Category: Beauty Products

  • How much do YouTubers make in 2023? (Tati, Busbee Style, Hotandflashy etc.)

    How much do YouTubers make in 2023? (Tati, Busbee Style, Hotandflashy etc.)

    If you are noisy, like me, you might be interested to know, how much your favorite YouTuber is making. I have pretty accurate numbers and they are not from Social blade (where the numbers are still very vague and unclear). I’ll explain at the end of this post where I have the numbers from.

    Be prepared to fall off your chair when you see how much some YouTubers make lol. 

    A channel’s CPM varies depending on the location and demographics of its audience, the number of subscribers a channel has, how frequently it posts videos, and the total watch time of its content. The numbers shown are current for July 2023.

    However, keep in mind: these numbers reflect only the YouTube Ad revenue. YouTubers also make money with sponsorships and Affiliate links. 

    How much money does Abbey Sharp make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $15,690

    Yearly

    $232,318

    How much money does Ali Andreea make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $12,313

    Yearly

    $147,759

    How much money does Allie Glines make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $9,828

    Yearly

    $135,416

    How much money does Anna Bey make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $22,272

    Yearly

    $267,266

    How much money does Busbee Style (Erin) make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $17,387

    Yearly

    $208,646

    How much money does Cassandra Bankson make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $28,661

    Yearly

    $343,928

    How much money does Dominique Sachse make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $20,732

    Yearly

    $248,781

    How much money does Dr Dray make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $44,298

    Yearly

    $570,990

    How much money does HotandFlashy (Angie) make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $12,689

    Yearly

    $160,139

    How much money does Jaclyn Hill make from YouTube? 

    Monthly

    $5,166

    Yearly

    $194,798

    How much money does Jessica Braun make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $6,693

    Yearly

    $86,893

    How much money does Laura Blair make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $1,614

    Yearly

    $20,261

    How much money does Lisa Eldridge make from YouTube? 

    Monthly

    $5,184

    Yearly

    $83,870

    How much money does Lisa J make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $821

    Yearly

    $9,848

    How much money does Lorry Hill make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $16,316

    Yearly

    $195,789

    How much money does LisaLisaD1 make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $2,154

    Yearly

    $30,318

    How much money does PAINTEDBYSPENCER make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $7,530

    Yearly

    $121,829

    How much money does Risa Does Makeup make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $3,561

    Yearly

    $62,059

    How much money does Doctor Gary Linkov make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $33,709

    Yearly

    $404,503

    How much money does Doctorly make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $383,950

    Yearly

    $4,607,404 WTF!!!

    How much money does Doctor Youn make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $564,836

    Yearly

    $9,259,132 OMG!!!

    How much money does Dr. Shereene Idriss make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $2,447

    Yearly

    $29,359

    How much money does Hung Vanngo make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $3,754

    Yearly

    $75,874

    How much money does Stephanie Marie make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $2,963

    Yearly

    $39,672

    How much money does Tati make from YouTube?

    Monthly

    $27,876

    Yearly

    $334,508

    How much money does Wayne Goss make from YouTube Ads?

    Monthly

    $10,363

    Yearly

    $152,952

    Do you like me to add someone to my list? Comment below!

    The numbers are from the website StarStat -the ultimate YouTubers Net Worth Tracker and Calculator. Numbers are updated constantly and I know they are correct, because I am on there too lol. This site is much better than Social Blade. I just showed how much I make on Youtube myself in the video below, to be transparent with my viewers (it is in German but you can click on the gear, bottom right for English captions if you like). 



  • September favourites, updates and wishlist

    September favourites, updates and wishlist

    September favourites, updates and wishlist
    Currently my favourite foundation, especially since my skin got more dry. It doesn’t have the highest level of coverage, which I don’t mind anyway, as light-medium is enough for me. Formula is light, doesn’t feel greasy, it’s hydrating and blends seamlessly into the skin. Finish used to be very glowy on my skin, but now that it’s dry, it’s more natural. Shade is one of the best matches in my collection. It’s pale in about the same depth as Revlon’s Colorstay 110 Ivory, but it’s not as pink, it’s more cool-neutral.

    ESSENCE Baby Got Blush

    01 Tickle me pink

    I was waiting ages for these to get to a local drugstore and it did not disappoint. Formula isn’t anything ground-breaking, in fact the stick is quite hard and can take off foundation if you apply it straight from the tube, but with a brush it works really well. Result is a nicely blended flush with soft edges and the shade is a cool-ish pink – it’s a rarity in my collection, since such shades always pull warm on me and this one creates a proper baby doll flush. It smells like watermelon.

