Moist to the People- hydrating with Olivine, The Ordinary and Herbivore

Blog -> Instagram -> Blog (& Instagram)

Going off the blog has not diminished my love for cosmetics...au contraire...I think I bought more because my skin was very *wack* and sensitive so my game was more on.

I went to post on Instagram (@suikerstruisje), every now and then, because I just love how a beautiful product can look in synch with other elements. But I miss writing in depth of how it works and how I find it effective. Emoticons are what they are, simple, and lengthy reviews are often looked over at the Gram.

So let's work it on the blog again :)! 

Left to right: 

• Olivine Love & Roses Beauty mist could pass as simple rosewater concoction, were it not that the roses have been organically harvested, rose quartz have been infused in the water, Moringa Seed extract, Andean Orchid Flower and Cassia extract that mimics hyaluronic acid...To amp up the beauty ritual, Olivine recommends chanting/voicing the mantra 'I am divine' while spritzing your face with this gorgeous tonic. Moreover, the bottle is a recyclable glass... 
• The Ordinary Buffet has become one of the Ordinary's star products, although it would be hard to pick a favourite of any of Deciem's newer, affordable skincare-line. What makes Buffet such a winner is the massive concoction of peptides that has been a bliss to my post Fraxel-laser skin...During autumn '16 my skin hardly recovered from the abrasive actions of the laser, nevertheless this peptide concoction offered my skin a helping hand in building up new skincells (also thanks to Rosehip oil and Manuka honey). For more info on the peptide blend, check their website here.
• Herbivore Orchid anti ageing Face oil has the most gorgeous dainty smell of all my skincare. And that is a lot. Positive emotions by scent can also help the pro-youth feeling (I don't like the word 'anti-ageing' for the record). Then I hear you think: with soooo many oils on the market, what makes this one IT? To me, I like a simple ingredient list with oils, I like complicated serums but the oils should be oils and a tad simple. Notwithstanding, they should be very potent. Orchid extract has minerals like Zinc,  Calcium and Magnesium but the process of the flower developing itself is so intricate that the 'plant memory' of youth and regeneration is quite upscale. Adding a beautiful Camelia Flower oil for the positive omegas makes it a gorgeous blend.

Ok, so let me add the way I posted this on Instagram. I'm always itching to write full reviews...

Now I noticed I've gotten lazier on the text...So give me some time and I'll be full-on blogger again, with plenty-o-text...

Bucket-list filled: Josh Rosebrook, Olivine Salt & Love + Rose & Love

Who doesn't have a bucketlist? 

Well, I have a bucket, I had a small wishlist, and now my bucket is filled!

I needed some love in my life, and roses often are connected to love:

 

♥ ♥ ♥

Ok, I actually picked this Rose-based facial mist on its delightfully potent ingredient list:

did you see its 1st ingredient? Unconditional Love!

With summer in my mind, I already started a fantasy trip with beachmist Love & Salt... Wouldn't we all not mind some summer lovin'?

The ingredients are quite simple. But for recreating a true beach look: why add stuff the beach would never do in real life?

Both the Oviline Salt & Love as the Rose & Love come in real glass bottles. 

Then there is 'happily married' pair Josh Rosewood Deep Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner: 

 They work well apart, but they complete each other together.

I'm still in the long-term testing phase, but I already love Love & Roses: it feels pure and smells like the real deal.

The Salt & Love is quite nice, but I feel it could be replicated easily with some himalayan salt and coconut oil: there's a-plenty DIY-es on pinterest around. I like that you can reuse the glass bottle again for other liquids.

The Josh Rosebrook Deep Nourishing shampoo is rather sudsy when you've gotten used to the often less sudsy organic variety. I actually do not feel a strong need to condition afterwards so I'd say it's quite nourishing. It really reminds me of Living Proof smoothing shampoo in therms of feel & scent. It smells like Rooibos tea with some fruits.
The Deep Nourishing conditoner is the perfect follow-up for the areas that still needs a bit of extra softness. Thin, but an effective mid-level moisturizer.

All of these are travel sizes that I bought on abeautifulworld.com.

The Affordable Jasmine: May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden vs Taaj Paris Rasayana Rose & Jasmine

Lately I noticed that everyone slightly beautyblogger is venturing organic. That includes an intense stream of hypes around certain products, reading claims about products being "best thing ever". It's kinda fun when you search for the tag reading such a post, and check if the reviewer has been giving out such 'lifechanging' claims before. Or everything is "best thing ever" until the "next thing ever"?

Yeh, I'm taking my reviews with a pinch of salt but I had been quite curious about May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden. Instead I bought myself The Parisian Taaj Rasayana Rose & Jasmine Face mist first. I mean, I like spending on beauty, but a €60 on a facial mist is just way too much for me. When Cultbeauty had this gorgeous GWP deal, zeeee May Lindstrom Jasmine Garden, I caved.

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Best Price: Taaj

Taaj is € 9 online whereas May Lindstrom is € 60. 

