Empties | 2019

** GIVEAWAY (rules and entry form): Blogmas 2019: My 1st GIVEAWAY

How has the year already passed? I sound like a broken record every year, but I feel like there's so much I could have done during the year so the end now seems so weird and almost unexpected. Is the life now really faster then it used to be? I wonder how you feel about it...

Each year I have more and more products in this box. I think I'll need a bigger box for these posts. If you're interested in any of the previous posts on this topic, you can find them in my 'Empties' category (Empties | 2016, Empties | 2017 and Empties | 2018).

New Nivea day & night care

** On a personal note this week: Today: 27.1.2019.

I was just going through my archive here to see when was my last skincare post and it was in November. This now seems so far away and it's been only around 2 and a half months, or in my schedule, 24 posts away. It was this Hydra Moisture Boosting Serum by Oriflame review and that product made it into my routine just to use it. As I said many times before, I'm not good with routines. I sometimes go days without using products for skincare and then something hits me and I'm all over it.

However, there is one product that I almost never forget and that's night creme or night moisturizer. When I go to bed, I usually have this routine with brushing my teeth, changing into PJs and so on and somehow I got used to putting on moisturizer too. However, when I get up, there immediately something to do and, while I'm still doing my bathroom routine, I'm already thinking of a million things I could or should do. And my moisturizer somehow gets lost in the process...

Essentials: Skincare

** On a personal note this week: When there's too much bad sh*t in short time

This is 4th post in the 'Essentials' series (previous Essentials: Nails, Essentials: Fashion and Essentials: Make-up) and, on the contrary of how often I've been writing them, I actually love to write these. These posts also help me realize what I actually want and need. I always emphasize how I have a small room with very little storage space so I need to take a look of what I really need to make my routine full.

Let's pretend I know a lot about skincare. Let's pretend I'm so good at keeping my skin in place that I can actually share some advice on the topic. I definitely know what to do to keep my skin great, but I often forget or I'm just too lazy for it. However, I'll write down my essentials. Also, reviews to some of my favorites here are in the photo descriptions.
Note: Even though I feature a lot of L'Oreal products, this is not a sponsored post. I wish it was though...

My skincare routine (morning + night)

** On a personal note this week: My body image journey - body shaming (part 1)

Every time I think of skincare, I just think of my grandma and my mom. To give you some background, my grandma grew up very poor. In the years of her youth, she barely had money for food so she really couldn't afford skin care products. Since I can remember, she always used the same 2 creams - Becutan and Nivea. There was no toners, cleansers, oils... And her skin is to this day (she's 79) is absolutely gorgeous.

Then I open my YouTube, I see all these beauty gurus with their routines and fancy products and then I look at myself and think if I'm doing something terribly wrong to my skin. I also wonder if they really have the time to do all that every day, because I don't. Or, at least, I don't want to lose precious time doing 20 extra steps. Not that I don't trust my grandma, but things have changed over the time so I'm trying to pick up as many useful advice as I can.

Nivea Urban skin moisturizer

How important is moisturizer on daily basis? And how much do we struggle to find a perfect care for our skin? I don't know about you, but finding a good everyday cream is much bigger struggle than a person would expect. There are age groups, skin types, longevity, SPF, finish, feel... There's a lot to consider while finding a perfect base for your skincare.

After not having a moisturizer for way too long and managing with all different skincare products, I finally decided to buy a new one. Also, after trying some out of my comfort zone, I'm back to safe zone. That being Nivea.

Fashion & make-up & jewelry & skin care haul

Whenever I buy something new I plan on writing this post and I ask you on Twitter whether you'd like to see it and the answer is always "yes" and I've still never done it. So, I've finally done it! Over the past few two months I got some new stuff in all categories so I'm showing you all I got.

It will take me a while before I figure out how to get great pictures of clothes and I'm planning on doing a try-on post one day, but for now you'll get these. Also, my camera has a will on its own so there are different photos here, but you'll get it...

Empties | 2017

I said before I don't use many products and it's actually hard for me to use something to the end in short period of time. That's why I decided to write yearly empties. You can read my last's year post here Empties | 2016.

Unlike last year, I have photos to show you all products. Of course, I'll write really short reviews of everything if you're interested and I'll also link the post if I've already written a review. I divided all products into categories so it would be easier for you to navigate and find what you're most interested in. Prepare yourself for a long post.

Winter skin care routine

I don't think I've ever written a skin care routine. I don't write these because I change it a lot and I'm not consistent with products I use. However, winter is always a problematic season for all skin types and we need to pay extra attention to our skin. As I mentioned I'm not good with 'routines', I'll write down some products I really like during this season and some tips I have to maintain a good skin care.

