Author: docNIA

  • 9 Micro Fringe Ideas for Maximum Style Points in 2023

    9 Micro Fringe Ideas for Maximum Style Points in 2023

    Call it a micro fringe, micro bangs or even baby bangs (cute), this trend is edgy, versatile and has a deliciously retro feel. We know what’s on your mind. Yes, a fringe is something to think about. Your hair will take a while to grow back if you go off it, but it will grow […]

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    Call it a micro fringe, micro bangs or even baby bangs (cute), this trend is edgy, versatile and has a deliciously retro feel.

    We know what’s on your mind. Yes, a fringe is something to think about. Your hair will take a while to grow back if you go off it, but it will grow back, and this a really cool option to change up your look more than your average trim will.

    Micro fringes are constantly evolving too, so you’re sure to find a style that harmonises with your features and your taste. That’s why our International Creative Director, Andy Heasman, returned to chat with us and shared 9 micro fringe hair ideas to encourage you to join the micro-revolution.

    Trust our decades of expertise to help you settle on the best look for you and make it a reality; find your nearest hair salon, and let our stylists work their magic.

    A two-tone blunt bob hairstyle with a micro fringe.

    1. A two-tone blunt bob with micro bangs

    Combine two-tone colour, a blunt bob and feathery micro bangs and you have one expressive look. One of the key appeals of the micro fringe is that it lets your eyebrows and eyes take the limelight. If your peepers are your best feature, you’ll love baby bangs.

    A modern bowlcut hairstyle with a micro fringe by Rush.

    2. A micro fringe with a modern bowlcut

    Revived as part of the boycut trend, this vintage classic has seen a new lease of life. Our client’s aqua, overcut style creates a gorgeous contrast against tightly cropped sides and the short finish leaves a trendy micro fringe for all to see.

    A dramatic, asymmetric micro fringe.

    3. Rapunzel lengths with a micro fringe

    Long, fairytale locks and a micro fringe make for beautifully dramatic asymmetry that’s feminine and bold. Andy explained, “Your stylist will prep your hair by blowdrying it into a natural fall. This way you are working with your natural hair, rather than against it, when you come to the chop.”

    4. The pixie cut with a micro fringe

    Going for a pixie cut is a radical decision but this bleached crop is sure to set your mind buzzing! The barely-there choppy micro fringe suits our client to a T. Can we say *chef’s kiss*? Andy said, “Your stylist will help to assess your face shape for suitability, so you can choose the length and choppiness to match your features and hair type.”

    5. The red micro bangs pixie cut

    A fiery red ‘do will make you stand out from the crowd. If that sounds like something you’re into, why not pair it with a crescent-shaped micro fringe? With her spiky layers, calling this look a statement is, well, an understatement.

    A short, geometric bob hairstyle with a micro fringe.

    6. The geometric bob with a micro fringe

    Geometry and the bob are a match made in heaven and combining them with an ultra-straight short fringe gives this look a cool ‘60s vibe.

    Pink hair in a mullet style with a micro fringe by Rush.

    7. A pink overcut mullet with a micro fringe

    Sweet candy pink or even luscious peach locks are a great option if you want a bold colour that’s less intense than red. This pink, overcut mullet works beautifully with a micro fringe. As Andy explained to us, “Your hairstylist will always check your hairline for natural movement, like if your hair has got a cowlick, to get the most out of this style.”

    Choppy and shaggy micro bangs on a wolf cut.

    8. Shaggy wolf cut with a micro fringe

    This feathered boy cut with contrasting, face-framing layers draws extra attention to a glorious rough-chopped micro fringe. Ideal if you want to highlight your brows and cheekbones, and even better if the crimped hair revival piques your interest.

    A brown sidesweeping pixie boycut with a micro fringe from Rush.

    9. Sidesweeping micro bangs

    Andy already explained how following your hair’s natural movement is one of the secrets to nailing the micro fringe. So, a lifted side sweep allows your micro fringe to follow the direction of your locks, giving a cute, boyish but sleek look.

    Opting for the chop can be daunting, but we’re sure you’ll love these micro fringes as much as we do. If you’re wanting to relive the short styles of the ‘90s, see how the bixie cut holds the answer.

  • 5 Storage Tips to Make Lipstick Last Longer
– Besame Cosmetics

    5 Storage Tips to Make Lipstick Last Longer – Besame Cosmetics

    Easily one of the most frustrating experiences when buying lip makeup is finding that lipstick has dried out or gone bad prematurely. Throwing away those perfect lipstick shades after wearing them just a few times feels like such a waste of money and means you need to buy a replacement. Long-lasting lipstick shouldn’t just refer to lipstick that stays on all day and night—long-lasting lipstick should also mean lipstick that won’t dry out or go bad, but believe it or not, it’s not always a formula issue. 

    At Bésame, we’ve been perfecting our lipstick formula for years, and have picked up some excellent advice for making lipstick last along the way. Here, we’re sharing five simple storage tips to help keep your lipstick fresh for longer. 

    1. Store Lipstick Tubes Right Side Up

    Even though tube lipstick is a solid formula, it’s still not a good idea to store it upside down. Some people like to store their lipstick tubes upside down to be able to see the shade name, but this can eventually damage the lipstick and create a mess in the cap of the tube. 

    Instead, it’s best to store lipstick tubes right side up. 

    Red lipstick and cream rouge

     

    2. Keep a Lipstick Organizer on Your Vanity

    Using a simple lipstick holder can keep your lipsticks right side up, and make them readily accessible on your vanity! Our lipstick holder is vintage-inspired, a gorgeous crimson like our popular deep red lipstick shades, and embossed with a gold Bésame logo. Glamorous, minimalistic, and so practical, each 1960s-style lipstick display holds five tubes. 

    lipstick holder

    3. Don’t Leave Lipstick in Your Purse

    It’s fine to carry a tube of lipstick in your purse when you go out, but it’s not a good idea to keep lipstick in your purse long term. Leaving lipstick in your purse puts it at risk of losing its cap, getting smashed, collecting germs and crumbs, and of course, ruining the inside of your purse.

    We also put our purses in a lot of strange spots, some of which are extra warm (e.g. on top of a radiator) or extra cold. Temperature changes can affect the integrity of your lipstick, and help to shorten its usable lifespan, so it’s better to return the tube to your vanity after going out. 

    Pink lipstick

    4. Don’t Leave Lipstick in The Car

    Will lipstick melt in the car? Yes, absolutely. Especially if the weather is hot, or the heat in your car is on high. While it might be tempting to leave a travel lipstick in your car for on-the-go touch ups, the inconsistent temperatures in a car aren’t good for your lipstick. Leaving lipstick in your car can also be messy since you’re risking melted lipstick getting all over your interior. 

    But, what if it’s cold in the car? Can lipstick freeze? Yes, lipstick can freeze, and while it might not damage the lipstick, low temperatures can change the profile of the formula and the experience of applying the lipstick. 

