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.

SLO

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.

Crave Honey Scents? L'Occitane Melting Honey will Hit the Spot

Who remembers past honey collections from L'Occitane? After getting on the last train for previously discountinued Honey collection (cute little bear as the main star) I was getting more and more frustrated of not piling up backups. Luckily and finally, L'Occitane released a newly dressed Melting Honey Collection which is LIMITED. That's right, so grab your shopping bags because you'll probably stock up with Melting Honey products after reading my overwhelming but truthful rave. Is it possible that L'Occitane does this on purpose? Because I doubt that any of you hate honey scent, especially if it's paired with their famous clean Shea Butter fragrance. The entire Melting Honey collection spins around clean and sweet notes, a perfect combination for not getting sick and tired of one scent everyday.

SLO

Kdo se še spominja starih medenih L'Occitane kolekcij? Sama sem sicer zamudila zadnji vlak za zadnjo omejeno kolekcijo, kjer je bil zvezda medvedek, in se še danes krivim za neuspeh pri kopičenju zalog medenih produktov. Končno in na veliko veselje vseh sladokuscev je tukaj nova, malce preoblečena kolekcija Karite z Medom, ki je, pooozor, ponovno OMEJENA izdaja. Zato pripravite svoje nakupovalne vrečke, ker se boste želele razvajati s to medeno kolekcijo celo leto. Me prav zanima, če L'Occitane izvaja to namerno? Namreč dvomim, da bi lahko kdorkoli od vas sovražil sladek meden vonj, še posebej če je mešan s kultnim vonjem njihove prepoznavne Karite linije. Celotna kolekcija Karite z Medom se tako vrti med medenimi in čistimi notami karite masla, kar ustvarja popolno sinergijo nemotečega, skoraj tolažilnega vonja.

Exfoliating Sugars (175g for 23,40€, online)

To be totally fair, this is not your standard scrub or peeling of any sort. It's a treatment with exfoliating bits of walnuts and pure sugar. Initial scent doesn't justify it's glory and character. The scent develops with actual use, almost as it's carefully encaptured in the butter base itself. Starts as a fresh shea butter scent but ends with captivating, sweet honey scent with a touch of seductive jasmine. Developing scent is unbelievalbe and it will definitely satisify both scent buds, sweetened and refreshened. Leaves a layer of shea butter which is actually on the 5th place of ingredients. Beeswax should also be rewarded for protective layer of goodness. Personally, you can't easily intrigue me with any sort of shower or body care, but this totally blew my mind after first try as I didn't expected such a profound fragrance and nourishing effect. Sniffing it at the store just won't do it justice so please ask for a sample or two - you'll thank me later. After using Exfoliating Sugars, there's no need for extra body cream pampering.

Karitejev sladkorni piling z medom (175g za 23,40€, tudi v spletni trgovini)
Če sem popolnoma iskrena, tole nikakor ni navaden, standardni piling. Je tretma za razvajanje čutnic, ki vsebuje polno majhnih koščkov orehovih luščin in kristalov sladkorja. Piling tako nežno a učinkovito odstrani odmrle celice kože, hkrati pa doda hranljiv sloj karitejevega masla. Sam vonj ima svojevrsten karakter, saj se z uporabo spreminja. Vonj iz samega lončka nikakor ni dovolj veličasten temu, kar se zgodi med prhanjem. Vonj se namreč dodobra sprosti ob uporabi, skoraj kot da je načrtno zajet med hranilnimi plastmi masla. Note se odprejo z dokaj svežim karite maslom vendar se razvijejo na koži kot slajši, meden vonj z dodatkom zapeljivega jasmina. Razvijajoč vonj se sliši skoraj neverjetno, ampak se dejansko spreminja. Piling tako pusti na koži sloj negovalnega karite masla, ki je po lestvici sestavin na dobrem 5.mestu. Čebelji vosek iz Provanse podaljša sam učinek negovalnega sloja. Osebno me sicer težko navdušijo izdelki za telo, še posebej tisti med prho, tale novost pa me je dejansko presenetila z močnejšim vonjem med samim tuširanjem. Po uporabi ni potrebe po dodatni negovalni kremi. Piling se lahko uporabi za telo kot tudi za roke.