I also read this moisturizer guide "The best face moisturizer"* that emphasizes the importance of using one. They also explain everything you need and why you need it in a moisturizer and also what do you need for each skin type. What I love the most is how they actually did a contest between more than 200 moisturizers so pick the number one for day and night time and also gave some other options (find out which ones won the battle in the given link).

My shower routine

I noticed that for the past few months I always do the same things when I shower so I thought I'd share my routine with you.

Note: If I couldn't find an exact product, I tried to find similar ones or at least leave you a link to their page.

Review: Nivea day care mattifying

It's that feeling when you realize that you have to moisturize your oily skin too. And then you struggle with finding something rich enough without additional oils. And then you realize your skin can get dry too, and then you're in big problems. I think I solved mine.

http://www.en.nivea.ca/products/face-care/daily-essentials/mixed-to-oily-skin/mattifying-day-care-jar

For combination skin. Provides deep moisture. For pure and shine-reduced skin. With ocean algae and hydra IQ. Doesn't clog pores. Reduces shine. Skin looks healthy and pretty. Dermatologically tested.

Make-up removers (Garnier vs Nivea vs Essence)

As make-up has become almost daily part of my life, make-up removers are the first thing I reach for when I come home. Since I've not been into make-up for that long, I only tried 4 make-up removers so far. I'll introduce each right now.

I realized that I threw some bottles so I couldn't take pictures. These are not mine. 

Review: Nivea blue collection for face cleansing

Few weeks (months?) ago, I was looking for a new facial treatment, after I ran out of my green collection (review here). As usual, I went right to the Nivea department and I saw these 4 blue products.

From left to right: Pure effect Stay clear purifying toner, Control shine toner, Anti-blemish 3-in-1 cleanser, Clean deeper daily wash scrub

Nivea face care

Since I ran out of my face scrub (which I called sugar, but it's actually salt), I needed something new for my face. As you could have seen on my blog before, I love buying Nivea products because I find they're great balance between price and quality. There were other colors, including blue which I love, but I chose green combination as green is my favorite color and differences between products weren't that drastic.

I'll start with the wash gel. This is gel for cleaning mixed and oily skin. There is said to be sea algae and Hydra IQ in there which should clean your skin deeply, remove extra sebum to remove oily glow without changing your skin structure. I've been using it almost every day before I go to bed. I'm only using light foundation (if I wear make-up at all) so this has been a great product to remove my make-up in the end of the day. Also, you're supposed to use it on wet skin, so I always choose warm water to open up my pores so they could be cleaned as well.

Verdict? I think this is a good face cleanser. It's not too harsh on the skin and granules dissolve really fast. The only thing you really need to be careful is not to get it into your eyes cause this thing burns (I tried)!

Now onto the face lotion. I started using this right after cleaning my face with the product above, but I realized they're pretty much the same, so I changed my routine. I use this in the morning. It's the first thing I put on my face. Then I wait a bit for my skin to absorb it and then I put on my make-up. They say you should put it on twice a day after properly cleaning your face, but this works for me so I won't change it. It gives you satin feeling on your skin. It is for oily skin so it does dry your skin a bit, but not too much. Also, it somehow leaves the healthy glow without the oils. 

Verdict? I'd say you go and get this because it's great for fast cleaning and prepping your skin for the day. Another good side is good scent (smells like a baby shampoo). Also, I use only this as my pre-make-up routine, so my skin has only this as a protection and it works great (have in mind again, that I put really small amount of make-up; only concealer and BB creams).

What's your experience with Nivea products? Will you try these or you have some other recommendation?

What's in my beauty bag?

There are some things, regarding beauty and make-up, that I like to keep by my side in as many occasions as I can. Considering that I do not have a clutch purse with me, I'm carrying this sweet half-transparent pink beauty bag with me. I got it years ago and couldn't find the use for it anywhere. Thank God I had the need to carry some essentials with me.

First there is a small package of hand cream (or hand balm, if you like). Currently, I'm carrying around this Nivea Repair & Care (I wrote a post about it here). I wish it was a smaller package but I love this one so much I have to have it.

Next is a 3 in 1 comb, brush and a mirror. It doesn't look like much but this comes in handy very often. It's small and practical in any occasion. I used to have only a brush and a mirror, but adding a comb made my life so much easier.

This is the cutest package of nail files. As everybody knows I love nails, I got this as a present from my friend. There are six nail files. So small and so practical I just had to put it in my beauty bag.

Since I never know with my hair, I have to have some hair bands and few bobby-pins. I got this whole panel of bobby-pins in H&M last year (they are always available there). Regarding hair bands, I have two brown ones (as my hair is brown) and two small black ones just in case I want braids or something small with my hair.