    5. Use a Lip Brush To Pick Up Pigment

    To protect your lipstick from accumulating germs, try applying your lipstick with a lip brush. To avoid transferring any germs to your lipstick tube, collect the amount of lipstick you need using the lip brush, then apply it to your lips. If you need more, clean the brush before returning to the lipstick tube. 

    If you’re concerned about spreading skin conditions like cold sores, this technique is especially useful and can help to make your lipstick last longer. 

    hand holding red lipstick and lip brush

    Lipstick Storage FAQ

    Feeling like you have more questions than answers? Here are more of our answers to some of the most common questions about making lipstick last. 

    Can lipstick expire?

    Yes! All makeup products expire, and lipstick is no different. Lipstick expiration dates are typically found on the product packaging or the products themselves. Typically, lipstick has an expiration date of 1–2 years after opening, depending on how well it is taken care of. 

    How long does a tube of lipstick last on average?

    The average tube of lipstick contains about 300 swipes of product, but many people don’t end up using the full tube before it goes bad. 

    hand holding red lipstick

    Can lipstick cause cold sores

    Yes, if a tube of lipstick has been used by someone with an active cold sore, it can pick up and transmit the virus responsible for cold sores. 

    How long does lipstick last on lips?

    The ingredients used by different lipstick brands vary greatly, which means that the longevity of lipstick formulas also varies greatly. How long lipstick will last on your lips also depends on how you apply it, what you do while you wear it, and whether you use a lip liner. In general, tube lipsticks last around 3-6 hours on the lips. 

    Learn more about lipstick plus other vintage-inspired makeup and accessories on the Bésame Cosmetics blog!

  • Detangling Spray

    Detangling Spray

    Say goodbye to tangles and knots with these fantastic detangling sprays.

    Best Detangling Sprays

    A good hair detangler can make all the difference if you struggle with knots. Firstly, they help to minimize breakage by reducing surface friction whilst combing your fragile strands. This is especially important for those with delicate or fine hair that is prone to breakage when subjected to harsh combing. Not only that, but by making the hair smoother and more manageable, detangling sprays can help minimize frizz, creating a neater and more controlled hairstyle. Finally, detangling sprays often contain conditioning agents that add moisture to the hair, resulting in increased shine and smoothness. This can contribute to an overall healthy and more polished appearance.

    O&M ORIGINAL MINERAL

    Know Knott Detangling Spray

    Cold-pressed organic Argan and Macadamia oils combine to condition the hair, leaving it glossy and knot-free. Free of Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Sulfates, M.I.T, Parabens & Triciosan.

    ELEVEN

    Detangle My Hair Leave-In Spray

    It is super light mist and perfect for knotty strands. Not only does it hydrate dry hair, but it can also be sprayed directly onto the scalp for added moisture.

    Juuce Detangling Spray

    JUUCE

    Knot Knotty Detangler

    This Vegan, Australian-made spray features anti-heat, UV, humidity and oxidation protection. It’s great at reducing static, flyaways, and leaving locks shiny + manageable.

    ALFAPARF

    Nutritive Detangling Fluid

    Eliminates the hassles of detangling, resulting in soft, smooth, and radiant locks. Furthermore, its ability to offer thermal protection up to 230°C makes it an ideal companion for styling.

    Nak Detangling Spray

    NAK

    Hydrate Detangle Mist

    This weightless detangling spray mist is designed to hydrate and protect the hair from structural wear and tear. Not only does it detangle, but it also prevents breaking, split ends and snapping.

    Browse our amazing range of detangling sprays from My Haircare & Beauty and experience healthier, more manageable strands!

    See similar:
    – Must-Have Treatments For Your Hair Type 2022
    – K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask Review: The Next Generation of Hair Treatment
    – Repair Summer Hair Damage with Evo
    – Why is Hair Mask a Summer Haircare Essential?
    – Which Eleven Hair Product Is Best For Me

  • Developing a Growth Mindset: A Guide for HTM Professionals

    Developing a Growth Mindset: A Guide for HTM Professionals

    The 2023 AAMI eXchange, the most highly anticipated conference in the healthcare technology management (HTM) field, brought together industry professionals and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape. Among the engaging sessions that captivated attendees, Crothall’s presentation on developing a growth mindset stood out as a thought-provoking and essential topic for HTM professionals seeking to thrive in an era of constant innovation and change.

    Led by three dynamic speakers from Crothall’s Healthcare Technology Solutions division—Shannon W., Codi N., and Ryan S.—the session shed light on the critical importance of cultivating a growth mindset and embracing continuous learning in the HTM profession. In today’s rapidly changing world, the healthcare technology management (HTM) field is constantly evolving.

    Their insights and personal experiences offered a fresh perspective on how HTM professionals can navigate and excel in this dynamic environment. No matter what stage of their career, HTM professionals must cultivate a growth mindset that embraces challenges, sees failure as an opportunity for growth, and prioritizes continuous learning and improvement.

    This blog post breaks down the eight strategies Shannon, Codi, and Ryan discussed to help HTM professionals develop a growth mindset and find their full potential.

    1. Identify Your Goals

    The first step in developing a growth mindset is to identify your goals. Set clear, specific, measurable objectives aligning with your personal and professional aspirations. Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve, you can focus your efforts and channel your energy towards continuous improvement.

    2. Assess Your Current Position

    Once you have defined your goals, assessing your current position is essential. Take stock of your skills, knowledge, and experience to identify areas where you excel and require improvement. This self-assessment will help you understand where you stand and where you need to focus your efforts to grow professionally.

    3. Develop Your Personal Brand

    Your brand reflects your skills, expertise, and reputation within the HTM industry. Cultivating a strong personal brand is essential for professional growth. Identify your unique strengths and values and find ways to showcase them. Build a strong online presence through platforms like LinkedIn, where you can share insights, engage with industry professionals, and establish yourself as a thought leader.

    4. Identify Your Strengths/ Weaknesses/ Opportunities/ Threats

    Conducting a personal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is an effective way to comprehensively understand yourself and the environment you operate in. Identify your strengths to leverage them further, acknowledge your weaknesses to work on them, identify growth opportunities, and recognize potential threats to develop strategies to overcome them. This analysis will help you create a roadmap for personal and professional development.

    5. “Not Yet” Is Okay

    A growth mindset acknowledges that abilities and skills can be developed over time. Embrace the concept of “not yet” when faced with challenges or setbacks. Instead of viewing a lack of expertise as a personal shortcoming, reframe it as an opportunity for growth. Adopting a “not yet” mentality empowers you to persevere, learn from failures, and continually improve your skills.

