Passport Beauty - European Skincare - The Underrated Version

There are so many excellent blog posts and bloggers out there raving about some amazing beauty cosmetics coming to us from all corners of the world. Basically things that were considered "local secrets" in their own communities are now getting fully blasted across the blogosphere and in some cases becoming "cult" products almost overnight! Its so great to see the influence word-of-mouth and a couple raves can have on brands that would have otherwise never been able to gain that kind of exposure or advertising! Sometimes products like that can end up becoming more hype than actual quality results but for the most part they are worth at least trying. 
Here is my contribution to the French skincare buzz. I chose 2 of the less "popular" products because I think they deserve a lot more attention and clarity than they've been given. 

Avibon 

Avibon has been around for generations but only gained popularity in North America after Gweneth Paltrow featured it on her blog (Goop) and included it in her French Pharmacy picks. Since then there has been such a demand, that the number of online sellers who now ship to the USA and Canada is constantly growing (here). The price is significantly higher here than in Paris but after experiencing the clear results of Avibon I am happy to invest anytime. 

Essentially Avibon is a very concentrated Vitamin A ointment - specifically Retinyl Palmitate which is a compound very similar to the Retinol we are all used to! Since this pomade contains high concentrations of Lanolin and Vitamin A it can preform its anti-aging duties without drying out the skin and because of that it can be used on its own or mixed with your night-time moisturizer.There is actually nothing very glamorous about this balmy gel - its greasy and can take forever to absorb (use sparingly), its got a distinct "grandma potpourri  fragrance that may prove to be too much, the metal tube is not even a little charming and can ooze out if you are not careful. After all these rather cumbersome faults you might be wondering why i like it in the first place? Simple - it works and does everything Retinol promises but with 0 redness, no irritation or dryness and its significantly cheaper than traditional Retin-A. 

I can describe the results as slow but steady -  you wont see a transformation the next day but if you give it a few weeks, the difference is undeniable. 

Main ingredient: concentrated synthetic vitamin A (1,000,000 i.u.)
Other ingredients: lanolin, vaseline, polysorbate 80, perfume T 1415


Biafine 

This water based, vaseline-like balm isn't really considered a traditional skin care product! Its not going to make you beautiful, erase wrinkles, plump up lips or even look pretty in your purse. What it will do is heal, soothe, protect, cool and speed up recovery of any kind of "boo-boo" you might have to face out there in the big bad world. Biafine is a unique kind of ointment that is as gentle on any kind of delicate skin as it is powerful when it comes to protecting and healing even serious wounds. Dermatologists and hospitals alike use Biafine on a regular basis treating superficial abrasions, common sunburns, dermatitis, psoriasis, radiation skin exposure, skin grafts and even 2nd degree wounds! If it can do all that can you imagine how effective it would be in treating our "minor emergencies" involving skinned knees, insect bites and even flat-iron burns? 
Unfortunately its not readily available in North America but if you are lucky enough to have family in Europe or can convince a good friend to visit a common pharmacy in France then its definitively worth searching out. 
If you are willing to pay the price and order then click here
  
Ingredients; 
purified water, liquid paraffin, ethylene glycol monostearate, stearic acid, propylene glycol, paraffin wax, squalane, avocado oil, trolamine/sodium alginate, triethanolamine, cetyl palmitate, methylparaben (sodium salt), sorbic acid (potassium salt), propylparaben (sodium salt), and fragrance.

I hope that was helpful! What are your favourites from abroad? 

XOXO

ANJA

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Things to Look Forward To - Upcoming Posts

I am sure that most people who have viewed this blog in the past few days are "painfully" aware how new this is to me and just how much I have to and need to learn about proper blogging, tech support, editing, photography, design....pretty much everything! This is a huge learning curve for me so feedback, suggestions, tips and most importantly patience will go a long way to help "The Canadian Principessa" fulfill its true potential.

I received a few lovely encouraging emails, messages, comments and even a tweet from one of my favorite bloggers (Liz from Beauty Reductionista!!!) - so unexpected and so amazing all at once. The best part however was learning that my beautiful (and missed so much!) cousin, Samra, is now going to be reading my blog all the way from our own hometown SARAJEVO (BiH) - a fact that will only motivate me even more to grow and be better with each post!
Thank you for your kindness, it means more than you know and I already know that it will make a difference for me and my beauty brain!

As I am now knee-deep in blogging excitement, full of inspiration & ideas and in a bit of a beauty frenzy I wanted to take advantage of my enthusiasm and plan a few future blog posts to give you a tiny glimpse of my current obsessions.

- Revamped skincare routine featuring some new products by Omorovicza
- Brand Spotlight coming from the UK - REN - skincare brand that i am very familiar with
- "When in France" - Skincare Essentials Order
- "European Skincare - the Underrated Version"
- "Principessa's Glow - They Dont Glitter" - Powder vs. Liquid Highlighters
- "Battle of the Hair Oils" - mini reviews of my top 5
- "Spring to Summer Makeup Base Wardrobe" - Canadian Version
- "Why Mini Beauty is Better Beauty (for me!)
- "High Maintenance Girls Can Go Camping" The Must Have Kit
- "Products That Made me Sad"

- Reviews, Reviews, Reviews...galore...

