SenSpa Relaxing Bath and Body

My boys recently treated me to this indulgent SenSpa bath and body set.

These travel sized treats were part of the toiletries in my hospital bag and I though they are wonderfully good not to share. SenSpa is packed full of organic ingredients that are kind to sensitive and dry skin. Organic lavender and essential oils of bergamot, patchouli and geranium are renowned for their relaxing properties. 

These little treats were perfect combination to indulge skin an allow post-delivery stress to drift away.

My skin felt clean, soft and beautifully scented. SenSpa formula is gentle enough and left my skin calm and pampered. When there is a lot on your mind, I love beauty products which take care of you without any extra though or fuss. 

Relaxing SenSpa is a wonderful way to indulge your body and senses.

Do you have a favourite from their range? I am looking forward to try something else from their range in the future.

Marija

Beauty haul: The Body Shop, L'oreal and Burt's Bees

Autumn kicked in in full force with grey sky and early evenings. 

Recently I had a bit more need to cheer myself up I think I have found a little beauty treat from The Body Shop  to add that a little something in my autumn days.

Moringa Softening Body Butter is deliciously soft, creamy and indulgently scented with Moringa. Beautiful consistency of body butter and fragrance lingers for some hours. I am usually a citrus fan, but this bold and catchy scent is perfect to uplift my autumn blues and transport my senses to warmer places.

I have paired body butter with Moringa Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub. The Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub has a creamy consistency with fine scrubbing bits, which smoothes and refines leaving skin soft and scented. The same delicious scent and it takes a good care of my skin in cooler month, leaving it soft. 

After my disappointment with Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Make-up Remover, I went back to L'oreal Micellar Water. It comes in new large format bottle, 400ml and so far I am pleased with results. Read here review from L'oreal Paris.

My little man got another bottle of Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash to enjoy with. As I have mentioned in my recent beauty empties, it keeps his gentle skin soft and clean.

What are your late autumn beauty explorations?

Marija

A big cosmetics clear out

Another beauty clear out left me with a small pile of new and unused cosmetics to dispose off. 

If you are following this blog, you know that I try to exercise a conscious spending approach, but it looks like my Glossybox "weakness" tends to leave me with things I don't really need. Being a blogger and a curious girl I do like to try something I wouldn't necessary buy and I do love to test new lines, but as you will see today still there is quite a bit, mostly make-up I don't have time to get my hands on.

I believe all of them are wonderful and I hope to find a caring and more appreciating home. This only proves that I experiment less with my make-up than skin/hair care. 

So, to make some use of all these and hopefully to gain something to buy a treat I really like, I have split items in to various groups and posted them on eBay for auction. You might still find some of them on my MWgift eBay shop. If they won't sell I am having a though to try the Shpock. It would be a shame to waste these cosmetics and I can't miss theis opportunity to explore a bit more of online selling. Have you used Shpock? What is your preferable selling platform for items to good to bin?

Marija

Balcony in bloom: autumn/winter update 2017

It's been awhile since my last balcony in bloom update and I though it is time to catch up. Last month I've been busy repotting and trimming my little garden to prepare it for the cooler months. Recent winters in London were not harsh and I believe that this year won't be any different, so I have hopes for few blooms even during the winter.

Here is how my balcony looks at the moment. Not a sunny day outside, so it is a treat to see a bit of colour and occasional blooms. This little corner is one of way I tend to distress from my busy life. Do share your distress tips in the comments below.

I have added Azalea Japonica and some Pansies to freshen up the overall look. Azalea I believe will bloom in spring. I have it in a light pink shade and it looks hardy enough to last. Pansies are usually good with cold and will provide my little corner with a bit of yellow and purple colours.

I am glad to say that I still have basket Begonia, yellow Primula and Geranium, which you can see in my previous updates. I have planted some beautiful Fuchsia this summer and it looks they might last the winter and bloom again next year. My first Fuchsia was attacked by green bugs and sadly didn't survive, so I am thrilled to have a bit more success with it this time.

I can see tiny shoots of Narcissus and Hyacinth already, looking forward to enjoy them coming spring. My mint and succulents are doing well too, mind you without much effort on my side. I guess, some plants just love to be left alone to thrive.

I would love to hear about your balconies and plants you grow. Do you like blooms or prefer greens, share in the comments below.

Marija

MWgifts - November 2017 update

I know it's been awhile since my last MWgifts update, but I have something exquisite to share with you today. I came across this little beauty just few days ago and posted it today on eBay for the auction.

This is a Franz porcelain retired Spring Freesia cup and saucer set FZ00030, which is signed by designer and sculptor. It has beautiful floral detailing and in excellent condition free of chips, cracks or scratches. A fabulous gift or a show item for your home. It is available for global shipping, see more photos and other details on MWgift eBay page.

I hope to have a bit more time for all my hobbies from now on and am looking forward to other beautiful discoveries.

Happy shopping everyone!

Marija

November's beauty favourite

Valquer Ice Hair Mask Total Repair. 