    6. Foster Resilience and Grit

    Resilience and grit are crucial for HTM professionals developing a growth mindset. Setbacks and failures are part of the learning process and should be viewed as steppingstones toward success. Cultivate resilience by staying positive, maintaining a sense of purpose, and seeking support from mentors or colleagues. Develop grit by demonstrating perseverance, determination, and a willingness to put in the effort required to achieve your goals.

    7. Take on Challenges

    To develop a growth mindset, seek challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Embrace new projects, responsibilities, or learning opportunities that stretch your abilities. Embracing challenges stimulates personal and professional growth, expands your skill set, and boosts your confidence. Even if you encounter obstacles, see them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve.

    8. Practice Mindfulness

    Mindfulness is being fully present and aware of the current moment. By practicing mindfulness, HTM professionals can enhance their ability to focus, manage stress, and make better decisions. Engage in meditation, deep breathing exercises, or short breaks throughout the day to clear your mind. Being mindful allows you to approach challenges with clarity, creativity, and a growth-oriented perspective.

     

    Developing a growth mindset is a continuous process that requires intention, self-reflection, and perseverance. By implementing the strategies discussed in this blog post, HTM professionals can cultivate a mindset that embraces challenges, fosters resilience, and prioritizes personal and professional growth. We encourage you to embrace the growth journey and reap the rewards that come with a mindset focused on continuous improvement.

    In addition to the strategies mentioned in this blog post, there are many other things you can do to develop a growth mindset. To receive a copy of our Growth Mindset Toolkit, email Jency.Pullum@compass-usa.com.

    The post Developing a Growth Mindset: A Guide for HTM Professionals appeared first on Crothall Healthcare.

  • Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Review

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Review

    *Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

    ultra violette logo

    Launches 5th December 2023

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Illuminating & Bronzing Review & Swatches

    As soon as I heard about this new launch from Australian sun protection brand, Ultra Violette, I knew I had to try it! This is all about a glow up for SPF and I am here for it! Here’s the lowdown on the brand new Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops.

    What are Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops?

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Illuminating
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Illuminating

    This new launch from Ultra Violette is here to change up the fact that makeup and SPF don’t mix well.

    Until now, mixing your makeup with your SPF has been proven to have a detrimental effect on the levels of sun protection you will receive from your SPF products.

    The good news is, this new hybrid product has been specifically formulated to be mixed with, or layered over SPF products without compromising sun protection.

    It is available in two shades – Illuminating and Bronzing.

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing

    How to use Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops

    You can mix into or layer on top of your preferred daily SPF. They can be used over the full face for a glow or to highlight or contour.

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Swatches

    There are two options in this new Glow Drops formula – Illuminating and Bronzing.

    Here is Glow Drops Illuminating:

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Illuminating Swatch
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Illuminating Swatch
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Illuminating Swatch
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Illuminating Swatch

    It has a lovely light texture that glides over the skin easily. As you can see, there is some fine glitter in there that gives it the glow. You can see the glitter left over in the bronzer swatch pictures below. It is a pretty finish but if shimmer is not your thing, you may prefer the Bronzing version.

    Here is Glow Drops Bronzing:

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing Swatch
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing Swatch
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing Swatch
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops Bronzing Swatch

    Again this is a lovely light texture that blends easily. I can see myself using a light layer all over the face under foundation for a bit of under glow and warmth.

    My Review

    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops - Pipette packaging
    Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops – Pipette packaging

    I knew I was going to love these new drops. I love a glow, but I never want to compromise sun protection, so these are the perfect solution for me. Both formulas have their own SPF 50 sun protection, so you are never diluting the levels of protection. Also it has been tested with the Skin Screen SPFs and it proven not to split the formula and result in patchy protection.

    I am a big fan of the original Queen Screen formula that was in the original line up when the brand first launched here in the UK. The Glow Drops have a similar light texture but perhaps with a very slightly more matte finish, which makes them perfect for layering.

    Both formulas dry down nice and quickly, which means they work really well underneath your chosen daily SPF and makeup, and won’t make your base too emollient or slippery.

    The texture is of course great for mixing into SPF, and it doesn’t affect the finish on the skin, which is ideal. And of course, you can use these simply as a makeup product, to bronze and highlight, with that added SPF50 as a bonus.

    I am excited to play with these more. As I said in the swatch section, the Illuminating formula has a tiny micro glitter in it, and if that’s not your thing, then you may not love it. I think it’s a very pretty finish.

    Check out the full Ultra Violette collection in my blog post.

    Where to buy Ultra Violette Queen Screen Super Glow Drops in the UK

    This new release launches on 5th December at Ultra Violette. Stay tuned for news on the Space NK launch date.

  • 8 Best Coffee Perfume Any Tired Person Will Love in 2024

    8 Best Coffee Perfume Any Tired Person Will Love in 2024

    From the bean to the bottle, coffee alongside vanilla, leather, woody, and floral notes charm the senses to create the best coffee perfumes.

    Sense of smell is linked directly to our brain and leaves a long-lasting impression, helping us to recall past times. What’s more, a study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that just one sniff of a coffee fragrance can stimulate alertness and may even enhance working memory.

    Some guys only wear cologne when they visit the barbershop. Some like to stick with their tried and trusted, on-the-go solid colognes, while others, like me, are constantly on the lookout for scents to add to their collection. Our relationship with fragrance is entirely intimate. But one thing is certain; just like that first cup of the day, perfumes that smell like coffee are addictive.

    Wake up, smell the coffee, and get hooked on the 8 best coffee perfumes.

    Key Takeaways

    These coffee perfumes are not your average cup of Joe. I’ve spritzed, sprayed, and sniffed my way through the most addictive coffee scents to bring you this curated list of the 8 best coffee perfumes. To bag a spot on my “best of” list, it’s not enough for a coffee perfume to smell good. It must also bring something special to the table whether that be its staying power, uniqueness, or value for money.

    Checking all three boxes and more, Paris Corner Emir You’re Drugged is a worthy winner in the battle of barista-inspired scents. Coming in a close second is my Amazon top pick, Montale Café Intense. For lovers of Middle Eastern-style fragrance, you would have to go a long way to beat this unisex coffee perfume.

    carrying a small bottle of coffee break by maison margiela
    parfum_rose_baku / Instagram

    Paris Corner Emir You're Drugged

    Why it’s great: For this addictive house blend by Paris Corner, think intense Turkish coffee rather than a sugary frappuccino. With a whiskey opening, spicy heart, and vanilla coffee base, Emir You’re Drugged will have you hooked from the first wear. At less than 50 dollars, it’s a no-brainer.

    How it smells: To win my coveted title of best Coffee-scented perfume, the fragrance must be long-lasting; only then does it offer true bang for your buck. A few spritzes on the pulse points will leave a lingering aroma of spicy coffee that lasts several hours and settles into a powdery vanilla. It’s a gender-fluid fragrance that women love.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some claim this scent is a solid dupe for By Killian Intoxicated, but to my nose, these aren’t carbon copies. However, if you’re coming in without preconceived ideas, Emir You’re Drugged is a spritz-worthy coffee and vanilla cologne in its own right.