If you guys have any ideas, or if there is something you want to see or know please dont hesitate to comment or email me! I will try to get back to you ASAP

XOXO

Anja

The Neverending Wish List Post

It always amazes me that no matter how many products I acquire and use, there is always something new to discover! That fact makes ME  very happy (ok, giddy!) but the same cannot be said for my wallet...Having faced my obsession head-on, starting a beauty blog, paying attention to ingredients, my skin AND my finances I have come up with somewhat of a compromise.

The compromise plan will go something like this - I will allow myself to make wish lists as often as I want BUT I cannot purchase anything for 30 days after posting a particular product on said wish list. I figure 30 days will allow me to properly research the coveted item, contemplate whether or not I need it and see exactly how much I really want it in the first place. I will take ingredients in consideration, how many similar items I already have in my stash, expenses of course but most importantly I will have enough time to figure out if a particular product is right for me. I will also do my very best to not get sucked into yet another hyped up thing I really-really don't need.

Lets get started - wish me luck!!!


1.Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm and Clarifying Mask

2. Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Moisture Enhancing Gel

3. Oskia Renaissance Mask

4.Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment

5. Chanel Poudre Signee de Chanel & Mouche de Beaute Illuminating Powders

6. Chantecaille Les Petales - Lumiere de Rose Highlight & Powder

7. Tatcha Skin Care

8. Cute Steamcream Tins

9. L'Occitane Amande Cleansing and Soothing Shower Oil

10. Prada Candy EDP

Lets see how many of these are still around next month!

What's on your wish list now?

XOXO

Anja

The Collection - Paul & Joe Disney Face Colors - Flower and Bambi

In this post I will introduce you to two of my favourite pieces from my collection - prepare to be overwhelmed by cuteness

As a true beauty enthusiast and a long-time Disney fan I knew I wanted and "needed" these two Paul & Joe collectibles! Unfortunately I discovered them long after their release, meaning they were already sold out, had already reached collectible status and were selling on Ebay for a $100. However once I focus on something I want, I go for it full force and find a way! After paying a ridiculous sum of money a way was found and I was the proud owner of the cutest blushes in the world. I have no regrets at all.

The "Flower" (skunk) Classical Pink 002 blush is the loveliest Barbie baby pink blush I have ever seen. It manages to be intensely pigmented but also retain its "paleness" on the cheeks, giving you that slightly flushed doll look. It has that instant "oh pretty" look! The blush itself is made up of evenly pink pigment balls with slight shimmer to them, nestled in a sturdy cardboard box along with a cute puff on top - as you can see the packaging is adorable as well. Both blushes are 25g or 0.88oz so you are definitively getting a lot of product in each box so I seriously doubt I will ever use these up, which is perfectly fine with me :-)

The "Bambi" Classic Peach 001 gives you a peachy-light coral flush and its definitively the more matte shade of the two blushes. The adorable packaging is exactly the same as the "Flower" but with everyone's favourite Bambi on the box. As adorable the mini puff is, its not very efficient or suitable to apply blush to the cheeks without it being patchy or "stamped on" so I always use one of the many blush makeup brushes I have and my problem is solved :-)

Even though these blushes are no longer available, unfortunately for me Paul & Joe is releasing adorable cosmetics every season and some are too irrisistable to resist - check them out here

I hope you enjoyed this post - What are your most prized makeup pieces?

XOXO

ANJA

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Skin Care Jack Pot - Paula's Choice Resist Weekly Resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA

In my previous post I talked about Alpha-H Liquid Gold Glycolic Treatment that had very little or no effect on my skin! Today I bring you an exfoliator that I can get behind, with results I can see almost overnight and whose price tag doesn't make me cringe when i realize its time to replenish.

It works on the same principle as Liquid Gold however the main active ingredient is 10% AHA which acts as a chemical exfoliant, breaking down and loosening dead skin cell from the surface of your face. The combination of glycolic acid and antioxidants in one formula suggests that it will both repair the skin and stimulate collagen production almost simultaneously .Meaning that this treatment would benefit those concerned with anti-aging, firmness and brown spots just as much as it will help with acne-breakouts and enlarged-clogged pores. In the morning skin looks brighter, smoother, calm, radiant and almost refined - all of this without any irritation or redness.

The instructions advise to use the resurfacing treatment only once a week but the formula is gentle enough that I can cheat and apply it twice a week with no adverse effects. Instead of pouring the solution on a cotton pad I prefer to get a few a drops in the palm of my hand and then just tap it on the surface of my skin until its all absorbed. The stickiness doesn't last very long, sometimes there is a bit of stinging but within seconds the skin feels calm and comfortable.