I got this little bottle in one of my Glossyboxes and been using it for few weeks now. This is an energising hair mask with cooling effect. It has beautifully refreshing scent which stays with hair for quite awhile; lovely consistency and it looks gorgeous on my bathroom shelf. But the best bit is the result. This hair mask made my hair soft and more easily manageable. I am not sure what is the cooling effect for? I don't usually apply hair mask on my scalp, where I believe this effect would be refreshingly beneficial. But anyway, my hair ends look nourished and healthy.

Have you tried anything from Valquer?

Marija

Beauty Haul: Pai

October was my birthday month and I guess it was a perfect excuse to indulge a little bit more. I have splashed on a bit of Pai. 

Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream. I had this day cream before and retained a very pleasant memory. I am nearing my due date and taking in mind that shortly after my firstborn delivery I have developed urticaria, this cream should be perfect. Its formula calms and soothes sensitive skin, reducing redness and flair ups. 

According to the brand, ultra clean formula of day cream minimises the risk of irritation and helps calm the appearance of reactive redness. Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream is rich in Matricine and Chamazulene which are nature's powerful skin soothing agents; Omegas 3,6,7 and 9 which help repair and regenerate damaged skin.

Pai Instant Calm Redness Serum Sea Aster and Wild Oat. This is something new for me to try. I have been using oil mix in my night skin care routine for some time now and crave for a slight change. This serum promises to reduce appearance of redness caused by flushing, to stimulate skin's natural production of collagen and elastin to pump skin and smooth appearance of fine lines. The first is welcome and the last is desirable. 

Pai Echium and Argan Gentle Eye Cream. This eye cream is for mature, very dry sensitive skin. My skin isn't that mature, but I started to navigate slowly to anti-ageing skin care products. According to the mirror, my eyes and forehead are first to require a little bit of anti-ageing interference.

According to Pai Echium and Argan Gentle Eye Cream contains intensively hydrating formula which improved the appearance of fine lines; unique concentrations of Omegas 3 and 6 which help to regenerate delicate eye area. Eye cream formula id anti-inflammatory and helps to soothe areas of irritation.

I received two little samples with my order: Pai Geranium and Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream and Pai Perfect Balance Blemish Serum Zinc and Copaiba. Looking forward to explore a bit more of Pai skin care, will keep you posted with full review as usual.

Have you tried any from above? What is your impression and experience of Pai skincare?

Marija

Empty bottles: Burt's Bees, Nivea and Heathcote and Ivory

September is about to end and I have collected few empty bottles for you to share.

1. Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash. Favoured by me and used up by my son. This is a lovely, gentle, hypo-allergenic and plant-based wash. Didn't agree with us as a shampoo, but as a body wash it is wonderful. Doesn't strip and dry out the skin; keeps it soft, healthy and clean. 

2. Another little tube from Burt's Bees is the Intense Hydration Eye Cream with Clary Sage. It is surprisingly lightweight despite its name, has mild scent and leaves skin around the eyes soft and well hydrated.

3. Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Make-up Remover. It is gentle and doesn't irritate my skin, but sadly I didn't find its formula as effective as before. This used to be my favourite budget buy, but too many of panda eye mornings are calling now for change.

4. Heathcote&Ivory Blush Rose Hand Lotion. Are you a rose scent fan? Delicately scented, a light textured lotion with glycerin, vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 is beautiful choice to keeps hands soothed and moisturised. I have another bottle to enjoy, this is definitely a lovely and refreshing treat I would recommend.

What is your September's beauty must have?

Marija

SUKIN, Skincare that doesn't cost the Earth

Hello, my friends! I know it's been awhile since my last post. Life kept me busy, but recently I have an urge to write and a desire to share few new bits from my beauty world.

Today's heroes are three skin care products from SUKIN, an Australian natural skin care brand. SUKIN offers a complete natural face care range to bring out the best in your skin's radiance. Formulated using the best natural ingredients such as aloe vera and rose hip oil, the SUKIN facial care range assists in balancing the skin's oils, leaving it soft, nourished and hydrated.

I have a normal skin type, but being 30+ and pregnant I tend to navigate to sensitive and more hydrating skin care products. 

SUKIN Sensitive Cleansing Lotion is gentle and creamy; a perfect combination to cleanse and soothe delicate skin. I use it almost daily in my evening cleansing routine. I love the creamy texture, how lotion feels on my skin and its gentle scent. SUKIN Sensitive Cleansing Lotion is perfect for skin massage after a long and stressful day. Doesn't strip my skin of its natural oils, but does its work by removing impurities. I like to take it off with a warm face cloth and it is perfect parter to my FOREO LUNA.

SUKIN Sensitive Cleansing Lotion is suitable for normal to sensitive skin types. Contains cucumber, chamomile and aloe vera which soothe and hydrate dry skin, while blend of rosehip, jojoba, avocado oils with vitamin E help to leave skin feeling clean, soft and nourished.

SUKIN Restoring Argan Oil+ is my skin's little treat for over the night time. I am not shy of using an oil based skin care on my face and do believe that oils help to restore skin sebum's balance and hydrate on a deeper level. This is a natural blend of rich antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids that help to nourish the skin. SUKIN Restoring Argain Oil+ contains maracuia, rosehip, jojoba, sunflower and wheat germ oils, which help to promote intense moisture to dehydrated skin; calendula flower extract and vitamin E assist to reduce the sign of aging and improve the texture of the skin.