    Top Notes: Cinnamon, whiskey | Middle Notes: Cardamon, nutmeg | Base notes: Coffee, vanilla | Size: 3.4oz | Type: Eau de Parfum| Season: Winter, fall, and spring | Gender: Unisex

    MONTALE Intense Cafe

    Why it’s great: I’m obsessed with heavy-hitting, long-lasting perfumes. Intense Café is undoubtedly one of the most potent coffee perfumes out there. With heady rose and hints of musk, this unisex coffee-scented perfume has hypnotic Middle Eastern vibes. But it’s no surprise, as one Redditor explains, “in the niche fragrance world, [Montale] is a top performing house. She says, “they perform incredibly well with many of their scents lasting ages & projecting well.”

    How it smells: Just like your morning espresso, the first blast of this EDP can be overpowering. My advice is to use only a few sprays.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers: When purchasing a 3.4oz size, the juice will come in a 5.4oz opaque aluminum bottle. Many first-time Montale buyers assume they’re getting short-changed. But there’s a method to the madness. The air in the container allows the fragrance to continue its maceration, protected from the light.

    Top Notes: Floral notes | Middle Notes: Rose, Coffee | Base notes: Vanilla, white musk, amber | Size: 3.3oz | Type: Eau de Parfum| Season: Winter, fall and early spring | Gender: Unisex

    Halloween Man X Eau de Toilette

    Why it’s great: When it comes to coffee and cologne, the Spanish favor rich and intense brews. If you’re a fan of robust coffee-scented perfumes, Halloween Man X could be your next morning pick-me-up. Over 3,000 Amazon reviewers rated this frag 5 stars. This budget buy is a well-known dupe for cult favorite Paco Rabanne 1 Million. Like its designer counterpart, it’s an ideal cologne for young men.

    How it smells: Halloween X is a feel-good fragrance that works well beyond the witching hours. In winter and fall, spray onto the pulse points and clothes before heading out to the bar. In early spring, opt for a lighter mist for a more subtle scent.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some guys complain Halloween Man’s opening is harsh. To overcome this, I spritz the cologne 10-15 minutes before I leave the house to give it time to settle.

    Top Notes: Cardamom, lavender, lemon | Middle Notes: Coffee, whiskey, cinnamon, leather, mineral notes | Base notes: Tonka bean, amber, incense | Size: 4.2oz | Type: Eau de Toilette| Season: Winter, fall and spring |Gender: Male

    Bond No 9 New York Nights

    Why it’s great: If you’re the guy who secretly stans a syrupy Starbucks special, then Bond No 9 has the best coffee scent to satisfy your caffeine cravings. New York Nights is one of the most complimented colognes in my arsenal. Balancing gourmand caramel coffee with fresh floral and aquatic notes, this unisex fragrance is complex and unique. It’s also one of the few coffee perfumes with summer wear potential.

    How it smells: On my skin, this scent emanates for 5-6 hours, with the creamy sandalwood notes hanging around even longer. Whenever I want to boost longevity, I add a couple of spritzes to my shirt.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers: New York Nights is hard to pin down. It’s not a full-on fresh fragrance; neither is it a typical gourmand coffee perfume, so it tends to be misunderstood. But it’s this complexity that prevents it from feeling generic.

    Top Notes: Gardenia, carnation, jasmine| Middle Notes: Patchouli, marine notes, sandalwood | Base notes: Caramel, coffee| Size: 3.4oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Spring, early Summer, Fall | Gender: Unisex

    Bath and Body Works Coffee & Whiskey Cologne

    Why it’s great:  This warm and woody cologne may only have two notes, but they work together in perfect harmony. Bath and Body Works Coffee & Whiskey is one of the best coffee scents for under $40.

    How it smells: B&BW’s mission is to create frags that smell amazing and evoke feelings of happiness and comfort. To wear, spritz the cologne on your pulse points. To improve the cologne’s projection, i.e. how well others around you can smell it, layer the spray with the matching shower gel and body lotion.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers:  Bath and Body Works Coffee & Whiskey reminds me more of a sweet-smelling, Irish liqueur coffee than a full-on boozy bourbon beverage. However, a softer scent works better when searching for the best everyday cologne.

    Notes: Coffee, whiskey | Size: 3.4oz | Type: Cologne | Season: Winter, fall, and early spring |Gender: Unisex

    Maison Margiela Coffee Break

    Why it’s great: Let’s face it, cologne can be expensive. What better way to get the most from a coffee perfume than to choose one you can share with your other half? Maison Margiela Coffee Break is the best Coffee-scented perfume for those after a unisex scent. Coffee Break is a total stand-out for me because of its creamy milk note. It is the ultimate cozy fall fragrance.

    How it smells: With coffee, milk, vanilla, and spices, Coffee Break reminds me of my wife’s go-to order: a chai tea latte. This comforting coffee perfume is like a hug in a bottle and is ideal for cold-weather wear. Plus, the grounding woody notes mean you can easily take Coffee Break from day to night.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers: Coffee Break may not be the longest-lasting scent on this coffee perfume list, but it still pulls its weight with an average wear time of 4-5 hours.

    Top Notes: Pepper, orange blossom, patchouli | Middle Notes: Lavender, coffee, milk, tonka bean, Siam benzoin, cypriol | Base notes: Vanilla, cedar, vetiver | Size: 3.4oz | Type: |Eau de Toilette| Season: Winter, fall and early spring | Gender: Unisex

    Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Signature

    Why it’s great: Italian shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo was known for his scientific and creative approach to footwear design. So, it’s no wonder that this Coffee-scented perfume is also one of the best leather colognes. Patchouli and tonka beans compliment roasted coffee beans, making Uomo Signature a done deal for date night.

    How it smells: This fragrance has excellent longevity at 7-8 hours, so if your night gets off to a good start and ends with a bang, it’s a no-brainer. Apply to warm areas of the body, such as the wrists, behind the earlobes, and the sides of the neck.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers: It’s erring on the side of heavy with a strong scent trail, which means it’s unsuitable as a work cologne. On the flip side, it’s perfect for play once the sun goes down.

    Top Notes: Pink pepper, Italian mandarin, grapefruit| Middle Notes: Cinnamon, cardamom, cypress| Base notes: Tonka bean, leather, roasted coffee beans, patchouli| Size: 1oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Winter, fall |Gender: Male

    By Kilian Black Phantom Memento Mori

    Why it’s great: If Captain Jack Sparrow was a lover of fine fragrance, I imagine this would be his signature scent. This boozy coffee-scented perfume blends daring notes of cyanide with Caribbean rum, cacao, coffee, cane sugar, and cognac. Black Phantom is one of the best-smelling colognes for men who favor the bold.