I am sure that those of you with very sensitive skin could experience irritation and flaking in the first few weeks (as reported on Makeup alley) so i would definitively recommend caution when introducing this to your regiment. However as far as glycolic treatments are concerned i believe that this one is not only one of the most effective but also one of the gentlest as well.
I have been lucky so far - my skin reacted most favorably and wasn't even mildly irritated (for a change!). All I got was renewed, brighter, firmer, more even and maybe even younger looking complexion so this is a clear winner for me.

The Weekly Resurfacing Treatment ($23.16) can be purchased here

Key Ingredients
Vitis vinifera, green tea, Ulmus fulva bark extract, slippery elm bark, glycerin, antioxidant, vitamin C, licorice extract, borage seed extract, chamomile, Boerhavia diffusa root extract, glycolic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Borago officinalis extract, Avena sativa, grape seed extract, Lamium album flower extract, anti-irritant, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, white nettle, AHA, allantoin, Camellia sinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Salix nigra (willow) bark extract, burdock root, willow bark

Do you have a favourite exfoliator?

XOXO

ANJA

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The Beauty Fence - Alpha-H Liquid Gold with Glycolic Acid

The Alpha-H Liquid Gold has been making the rounds on the beauty blogosphere for some time now. It seems like everyone has been trying it, loving it, hoarding it and hyping it up so much that I had myself convinced that it was going to be a miracle product for my finicky complexion. I mean it never even occurred to me that it could be a failure and i am no rookie when it comes to the skincare game. I almost feel like i got duped!

Liquid Gold is a chemical exfoliator featuring Glycolic acid as the main active ingredient and per specific instructions it is to be used every 2 days overnight only. In order to get maximum benefits its recommended to not follow the Liquid Gold with a moisturizer or anything else, allowing it do its "magic" while you sleep. I discovered it first on Caroline's Blog (beautymouth) and seeing how everything else she recommended worked great for me I decided to track it down and order it right away. So many great reviews cant be wrong right? Well...

Don't get me wrong - I am not saying its a bad product and I would recommend it to almost anyone but the results for me were completely underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe my skin didn't need it, maybe I got a bad batch...who knows! Bottom line is I used it just as described for over a month and never noticed any significant change on my skin. What frustrated me even more was that I had no positive nor negative results - it was as if my complexion was undecided on the issue. Obviously I don't want to have a bad reaction but if I even got the inkling that it was doing something negative then I could discontinue using it and pass it on to someone else. No effects just meant that I continuously hoped for some kind of change for weeks on end before I ultimately gave up and accepted defeat.

Due to my experience I would recommend this to people with problem skin or acne issues however since it doesn't seem to preform consistently for everyone (like me!) I would stress that sampling the product first may be a smart idea. It can be difficult to track down and the price tag is too high to just take the plunge and hope for the best. I wish i had tried it before i splurged on the full size bottle with international shipping to boot.

I know the majority of you love Alpha-H Liquid Gold but I wanted to write an honest review based on my own experience. Hopefully it can help someone else make a more balanced decision in purchasing this "magic potion".

Alpha-H Liquid Gold ($52.00 for 100ml) can be purchased here

Ingredients;
Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Hydrolysed Silk, Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract.

Did anyone else have a similar experience?

XOXO

ANJA

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Skin Care Jack Pot - Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

I have to admit that I considered Estee Lauder makeup/skincare as a very "grandmotherly - old fashioned" brand and i never really gave their counter a second look. When my skin went haywire i panicked and scrambled to find a skincare routine to save what was left of my dignity and confidence in the mirror lol That sounded way less vain in my head just now lol

Basically i went to my "go to brands" - Chanel, Dermalogica, Bliss, Murad etc and every single haul ended up in either disappointment or complete indifference. Every single bottle became an epic fail for me!

Then the unassuming gwp brown bottle made its way to my bathroom and one night i figured why not - it cant get any worse and besides i was desperate (a few drops cant kill me right?). In the morning i was pleasantly surprised to see the redness had turned baby pink, the flakes were less visible and there was no stinging!!!

Basically i was looking at "HOPE" in the mirror and i was in love just like that :)

Our love affair continues and all i can say Estee Lauder is the best relationship i have ever had - a little bit high maintenance (the price is a little ouch) but really-really worth it! It turns out that looks aren't everything when it comes to relationships - its what inside the ugly brown exterior that counts :) I love you ANRSR - don't leave me please...

Ingredients;

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycerin, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Silica, Methyl Gluceth-20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Bran) Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Selaginella Tamariscina (Spike Moss) Extract, Cola Nitida (Kola) Nut Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Citri Reticulate Peel Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Juice Extract, Cholesterol, Sea Whip Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Micrococcus Lysate, Caffeine, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Sodium RNA, Pantethine, Arabidopsis Thaliana Extract, Yeast Extract, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Linoleic Acid, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract, Linolenic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauryldimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Potassium Sulfate, Cyclodextrin, PEG-9 Dimethicone, Simethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caramel, Titanium Dioxide

This ANRSR ($64.00 for 30ml) and other Estee Lauder products can be purchased here

What do you guys think about Estee Lauder?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

The Little Luxuries of My Life - By Terry Baume de Rose SPF15

I am sure that there are so many reviews in the blogosphere that have covered the issue of the insane price tag attached to this, so i wont get into it! No need to perpetuate the guilty feelings :-)

I am currently on my 2nd or 3rd jar of this and even though this was suppose to be a one-time purchase, a luxury treat per say i have repurchased more than once and sadly i will break-down and buy it again i am sure.