There are, of course, these new oil control papers I bought recently. (Post on where and when I got it, and the price, is here. Review post is coming soon.)

The last two thing I have in there are two lip products. First is my lip balm (post about it here). I just have to have lip care all the time. The other one is lipstick by Essence called #65 Glow neon glow! Although they said it's lipstick, I would say it's only transparent lip-gloss. I would not necessarily recommend buying it (I got it as a present in the magazine), but I do like the gloss so I could easily turn plain lips into more elegant ones.
So, that's it. What do you keep in your beauty bag?

Nivea's SOS hand balm

During cold winter days my hands (actually only my index fingers) tend to dry out at only one place and then they become chapped. I've been having this same problem for the last few years. As usual, I forgot about it and I realized it only after the damage was done. I needed something that will work good and quick. I've been a total fan of Nivea (you could read about their two creams here and here) so I decided to look for something of their's.

So, I found this SOS hand balm - Repair & Care. I chose this one, among all other, because it says "instant relief - dry and chapped hands" on it. That's exactly what I needed. I could write down all ingredients but the only thing I understand here is water and some alcohol; it also says Dexpanthenol like it's something important. (I won't say it isn't, I just don't have a clue what that is. Something for some skin disorders, I heard.) It is more like a gel than a regular cream, but I guess that's why it's so good. That's also why you need it a bit more than usual cream. It absorbs really quickly, stays on for quite a long time, but without feeling oily or anything that you should worry about. I have to say it's the best quick repair cream I've ever used. My chapped skin was gone in about two. I used it once or twice a day. Now I use it once a day just to keep my hand really hydrated and soft. I also use it for my everyday scars. I recently cut myself. I used this hand balm and my wound is almost gone. I also use it for hard elbow skin. It's really helps instantly. I would highly recommend this one! 

I got this small one (and it fits in my purse perfectly), but I do hope there's a larger packaging - there's a body lotion. This one was about $4.

What do you think? Have you tried this one or you have some other solution for cold days? Comment below.

Chapsticks/Lip balms

OK, I just learned that a Chapstick is a brand and not just general term for your lip cream (?). There's also a term lip-balm but, as far as I'm informed, that's also a brand. Anyway, I'm gonna be talking about those creamy sticks that should protect your lips. OK?

For as long as I can remember, we've called it labello. Why? Because it was the most known brand here and it doesn't really matter which one you buy - they're all labellos. With that being said, I'll introduce my favorites.

My favorite brand is Labello. They have perfect sizes of it, they're very practical to use (roll-out system) and they have variety of scents and flavors. There are also unisex balms so it's not even an issue if a guy uses it (and there's one especially for men if they really want it - For Men Active Care).

For so long, I've been the biggest fan of the universal dark blue one. It's called Classic (somewhere it says Original). It is unisex, white (transparent when on the lips), scentless lip balm. It is universal cream and it works just great. I would recommend it if you have chapped lips, especially during this winter times.

After that, I love the Hydro Care, light blue one. This one is lighter, more moisturizing. I think it's based on water, at least it seems so. This one is perfect for only dry lips. It gives it best during hot summer days.

There are so many different types here, but I've been using one for about 3 years now, constantly. It's strawberry from their Fruity Shine collection. Check out the entire collection as you will find many nice scents and colors, but this one is my favorite. It is light but a bit creamy so it stays on your lips for quite a long time (I can have it all night). Also, it has the perfect strawberry smell which will not fade away once you open it. Be careful when picking colored ones as they leave a mark on your lips. This one leaves a gentle red color with just a bit of glitter.

**I would highly recommend this brand for taking care of your lips!

Since I'm a big fan of Nivea's products, I have to include them here too. I won't talk much but I will say that they are almost the same as all said above. Check them out too. (I have no idea what's going on here but it looks like Nivea and Labello are the same thing. So weird.)

Nivea's Soft cream

After getting my skin in a good place, it wanted to try something else. (First post about Nivea's cream here - Nivea's original cream.) So, I chose Nivea's soft.

This one is my new favorite! It's extremely moisturizing and is great for hydrating your whole face and hands. When I first tried it, I took quite large amount of it - I couldn't be more wrong. It's so soft and light that you only need it on the tip of your finger. I first used it only for my hands because I bought this small one and it fitted in my purse just right. At that time, I didn't realize how watery it really is. It did a great job, but using it on my face really changed my view on it. It's great that you don't even feel it on your face. It absorbs really quickly and leaves only refreshing feeling. I literally felt like I just washed my face in the morning. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who needs just a basic every day skin care. It has jojoba oil and vitamin E.