Melting Honey Hand Cream (30ml for 7,60€, online)

Hand Cream on the other hand, has a bit more distinctive clean scent than Exfoliating Sugars due to high procentage of real shea butter (second ingredient on the list). Scent is similar to their Shea Butter line with a touch of spicy honey. Hand cream feels nourishing and rather thick, but still whipped and airy for non-sticky transfer. If their regular scented minis doesn't do the job, this could actually match up to the original, all time favourite Shea Butter Hand Cream which was also my faithful companion in the past (probably the first hand cream that was entirely used up). It's velvety and doesn't come off in rolls as it's usual with other hand creams. With time, scent also transforms into deeper, more spicy and sweet honey. Warming piece of hand care for your bag.

Smetanasta krema za roke s karitejem in medom (30ml za 7,60€, tudi v spletni trgovini)

Krema za roke ima v primerjavi s sladkornim pilingom bolj svež vonj, domnevam da zaradi višje koncentracije karitejevega masla (2.sestavina na seznamu). Vonj je tako podoben njihovi najbolj poznani kremi za roke s karitejevim maslom (ki sem jo tudi sama zvesto uporabljala do konca), hkrati pa ima dodatek začinjenega medu. Krema je po teksturi podobna mousse-u ali smetani in se takoj stopi v stiku s kožo. Je dokaj gosta in predvsem hranljiva, kar jo loči od standardne linije L'Occitanovih mini krem za roke. Cenim tudi to, da se krema ne svaljka s kože, kar je pogost pojav na meni. Vonj se po kakšni uri pretvori v malce slajši medeni vonj. Poseben dodatek topline za nego rok v zimskih mesecih.

I actually expected that their Melting Honey Hand Cream would be a total hit in my books, but it's actually Exfoliating Sugars that deserves my high praise. It's just enough efficient in scrubbing department yet leaves a soft layer of butter that's not intrusive or silicone-like in any way. 5% of shea butter, walnut particles and sugar are match made in heaven. As for Hand Cream, it's a whipped but nourishing version (25% shea butter) of their standard line of mini hand creams. With slightly thicker consistency than the rest, it will protect delicate skin in colder months. Along with Hand Cream and Exfoliating Sugars, there's also a seductive Shower Gel (14,70€), Ultra Soft Cream (22,40€), Lipbalm (6,70€) and Hand Soap with 100% donation (2€). If you're craving honey, don't hesitate, L'Occitane is definitely worth a look. L'Occitane collection can be found in their stores, including online shops for specific countries.

Na lastno presenečenje je večji favorit sladkorni piling, namesto pričakovane smetanaste kreme za roke. Karitejev sladkorni piling z medom je učinkovit pri odstranjevanju odmrlih kožnih celic, hkrati pa pusti prijeten sloj masla, ki nikakor ni silikonast ali pretežak. 5% dodanega kariteja, prefinjeno zmletih luščin orehov, dodatek medu iz Provanse in sladkorja tvori sanjsko kombinacijo za mrzle dni. Kar se pa tiče Smetanaste kreme za roke s karitejem in medom, lahko rečem, da je resnično lepo stepena in hkrati hranilna (25% delež karitejevega masla). Z malce gostejšo formulo je tudi bolj hranilna kot ostale odišavljene kreme za roke iz L'Occitana. Poleg omenjenih izdelkov, so tukaj še Karitejev Mehki Gel za Prhanje z Medom (14,70€), Karitejeva Ultramehka Krema za Telo z Medom (22,40€), Karitejev Balzam za Ustnice z Medom (6,70€) in Milo za dobrodelnost Mehki Med (2€). Denar od prodanega Mila se 100% vključi v boj proti slepoti in slabovidnosti. Če ste pripravljeni na medene pregrehe, vsekakor ne odlašajte nakupa, saj je Karite z Medom omejena izdaja. L'Occitane kolekcijo lahko prevohate in pregledate v vseh L'Occitane trgovinah po Sloveniji, vključno s spletno trgovino.