The skincare fanatic in me is always on the look out for the next best thing, i am very fickle when it comes to brand loyalty and even though i usually buy HE, i've discovered a few drugstore gems that surprised me. My lip balm collection is completely out of control - i have them in every single part of the house, every handbag, pocket, drawer etc for "emergencies".

Baume de Rose however never leaves my side and not just because of the price - to put it plainly, it preforms better than anything else i have and can fix my lips in 5 seconds. The texture is like a typical balm, without the stickiness and oily residue of others of course. It sinks in fast, erases any flakes that might be on there, drenches the dry feeling AND smells amazing (i love roses!). I expected some colour but my pigmented rosy lips prevailed and i prefer it that way and even though my lips are already full, the plumping effect is definitively noticeable :)

I am sure there might be better lip treatments out there for less but i don't know of them - when i do i will be the first in line to buy them but until then i will carry this little jar everywhere :)

Ingredients;
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Synthetic Wax, Diiosostearyl Malate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanesterol Esters, Petrolatum, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Extract, Stearalkonium Hectorite, C20-40 Acid, Corylus Avellana (Haeel) Seed Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Lanolin, Sodium PCA, Aqua (Water), Polysorbate 85, Rosa Centifolia Flower (Wax) Cera, Rosa Damascena Flower (Wax) Cera, Trohydroxypalmitamidohydroxypropyl Myristyl Ether, Alumina, Aluminium Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Mica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Methylparaben, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, CI 75470 (Carmine), Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Geraniol, Citronellol, Benzylbenzoate, Eugenol, Cotral [T0401/D]

By Terry Baume de Rose balm ($60) and other By Terry products products can be purchased here

What are your favourite balms?

XOXO

ANJA

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Cleanser Hall of Fame - Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream

The only reason i am not giving this product the full 5 stars is the fact that this may not work for some as a stand-alone cleanser.
Myself, i use it as a gentle exfoliator following my regular cleanser in the evenings or if i use it in the morning then it works fine on its own.

When i first got this i will admit i was pretty sceptical and almost hesitant to try it, mostly due to a previous bad experience with the rhythmic conditioner (disaster!) but i am happy to say i was pleasantly surprised :) The verdict after a month of use is I LOVE IT!!! It took some getting used to since it doesn't feel like a "conventional" cleanser but once i got used to the texture of the mild granules i was hooked. The look of the brown paste and the "natural herby" scent may put off a lot of people but i am weird - to me the smell was almost comforting...It reminds me of something but i cant quite figure out what, all i know is that i always look forward to it :)

Dr.Hauschka advises us to use their signature "press and roll" technique with this cleanser, which might be cumbersome if you are not used to it but i feel even gentle circular motions would work perfectly. My method is a combination of both just because i don't feel like I've cleansed properly if i just "press and roll" but i am trying to make it work it (getting better every day!).

The best part about using this cleanser is the way your skin feels after rinsing it off (splash of cold water at the end!). Any cleanser can make you feel clean (and usually tight) and most scrubs will give you that immediate softness BUT this cleansing cream will leave you feeling clean, soft and plump all at once! The glow of radiance is visible almost right away and for me everything i put on top afterwards seems to absorb and feel better. Brilliant - a definite repurchase :)

Ingredients;
Water (Aqua), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Alcohol, Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Malpighia Punicifolia (Acerola) Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Algin *Component of natural essential oils

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream ($26.95) and other skincare can be purchased directly from their official site here


I hope someone finds this helpful

XOXO

ANJA

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Chantecaille - Limited Edition La Baleine Blanche Highlighter Palette

At first glance this may seem like another one of those "incredibly beautiful collector pieces" that are wonderful to look at but confusing & difficult to use!

I have many of those - things that were just too pretty to pass up, exciting to own & display but ultimately bound to end up collecting dust, crumbling and being forgotten in a random vanity drawer :( Well I was determined to stop this cycle of collecting and accumulating pretty things, spending a fortune on products that i simply cant use and figuring out a way to get the most of my rather large stash of "dust collectors"

Chantecaille is a wonderful brand and i own a lot of their stuff that i use on a daily basis. The quality is impeccable, the ingredients are great, the attention to detail is amazing but most importantly their brand philosophy is something i can get behind. Which is probably why i have so many pretties from them.

The La Baleine Blanche compact is meant to be used for facial highlighting although the 4 shades can also be used individually as well (eye shadow?). The colours are pearly matte white, soft metallic gold, champagne taupe and golden light brown - all of which combine together easily with any blush or powder brush. On cheeks it imparts a luminous glowy dewy sheen but also appears natural & matte too, which is something i didn't think was possible. The texture is so creamy and luxurious that it glides on so effortlessly that its almost goof-proof!

