New MAC Lipsticks, Lush & French Skincare: First Impressions

I need a word or two with you before fully diving into new bits and bobs. I'm sharing my latest mixture of products that stood out to me, while still mixing in my own purchases. Lush is my almost long-forgotten love that needed to be revived while Mac lipsticks are a must purchase when venturing abroad. My ultimate addiction. Corine de Farme is a pretty new, low-budget friendly brand for me but I was pretty happy with Bocassy in the past. Le Couvent des Minimes even managed to host a wonderful blogger event whereas the main theme was mindfulness - a delightful surprise as it's fully incorporated in my study field, psychology.

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Preden popolnoma skočimo v raziskovanje teh izdelkov, moram z vami deliti besedo ali dve. V tem koktejlu izdelkov združujem nekaj novih izdelkov. Lush je moja že skoraj dolgo pozabljena ljubezen, medtem ko se je enostavno nemogoče upreti Mac ličilom v tujini. Corine de Farme je zame dokaj nova francoska negovalna kozmetika, Bocassy pa sem že uspešno preverjala v preteklosti (objavo lahko prebereš tukaj). Le Couvent des Minimes se je odločil slavnostno pričakati novo linijo spokojnosti v družbi blogerk in uporabe čuječnosti - kar je bilo lepo presenečenje tudi zame, saj poznam koncept že iz mojega študija psihologije.

Eau Sereine from Le Couvent des Minimes is a calming and relaxing blend of lavender, mandarine, bergamot, rose and cedar. Soothing scent and mild combination of essential oils will help to ground your spirit, uplift your mood and perfectly end your working day. It's universally likable scent, even though I'm not a big fan of lavender. It has a perfect balance of citrus freshness and grounding, earthy notes. I really, really like it for days, when you just don't feel the need to wear synthetic fragrances. I can't talk about longevity as I'm currently only testing Relaxing Pillow Mist. So far, it's just enough mild before my bed time sleep. Not too strong and really pleasant for the evening time. You can discover Cologne (100ml, 29,90€), Relaxing Pillow Mist (100ml, 18,50€), Hand Cream (25ml, 6,60€), Relaxing Shower Gel (200ml, 10,90€), Relaxing Bubble Bath (500ml, 18,50€) in whole Eau Sereine collection.

Nova kolekcija Le Couvent des Minimes Eau Sereine poudarja čisto spokojnost, sproščanje in hkrati vedrino. Nenavadna kombinacija sivke, mandarine, bergamotke, vrtnice in cedre bo blažila vaš um, razvedrila vaš duh in izboljšala počutje. Vonj bo tako rekoč všeč prav vsaki osebi, saj pooseblja vedrino citrusov in prizemljene note, kot so sivka in cedra. Kljub temu, da sama nisem velika oboževalka sivke, mi je vonj prirasel k srcu. Je lahkoten v nasprotju z ostalimi sintetičnimi dišavami, nikakor pa lažje pozabljiv. O sami kolonjski vodici ne morem povedati veliko, sem pa že nekaj dni preizkušala Sproščajočo meglico za lahko noč. Le-ta je ravno dovolj koncentrirana, a hkrati ne moti mojih čutnic pri umirjanju. Če ste dokaj občutljivi na vonj, se lahko zgodi da vas bo meglica motila pri počitku. V celotni kolekciji Eau Sereine lahko najdete Kolonjsko vodico (100ml, 29,90€), Sproščajočo Meglico za lahko noč (100ml, 18,50€), Sproščajočo kremo za roke (25ml, 6,60€), Sproščajoč gel za tuširanje (200ml, 10,90€) in Sproščajočo penečo kopel (500ml,18,50€). Celotno linijo poiščite v Nami, Maxiju in vseh prodajalnah Muller po Sloveniji.

Corine de Farme is a natural skincare brand from France. It's main features are affordable prices, effectivness and natural ingredients. So far, I was a stranger with this brand as I'm hardly able to track all novelties in skincare department. Micellar Cleansing Foam (150ml for 6,69€) serves as a hybrid between your usual micellar water and normal cleansing foam. It combines two basic steps into one, which means less time at the bathroom sink. It truly removes most of basic makeup with gentle foam, while doesn't strip your skin out of moisture. It's gentle and airy while effective at removing foundations, lipsticks and partly mascara. It's in no meaning a salvation for your waterproof makeup but rather an easy step to remove first layer of makeup. I usually like to finish off with micellar water, toner and coconut oil. In general, I really like this Micellar Cleansing Foam and I'll most definitely look after other Corine de Farme products in Muller or other beauty shops.