Also, price per value: Taaj is 200 ml & May Lindstrom 100 ml

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Best Ingredients: depends

Ingedients are a personal matter and what works for some, might not work for others. Both brands have certified organic ingredients: Taaj mentions it is 99% and May Lindstrom gave its certified ingredients a *: but did you notice the Theobroma Cacao did not get a * for being a Certified Organic Ingredient?

In that case, Taaj is slightly more transparent:

Then there is the debate of using Jasmine extract (May Lindstrom) or Jasmine Oil (Taaj). May Lindstrom included silver (Argentum Metallic) quite high in the ingredient list, which is claimed to be the next best thing. On the other team, Taaj included Rosa Damascena oil which has already been proven variously to be a potent anti-ageing ingredient.

Personally, I like that Taaj kept its ingredients simple: less ingredients, less chance of irritations. Also, I really like Rose as an ingredient: it smells so nice & soothing. Initially, I liked the cacao note in May Lindstrom but I noticed it won't agree with me on sensitive [skin]days.

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Packaging: May Lindstrom (but Taaj for convenience)

May Lindstrom has a beautiful but heavier glass bottle that is recycable.  Taaj comes in a plastic, blue bottle: perhaps not the most environmentally friendly option but honestly, it does travel slightly lighter.

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The Story: May Lindstrom (but Taaj if you don't like exaggerating)

For that bit of escapism, we do like a good story with our skincare.

Taaj offer us Himalaya water and has also been one of the first with Ayuveda skincare:

May Lindstrom has gone the extra mile by giving us such gorgeous descriptions and rituals that it will be like getting even closer to heaven than Himalaya water:

Then you'd pay for those wordly ticklings as well.

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Overal:

I still think skincare is a personal experience. Even more when you bring scent, essential oils and face sprays into the game: those steps are more ritual than actual skin-improving methods (though they still have an effect on skin). 

I would not have paid full price for May Lindstrom the Jasmine Garden. Something in that spray does not agree with my skin when it has a sensitive moment. I think it is the cacao. My skin does agree with Taaj Rasayana Rose & Jasmine and I love the mixture of Jasmine & Rose. 

Availability:

Taaj Rose & Jasmine is available at easyparapharmacie.fr (checking out is quite easy) & May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden is available at cultbeauty.com, naturisimo.com and various other etailers.

Face Tonic edition *roundup*

Sometimes I get into a certain hype of something, then I buy some (and some more), and then I think "do I have enough?". Answer: "I might have too much".

 Within this edition I bring you floral waters...I gotten into them during the summer, re-introduced by Tammy Fender and her blissfully calming Roman Chamomile Tonic that was a part of her sensitive set. After that I ventured on more types of facial waters within a cheaper range and more variety in the properties of the embedded flower/plant etc. 

Here's a roundup of the ones I have:

1. Erica Rosewater:

 Erica is a Dutch brand that basically brings out simple organic products. It is made of a 100% Bulgarian Rosewater and it costs me under €2. Perhaps there are more bio-dynamical brands out there but for the purity it is simply a wonderful water that calms and is quite rejuvenating for the skin. I mix mine with OrangeBlossom water for a more diverse blend and sometimes I add some MSM powder to get an even effect in calming redness etc.

2. Erica Orange BlossomWater (Neroli)

Similar as the Rosewater only orangeblossom water has different properties and you can read several of the raves/benefits on MUA (here). I adore the scent as it is flowery-citrusy positive scent and it has adstringent qualities which works on the acne-prone parts of my face. It is still mild enough for the dryer parts. 

3.  Sana Hadanomy Mist

I have this one for more than a year and it has been a repurchase. It is supposed to have collagen inside and it is not as natural/organic as my other blends. However, I love the fact it is slightly 'tacky' or better say moisturizing and without scent at all. 

4.   Suti Peppermint Water

I got this one based on rave reviews and the fact that peppermint is known as the ultimate calming plant. Then again, I googled 100% peppermint water later and got cheaper options. I still love Suti and this blend is really refreshing on holidays or as a perk up during flying. I prefer to use the pure blend and not mix it with other waters.

5.  Melvita Eau Fraiche Micellair

Finally a more productive water: a micellair that removes makeup as well. This has also been a repurchase and I prefer it over Nuxe Micellair/Bioderma as it is natural, and effective cleanser and feels really soothing on the skin.

6.   Saniflore Aqua Magnifiqua

My original review is over here. I haven't been using it that much yet because I'm quite attached to my rosewater/neroli/MSM mixture but I still like its effectiveness on pores and congested skin. 

7. Saniflore Noble Chamomile

Original review here.  I decanted this in a tinier bottle on my lastest journey, but the passenger next to me was not so enchanted by the calming chamomile than I was. I still like it, but sometimes I prefer peppermint water for a less plant/dirt-like scent.

