First impressions

Caudalie face detox mask

My face is tired from the sun and hot temperatures, although I wasn’t exposing it too much. It is also quite oily and full of tiny zits – so annoying. I accidently find out about this detoxing mask on the You Tube just before going to the mall (how appropriate). After reading additional reviews I instantly knew that I need to try it. Mask comes in a handy tube with a stylish wooden cap. I hate the ones for one use only, because there’s always too much in it. You need to apply it in thin layer on the clean face and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Tube contains 75ml, which will last me for a long time. It’s a thick constancy, so you don’t need a lot. This mask supposed to deeply clean your skin from toxins, help to shrink your pores, reduce dullness and absorb all impurities. Ingredients supposed to be very good; Caudalie is a famous brand with high quality natural products. It’s pink/red from the pink clay in it. You can feel it when it’s drying on your face; it gives you that shrinking feeling, but it’s not uncomfortable or itchy. It’s such a releasing feeling when you wash it off, because your face somehow feels alive again. Like the rain in the desert if you know what I mean. I used it only three times so far, it’s a new thing in my pampering routine, but I believe it’s a very good addition to my skin care. For two days after use, my skin is less oily and looks better. So first impression: very relaxing, makes my skin super soft and less oily for day or two.

Alverde – eye cream Cell active eye cream blue hibiscus

Recently my eyes have been looking extra tired. I had some sleepless nights and hard days, so I wanted to buy something that would give my around eyes area some energy. I found this affordable option in DM (Drogerie Markt). Also my previous eye cream became way too greasy for daytime. It comes in packaging with a pump which I super like, because it’s more hygienic. This cream supposed to reduce dark circles tight the sink and renew your skin cells. Big promises, right? And are really just promises, without an effect, at least on me. But let’s be real, which cream can do all that. Overall it’s a great, light weight and fast absorbing moisturizer. Maybe it will be even a bit too watery for colder months. It has a light fresh smell, but it soon disappears after application. First impression: average light weight moisturizer with a great and practical packaging.

The Balm – Sexy mama mattifying pressed powder

I own it for about two months now and I must say that it quite surprised me. It’s not perfect for mattifying (at least wasn't during summer), but it’s a really good as settling powder. It sets my under eye concelear/highlighter just great, much better than my previous pressed powder, Stay Matte from Rimmel. Sexy mama is described as transparent, but I would say it has just right amount of light, medium bright and not ghost like coverage. The packaging is very useful, because it includes mirror. Again typically retro cute, like all products from The Balm. It has a really mild scent which is detectable only in the pan. I’m curious how it will perform during winter when my skin is not so oily. First impression: great settling powder and a decent mattifier.

Ogx – Biotin and collagen shampoo

I was so happy with my first Ogx shampoo, so I decided to buy from the brand again. This time I chose a shampoo from their biotin and collagen line. Even though I regularly use oil on my hair, they can be sometimes still dry and lifeless. Damn you, summer weather (and my hair iron). This shampoo supposed to renew hair, give them strength, make them thicker and add volume. Perfect for after summer treatment. Product is very thick which I especially like, beautiful pearly purple color. It foams a lot – another plus. The smell is very sweet and reminds me on some perfume; it stays on the hair long and it’s quite intense. It cleans hair very good and doesn’t make them extra greasy with it’s nourishment benefits. The packaging is in my favorite combination, purple container with gold cap. There’s absolutely nothing that bothers me about this shampoo.  First impression: Great nourishing shampoo with pleasant, long lasting smell.

Balea –  Sugar sweet shower gel

When you stand in front of full shelves of shower gels in Drogerie Market and you don’t know what to get, choose something from Balea. Balea it’s their store brand and it is very affordable. Their shower gels are known for low prices and best quality. I bought the most girly scent of all, but who cares, it’s just for me. But there’s a catch. The smell of the product from the bottle is not the same as the smell when you’re using it. Nice sugar scent is joined with strange menthol aroma, which I don’t like at all. Menthol just ruins everything. It’s like a guy on a bachelorette party who is not a stripe, it’s just not right. The positive sides are that he smell is not too strong, the product does not irritate or dry out my skin and the packaging is lovely.  First impression: great quality for the best price with unrealistic smell.