    How it smells: Black Phantom is undeniably sexy. It’s smooth and sweet with a bitter finish, like your favorite Old Fashioned cocktail. Spritz sparingly on pulse points before heading out on your next romantic rendezvous. When you’re ready to top up, no need to splash out on a whole new bottle. Instead, purchase a refill pack. Not only does it offer more value for money, but it’s also better for the environment. Why? Because refill packs require less packaging and take fewer materials and energy to produce.

    Flaws but not dealbreakers: Black Phantom is a fall and winter fragrance best reserved for the nighttime. Some guys may prefer a more versatile all-rounder if they’re splashing out on a premium fragrance. But if you’re looking for a special occasion signature scent, Black Phantom is still a worthy investment.

    Notes: Cacao, rum, caramel, coffee, sugar cane, almond, sandalwood, heliotrope, cyanide | Size: 1.7oz | Type: Eau de Parfum | Season: Winter, fall| Gender: Unisex

    holding a big bottle of uomo signature by salvatore ferragamo
    alfians69 / Instagram

    Buying Considerations for the Best Coffee Perfumes

    Occasion

    Choosing the right cologne for an occasion is the first step in becoming a self-certified sent guru. In the same way you wouldn’t choose a cloying cologne for the office, wearing a forgettable scent on date night is also a fragrance faux pas.

    Coffee colognes lean towards the potent end of the perfume projection scale. However, some of the best coffee perfumes on this list balance this heavier note with lighter scents. Take, for instance, Maison Margiela Coffee Break. With a touch of lavender and orange blossom, it’s a super wearable coffee perfume. Or even Coffee & Whiskey by Bath and Body Works, a brand that specializes in everyday heroes.

    When it comes to the perfect scent to make a lasting first impression on a special occasion, throw the rule book out the window. Look for daring notes that captivate the senses and demand attention. Something sweet and spicy like Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Signature or the sexy and mysterious By Killian Black Phantom.

    Season

    Summer fragrances typically have lighter notes like citrus, musk, and florals, while winter colognes favor more intense leather, wood, and tobacco notes. The top coffee perfumes tend to fall somewhere in between.

    For a true cold weather warmer, spritz my favorite By Killian Black Phantom. Its powerful gourmand notes have what it takes to project even in the coolest climes. As the leaves change and spring rolls back around, Halloween Man X and Bond No 9 New York Nights are the perfect transitional coffee perfumes. Both enhance rich coffee accords with fresh marine notes for a lighter approach to coffee-scented perfume.

    Price

    Cologne collecting is an expensive hobby. Just take a look at my bank account. Luckily, many of the coffee perfumes on my list are not only affordable but also great value for money. You may think affordability and value are the same thing. But when it comes to cologne, there’s a big difference.

    Think about it; if a cologne costs 20 dollars but needs to be reapplied several times a day, then you’re going to rip through that bottle. Whereas another cologne may come with a hefty price tag, but if a single spritz can take you from dawn ’til dusk, then that bottle is going to be around much longer. At less than 50 dollars apiece, Paris Corner Emir You’re Drugged, Halloween Man X, and Bath and Body Works Coffee & Whiskey are coffee perfumes that successfully check both boxes. 

    a bottle of montale intense cafe surrounded by coffee beans
    trailofsweetscents / Instagram

    Why You Should Trust Us

    As a FashionBeans writer, I come across an endless number of fashion and grooming products. I get that picking a perfume can be a mind-boggling experience. But trust me when I say that putting in the effort to figure out which cologne gives you the best caffeine kick is time well spent. I’ve put in the nose work for you by testing countless colognes to bring you the top 8 coffee perfumes.

    Final Verdict

    If you’re looking to bring a caffeine kick to your scent stable, reach for my coffee perfume must-have, Paris Corner Emir You’re Drugged. This smooth and spicy fragrance is everything you’d expect to find in the best coffee perfume. Long-lasting, addictive, and great value for money. Down your morning espresso, spritz this coffee perfume on your pulse points, and get ready to conquer the day.

    FAQ

      • The scent of coffee stimulates serotonin and dopamine, which regulates our emotions and mood. So, coffee is an excellent scent for perfume. When I get to while away the hours in my local coffee shop surrounded by aromatic coffee notes, I get the feel-good factor. And the same happens when I wear a perfume that smells like coffee.

        • Coffee is not only an attractive scent for men, but it also makes a highly seductive unisex fragrance. Coffee notes are rich, warm, spicy, and slightly sweet and are often featured in woody, gourmand, and oriental fragrances. They are often combined with citrus, vanilla, musk, floral, and tobacco notes to create sophisticated accords and some of the best colognes for men.

  • How I Stay In A Flow State Of Productivity While Running An Online Business

    How I Stay In A Flow State Of Productivity While Running An Online Business

    Hey there! I’m Brooke Scott, COO, Integrator & Online Business Owner.

    I serve women entrepreneurs, coaches, course creators, consultants, and women-owned agencies across various industries in the online space by creating the swoon-worthy, efficient business systems and processes of their dreams.

    Long story short, with the help of my internal team and their team of contractors and employees, I manage their internal and external operations so that they can get back to doing what they love in their zone of genius.

    I absolutely live my best life when I’m working behind the scenes in my clients’ business operations, systems, and funnels.

    My mission is to help my clients optimize and restore their business operations foundation without wasting time and money.

    My approach to completing projects is centered around lean fundamentals and the overall goal to keep things streamlined from A to Z while cutting out wasted steps so that everything that is happening, is adding value to the process.

    My clients typically come to me looking for help streamlining their business operations or to help clean up, fix, audit, and automate the processes that once served them but now after they have scaled their business, no longer serve them.

    In this period of time, they have rapidly grown their business and their team and aren’t in the position to pause what they have going on now to troubleshoot and repair what is happening behind the scenes. The cost of halting their operations to fix it is much greater and that’s where I step in.

    I got started in the online space in September of 2020 and began my entrepreneurial journey as a virtual assistant.

    Over the course of the last near 3 years, I’ve expanded my business and transitioned into and out of various roles: from a virtual assistant to an online business manager, a launch manager, a funnel specialist, an operations manager, and now a COO and integrator (or an operations and integration specialist).

    While it may seem like hopping around from one role to the next, it was actually a quick but smooth period of growth from mastering one focus to wanting to learn and develop skills in other areas that complimented each other.

    From my first day until now, I’ve truly leaned into allowing the flow guide me in finding where I’m truly aligned, and I’m happy to say that I feel more aligned in what I do each day. 

    After finishing college with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration in 2019, the moment I found this world and the possibilities that came with it, I knew that I was in the right place.

    Now, 4 years later I’ve grown from being a solo part-time entrepreneur (while still full-time in the corporate world) to running a business full-time at home, bringing my husband on the team full-time, and recently hiring our first contractor to start expanding the business in more ways. It’s been a rollercoaster of success and failures but the most rewarding journey.