Corine de Farme je zame popolna novost, kljub temu, da znamka deluje v Franciji že vse od leta 1966. Glavni atributi te francoske kozmetike so ugodne cene, naravne sestavine in vidna učinkovitost izdelkov. Najbolj me je pritegnila Micelarna Čistilna Pena (6,69€ za 150ml, nakup tukaj), hibrid miceralne vodice in čistilne pene. Z nežno, penečo teksturo in miceli tako poenostavi čiščenje ličil v en korak. Kar zmanjša čas ob umivalniku po že tako napornem dnevu. Čistilna pena lepo očisti vse vrste pudrov, rdečil, senčil in tudi črtal ter malce maskare. Ostanek maskare se lahko potem odstrani dodatno z njihovo naravno miceralno vodico. Nad samim izdelkom sem presenečena, saj pena učinkovito očisti ličila, bolje kot ostale čistilne pene. Tako zelo, da bom dejansko pokukala še po ostalih Corine de Farme izdelkih na spletu in v poslovalnicah Muller.

Lush is my guilty pleasure. I used to spend hundreds of euros in their stores but I slowly drifted apart with this brand. Here and there, I sneak into their store to try out essentials like shampoo, shower gels or even deodorants. While I was pretty unlucky at getting Aromaco Deodorant in the festive season (and T'eo just doesn't work for me), I finally found a new block of Aromaco in the nearby store. So far, including my sister, we love it! It's the best smelling deodorant on the block while it protects me from odor the entire day. Patchouli as the main note is wonderful, while other natural ingredients shrink your pores for extra protection. Use is super simple too - just run the block under your armpits and the buttery block will slowly melt. Only praises for now! Soak & Float Shampoo Bar caught my interest due to my mom's current sort-of-dermatits on her scalp. She has severely itchy scalp with irritated red parts and dandruff. While nothing seems to help, I've chosen this super natural bar of juniper, rose and marigold petals to soothe, treat and help with itchy scalp. After first wash, my natural-cosmetics-virgin mom was suprised at how good it lathers and smells. Her scalp is currently not as itchy while dandruff seems to be slightly reduced. Sweetly scented with tonka, it's just a scentful joy in our bathroom!

Obožujem Lush, vendar sem nanj skoraj pozabila ob tako široki ponudbi kozmetike v zadnjih letih. Da obudim nazaj svojo ljubezen, se tu in tam odpravim v njihovo trgovino in naberem zase nekaj osnovnih pripomočkov, predvsem takšnih, katerih še ne poznam. Že med prazničnim časom sem namreč iskala njihov deodorant Aromaco (7,10€, 100g), ki pa je bil na žalost popolnoma razprodan. Kot nadomestek sem izbrala deodorant T'eo, ki pa mi ne odgovarja zaradi teksture in drobljivosti. Na srečo sem pred nekaj dnevi naletela na popolnoma svež kos Aromaco deodoranta, ki se obnaša podobno kot kokosovo olje ob stiku s kožo. Obe s sestro redno uporabljava svoj kos in sva trenutno popolnoma vzhičeni! Aromaco je popoln - topi se ob stiku s kožo, diši zapeljivo po pačuliju in zmanjša pore s pomočjo kamiličnega kisa in nepozebnika. Prepreči neprijeten vonj kljub stresu skozi cel dan. Trenutno eden izmed najboljših nakupov v 2016. Priporočam! Soak & Float Trdi Šampon (8,95€, 55g) sem kupila z namenom. Namreč, moja mama ima neke vrste dermatitis po lasišču, saj jo lasišče konstanto srbi, obenem pa ima odvečen prhljaj. Razdraženo lasišče z rdečimi predeli trenutno zdravi ravno s tem šamponom, ki pomiri in olajša simptome. Z ognjičem, vrtnico, sivko in brinovim oljem trenutno pomirja njeno lasišče, več pa lahko poročam po določenem času. Šampon sladko diši po tonki, zato si ga z veseljem sposodim tudi jaz. 

Bocassy is one of those brands, that can offer a lot but it's often overlooked. I already made a review of their inital line here. Bocassy also added two cleansing novelties Clean & Tone - all around beauty regime seems to be the key. I appreciate natural ingredients, fair quality and affordable prices. In terms of each product, Clean & Tone Micellar Water removes dirt and light makeup with ease. Again, the problem starts with liners and mascaras. However, I forgive it as it's one of the first natural micellar waters on the market. Scent is really pleasant and it doesn't leave any particular residue. Clean & Tone Toner has a similar consistency as Micellar Water but without sweet scent and cleansing micels. It's refreshing and preps your skin without harming your natural pH balance. I like them both but they didn't amaze me as their previous line of face creams and serum. 