    BOURJOIS Velvet The Pencil

    01 Nudifull, 02 Amou-Rose and 03 In Mauve Again

    I have all five that are sold here, but these three natural shades are my favourites. Especially shade 03 In Mauve Again, as it ends up most neutral on my lips. All three are about the same depth, the difference is in the undertones – 01 is a warm beige and 02 a warm light pink. These are one-swipe lip colours, so well pigmented, also very creamy and don’t drag on the lips. They are matte, but not dry/fully matte, so they feel comfortable, however, they aren’t nourishing/moisturising. I wouldn’t say they are transfer-proof, but they last on the lips well.

    CATRICE Glossin’ Glow Tinted Lip Oil

    010 Keep it Juicy and 030 Glow for the Show

    These are just lovely. Very thick and rich, not sticky, they feel nourishing on the lips, they stay on for a long time, have a great level of glossy shine and feel like an oily gloss. These are super glossy on the lips and the shine lasts better than at many glosses. The pink 010 Keep it Juicy starts of clear and then turns pink (pH reacting formula). Once it wears off, the lips stay pink. Shade 030 Glow For The Show is light orange.

    MOROCCANOIL Color Deposing Mask 

    Cocoa

    I’m still dyeing my blonde hair with temporary brown colours. I always use Subrina or Wella, but this time I treated myself to Moroccanoil because honestly, I really dislike how unnourished and hard those two formulas leave my hair (as much as everyone praise how soft they leave their hair, me and my thick hair texture are not so lucky). This was so worth the high price. My hair felt so soft and silky, it was shiny and manageable – truly Moroccanoil is a brand I can rely on and is worth splurging on. Colour is somewhere between Wella’s Chocolate Touch and Subrina’s Warm Brown reddish brown, so warmer/more reddish than my natural hair colour, but the depth is close, meaning this is quite a deep brown. I actually didn’t need to use as much as of Wella, so maybe this tube will last me longer than two and a half uses (Subrina’s 60 ml lasts one application for my long hair). I also own shade Lilac and it took a long time to wash off, which is also a reason why I started with Subrina instead, as for that one I know it always washes off completely. I already washed my hair once and not a lot of colour came off at Moroccanoil version, which means it will last a long time on my hair, but it also has me slightly worried it may not come off as well as Subrina and Wella.

    MOROCCANOIL Frizz Shield Spray

    A new product by Moroccanoil and I got just a mini to try first. It’s a similar thing as the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural spray, as it promises to tame frizz, help achieve a smooth blow out and protect against humidity (up to 90%). Color Wow does nothing on me, so that was a major disappointment despite the raves, but this Moroccanoil one is so far really raising up to the challenge. Just like Color Wow, it’s supposed to be applied as the last step (I applied my usual leave-ins before) and it needs to be activated by heat. I spray a lot of it on well towel dried hair and just dry my hair with a hair drier (Remington round brush). Frizz is significantly reduced, I wouldn’t say my hair is completely smooth (it is where my natural hair is, but not where it’s coloured), but compared to almost everything at the moment, it’s brilliant (though their Smoothing Lotion is similar) and an extra oil or something after blow drying does the final smoothing touches. My hair feels so soft and it’s easy to manage. Together with their Color Depositing mask my hair stayed so nice for almost a full week and even though I was caught in a little bit of rain. With a non-Moroccanoil treatment that time is shorter. I don’t want to rave about this just yet, though I’m impressed after two uses, but I need to try it for longer and in combination with other products, especially drugstore. Also it looks like you need to use a lot for one use, which is a minus at such a price.   

    UPDATES

    I don’t count these as my favourites because either the shades don’t fit me or the formulas aren’t the right fit for my needs, but these are all nice products. 

    CATRICE Soft Glam Filter Fluid is a decent drugstore alternative to the overly expensive (and overhyped) Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Hollywood Filter. It adds a very similar level of glow as a primer under foundation, though it’s not as intense as a liquid highlighter and it doesn’t looks as ok over pores and lines as the CT. From far away you won’t notice a difference. 
    CATRICE Melted Sun Cream Bronzer has an impressive creamy formula that “melts” into the skin for a natural look. The only reason why it’s not a favourite of mine is because this shade isn’t the best for my pale skin.
    CATRICE Curl it Mascara is great at defining, fanning out the lashes and add a good level of volume. It doesn’t curl the lashes or hold a curl, but if you have no problem in that area, this mascara will work out just fine for you.
    CATRICE Sheer Beauties nail polishes are shades that don’t look fully opaque even with three coats, but the manage to look so elegant on the nail and give me Essie Ballet Slippers/Mademoiselle vibes, which are two popular shades. 

    WISHLIST / WHAT’S NEW 

    BALEA Niacinamide Nachtcreme – after day cream with spf 30, they also launched a night cream. Just like the day version it has 10% niacinamide, plus this version has 5% grapeseed oil. 