    The beauty of the entrepreneurial world is that you’re allowed to make those shifts, operate a life-first business, and redefine success for yourself. The moment I let go of the corporate world and the stress that came with it was the first time I felt space and ease and found it possible to actually enjoy what I do for a living. We only live once, so why not do it while chasing what you love in a way that feels good to you? 

    My days look completely different every single day, week, month and so on, but I try to follow the same approach to prepare myself for what can happen so that I can keep myself in a flow state in order to resolve issues and provide the transformation that my clients come to me for.

    Brooke Scott on phone, taken by Haley D. Photography

    A Day In The Life Of A COO and Online Business Owner

    Morning Focus & Routine

    Depending on the day, I typically hit the ground running between 4:30AM and 6AM CST. In order to prepare me energetically for the day and get me in the right mindset, I make sure I have time to fully wake up, get ready, drink water, and pour myself a cup of coffee. 

    What I’ve found out is that the first hour or two of my day truly determines how that day goes. If I wake up and immediately jump on my computer and induce a sense of rush and stress, then I’m going to be stuck in that pattern all day and usually end up working into the late night. (I’ve learned this over the years through trial and error.)

    So, the way that I set myself up for a busy day with multiple clients and communication with team members is allowing myself time in the morning to ease into waking up, take my time getting ready, get some fuel and water into my system, and ease into my day. Approaching the day in that relaxed state ramps up my productivity level and I’m usually able to end the day early in the afternoon, depending on what projects we have going on.

    In order to achieve that, sometimes that means waking up earlier than I want to but it’s the ultimate reward of having my work days be centered around productive energy especially when I’m working on projects and tasks that require more intensive focus and troubleshooting. In my case, it’s not usually a problem to wake up early for that extra time since I go to bed around 9PM. (Insert your old grandma jokes here!)

    Day Planning & Prioritization

    The second most important piece in determining my productivity is the first 30 minutes to one hour of my work day. Each day I take time to focus on what is going to be priority for the day by looking at my call schedule first and then determining what time I have left to accomplish tasks. That time outside of calls is what gauges my capacity and what I can truly get done during the day. 

    Typically Mondays are a heavy call day and I only have a few hours in the afternoon for productivity so in knowing that I make sure to prioritize the heavier lifting of work throughout the rest of the week. Otherwise, I make sure that after assessing time capacity, I’m focusing on what is a priority for each client.

    I usually outline 3-5 priority focuses or tasks for each of my clients and make my way down the list based on turnaround priority across the board. This helps me stay balanced and working on each client while accomplishing what is to be completed that day or week. 

    I’ve found that by approaching my workload this way, I’m able to keep that balance longer versus only working on one client for an extended period of time. If I’m chipping away at the higher priority, the ease of flow increases over the week’s time.

    I not only approach each day this way, but I do this once at the beginning of the week as an overview planning session and then I “re-do” it each morning to account for any changes that have happened.

    Brooke Scott working on online business, taken by Haley D. Photography

    Workflow, Client Calls, & Communication

    From there, I’m able to get in the zone, stay heads down and focus on the things that need to get done externally for my clients and internally for my own business. In the mix of “doing-the-things”, I’m usually communicating back and forth with my clients and team over Slack.

    While this can cause interruptions during the day, I consider that time productive because I’m in the moment with my clients and team. The most important thing you could do as an online business owner is prioritize communication while keeping your work hour boundaries of course.

    The more I’m in constant and necessary communication with my clients and team, the more trust, comfort, and cohesiveness are formed. Creating this environment with clients and team members not only benefits your relationship with them but it keeps you in a forward motion and rhythm of focusing on what is important NOW versus what is just on the list for the week.

    While the actual “things” I do during the day are usually never the same, the way I show up is and that is what is my individual priority. Maintaining a flow that keeps me showing up and performing for clients, my team, and myself. 

    Daily Recap & Reprioritization

    After a long work day, I revisit my task and priority list that I made at the beginning of the day and do a quick de-brief session that usually only takes a few minutes. I look for areas I accomplished, areas I made progress in, and areas that I didn’t get to touch. This will help me in the planning phase during the next day because I’ll know what is most priority so that I can keep things moving.

    What Matters & Why You Should Focus On Your Flow

    Being an entrepreneur who manages multiple clients and teams across the world, and different industries and zones of genius, the one thing that keeps me going and thriving in what I do, is my flow state.

    Focusing on my flow and my energy every day is what has allowed me to grow, shift, triple my yearly income, expand my team, develop new skills and so much more. If you allow yourself to prioritize how things feel first, then you’ll know where you need to apply your skills second. 

    Shift your mindset from what your role is or what tasks to do, to how you show up best. If you’re focusing on just getting things done, things won’t feel rewarding or like you’re making an impact. Focus on how you operate best and you’ll start operating even better. While keeping that mindset, it’s important to also let yourself be guided into new areas and lean into the uncomfortable. Of course, there isn’t a “physical” movement to actually feel but once you start opening up your days to what actually matters and where things feel right, you’ll start allowing that to flow back into your world.

  • Kosas Review-The Best Kosas Products You’ll Want to Try

    Kosas Review-The Best Kosas Products You’ll Want to Try

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    Kosas Cosmetics is a makeup company that has been on my radar for a long time. I had heard Kosas makeup contained only clean ingredients that actually improved skin and was comfortable to wear. I decided to dive in with their most popular products to find out if they are comparable to my other natural favorites like 100 Percent Pure and Hynt Beauty. Read my Kosas review to see what I found out. 

    I love reviewing new, clean makeup brands. These days, it’s not hard to clean up your makeup routine and find incredible products that are high performing, easy to apply and look great. Kosas is a clean beauty brand I have been hearing a lot about and have wanted to try it for quite some time. 

    What sets Kosas apart from the rest is that their makeup is specifically formulated as if it were skincare. Using ingredients like hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, shea butter, panthenol, pro-vitamin B5, castor oil, peptides and caffeine, these products not only enhance and conceal, they work over time to improve your skin naturally. I tried a handful of products from Kosas and was impressed at the quality. I really do feel like I am using skincare instead of makeup. Read on to find out my opinion and experience with each product I bought. 

    Related Post: Makeup Tutorial for Hooded Eyes

    About Kosas:

    Kosas focuses on comfortable wearing makeup that actually benefits the skin. They believe simple is better and their formulations have sensitive skin types in mind. 

    The founder of Kosas Sheena Zadeh-Daly, started the company in 2015. She wanted to create a clean beauty line that was super comfortable to wear as well as sensitive skin friendly. What’s interesting is that the first shades of makeup were created in a portrait painting class. “We still think of our colors as works of art. Living, unique, dimensional shades that are so easy to wear, yet anything but boring.”

