November 2011 Empties

Hello Everyone,

I've had a decent month for empties, although most of these products are not that hard to use up.

1. L'Oreal Absolute Eye and Lip Make- up remover - It does its job, and I will probably buy it again (when there is a sale on it ;P).

2. Simple Radiance Brightening Eye Cream - Simple is my favorite skincare range, and I will always come back to it. I liked this cream, but as I always say I didn't really notice much difference in my skin. Maybe my skin is in good condition, and that's why I don't see any changes (yay for me). I do appreciate that it doesn't have any alcohol and scent free, especially after some other stuff I've tried.

3. Sally Hansen Vita-B Lip Moisturizer - I love this stuff! It moisturizes extremely well, and the packaging is so much cuter than the regular balm. I've bought several others from this line, and I will keep buying it.

4. Boots Tea Tree + Witch Hazel Exfoliating Face Scrub - Can I say I HATED the smell? But my husband liked it, so go figure. I think it's an ok scrub, but I will stay away because I can't stand the smell. To me it's just too nasty.

5. Radox Shower Smoothies Spirit Booster - it's pretty hard to get a shower stuff wrong, and this shower smoothie is no exception. It does smell good enough to drink (and the tube has a big warning not to drink it lol), it lathers well and it cleans well. I will buy it again in a heartbeat.

6. elf Complexion Perfection powder - it's very similar to Rimmel's powder, and I liked it. I'm not sure I will bother with buying it again (or ordering anything else from US elf's website), because it takes so LONG to get to me. I'm a patient person, but waiting almost 2 month kills the excitement even in me.

7. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush - oh Batiste, you are still my love. I don't know how many bottles of this stuff I've used up now, but this is my first one in this huge size. I love it and will buy it again and again!

8. Aussie Take the Heat Shampoo - it's my 2nd bottle of this shampoo, and I love it enough to buy again.

9. Clinique Clarifying Lotion for Combination Oily skin - this crap deserves its own photo (ok, I just forgot to include it , so had to run back and add to photos). I've bought it in a neat little gift set, figuring it's a good way to try some Clinique without spending a lot of money. I had high hopes for it... now I will never buy it again.

This is supposed to be a step 2 in Clinique's famous 3 Step System, which is "comfortable, non-drying exfoliator that helps create clear, glowing skin". I'm not quite sure what it's supposed to exfoliate, but even my skin felt noticeably drier and tighter. I'm convinced that it's main purpose is to completely get rid or ANY kind of oil on skin! I get that it's for combination oily skin, and guess supposed to control oiliness but I'm scared to even imaging how their stuff for an actual oily skin feels like! Also, as all Clinique stuff, this is 100% fragrance free. What they neglect to tell you, is that while it doesn't have any typical smells, it is full of alcohol! To the point that it REEKS of it. The smell of alcohol is overwhelming, and pretty nasty. Just because my skin is a trooper and nothing gets to it, doesn't mean I want to use cleansers full of alcohol on it. After using this, I appreciate Simple stuff just that much more.

10 & 11. No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara in 01 Black & 02 Brown/Black - I actually forgot I've finished these a while back, but they were hiding in one of my storage cups. I like these mascara, but I think for a drugstore they are a little on a pricey side. I will buy again with one of Boots No7 vouchers though.

12. Eyeko Graffiti Eyeliner Pen in Navy - oh the memories! This was one of my first felt tip eyeliners, and pretty much what started my love with them. Sadly this one completely dried up, and I found out about it while trying to use it. Although it is not surprising, because I've had it for almost a year. Sadly, Eyeko completely revamped its brand image and products, so I don't think these are available to buy anymore. While I'm sad a little, there are plenty of other felt tip eyeliners to try and I won't miss these much.

13. Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara - this was a mini size mascara in one of the Tarte gift sets, and I love it! I just bought a full size version of non-waterproof one.

14. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - another sample size that came with one of the palettes I have. I have a striking suspicion that there are more primer left, but I can't be bothered with trying to cut the bottle open and depot. Plus, I don't have any appropriate containers, it's going to dry up fast, and I just bought a full size primer. Other than the bottle, this primer is great.