Bocassy je ena tistih znamk, ki je zlahka lahko spregledana zaradi še-ne-tako uveljavljenega imena. Kljub temu, ste lahko pozitivno presenečeni, saj znamka ponuja dostopne cene, učinkovitost in popolnoma naravne sestavine. O njihovi dnevni kremi in serumu sem že pisala tukaj, tokrat pa se je liniji pridružila tudi Clean & Tone zbirka - za še bolj popolno rutino. Micelarna vodica je naravna interpretacija, kar vsekakor cenim. Ravno zato ni najbolj učinkovita pri odstranjevanju črtal in maskar za oči, vendar lepo odstrani puder in ostale nečistoče. Diši po sladkem mandlju, vendar vsebuje vrtnično vodo, ingver, ognjič in hialuronsko kislino. Toner pa z malce bolj umirjenim vonjem uravnovesi pH kože in pomiri za nadaljnjo nego. Vsebuje izvlečke aloe vere, zelenega čaja in ognjiča. Oba sta mi všeč, saj ne pustita na koži filma, vendar nisem tako navdušena kot pri dnevni kremi ali serumu. Bocassy izdelke lahko najdete na policah Muller in DM poslovalnic.

I couldn't pass the opportunity of discounted MAC lipsticks at my nearest counter (special treats due to upcoming Women's day). I've been having Whirl lipstick on my radar, but it just seemed too brown for my skintone. Based on that, I rather stick with verified neutrals like Brave and Syrup. Brave is like an old rose classic with Satin finish, while Syrup intrigues me with cooler tone and juicy finish (Lustre finish). They're both stunning and I'm already playing with an idea to make a comparison of all my neutral/everyday Mac lipsticks. How's in?

Ker sem ob obisku MAC prodajne mize ravno naletela na popust pred velikonočnimi prazniki, sem dodala v zbirko ličil še dva odtenka. Na listi želja sem sicer imela Whirl šminko, vendar je bila na moji koži malce preveč rjava. Zato sem raje posegla po klasični Brave in hladno roza Syrup. Klasično umazano roza Brave je v Satin formuli, medtem ko se Syrup lepo sloji in pusti lep sijaj z Lustre formulo. Obe sta nosljivi in hkrati lepo poudarita obliko ustnic. Ker imam v zbirki že kar lepo število nevtralnih MAC odtenkov, sem razmišljala tudi o primerjalni objavi vseh odtenkov. Kdo je za? Namreč, Brave je zelo blizu Faux, medtem ko nisem popolnoma prepričana, kam bi umestila Syrup.

Any new additions on your side? Do you have any special recommendations for me?

I would also love to hear your thoughts, if you have tried any of these items. Let me know if you're especially interested in any of these products for more indepth review and feedback.

Katere novosti pa so se znašle pri vas? Mi priporočate kaj določenega? 

Če vas zanima kateri izdelek podrobneje, mi pa le sporočite.

Večina dekorativnih dodatkov je iz najbolj vesele trgovinice Smile Concept Store. Obiščite jih prav tako na Instagramu in Facebooku.

New Skincare Launch: Bocassy

New Croatian French synergy took over blogger's skin routines like a storm. French quality control with a daringly natural concept from Croatia created a balanced range called Bocassy. What makes Bocassy so special on already full cosmetic market? Competitive price, superb ingredients, cruelty free products and high quality. What better way to support European products along with cruelty free cause. All Bocassy products have sleek glass jars and bottles with velvet bordo red boxes with inspiring quotes. While they currently offer a small selection of perfectly balanced products, I'm sure we will witness some more innovative skincare in the future. 

Nova hrvaško francoska naveza lahko obrodi le odlične rezultate pri ustvarjanju kozmetike. Bocassy se je tako razširil kot ogenj med blogerji in prejema same pozitivne ocene. Francoski nadzor kvalitete in drzen koncept iz Hrvaške je ustvaril uravnoteženo kozmetiko, imenovano Bocassy. Zakaj je Bocassy tako poseben že na tako polnem kozmetičnem trgu? Konkurenčna cena, odlične sestavine, kozmetika prijazna do živali in visoka kvaliteta. Kaj boljšega kot podpreti naše sosede in investirati v prijazno kozmetiko? Vsi Bocassy izdelki imajo lično stekleno embalažo z žametno bordo škatlico. 