SUKIN Restoring Argan Oil+ absorbs beautifully into skin and doesn't leave any fatty residue. I wake up in the morning with a lovely and soft skin without a trace of oil or any shine. I tend to warm up few drops in between my palms and massage oil gently into my face and neck. Oil has a soothing and light fragrance. It is suitable for all skin types. 

SUKIN Hydrating Facial Masque is another delight for my skin. I use it once a week alternating with a exfoliating facial mask. Masque has a lovely mango scent. It is creamy, soothing and hydrating. 

SUKIN Hydrating Facial Masque is rich in mango seed butter and a blend of avocado, olive fruit and jojoba oils, which help to nourish and provide intense moisture to the skin. Facial mask contains enzymes of papaya and pineapple, which nourish the complexion and impart fruit acids and vitamins, leaving skin feeling smooth with a healthy glow. This face mask is suitable for all skin types.

A lovely trio. Have you tried any from above? What is your favourite skin care treat from SUKIN?

Marija

Revlon Nail Enamel - Gray Suede - review and swatches

I am not sure how nail polish get's it name, but there is nothing gray about this one. Revlon Enamel in Gray Suede (705) is a lovely, pearly pink with a calm undertone. 

See the swatch for reference:

Personally I love lighter shades on my nails, because they suit almost anything I want to wear and they tend to last longer on my nails too. 

Beautiful shade to own and wear any time of the year. Nail polish is very liquidy, so takes few strokes to figure out how much you need to leave on the brush. Result is good, without streaks with a gentle shine. 

Colour lasted sadly only for two days on my nails, but most of nail polishes last only that long on my busy tips. I would give 5 stars for colour and 3 stars for lasting strength, so that makes it 4 stars out of 5 for Revlon Nail Enamel Gray Suede. Not a perfection, but will enjoy it for many months to come.

What is your favourite Revlon shade? Does it last long?

Marija

Empty bottles: Vitamasques and Decleor

I saved two empties for you to review: hydro face mask from Vitamasques and Decleor hydrating oil serum.

1. Vitamasques Hydro Face Mask Rose of Jericho. I never bothered to keep an empty pack of a single mask for review, just because I felt that I have nothing special to share. Until now. Vitamasques Hydro Face Mask Rose of Jericho stands out and I just couldn't bin the empty pack without sharing it with you. What impressed me the most is the quality of face pack material; it has the best feel and just the perfect cut.

According to the brand The Hydro Face Mask has been designed to provide hydration and moisture retention in the skin. The mask contains Artificial Moisturising Factor along with extracts from the Rose of Jericho, which enhances the skin's ability to retain moisture.

If I would rate Vitamasques Hydro Face Mask Rose of Jericho, I would give it 4 stars out of 5. My only reservation goes to the amount of time you need to spend with the mask on. Suggestion is to leave the mask on for approximately 30 minutes, it is a little bit too long for my busy lifestyle. But I really enjoyed this mask, so it might come again to my bathroom cabinet. 

2. Decleor Aromeessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum. I had my eyes on Decleor beauty products for some time and this little sample only increased my curiosity. Oil serum has a delicate orange blossom scent and a very soft, silky texture. Despite being an oil, it absorbs perfectly without a shine after few minutes.

According to the brand, this oil serum is ideal for all skin types, particularly those with dehydrated, slightly unbalanced or dull, lifeless skin. Decleor Aromeessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum is free from preservatives, mineral oils and colourants. Active ingredients are Neroli Essential Oil, Parsley and Sage.

This oil serum calmed my "cleansing mess up" irritation and aided in fast skin recovery. I would give Decleor Aromeessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum 5 stars out of 5 for its formula and results. Beautiful skin oil to add into my beauty wishlist.

Have you tried any from above? What are your impressions?

Marija

Read more:

- Updated skin care routine

My under the tree treats - 2016/2017

Festive period is behind us and I though to share what my boys treated with this year. 

My number one favourite is Decleor Paris Box of Secrets Calm Headspace: Harmonie Clam soothing light cream 50ml, Aromessence Rose D'Orient 5ml and Aroma Confort Moisturising Body Milk 100ml. What a delight to explore some of Decleor, promise to review when empty.

I usually don't by celebrity perfume, but do love Sarah Jessica Parker. I used to wear Covet Pure Bloom, sadly it isn't available in store in UK any more, so my second choice goes to Lovely. I got this huge gift set to enjoy in 2017: Lovely Eau De Parfum 100ml, EDP Rollerball 10ml, SJP Compact Mirrror and SJP Clutch Bag.

I found another of my favourite scents under my tree this year - DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom. It came with a scented body lotion 100ml. Beautifully floral and fresh, will keep it for spring/summer time.

The last, but not least - Heathcote & Ivory Blush Rose Hand Lotion 2x 300ml to keep my hands I guess soft and beautiful in the new year.

Big thank you to my two loved boys. Feel a little be spoiled in these pink treats!

What was your favourite beauty treat under the tree this year?

Best wishes for 2017...

Marija