15. Benefit PosieTint - (seriously, I keep forgetting stuff! This is the 4rd time I'm editing this post LOL. Well, this is the last staggler, I promise) this is a 4ml size that came with one of the magazines during summer,  and I quite like the size because it means I can actually get though it! I like the natural rosy flush PosieTint gives me, and you can see it pretty often in my FOTD. I'm glad I got to try it, but I won't be buying the full size because I don't love it THAT much to spend the amount of money it costs.

Have you used any of the stuff I listed?

~ Lyuba

REVIEW: Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Day Cream SPF 15

Hello Everyone,

I've promised forever and a day ago that I would review my other favorite day cream, so here it goes!

I talk about it all the time, so it should not come as a surprise that I love almost everything in the Simple skincare. Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Day Cream is another product that I absolutely love. And now that Simple is coming to the US, I'm even more excited! Because it means that when I'm back in US for good, I don't have to give up the skincare that I came to love! :)

What do they say: 

When your skin's happy and looking youthful, you feel healthier and happier too! Our Regeneration Age Resisting Day Cream is a special blend of active ingredients that protect and replenish your skin throughout the day. Perfect for even sensitive skin. 

simple goodnessSKIN LOVING NUTRIENTS
GREEN TEA EXTRACT fights premature ageing 
MUSHROOM EXTRACT refines skin tone and texture 
OAT-BETA GLUCAN reduces sensitivity 
ALLANTOIN actively soothes
VITAL VITAMINS
PRO VITAMIN B5 and VITAMIN E to soften, smooth, and improve skin condition
NO PERFUME, NO COLOURNO UNNECESSARY INGREDIENTS so it won't upset your skin 
Dermatologically Tested and Approved 


What I say: 

For £6.99 you get a 50ml of product. Wait a minute, 50ml? That sure sounds awfully familiar! Except the packaging makes it seem like there is so much more product than in the tube. No big deal, although it is chunkier than the tube, I like the pump too. The price is not bad, and it lasts a long time, and as always, Boots and Superdrug frequently run 3 for 2 sales on everything Simple. I like the higher SPF, I think it's great for UK's summers but maybe a little bit too much for winter. At least for me. So for winter, I'll get back to Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturizer which only has 10SPF. 

As you can see, it looks pretty standard. It does have that annoying sunblock quality, where it just feels thicker than creams without any SPF, but once applied it is not as noticeable. I love how it absorbs into my skin within minutes (which is something pretty important to me), without leaving much of that annoying sticky feeling. My skin is normal, so I get a tiny bit of sticky, but once I apply foundation and powder over it, the feeling is gone. I would imagine that those with dry skin won't get that feeling at all, and those with oily skin might get more of it. 


I also love that is has no smell whatsoever! I haven't had any negative effects from it, but I rarely get any reactions to anything. 


I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to try a moisturizer with SPF, and I will be buying it again once the sun will show it face again in the UK. For now, I'll stick with the Simple Brightening one. 


~ Lyuba 

REVIEW: Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturiser SPF10

Hello my Funky Readers,

I'm back again with yet another Simple review. I simply can't help it, I love their range so much that I rarely even think of picking up any other brand for my skincare. This time I will be talking about Simple Radiance Brightening Moisturiser SPF10.

I hate wearing sunblock on my face. Let me repeat myself, I HATE it. But while it is a necessary evil, I simply can't stand how my face looks and feels all oily afterwards. And don't even get me started about trying to apply my makeup over it. So I figured I'll give a try to SPF moisturizers and see if that makes a difference with oiliness and makeup, and picked up Radiance Brightening Moisturiser from Simple.

What do they say: 

Radiance Brightening Moisturiser SPF10

Our Brightening Moisturiser SPF10 is a perfect blend of active ingredients and light reflecting particles to protect, condition and illuminate your skin throughout the day. Perfect for even sensitive skin.

simple goodness

SKIN LOVING NUTRIENTS
MANGO EXTRACT hydrates and refines skin tone
BISABOL soothes and calms
GLYCERIN hydrates and nourishes
VITAL VITAMINS
PRO-VITAMIN B5 actively restores, softens and smoothes
VITAMIN E moisturises to improve skin condition
VITAMIN C is an antioxidant to keep skin supple
NO PERFUME, NO COLOUR
NO UNNECESSARY INGREDIENTS so it won't upset your skin
Dermatologically Tested and Approved

Available in the following sizes:   50ml 

What do I say: 
For £6.99 you get 50ml of product, and it just looks so small. But fear not, it will last you a long time! I think I've been using it every day for past 2 month now and I'm just now getting to finally finishing the tube. Not bad I say, but still buy it when Superdrug or Boots have their 3 for 2 sale! 