Its become one of my favourite highlighters and i am so glad that i finally mustered the courage to stop admiring it and actually start using it. And its still beautiful to look at, both in the mirror and the compact itself!

Chantecaille La Baleine Blanche ($113) is not in stock on their official site but it can still be purchased on Strawberry Net here.

Other Chantecaille products can be found on their official site here.

How do you guys feel about "collector pieces" like this?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Skin Care Jack Pot - Decleor Aromessence Rose D'Orient Night Balm

I will start off this review by saying that i was not a fan of Decleor or Darphin skincare prior to trying this! Its not that i thought they were bad but since they are not readily available to me I passed on purchasing, fearing that i will end up with yet another item i have to hunt down (Chantecaille i am looking at you!). My plan was foiled by an innocent Christmas gift from a dear friend who obsesses over skincare almost as much as i do :)

Upon opening the jar, the first thing i noticed was the lovely scent that immediately stood out as very natural (nothing artificial here) and uber relaxing! My excitement was broken as soon as i touched the cream surface - it felt kind of greasy and almost grainy on my fingers. Texture is very important to me when it comes to skincare - i don't like anything heavy, greasy, filmy and "silikony". In fact if the texture is not to my liking, chances are that no matter how good a product is I will eventually stop using it once the novelty wears off.

The disappointment over the night balm was evident but thankfully short-lived :) Once i allowed it to melt in my hand, I patted it on all over my face and gently rubbed it in (all the while enjoying the scent). It absorbed fairly quickly and after 10 minutes it was undetectable on my face even though my skin felt so moisturized and plumped. Even though my skin is mostly combination I have some dry patches on my cheeks and lip area - this balm takes care of that every single time and even better most nights i am able to skip the additional night cream! In the morning i wake up with fresh, glowy and CALM skin - no blotches, grease or puffiness!

The full size jar is huge and will last a very long time (at least a year!) since all you need is a tiny bit to cover your fingers. The sample tubes are also very convenient to those of us who don't like the possibility of contamination but a spatula can solve that problem easily. Decleor does recommend the oil and balm to be layered each night but i almost feel that would be too much...however i already ordered a bottle so the jury is still out :)

Ingredients;
Neroli and Rose Essential Oils, Camomile Essential Oil, Almond and Blackcurrant Plant Oils.

Decleor Rose D'Orient ($73) and other Decleor products can be purchased here

How do you feel about Aromatherapy and Skincare together?

XOXO

ANJA

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Body Care Gems - Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream

For the record - I don't like this scent, its too overpowering and i can see it causing headaches to the fragrance sensitive crowds! Judging by the name i am assuming that the main notes are green tea and honey...but i cant detect either of them! It kind of reminds me of a certain speed stick (for men) so being a girly girl its only natural that i would dislike it right away!

That being said - the results are undeniable and i am currently stocking up (you know - for rainy days or nuclear war...the usual!). The texture of the cream is mildly gritty due to the "honey beads" mixed in and i was happy to see that they are uniformly distributed throughout the jar. Once on the skin the beads "bust" open and are very easy to massage in which is a bonus to those in a rush or just plain lazy like me lol
You don't need a lot since its very-very rich so the jar will last a long time (more bonus points). Used after a warm shower this feels so good and the softness is evident right away, without any greasy residue. I am in love!

Because of this i am willing to forgive Ms. Arden for the weird scent - baby soft skin is worth plugging my nose for a few minutes...I guess beauty really knows no pain!

Ingredients;
Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Mineral Oil, Fragrance, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Acetate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cocoa Butter, Dimethicone, Camellia Oleifera Extract, Honey, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Gel, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Chamomile Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Wheat Germ Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Lactose, Propylene Glycol, Shea Butter, Wheat Germ Glycerides, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Ceteareth-20, Triceteareth-4 Phosphate, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, BHT, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Copolyol, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Iron Oxides.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Honey Drops Body Cream ($19.50) and other Arden products can be purchased here

Are you guys able to use products whose scent was anything but appealing?

XOXO

Anja

Skin Care Jack Pot - Decleor Tonifying Lotion

There was a time when i didnt believe in toners!
Adding yet another step to an already complicated skincare routine wasnt appealing to me, especially since my experience with toners was never great. I either felt stripped & dry or worse i was left with a greasy filmy residue, which is never good for someone with very confused problematic skin.

Well i am happy to say that Decleor has inspired me and i am now a very enthusiastic convert :) The charming pink genie bottle now has a permanent spot by my bathroom sink and i think my complexion is thanking me on a daily basis. The scent alone is amazing! It reminds me of a unique mix of a farmers marker and a luxurious european spa...weird - i know! My skin feels comforted, balanced and fresh each time i use it!

Its not a miracle product, your complexion wont be "transformed" and if you are sensitive to fragrance or essential oils then this may not be ideal for you. Its a toner after all BUT its the pampering kind :-)

Ingredients;
Water (Aqua), Tilia Cordata Flower Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Water, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Pca, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Oleth-20, Fragrance (Parfum), Tetrasodium Edta, Citric Acid, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citral, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben

Decleor Tonifying Lotions ($27) and other Decleor products can be purchased here

I hope this is helpful to someone else

XOXO

Anja

Body Care Gems - Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil

This product is not currently available for purchase in North America (why Garnier, why?) Its not primarily a hair styling product but a multitasking skin oil that can be used on both body and hair.