Bocassy Hydrating Gel-Cream (22€ for 50ml, Muller) for caught my attention with supposedly gel texture. Let's just say I wasn't too optimistic at first but surprisingly, gel-cream does have a jelly texture. Score! Gel-cream itself has a really hydrating gel consistency, perfect for upcoming hot days. Medium thick texture sinks into the skin after good 3 minutes, not leaving a residue. Instead, skin feels plump and subtle, almost as if you'd splashed your skin with water. Slightly cooling effect due to gel consistency is also a nice bonus. Targeted skintypes? Basically all skintypes as the Bocassy itself proclaims. Coffeine and wheat germ oil make it perfect as an uplifting morning cream. Fun fact? It smells and feels exactly the same as discontinued L'Occitane Apple Almond Velvet Concentrate, a firm favourite of mine. Yum!

Bocassy Hydrating Gel Cream (22€ za 50ml, Muller) je pritegnila mojo pozornost z gel teksturo. In ker je takšnih produktov milijon in ne stojijo za svojimi dejstvi, sem bila skeptična. Presenetljivo, Bocassy gel-krema ima želatinasto teksturo. Produkt je lahka krema, ki hidratira in hladi obenem. Omenjeni produkt bo odličen za prihajajoče vroče dni. Srednje gosta tekstura se vpije v kožo po dobrih 3 minutah in ne pušča neprijetnega občutka. Koža je po nanosu navlažena in napeta, skoraj kot bi jo poškropili z mrzlo vodo. Gel je tako primeren za vse tipe kože, kakor Bocassy tudi navaja. Kofein in olje pšeničnega kvasa poskrbijo za odlično jutranje počutje. Posebna zanimivost? Diši in občuti se enako kot ukinjena L'Occitane Apple Almond Velvet Concentrate, ena izmed mojih ljubših krem. Diši po zmletih mandljih in jabolki, njam!

With Bocassy Serum (24,92€ for 50ml, Muller) I still feel a bit of uncertainty. Due to heavy texture and self-proclaimed ''strong firming and hydrating'' I'm still on a fence about this product. Don't get me wrong, product itself is gorgeous. What I can't put into same perspective is actual texture and serum naming. For a serum, the liquid-cream like consistency is too hefty. I would actually re-name it a rich cream. As I've said, texture is nothing groundbreaking compared to normal night creams. I enjoy adding it as an extra rich layer before bedtime. It's suitable for mature, dry and normal skin. Oily skintypes might get a breakout or two with regular use. Vitamins A,E, panthenol, oil and butters will surely nourish a skin in need. 

Pri Bocassy Serumu (24,92€ za 50ml, Muller) še vedno občutim razdvojenost po več kot mesecu dni testiranja. Navadna tekstura kreme in dokaj bogate sestavine vzbujajo dvom o namenu seruma. Ne razumite me narobe, Serum kot izdelek je odličen. Česar ne morem sprocesirati v isto dimenzijo je imenovanje ''Serum'' in sama kremna tekstura. Za tipičen serum je tale izdelek prebogat in prekremen. Sama bi ga raje preimenovala v bogato dnevno kremo. Kljub nenavadni bogati teksturi, ga z veseljem uporabim kot dodatek pri nočni negi. Izdelek je ''pisan na kožo'' zreli, suhi in normalni koži. Masten tip kože bi lahko sprožil neprijetnosti, ni pa nujno. Vitamini A in E, panthenol, različna olja in masla bodo zagotovo negovala suhe predele kože.

I'm happy to share such a joyful new skincare brand with you. Not only the ingredients are superb, Bocassy is also cruelty free. I highly recommend both products, of course with consideration about your skintype. Hydrating Gel-cream is perfect for everybody, while Serum isn't the safest choice for oilier skintypes. Along with Steamcream, Hydrating Gel-cream will make the cut as my everyday moisturiser. You can find Bocassy in Muller stores, ranging from 21,90-25€. 

Vesela sem, da lahko delim takšno odkritje nege kože. Priporočam oba izdelka, seveda naj vsak vzame v obzir tudi svoj tip kože. Zelo cenim, da se oba izdelka (kljub naravnim sestavinam) ne svaljkata na koži - velik moteč problem pri ''naravni'' kozmetiki. Hydrating Gel-cream je čudovit gel za vse tipe kože, medtem ko Serum lahko ponagaja mastnemu tipu kože. Bocassy izdelke lahko najdete v vseh Muller poslovalnicah, kjer se cene gibljejo od 21,90-25€.