    “Welcome to next-level clean beauty that’s about revealingexpressing, and feeling comfy in your skin. It’s good makeup (not no makeup) that’s quick, easy, can’t mess it up. And it’s clinically proven to actually make your skin better, even when it’s bare. So you can look like your favorite self every single day.

    Skin-Improving, Clinically Proven Makeup: Super nourishing ingredients at active levels bring real skincare benefits. Hydrating, soothing, brightening, plumping, and more. Kosas goes beyond banned lists (more info here). We keep formulating, testing, and innovating until every product pushes beauty forward and is clean.”

    -Kosas

    Kosas Products Are Free Of :

    • Parabens
    • Phthalates
    • Sulfates
    • Talc
    • Formaldehyde
    • BHA/BHT
    • Propylene Glycol (PPG)
    • Polyethylene Glycol (PEGS)
    • Phenoxyethanol
    • Petrolatum
    • Aluminium
    • Undisclosed “Fragrance”
    • Dimethicone
    • Cyclic Silicones

    Related Post: Easy and Natural Makeup Setting Spray Recipe

    What Kosas Products I Tried:

    I also tried a palette that had a cream blush and cream highlighter. I enjoy using this palette since it makes my skin have a dewy finish and not matte. However, it is not on the website and could’ve possibly been discontinued. 

    In my pictures, I am wearing all Kosas makeup. 

    Related Post: Lily Lolo Makeup Review

    My Kosas Review:

    Kosas Revealer Concealer is a stand out product for sure. It has a creamy texture and is made with skin-loving ingredients like caffeine, arnica, peptides and hyaluronic acid all meant to reduce fine lines, puffiness and dark circles all while providing great coverage. I used the concealer under my eyes, on my chin and around my nose. I found that the Kosas concealer did a great job at covering imperfections while not looking cakey or thick. It definitely felt like a second skin. It also was long wearing and has buildable medium coverage. It was easy to find the right color because their shade range was expansive. As long as you know your undertones, you should be able to find your perfect match. 

    Wet Lip Oil Gloss has hyaluronic acid, peptides, avocado oil, konjac root, shea butter and evening primrose. These active ingredients visibly plump and protect the lips. I LOVE this lip oil. It is light but really does a great job hydrating the lips and is long lasting for being so light!  It gives my lips a natural glow. When I first tried it I wondered if it was substantial enough to be long wearing and replenish my lips. Most lip oils are light and insubstantial with little to no staying power. This was not the case for the Wet Lip Oil Gloss. This lip gloss has one at least 9 awards including Allure’s Best of Beauty 2023.

    Air Brow comes in a clear and tinted formula. This product is the end all be all of brow gel. It has biodegradable plant-based microfibers, panthenol provitamin b, biotinoyl tripeptide (supports healthier, fuller hair), hyaluronic acid, castor oil (for hair growth) and trehalose (hydrated and conditions). This gel gave my brows shape and provided a good amount of hold without being too stiff and sticking to my skin. It was also long wearing and gave my brows more fluff!  I definitely will repurchase this product in the full size and try out the tinted version. 

    The 10-Second Eye is a cream eye shadow. Full disclosure-I dislike cream eye shadows very much because I have trouble applying them and I tend to have oily lids. There was a learning curve with applying this product and I felt I needed to layer it in order to get the color I wanted. While I think this product is great when it comes to liquid eye shadows, I personally won’t repurchase. It contains orange flower water for brightening and toning and shea butter and jojoba oil for moisturizing. It goes on smooth and stays put but because I layered it I did feel it on my lids throughout the day. Each product has undergone clinical studies and 100% of women who wore Kosas mascara for 2 weeks saw longer, thicker lashes!

    The Big Clean Mascara gave my lashes great volume and is buildable but one coat gave me a full set of lashes. This mascara’s clean formula contains castor oil for hair growth. It also has provitamin B5, biotinoyl tripeptide-1 for fuller hair, and plant-based sugars which provide longer without micro plastics. It did not give me raccoon eyes which I am prone too and did not feel too dry or flakey on my lashes.    

    The cream blush and highlighter combo (in the black compact) was awesome and I’m sad it’s gone. Creams are always a bit harder to apply but for me, the look is worth the trouble. Even though it’s unavailable, the product was great quality and adds to my approval of the company overall. 

    Related Post: The Best Tarte Mascara

    In the future I will try several other beauty products like Kosas Revealer Foundation SPF 25 and Sun Show Bronzer, Kosas Glow I.D. which is an additive into your foundation that gives the skin a subtle glow. I would also repurchase the lip oil, tinted brow gel and concealer. Kosas lipsticks have a satin finish and boasts hours of wear with quite a few beautiful colors so they are a great consideration as well! I guess basically I’d like to buy it all. lol.

    In conclusion, Kosas is a fantastic company with clean products that actually benefit and enhance your skin. My favorite product so far has to be the concealer with the lip oil and brow gel tied as a close second. I’m a fan!

    Shop Kosas HERE.

    *I bought each of these products. I am not collaborating with Kosas nor did they send me products for review. If you decide to use my affiliate links to buy the products I’ve suggested I will receive a small commission.*

    xx, Jenni

    P.S. Right now Kosas has 25% off for Black Friday (11-22-23). No code needed! It’s the perfect time to try it out!

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  • visiting wit kids + The Fifth Avenue Hotel review

    visiting wit kids + The Fifth Avenue Hotel review




    NYC: visiting wit kids + The Fifth Avenue Hotel review























  • November favourites, updates and wishlist

    November favourites, updates and wishlist

    November favourites, updates and wishlist

    BOURJOIS Healthy Mix Foundation

    This month I thoroughly tested the newest member of the Healthy Mix family, the Serum, and it didn’t wow me as much as I hoped. Healthy Mix foundation has been changed this year as well and when I got it in summer, I reported it’s more shiny than the previous version, when I compared them side by side. With the colder weather and my skin being drier, the shine is more subtle now and when I compared the foundation vs. the Serum, the foundation is the winner for me. Not just because Serum has no true light shades, but also because it looks a lot more smooth, it doesn’t slip into my pores and it has a touch more coverage. It is thicker that the thin serum, but I find all the new lightweight formulas don’t work well for me. Healthy Mix foundation looks natural and fresh, it has a light-medium coverage and manages to look good even when the condition of my skin isn’t great.

    MAYBELLINE Fit Me concealer

    05 

    I had this formula before in the original lightest shade 15 Fair, which was too dark for me, so I quickly gave it away, but I liked the formula. Since then, they’ve added more shades and the new 05 is a very good match for my skin tone. I’m a big fan of Maybelline’s Eraser concealer and I don’t consider Fit Me as good, but it’s a nice drugstore offering. Since they discontinued two of my favourite concealers from Bourjois, as well as a great cheap formula from Essence Camouflage + Healthy Glow concealer and Revlon also doesn’t sell Candid here anymore, there are few formulas left in local drugstores that aren’t very matte and have a light enough shade. Fit Me’s formula is creamy and medium thick with a medium coverage that is buildable. 

