermint and other natural healing ingredients to smooth and soften tired dry feet. Hand Mask is enriched with Peach Extract and Shea Butter, Honey and other natural anti-oxidants to nourish and improve skin tone and texture.

My mother's advice is to use them as a overnight treatment along with cotton socks and cotton gloves. I will make a separate post to share some foot and hand care tips later this month.

3. Stenders Lemon Cream Soap. This soap is my pure joy and treat from my homeland - Latvia. I love the texture, how it foams, how it smells and how it is beautifully presented. This hand-crafted soap with gentle cream, apricot kernel oil, lemon essential oil, oat flake and wheat-germ extracts tenderly cleanses the skin and takes care of its softness. 

Here are all my beauty treats from August. Have you tried any of above? Do you have a beauty product which always bring joy and smile to your face?!

Marija