This light weight oil is said to be 5 times more concentrated in nutrients than any of Garnier's body lotions and enriched with 4 precious oils - Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose. The scent is pretty subtle and lingers only slightly on the skin. It claims to hydrate, illuminate and perfect skin tone.
As a big fan of "oils" in general once I heard about this I knew I would have to find a way to get it. Mine comes from feelunique but this can easily found in almost all UK drugstores, like Boots. The comparison to Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse comes to mind however the Nuxe is a dry-oil whereas Garnier doesn't fall completely into that category.

I prefer the Nuxe dry-oil because I love the fragrance a lot more but this Beauty Oil definitively delivers when it comes to moisture and lets face it its a lot cheaper as well. The pump spray is actually perfect and distributes the oil quite well, absorbs very quickly and leaves a slight sheen on the skin surface. I can see this looking amazing in the summer on slightly tanned-bronzed skin!

Ingredients;
Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose Precious Oils

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil ($11.22 for 150ml) is not available in North America (yet?) but can be purchased at FeelUnique here.
*They have free International Shipping on all orders, regardless on what your total is! Now, how amazing is that?


Speaking of Summer - I cant wait! Any amazing Summer plans (beauty or otherwise)?


XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Emma Hardie - The Balm That Changed How I Think About Skin Care

I love skincare - in fact I am more passionate about good skincare than I am about makeup! I research everything before I make a purchase, scan ingredients, sample when possible, consult friends & family - basically I thought I was doing all the right things for healthy skin! My skin however disagreed - big time!

Enter Caroline's blog (Beautymouth) and a crash course in proper skincare...followed by a conclusion that my skills were seriously lacking :-( Being the "unofficial skin care guru" she knew what she was talking about so I blindly ordered almost everything she recommended - I gambled all over again and crossed my fingers!


Emma Hardies Moringa Cleanser was one of the products she was most adamant about so I made sure I got a pot of it ASAP. The balm has similar texture to butter but with tiny granules suspended in the mixture. I opened it and hated it immediately. Since the balm doesn't foam, there are no "bubbles" therefore I felt like my skin wasn't being clean and lets face it the sensation of rubbing butter on your face is not pleasant.

Despite all that I continued using it - it was expensive so I couldn't let it go to waste...Sure enough after a few days I loved it. My addiction to bubbles was broken!

The way I use it is by taking an almond size dollop and massage it for a good 2-3 minutes on dry face. I gradually add water and the balm transforms into rich milky lotion as it breaks down dirt, makeup and who knows what else! Then I remove it all with a warm flannel, polishing until its all gone. My skin is left smooth, plumped up, hydrated, supple and radiant - the tight feeling I got from the foaming cleanser was gone and my skin was finally comfortable.


Ingredients;
Vitis vinifera seed oil Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil Caprylic/capric triglyceride Cetearyl alcohol Peg-8 beeswax Peg-6 caprylic/capric glycerides Sorbitan stearate Peg-60 almond glycerides Limonene Citrus aurantium dulcis oil Silica Glycerin Phenoxyethanol Benzyl alcohol Lecithin Citrus aurantium bergamia oil Aqua Citrus aurantium amara oil Juniperus virginiana oil Citrus nobilis oil Crithmum maritimum extract Linalool Butylene glycol Octyldodecyl pca Menthyl pca Ascorbyl palmitate Helianthus annuus seed oil Tocopherol Moringa pterygosperma extract Geraniol Jasminum officinale oil Farnesol Disodium phosphate Rosa damascena oil Citric acid Citral Citronellol


Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm ($56.10 for 100ml) can be purchased at FeelUnique here
*Keep in mind that they offer Free International Shipping on all orders, regardless on your total! What a great deal!

I am a True Convert!

Have you tried Emma Hardie? Any other balm cleansers?

XOXO 

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Cleanser Hall of Fame - Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

First of all - Philosophy and me have never been able to get along! Pretty much every single product I tried by them caused some kind of a problem so eventually i gave up on the brand and purposely avoided everything they made...even the yummy smelling stuff!


Enter the Microdelivery wash! I received my first bottle as a Christmas stocking stuffer a few years ago - grateful and gracious as always I thanked my Mom and proceeded to push this way-way back in the bathroom cabinet. During clear-out time I stumbled on the bottle again and decided it to pass it on to a cousin who was eager to try anything beauty-related (ahhh to be 15 again!). I don't know what possessed me to try this but I am very happy I did - I liked it so much that its now a staple cleanser, used almost daily and luckily Clarisonic compatible.

For reference my skin is combination dry, clog-prone and has some rosacea in the cheek/nose area. So for me this worked like a charm - cleanses beautifully, lightly exfoliates, soothes, plumps, does not dry out, does not cause breakouts, reduces blackheads and best of all rinses of very easily (i have a weird thing about rinsing!). Its so gentle that i can use it with the Clarisonic or alone on a daily basis and has never caused any irritation or additional redness.