    I’m very pleased with this mascara. It adds length, volume and has a multiplying effect just like the I >3 Extreme mascara, but the brush is much less clumsy, since it’s smaller. It holds my lashes curled well and that’s the most important thing to me. 

    NIVEA Care & Hold Soft Touch Caring Mousse

    This mousse is a revelation and a wonder. I used to use mousses all the time when I was younger and still had natural curls, but I grew tired of how stiff they leave the hair, so stopped using any such styling product. I decided to give them another go, since I heard the secret to a long lasting blow-out and curls made with a hair dryer (or a Dyson-like cheap approximate) is using a mousse with heat protection. This literary feels like nothing is on the hair. I don’t know how they managed to do that, but it holds volume all day. Curls made with a blow dryer last as long too and without a mousse they are gone within minutes that’s why I always preferred using curling wands that use more heat. In the next days, the hair feels normal, it’s not any drier, more stiff or anything. I’m genuinely impressed. Plus it has heat protection.

    LA RIVE In Flames eau de parfum

    This is a dupe for Paco Rabanne Olympea, a fragrance I used up a few years ago. As soon as I sprayed it, it reminded me of Olympea. To me it’s very close, though reviews claim it’s not the same and it’s a softer version, but to me just drawing from my memory, this is so similar, at least from the start. It starts with that delightful salty vanilla combination that’s the Olympea’s trademark, I get hazelnut too. Ok, the base doesn’t feature jasmine as intensely as Olympea, but that’s actually a plus to me because I disliked that note. Actually that was the reason I never repurchased Olympea and I knew a dupe won’t be as “jasmine-y”. I can smell it for a long time during the day, though I tend to spray perfume on clothes more than on the skin. 

    I got the set with the shower gel since we can only get this fragrance around Christmas here and not individually all year round like in other countries, but the shower gel has zero In Flames scent, it’s just a fruity, creamy, fresh fragrance.  

    EMPTIES

    I just posted two posts about Empties (1 and 2) and I managed to use up several more products. 

    One of my favourite hair treatments that I’ve been using for years. It’s hydrating enough for my hair and leaves it in better condition, but it truly shines in combination with Joico’s Reconstructor. 

    Repurchase: Done.

    PALMER’S Cocoa Butter Formula Restoring Conditioner

    Another great drugstore conditioner for very dry hair. Formula is not very thick, yet it left my hair nourished well. It has a minty scent. I planned to repurchase it, but then it disappeared from online shops and they changed the packaging. I’m not sure it’s they changed the formula as well. 

    Repurchase: Yes, but it’s nowhere where I shop.  

    HADA LABO TOKYO C-Vitamin Sheet Masks

    In theory this should be great, as it has lovely ingredients with niacinamide high on the list, vitamin C in a stable form and hyaluronic acid. But the thick material of the mask just ruined these. The masks didn’t feel as saturated with product as thinner masks, they didn’t have cut-outs for eyes, so the flaps were just hanging under them and they dried fast. The effect from these was nothing special. There were five in a pack. 

    Repurchase: No.

    SCHWARZKOPF GLISS 7 Sec Express Repair Treatment

    Oil Nutritive

    I showed the black Repair version in the last Empties, this is pretty much the same except for the scent. These work in seconds, they emulsify with water to a rich conditioner-like formula and the hair feels silky when I’m rinsing these off. This one is strongly scented like L’Occitane’s almond shower gel or at least with a similar scent. 

    Repurchase: Done, another version, but  would buy this version again too. 

    LA CROA Argan Keratin Repair Conditioner 

    I’m a fan of the Repair mask, which unfortunately is (still) sold only in small tester-size bags in my local Müller, but luckily this conditioner is very similar and it’s a great formula for very dry hair. It’s thinner than the mask, yet it manages to nourish my dry, bleached hair well. The ingredients list is great too. 

    Repurchase: Yes. 

    AFRODITA Your Hair therapy Regenerative Mask

    This looks great on paper with shea butter second on the list. It also has Amodimethicone, which is my preferred silicone, as well as coconut, macadamia, argan and avocado oil, cocoa butter, hydrolised keratin, lactic acid, panthenol and rapeseedoil. It’s nicely thick and rich, it left my hair sufficiently nourished, but it had zero frizz control. My hair was frizzy even after using a round hair drier, so in next uses I always mixed it with either Pantene or Gliss 7 Secs and added a lot of leave-ins. 

    Repurchase: No. 

    WISHLIST

    NYX Bare with me Concealer Serum – this is supposedly one of the best concealers for dry skin.

    CATRICE Under Eye Brightener – I saw this is the top selling concealer in Müller – well a corrector or brightener. I already planned to get this when it first launched, but it wasn’t in stock for a long time, so I forgot about it. 

    BEAUTY OF JOSEON Dynasty Cream – this is now in Slovene DM’s though for twice the price I paid for it years ago. It’s one of my favourite moisturisers so far, but I never repurchased it because I always have so many PR creams to use up. It’s a gel cream with lots of niacinamide and a ton of nice ingredients. 
    BEAUTY OF JOSEON Propolis + Niacinamide Serum – this has been on my wishlist for a while, but I picked CORSX’s Propolis toner instead. It’s good we have this now in DM, though I’ll probably just repurchase COSRX when it runs out because you get more for the price.
    CERAVE Facial Moisturising Lotion – I’m missing something basic and nourishing in my routine. I love Cerave’s hand cream and this could be what I need. 

    BALEA Ultra Sensitive Barriereschutz Crème – this sounds so nice just based on ingredients, as it has ceramides, 5 % panthenol, a probiotic and more. I just hope it has a nice texture, as so far all Balea creams I tried just didn’t feel good enough, they all sit on the skin for a long time.

    KERASTASE Symbiose Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum – my scalp hasn’t been feeling ok recently. It’s itchier than usual and it’s occasionally irritated. It’s probably because of central heating. I tried what I have in my stash, including the new Balea’s 2% Panthenol face toner, which is surprisingly effective, but it ruins the hair style and the hair feels like it needs a wash. I need to find something that’s designed for scalp and this has good reviews for what I’ve been researching, plus it claims it deals with dandruff, my decade-long undefeated nemesis. It’s so expensive, though.  

    MOROCCANOIL Color Depositing Mask Copper – I love this formula so much, but shade Cocoa that I use washes off purple and eventually grey, so not the nicest look. I’d like Copper to mix with Cocoa to add warmth. 

    HUGO BOSS Ma Vie – I have an ancient bottle and it’s close to being completely off. I’d like to repurchase it. It’s one of my favourite scents, a fresh sort of fruity scent, but that “fruity” note is cactus, so it’s green and a bit sweet with a woody base.