When I used it for the first time, I was initially very turned off by how it felt. You know how sunblock just feels thicker and harder to blend than normal creams? That's how this moisturiser felt, but at the same time I wasn't that surprised considering it has SPF. So I gave it a go again and again until I simply fell in love. What at first seemed like super thick cream actually absorbed into my skin very fast, and didn't leave any excessive oiliness after it. There was just a tiny oily feel, but it was more "soft" than annoying? And it definitely didn't make any negative impact on my makeup! I can't feel it at all under makeup, it completely disappears on the skin. And that's a winner for me. 


I think the SPF 10 is a little low for me, I would have preferred SPF 15 but at the same time, for everyday wear (like going from house to car to work to back to car back to house) when you're not out much, I think it's ok. I would have been more concerned with higher SPF back in Florida, where it literally took me at least 30 minutes in my car to get to work, but here in UK I barely drive anywhere. Mostly I'm in the house doing schoolwork. 


I definitely would recommend this product to anyone who wants to try a moisturizer with SPF. Your skin will feel hydrated with the added protection of SPF, but without the nasty oily feeling. 


Have any of you tried this moisturizer? 


~ Lyuba

June Empties

Hello my Funky Readers,

I don't have a lot of empties this month, so here are is my measly amount of empties.

1. Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream - full review here, for all you noisy bunch, but I can tell you that although I absolutely love it I won't be repurchasing it.... because I found something better! Also by Simple. I think I'll do a full review on it in the next couple of weeks or so.

2. bareMinerals Well-Cared For Brush Conditioning Shampoo - I don't really know what to say about it. It cleans, it cleans my brushes well, but at £8 for tiny 120ml it's a little too expensive for me, as I use a good amount to clean my brushes. I'll just stick with baby shampoo from now on, if it's gentle enough for a baby butt it is sure gentle enough for any brushes in my opinion.

3. Bourjois Express Eye Makeup Remover - you can read all about how much I love it here. I will be buying again, once I go through some other stuff I got. And definitely will be stocking up on it before I live UK.

4. Botanics Purifying Face Scrub for Normal/Oily Skin - it was too gentle for me, to the point of not even feeling like it was doing anything so I won't be buying it again. But I think for those of you with sensitive skin, it might be good.

Let me know what you finished this month, I love reading posts like that.

~ Lyuba

THREE Month Worth of Empties

Yup, you read it right! THREE MONTH worth of empties! I barely had any in March, then a lot in April, and now it's the end of May, but since I wasn't blogging for the past 2 month I have quite a stash going.

1. TRESemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo (2) - love this stuff, it's a real life savior.

2. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush and Diva - Blush is my favorite and I will buy and buy again. Both TRESemme and Batiste work the same for me, but Batiste is about half the price of TRESemme. Guess which one I'll buy again lol?

3. Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner (2) - my go to toner, 'nuff said.

4. Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads - they used to be my go to eye makeup remover pads, now I like to try new stuff. But I will always come back to them, although I prefer oily ones (bought oil-free by mistake lol).

5.  GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer - love this stuff. I will stock up on it before I leave UK.

6. Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in Ivory - it looks like there is a little left, but no matter how much I try I can't get it out. So I consider it finished lol. So far this is my favorite foundation, I will stock up next time I'm makeup shopping. :)

7. Ukrainian  Lipbalm "Tender" with jojoba oil and vitamin E - one of the best I used. I wish I had an easy access to Ukrainian stuff, because as of right now I have to wait till I go visit again :( And my friend will have problems mailing those to me because of stupid people at Ukrainian post offices that don't read rules and just refuse to mail stuff.