I suspect the low ratings (Makeupalley, Sephora etc.) on this are related to expectations one may have of this based on the name itself. If you expect dramatic results overnight then this is not for you - this will exfoliate and refine your skin but it does take some time to appreciate. Its not a peel or a strong chemical exfoliant so it wont blow your socks (or your face) off with a single use but if you treat it as a refining daily cleanser then it will deliver everything it promises. Give it a week or 2 - results will surely follow!

I am so happy with it that my Philosophy ban is relaxing a bit - although i would never give Purity or Hope in a Jar a try again, i might be open to trying the Vitamin C peel...or the Banana Nut Body
Wash (yum)

Ingredients;
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Diatomaceous Earth, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Tocotrienols, Panthenol, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Tetrasodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash ($31.00 for 8oz) and other Philosophy products can be purchased at Sephora here and directly from the brand website too!


What do you guys think about Philosophy skincare?


XOXO

ANJA

Body Care Gems - Nuxe - Huile Prodigieuse Multipurpose Dry Oil

This product wowed me so-so much! It surpassed all of my expectations and lived up to all of its claims - we all know how rare that is!!! It moisturizes deeply, absorbs really quickly without a greasy film on the surface, leaves a glowy sheen on the skin and smells amazing. I don't have to worry about staining my clothing and/or standing around for 10 minutes waiting for it to sink in - who has that kind of time every day?

The scent is pure summer in a bottle and for me doubles as a fragrance that lingers hours after application...reminding me of all things tropical, warm and dare i say "sexy"!

I am a skincare junkie always on the lookout for the new thing i need to try, meaning that i rarely re-purchase the same product BUT this is one of the few staples that i hoard and always have on hand. I have used the "gold-bronze-shimmer" version of this and loved it as well but the original is the multi-purpose star to be used year-round, while the bronzy oil looks best in the summer (especially in the evenings!). If you are new to skincare oils this is a sure thing and worth investing in - look for it in the trial sets if you are still on the fence (but you shouldn't be!)

Ingredients;
Borage, St Johnswort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut, Macadamia Plant Oils

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil ($29.17 for 50ml) and other Nuxe products can be purchased here


Do you use body oils? Which is your favorite?


XOXO

ANJA

Skin Care Jack Pot - Indeed Laboratories - Hydraluron!!!

This has got to be hands-down the BEST skin care discovery of my entire beauty devoted life! That's a huge statement from a compulsive product junkie :)


What this is (from the company);

Hydraluron is a hydration serum inspired by injectable hydration treatments employed in Swiss clinics. These hydration treatments employ a fine needle that is used to administer hundreds of micro injections of hyaluronic acid into the skin. Hydraluron is a less invasive, more affordable treatment that can be incorporated into any daily regime.
The mechanism of action of Hydraluron is two-fold. Firstly, Hydraluron uses the worlds purest grade of hyaluronic acid* from the Netherlands as it's hydration active. Hyaluronic acid is a superb hydration ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times it's weight in water. It is found in abundance in young skin.
Our pure grade has a microgranule-like powder that features a low density and a polydispersity below 1.5, which simply means greater quality, exceptional safety and extraordinary consistency. Secondly, a bio-engineered strain of marine red algae causes controlled and mild stimulation of skin turnover to allow thorough penetration of Hydraluron's hyaluronic acid.

My thoughts;
I absolutely love this and would readily recommend it to anyone, regardless of skin type! I think everyone would benefit from this serum-like treatment but those with dehydrated, dry or even occasionally flaky skin will be especially wowed by it.

There is no noticeable scent, the texture is that of a light gel, it spreads easily, the absorption is almost instant making it ideal for layering of additional skin care & makeup products. What i love about it is the fact that the results are both instant and long term. We all love long term benefits but there is something to be something to be said about instant gratification - LOVE!!! My skin looked and felt plumper right away, radiance and the glow factor was obvious and to top it all my makeup lasted longer & looked fresher that very day.

I've been using the Hydraluron for about a month and i just cant stop raving about it - its made my complexion so much better and i cant imagine not using it anymore! Its one of those rare things that feel good when i am using it and actually looks good when i am using it :) And as you all know that statement doesn't come lightly in the world of beauty for anyone or anything for that matter. In a world full of false promises, splashy ads, fancy models, overpaid spokesmen, expensive glass bottles and $300 "magic" potions - its amazing to find something that really delivers what it claims and promises to! Not to mention that the increased boost of hydration will allow you to use less of that costly night cream that claims to moisturize in the first place. Yes it might not be so fancy on the vanity and it doesn't have the glamorous appeal of a silvery spatula BUT it will look great in the mirror - and isn't that what really matters in the end?

Plus its Canadian - and yes i am proud of that!

Ingredients;
Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol
*Note - not a lot of crapy fillers!\

Hydraluron ($24.99) is available for purchase at Shopper Drug Mart locations in Canada or Boots in the UK

Do you have a skincare hero product? Please share...


XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Skin Care Jack Pot - Paul & Joe Treatment Oil

Hi everybody - I am a skincare oil addict!!! I own at least 10 at any present time from both low and high end brands.
Not only that but i am also a girly packaging sucker...which makes me the perfect target for Paul & Joe Beaute line. Knowing that its not entirely shocking that i purchased many of their pretty bottles without reading a single review or even checking the ingredient list first. I am usually very careful since the last thing i want is to aggravate my finicky skin...this time i was blinded by the girliness of their counter, bottles and cute themes advertised all over the net :) Lucky for me this expensive gamble ended happily and i loved almost every purchase :)

My favourite item is definitively this oil - i adore everything about it and the amazing scent didn't hurt (lemony goodness?) either. The texture of the oil is very light and absorbs quickly and easily. You only need a few drops warmed in your hands first followed by a gentle patting on the face or body. The instructions state that this can be used daily (1-2 drops) or as a weekly massage treatment (4-5 drops). Depending on skin type this can be either left on the skin or rinsed off after 20-30 minutes (oily skin). This bottle will take years to finish since you are literally using tiny amounts each time - hopefully that will solve any reservations when it comes to price I love the fact that i can use it anywhere - face, body and even hair without worrying about greasiness and filmy residue left behind!

The glass bottle is beautiful, girlyness personified and looks great on the vanity! More importantly the design of the stopper in the bottle is very efficient - there is no danger of spilling too much all at once and the drops come out very easy with just a gentle shake of the hand. I even dropped the bottle on the bathroom floor (the horror) and the heavy glass didn't break (phew!) - very appreciated by the klutz deep inside me :-)

If i ever run out i would happily buy this again!

Ingredients;
Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Triethylhexanoin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Oleyl Oleate, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (JoJoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Benzoate, Citral, Limonene, Linalool.

Paul & Joe Treatment Oil ($45.00 for 40ml) and other Paul & Joe products are available for purchase here and for more info check the brand website


Does packaging influence your purchases?

XOXO

ANJA

Skin Care Jack Pot - Ole Henriksen Truth is in the Eyes

Doesn't it feel great when a product really DOES and PREFORMS exactly as the description indicates in the first place? Beauty mavens work hard for their money and most of us take great pains in researching and choosing our cosmetics. There is nothing more disappointing then spending a fortune on a coveted product only to face mediocre results, subpar quality or worse..irritation...usually accompanied by redness...burning! Not a good look that's for sure! Unfortunately for us the cosmetic industry is filled with hype, false promises, splashy celebrities and so called "miracle potions" that deliver very little or more often than not show nothing! As much as i try my best to be selective and well informed when it comes to products i buy, sadly i have come across some very expensive duds :(

This however is not one of them! The little yellow tube promised a lot and ultimately did deliver exactly what it said - I couldn't be happier with the performance or the price for that matter :)

What it is (from the company);

A peel concentrate for the under eye area that offers a natural, gentle antidote to dark circles and fine lines.

What it does (from the company);

Created by Ole Henriksen (skin guru to the stars) to address the specific needs of the eye region—specifically signs of fatigue and age—this exfoliating formula will revolutionize skincare for the under eye region. Because the tissue around the eye is so fragile, it is often recommended NOT to exfoliate that area. This groundbreaking blend represents a new realm of possibility for more youthful skin around the eyes.


My Experience;

I'll be honest with you - I was scared to use/try this! Its a PEEL...and its close to the EYES...to me that just sounded like a bad idea - something was bound to go wrong!

After having the tube for about 2-3 months i decided to at least try it once and based on the results or consequences then decide what to do - toss or swap? I sucked it up and bravely applied a thin layer under the eye and braced myself - at the very least i was expecting a slight tingle. The gel-like texture felt cool on the skin, almost soothing and it was absorbed very quickly without any discomfort. As directed i applied a rich eye cream soon after and tried not to get excited! The next morning in the mirror i noticed that my under eye circles were a bit brighter and the texture/tone was definitively smoother. I continued to use it for about a week and had absolutely no irritation even though i used it 2x a day. The results were undeniable - it worked! I didn't want to jump for joy, just in case it was all in my head....BUT others noticed and the compliments poured in! During the second week i even noticed that some of my milia was starting to disappear and my concealer almost glided, lasted longer and i was i didn't need as much coverage under the eyes as before. The mirror made me a believer and i couldn't believe i didn't peel my eyes before...


To the girls with sensitive skin like mine i recommend trying it at least once - don't be put off by the peel concept and your eyes will thank you!

Ingredients;
Water (Aqua/ Eau), Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Potassium, Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate , Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Oxido Reductases, Algae Extract, Pullulan, Allantoin, Calcium Ascorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sorbitol, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Oleth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid

Ole Henriksen Truth is in the Eyes ($52.00 for 0.5oz) and his other products are available for purchase at Sephora here


Are you guys brave enough to put acid around your eyes?

XOXO

ANJA