8. Kora by Miranda Kerr Energising Mist

I bought this one based on curiosity and the fact the model herself looks basically flawless. I am not too fond of the blend: somehow the citrusy note has too much of a herbal essence that I neither find soothing or energising. Also, the mister isn't really distributing the water evenly over the face.

 

So this is the collection of face tonics that I have right now. So do you like them and what types do you reach for?

Noble Chamomille: Sanoflore and the calming white flower

I've gotten this effective beauty during one of my last visits to Paris. I've visited one of their multipludituded  'Pharmacies' to pick up something from Sanoflore:

I went for the highly acclaimed Aqua Magnifica as well (about that sooner) but I'd love to discuss Chamomille first.

Sanoflore, these days a part of the L'Oreal family, believes that well-done aromatherapy  "are far more concentrated in active molecules than synthetic ingredients" and "respects sensitive skin". In that case, I have already loved the calming Chamomile in Tammy Fender's Roman Chamomile tonic but found the price of her range to be too expensive.

Sanoflore is a perfect cheaper alternative because organic Chamomille is not too difficult to find. However, for the non-French (or Swiss) it might be more difficult to track. I also like Akoma Skincare a lot and they have a pure organic Chamomile water as well (here) for 10% of Tammy's price. And there are the local (organic) healthshops too....

So, what does Chamomile water do and why it's such a bliss during weather changes like Autumn?

"Chamomile water is well known for its ability to soothe dry skin and bring it back into balance. This fragrant water has an antibacterial effect that keeps blemishes at bay while it protects the skin from dry, windy weather.

100% pure, Chamomile water restores a healthy glow to your complexion and is used by some to treat the dark circles that form under the eyes. Applied lightly to the forehead and temples, it has a wonderful calming effect at the end of a stressful day" (Akoma's site) 

Well, the change from warm to dry & windy is something that sounds Autumn/winter, right? And who doesn't have dark circles they want to diminuish these days?

I will have a whole section on facial waters soon: it's sorta my thing lately...

Using, Used, Gonna Use...

Summer is almost here and I begin to enjoy colours again.

 So the products of the "used, using...gonna use" is finally more than just skincare:

Using:
 *Givenchy Le Rouge lipstick in Rouge Boudoir 204*

 This lipstick is bright and happy enough to pair up with a bit of (fake) tan and not too extreme for the lipstick-shy like I am. The moisture factor is not as dewy as Chanel but I actually like its resistance better for warmer weather.

Used:
*Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist sample I got in this set*

 It feels refreshing on the skin, but I was dissapointed in the misting effect: it's a pump instead of an aerosol mister. A pump might be friendlier for the environment but I prefer a thinner, aerosol-based spray instead of the slightly bigger drops you get from a pump. Also, for its price I consider it not that much better than earlier mists I tried.

*By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid blush in 03 Amber Rose*

 It is not fully finished but I have it since 2010 so I think it's due. As you can see, it is a blush lovingly used: it really needs a tiny drop for a gorgeous flush and I used lots of drops...I would absolutely repurchase but it's not for sale in Holland anymore.

Gonna Use:
* Kiko Colour Block in 04 Fierce Violet*

 Yes, I got into a Kiko shop again and fell in love with the vividness of Fierce Violet. First, It was hand-testing...then I decided to test it on my eyes, went into really warm weather, and after 9 hours it still was budgeproof and vivid!

Normally I sheer away from reallllly brights for my eyes but I totally love this sort of purple.

Continuing Therapie: Roques Oneil Restore Aura Spray

I have been on some therapeutic ventures since receiving my Roques Oneil Discovery set: But, like any good therapist would say...even when things go quite good, you got to continue with the therapy.

This sample size I received in the Discovery box is rather big. I think it is a similar size as the Caudalie Beauty Elixir travel spray. Similar to Caudalie Beauty Elixir, this spray also should be applied after makeup (or after cleansing) or during the day for an aromatic 'perk me up'

source: RoquesoNeil

It has a more wholistic approach compared to the French Caudalie, which, as the name suggest, is targeting for 'Beauty'. Roques Oneil is looking for 'Aura', thus inner-beauty and balance.

But most people realise that the balancing of the inner self will attribute to a happier outer self. And, honestly, the names and approaches might be different but the sprays have a similar effect, containing an aroma that is wonderful for either energising (Caudalie) or soothing (O'neil).

Also, they both target dehydration by hydrating /refreshing the skin by spraying it on.

Ingredients:

Nice, I like the liquorice extract for its brightening properties and the rose is delicately present in its scent.

At the time being I prefer this Roques O'Neil spray over the Caudalie. Caudalie has some strong mint in its formula that intitially feels refreshing but I concluded my skin doesn't like it on the long run (and it didn't get more beautiful either). That is just a question of personal taste and the level of sensitivity of your skin. I see Spearmint featured in the Aura Restore mist as well but it doesn't hinder my sensitive skin at all.

I got the Restore Aura mist in the discovery set I bought at Cultbeauty.