8. Simple Repair Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream - well it promises to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles and it does none of it. My main concern is fine lines under my eyes, which drive me crazy and I was hoping this would help reduce them at least a little? Tiny bit? But it did nothing. It still hydrated my skin, and didn't irritate (but nothing irritates my skin) so I MIGHT buy it again. Or I could try another eye cream from Simple line that doesn't promise to reduce wrinkles, so I won't be disappointed.

9. Simple Radiance Brightening Eye Make-Up Remover Pads - review coming soon, I just need to buy a new package so I could photograph it (shame on me). But I can say I love it, with very minor cons.

10. Maybelline Instant Anti-Age The Smoother Skin Retexturizing Primer - I reviewed it before. I simply love the packaging, so I'm going to keep it for something else.

11. TRESemme Healthy Volume Shampoo & Conditioner - I used it, and used it, and used it some more for several month but finally I had to say enough. Even if they are almost half full still, I couldn't keep using them. They are CRAP!! My hair was always so tangled that it felt like I didn't brush it for several days. Other than that, I guess they did a decent job of cleaning my hair, but tangled hair is a big pet peeve of mine so because of that I will never ever buy them again. So even if they are not technically empty, they will be hitting a trash can right after I'm done writing this post.

12.  Softsoap Juicy Pomegranate & Mango Infusions Moisturizing Body Wash - this is the stuff that I keep coming back to whenever I can't decided which body wash to get. Since all of them do the same job on me, I go by smell as the deciding factor and this smells simply divine! I will always buy it!

13. Spa Paradisa Revive Your Skin Watermelon & Pink Grapefruit Shower Wash - it smelled great so I got it. :)

14. The Body Shop Cranberry Joy Body Scrub - it smelled divine, so I was very happy when I picked it up half off after Christmas. Not so much after I actually used it. It felt like spreading a non-seedless jelly over your body, except that I think real jelly would exfoliate better. It did nothing! I didn't see or feel any improvement in my skin. I will never buy it again, no matter how nice it smells!

What did you use up in May? (or April & March ;P) Let me know in the comments below, I love reading these kinds of posts.

~ Lyuba

P.S. Blog sale is coming tomorrow! :)
Please enter my 50 Followers Giveaway!

REVIEW: Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream

Hello Ladies,

I've been using Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Night Cream for a few month now, and just like most of other Simple products I absolutely love it. I've mentioned it several times on my blog now, in my night beauty routine and also in my 2010 favorites, so I figured it was time for me to review it.

Here is what they say: 
When your skin's happy and fresh faced, you feel healthier and happier too!

Our Vital Vitamin Night Cream is a perfect blend of active ingredients and multi-vitamin goodness to restore and replenish skin throughout the night. Perfect for even sensitive skin,

VITAL VITAMINS
Pro-Vitamin B5 actively restores, softens and smoothes
Vitamin E moisturises to improve skin condition
Vitamin F renews and regenerates

SKIN LOVING NUTRIENTS
Glycerin hydrates and nourishes
Allantoin softens and protects
Bisabolol soothes and calms

NO PERFUME, NO COLOUR
No unnecessary or harsh chemicals so it won't upset your skin

Dermatologically tested and approved


Here is what I say: 
For a little over £5 you get 50ml of product in a sleek looking jar. Being a budget buyer, I love the price for the amount of product I get. Plus a lot of time it is on offer from Boots and Superdrug. I've been using it since December and I just now reached half the jar, so it lasts for a nice long time. The cream is a standard white color, and although the packaging says that there is no perfumes, I can detect a slight fresh smell. I only smell it when I bring the jar close to my nose, and never when I apply the cream. 

One of my main requirements for a facial cream is how easily it absorbs into my skin. I can't stand the oily, greasy feeling that some creams leave on my face after applying. If the cream doesn't absorb fast enough, it will get put away to never be used again or given away to someone who has drier skin than me. I am happy to say that I don't have that problem with Simple Vitamin Night Cream. Actually let me rephrase it, I did have a small problem with it but it was my own fault. I was applying too much, hence it wasn't absorbing fast enough. Now that I figured out how much cream to apply, I don't have that problem anymore.