I got this 300 ml for $4.50. Small one is 75 ml for about $2.

Both of my editions.

Also, both of these Nivea creams I wrote about can be used by guys too because they are unisex and have no scent other than natural cream one.

Nivea's original cream

Since I've first started using creams for my skin, I've used (mostly) one brand - Nivea. Of course, at that point I was too young to buy anything, so I only used what I got and that was the original Nivea's cream.

I used to have really weird skin. It was a mixture of really oily and really dry, if that's even possible. My skin was actually exfoliating at any point and the rest of the face was covered in oil. Since I had two problems, I had to take care of one at the time. Dry skin was the first on my list. 

This one, in it's well known dark blue container, is the original! And it's great. It is really thick which kinda makes it hard to apply. But actually it's a good thing because while you're moisturizing your face, you're also massaging it. Without a lot of talk about ingredients and stuff like that, I'll just tell you that my face isn't exfoliating at all any more. I do still have problems around my eyebrows but that's inherited disease and I don't think this will go away but it has certainly became better since started using this cream. I changed my cream recently (will talk about it in future posts) but I still put a small amount of this one on my problematic areas before I go to sleep. And it smells really nice. Without any perfume, it has a really natural smell but very appealing. Also, Nivea's creams are really gentle and I am not worried about using them around my eyes or mouth. Of course I try to avoid putting cream in my eyes, but I do put it on on my eyelids and I haven't felt any irritation or changes in my eyes. That's always a plus when buying skin care products.

I highly recommend this for anyone with dry skin. I got this 75 ml for $3.

I think it was Valentine's Day when I bought mine. Or Mother's Day.

One more thing about Nivea - it doesn't test their products on animals.

Greasy hair trick

We all have those days when we just don't want to wash our hair but we have to because it looks awful. Although I'm all for washing my hair because there's nothing better than having that clean hair feeling, there is a trick how to postpone it.

• There are dry shampoos. They are basically shampoos without water; which leaves only dust. Each one them has directions how to use them, but here is a general description: find the places where your hair is the greasiest (probably the scalp area and bangs if you have them) and spray it all over. It doesn't have to be a thick layer of spray but it has to be all covered. Leave it for about 10 minutes (read on the back how long it takes for your shampoo to work) and then swipe it off with a dry or a moist towel. I prefer to do it with dry one because sometimes water reacts with the shampoo and I don't get any result. A nice thing to know is that they come in quite big containers and you can have them for a long time and their price is really reasonable and low.
• If you don't have a dry shampoo, a baby powder will do it. Shake it on your greasy areas and also leave it for about 5-10 minutes. Do not overdo it with powder because you'll have white or gray hair (which is not a problem if you have light hair). Also, you can use a make-up brush to apply it in a thin and equal layer.
• I also heard that a eye-shadow in the color of your hair will do the same but you'll need to be more patient as you will need more time to apply it than the baby powder.

If you don't have any of the above, here's a recipe to a homemade dry shampoo. We'll trust her it works.
P.S. I do not own any of these photos! As I bought my last dry shampoo quite a long time ago, I do not remember which one I used so I'll trust Google and its users. The only advice I have with choosing it is: Do not use the ones with perfume! They usually  do not work, but maybe that was just mine. As for the baby powder, I use Nivea's.

I would trust Pantene, but here is somebody's opinion.

A little tip and before-after comparison.

Nivea's baby powder.

Taking care of your nails

I should have started this blog with a post like this. Taking care of your nails is important. It comes before base nail polish or a good manicure. You really can't make nails look good if they're bad underneath all that nail polish. Also, the skin around the nail is very important too. If you have nice fingers and skin on it, good manicure is just icing on the cake.

It would be great if you bought nail file for shining nails. It's a sponge with some kind of minerals and it gives your natural nails pretty shine making them look healthier and prettier without any manicure. I believe that and sponge will do the trick but this is really designed for this purpose and it's not expensive.

Before painting your nails make sure they're the right size and shape. Shorten them a bit and make sure they are not broken in any place. If your nail breaks really low and close to the flesh, do not pull it or cut. Put a (sticking) plaster and wait for your nail to grow a bit so you wouldn't end up with a bloody finger. (I had to see some really bad pictures to find this one...)

For the skin around your nail use oil. There are lots of products these days to keep your skin healthy and shiny so almost every company with nail products has oil. Beauty about this is that you don't need to buy specifically oil for nails, you can just use edible kitchen oil. (I use mostly edible oil. Sometimes Essence's.) It gives you the same effect. Also, if you don't like grease, use cream from your bathroom.

If you follow these few very simple steps you can have transformation like this:

Enjoy your healthy shining nails!