My only (small) gripe is the packaging. Don't get me wrong, I love the look of jars and pots but I become less impressed when it comes time to using them. The reason why I don't like jars and pots is because I have long nails, and it becomes really hard to get the cream out without getting any cream UNDER my nails, one of my biggest pet peeves. So in order to solve that problem, I scoop up the cream with the top of my nail (just like in the picture) and this way it doesn't get under nails. SCORE!

I use one 'scoop' on each of my cheeks, one on the forehead and about 2-3 on my neck. This amount works for me, and absorbs within 5 minutes leaving my skin oh so soft and smooth! Since starting using it, I haven't had any irritation or reaction, but I have to mention that my skin rarely gets reactions to anything.

I would definitely recommend this night cream, and I will repurchase once it's gone. And before I leave UK, I will stock up on this and other Simple goodness :)

Have any of you tried this cream? What do you think?

~ Lyuba

January and February Empties

Hello Ladies,

I'm sorry for the long absence. I could say that my recent beauty blogging drama kept me away, but  that's not true. It's more like I'm going through my every-few-month low right now, and I should be ok in a week or two. I mean, I haven't wore makeup AT ALL in over a week! Got ID'ed at Waitrose though, so maybe I should go makeup less more often huh?

So to get myself back on track I'm posting something nice and easy and what doesn't require too much of thinking, otherwise known as finished products post. I got myself a new storage thing for the bathroom so now I can keep track of all the empty bottles much easier, and now they just seem to pile up so fast!

Mittens is investigating the new smell

1. DeadSeaSource De-Tox Seaweed Salt Scrub
Love this stuff. Can I say that again? LOVE THIS STUFF!! Sadly I can't use it when my husband is around cuz the weirdo hates the smell. I really don't get why, he was right there with me when I bought it and approved the smell, but when I actually used it he said it makes him gag. *sad face* So I can only use it when he is gone. Next time he goes away for few month I'll be buying another one. I love it because not only it scrubs very well, but afterward it leaves my skin feeling very moisturized and soft. I think it's because of the oil that's in there, and because of that I usually tap the moisture off with the towel instead of rubbing. I love the smell too, regardless of what my husband says lol.

Mittens is at it again :)

2. VICHY Purete Thermale One Step Cleanser
Boots is having their 3 for 2 sale again and I'm having a hard time resisting buying more of this and other thermal water stuff. Sadly, being unemployed I gotta watch how I spend, plus I also have other cleansers that I need to use first. But fear not, once I ran out I will go out and buy more of this because it love it. It removes the makeup very well and leaves my skin feeling very clean and fresh.

3. Simple Kind to Eyes Eye-Makeup Remover
I am on a quest to find the perfect (for me) eye makeup remover and I bought the sample size to try. I'm not that impressed. It removed my eye makeup, but I think it could be better so I'm still on lookout for something else.  Even after holding cotton pads to my eyes for over a minute, I still had traces (a lot) of eye makeup and I don't even wear anything waterproof.

4. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Tropical and Boho
I regret not buying more of those when Superdrug had their sale, because these are lifesavers for me! I will be buying and buying them, although I don't particularly care for the ones above because of their smell. I like Blush the most so I'll just stick with it from now on.  

5. Aussie Take the Heat Leave-in Spray
Another product that I will be buying over and over again. It smells great and doesn't weight my hair down and protects it from heat. Perfect in my book :)

6. Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
After reading raving reviews about this eye makeup remover I decided to give it a try. To me it's OK, it's about the same as Simple Eye Makeup Remover except this works a little better. Still I will be looking for a better one, but if I'm in a pinch I can always come back to this.

7. fcuk Body Polish
Am I the only one that starts giggling when first glancing at the brand name? I bought this on offer along with Ted Baker Sugar Scrub a while back, but just now got to use it up. And I used the whole thing up in one time, but guess that's not that surprising. Entire thing is only 50ml and it supposed to cover my whole body. So I gave myself a nice 'polish' and pamper. I didn't notice too much of a difference, maybe because it is too fine and I like a good scrub. I might buy it again.

8. Ted Baker Invigorating Sugar Scrub
I used this as a facial scrub, although I suppose it is not. But it didn't say not to use it on face, only said not to get it in my eyes. I love the subtle smell and the texture. It gave me a great scrub and didn't irritate my face (but things rarely irritate my face to be fair). I will definitely buying it again, but I really wish it came in a bigger size. No matter how many Boots I check all I see is this travel size tube.

9. Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Eye Cream
I guess it worked because I didn't notice much difference in my eye area but I'm not sure what the "age resisting" part supposed to do. I think my under eye area was moisturized, but that's about it. I won't be purchasing this again since I'm trying other eye creams from Simple right now.

10. AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream
Ever since my cousin brought me AHAVA's hand cream from Israel I've been in love with everything AHAVA. I had this travel size tube for over 2 years but it was lost in my kimono room and only recently found. I love everything about this, the smell, how it sinks into my skin without feeling oily and how soft it makes my feet feel. Too bad it's on the expensive (for me) side, but given a chance I will buy more.

So what stuff did you recently finish? Leave a link to your blog in the comment, or just tell me. I would love to read about it :)

~ Lyuba

My Favorite Products from 2010

Hello everyone,

This post is a little late, but I have a (very poor) excuse - I absolutely hate taking and then editing photos haha. Not a good thing for a beauty blogger don't you think?

For me, 2010 was a year of discoveries. Not necessary of products that were released in 2010, but of beauty products in general. Up until few month ago, I wasn't even THAT into makeup and everything related. Sure I applied make up, but it was always the same boring thing. I also did not realize the importance of good skin care regime, but at least now I'm proud to say that I pay attention to my skin at lot more.

You might also notice that my favorite products are sort of random, and I'm missing some things (like lipstick and shampoos/conditioners, etc..) but that's because I just started looking and still have to find THAT one great thing. I am pretty sure that 2011 post will be a lot longer and more organized. :)  

Here is the list (in no particular order):

The Body Shop Lip Scrub
Up until couple month ago I didn't even know that lip scrubs existed!! Then I read couple of blogs recommending this and I had to get it for myself.  I love how moisturizing it is, even if it's a scrub, and after every use my lips feel oh so nice :) I also love that this is put in a lipstick tube, as I absolutely hate lip products that require me to use my fingers (like balms). That's the reason I haven't tried any other lip scrubs.

Simple Skincare Range
Yes, I love the WHOLE range! I discovered the Light Moisturizer and the Soothing Toner earlier this year, but after starting to pay attention more to my skin I branched out and tried other stuff. And so far I love everything I tried. I recommend this range to all my American friends here in UK, as well as sending some stuff as gifts to my friends back in US.

Vichi Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser
I decided to try this range after reading some great reviews and was hooked instantly. Now my skin is by no means sensitive, but I love how gentle and soothing this cleanser it. After using it, my skin feels so soft and smooth. Another brand I recommend to anyone willing to listen to me. ;P

Aussie Take the Heat Leave-in Spray
I had a pretty mediocre experience with Aussie in US when I tried their shampoo and conditioner. Not sure if the stuff in US are different, who knows. I like this leave-in spray because of its smell and of course for protection reasons. I don't straighten my hair often, only after I wash it so spraying this nice smelling stuff feels like a treat. Because I like it so much, I bought 2 more as backups (on offer in Boots right now), and I think I will try more stuff from the range in the future.

EcoTools brushes
It is more of a re-discovery than discovery for me because I first bought them in 2008 or 2009, but I didn't know how to properly use brushes at the time so I was not too impressed. When I picked them up again this year, I was in LOVE. The brushes pictured about are the ones I use every day, but they all came from 3 different sets as well as individual one that I got as a gift. The three smaller brushes came from 2 sets I ordered online from ULTA.com. I've never seen them in any stores in UK, so I don't think they are available here. :( I use tiny kabuki brush for my blush, travel powder brush for foundation, travel 'blush' (I think) brush for setting my concealer. The rest I think are pretty self explanatory. And yes, that is my kitty trying to steal one of the brushes. She even succeeded for a whole 3 seconds!

Sleek palettes
I only pictures two of them, STORM and SUNSET, because those are the ones I use right now. But I love Sleek makeup and wish I would have found out about it earlier, then I would have gotten some of limited edition palettes that came out before November lol. So far I have Storm, Sunset, Circus, Good/Bad Girl, Sparkle, Original, and Acid. My friends in US got some of those as Christmas gifts this year. :)

No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara
I don't like mascaras, to me they are a necessary evil to make my eyes look good. I still don't like them even after discovering this one, and I double I'll ever like mascaras. However this one is just great! It gives me volume and definition without clumping, just a perfect natural-but-better look that I love. I will be buying another one this weekend because I got one of those vouchers from Boots.

Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liners
Ever since I tried these, I can't go back to using pencil liners. Actually not entirely true haha, because I've rarely used pencil liners because I could never get them to work for me. With these lining my eyes became fool proof, and I can do any kind of lines with ease. So far I've got every color and back ups for them.

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Auburn/Red
I really don't know how I EVER lived without this. If I had to pick one product as my number 1 most important discovery, it would be this. My eyebrows are so light that you can barely see them so I have to draw them on/fill them in to make my face look "normal", especially with my love for red hair. Before discovering this I used an eyebrow pencil to fill them in, and although it did a decent job I wasn't really happy with the look. Enter the NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Auburn/Red. Not only my eyebrow drawing skills significantly improved after using this, but the colors are so perfect for me that I've got lots of people give me big eyes and say they thought my eyebrows were natural. Score bit time!

Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in Transparent
Yup, until few month ago I never set my foundation and concealer with powder, but everything changed after I got this. It works wonders for me, especially since my skin is normal (I think, gotta go and do one of those fancy skin analysis things sometimes to make sure lol) and doesn't get that oily. After applying this powder, I don't even have to do any touch ups. Or I could of course, but working at the post office makes me not care as much haha.

What are your 2010 favorites or new discoveries?

~ Lyuba

Finished Products: December

Hello everyone!

December found me finishing up quite a lot of products. For me it's an accomplishment, considering that up till few month ago I didn't even have that many products. I still don't, as I try to use stuff up before buying anything new, but I definitely see my space filling up!

1. Simple Soothing Facial Toner
I'm on my second bottle of this and I love it! For the price, it does a wonderful job at making my skin clean and fresh. Definitely will be buying more of it in the futures. 

 2. Almay One Coat Dial Up Mascara
 I needed a new mascara and I decided to step away from my safe and trusted Maybelline one and try something different. This mascara is supposed to help you create 3 different eye lash looks, from day to night. I am not sure how the first two 'clicks' work as I always kept it on 3, and it did a pretty good job. I'm not sure I would re-purchase it though as I wasn't that impressed with it. Even on 3 I didn't see that big of a difference between this and other mascaras I tried. It does have one good point - after using it, I'm no longer afraid of silicone type applicators.

3. Black Pearl Day Moisturizer for Young Skin (program for under 25 years old) 
In April I visited Ukraine for the first time in 9 years, and being myself the first thing I did was hit up Ukrainian drugstores for some Ukrainian & Russian makeup. This was one of face creams that I bought for myself, and I wish I was able to buy more! But due to luggage weight restrictions and stupidity of Ukrainian postal workers mailing restrictions (not sure which ones, British or Ukrainian) I was not able to mail myself any of the makeup and had to get only what would fit in my luggage. BUMMER as this was a great moisturizer which had everything I've been looking for in one. Next time I go to Ukraine I will stock up, and try several different post offices in hopes that postal workers will allow me to mail stuff back to myself.

4. La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Eyes
I tried this brand after reading several great reviews, and overall I like it. I am not sure if I will buy this particular product again because I didn't notice that much difference in my eyes. It hydrated my eyes just fine, but I didn't see any de-puffiness. Probably because I do not suffer from puffy eyes to begin with.

5. Revlon ColorStay Mineral Blush in Roseberry
This is my first blush that I used in a long time, I got it after I decided that I probably should use a blush. I would not be buying it again because the staying power was pretty average, and I can find cheaper products that deliver better results.

6. Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturizer (not pictured)
I forgot to take a picture of it, but I'm sure most of us know how it looks like. This is my go-to moisturizer, I've been using it before my Ukrainian one, but then went back to it after other one was finished. I use it every day religiously, and since my skin is not dry it is perfect for me. I love how it absorbs within seconds! I will be buying this over and over again.