    BALEA Beauty Expert Hydration Toner – this looks really good. It doesn’t just have 2% Panthenol and 0,2% Allantoin, but also betaine, urea, several aminoacids, glutamic acid and a couple of extracts. Looks like a great basic hydrating toner for every skin type.

    BALEA Beauty Expert Glow Toner – a toner with 2% of (weak) stable versions of vitamin C, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Ascorbic Glucoside. It also has panthenol (1%), aminoacids, a mini amount of niacinamide and urea. My feelings are lukewarm about this one. It’d be more interested if percentages were higher and maybe if they use Ascorbic Acid or Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate.

    BALEA MED Ultra Sensitive Pflegendes Reinigungsöl – a new affordable cleansing oil for sensitive skin. Ingredients list it short and it contains a small amount of Centella Asiatica and squalane. 

    COLOR WOW Dream Cocktail Kale-Infused Leave-in Treatment – I hear great things about this leave-in. It’s promises to make the hair stronger, reduce breakage and it’s a heat protectant. 

    LA RIVE Elegant Woman Eau de Parfum – I’m speculating here because this just appeared on Müller’s website and there are no reviews, but given how similar the bottles are, this might be La Rive’s attempted dupe for the famous (and shockingly expensive) Baccarat Rouge 540. Though Arianna’s Cloud is often mentioned as a dupe too, which I have and it’s the blandest perfume on me ever. 

    GARNIER Good Permanent Hair Colour – this looks interesting and new, but it could just be a basic hair colour. Garnier mentions it’s applied like a hair mask, it’s described as a 90% natural origin colour kit, it has shea butter, it’s ammonia-free and it’s mixed in the pot, not in the developer bottle. These look cool, but the might not that revolutionary. 

    GARNIER Body Superfood Vitamin C 48h Glow Boosting Crème – there are a few versions of these body moisturisers. This one contains a small amount of a stable version of vitamin C. 

    MOROCCANOIL Luminous Hair Spray – I’m really loving Moroccanoil products at the moment and I’m kinda in a need of a good hair spray. I hear this one adds a good amount of shine, not just hold.  

  • Dr. Pen Microneedling at home!

    Dr. Pen Microneedling at home!

    Dermarolling is so yesterday! Super excited to try out the Dr. Pen Microneedling Device. Just purchased the Dr. Pen M8– the newest in the line. Doing currently all my research before my first treatment. You have to be super careful that everything is sterile and such. I will probably buy some numbing cream too. 

    You can twist this to change the speed and the depth of the needles.

    Make sure you bought the real thing. It should have a scratch off code that you you can check on www.drpenreal.com

    I am turning soon 47 and the lines on my face are getting deeper. I am planning to do a medical needling (0.5mm) once a month and cosmetic needling (0.2mm) once a week. I do hope that the lines on my forehead get smoother, as well as my nasolabial folds. I also want to treat my hooded eyes- especially the right one that seems to get smaller by the minute lol. 

    I will keep you updated on my results! I hope in 1 year I will see a good before and after! 

    This seems to be a great book about microneedling and I might have to get it before I start.

    Have you tried microneedling (professional or at home?). 

    Update: I can not believe it! So, yesterday I wanted to finally try my Dr. Pen (4 weeks after I bought it- because I was scared lol).  So, I finally tried to have the guts, charged the device overnight, got a green light…but then: it would not turn on! What? On top of it the first cartridge, that I opened, had a needle that was already bent! No way I am going to use that! I will have to contact the seller now. So annoying!


    Disclaimer: Contains Affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.
  • Custom Diamond Ring Setting Creations

    Custom Diamond Ring Setting Creations

    In fine jewelry, the diamond ring reigns supreme as the quintessential emblem of love and devotion. Its significance transcends mere ornamentation, embodying a profound expression of affection and an enduring testament to a bond that defies time. The pursuit of the ideal diamond ring frequently steers individuals towards the path of bespoke creation, a journey where every detail, from the choice of stone to the intricacy of the setting, is meticulously fashioned to echo one’s individual style and preferences. This article ventures deep into the nuances of custom diamond ring design, providing valuable insights and expert advice to assist in the crafting of a ring that not only captivates the eye but also resonates with the personal narrative and distinctive taste of its wearer, making it an unparalleled and treasured piece.

    Understanding The Basics Of Diamond Ring Design

    Grasping the basic elements of a diamond ring is the foundation of customization. At the heart of each ring is the central stone, typically a diamond, which captures the eye and symbolizes the ring’s purpose. The setting, which secures this precious stone, is a functional component and a significant contributor to the ring’s overall aesthetic. The variety in settings is vast, with each type offering a unique blend of beauty and security. Prong settings, known for their minimalistic design, allow maximum light to enter the diamond, enhancing its sparkle. On the other hand, bezel settings encase the edges of the diamond, providing greater protection. Understanding these basics is pivotal in making informed decisions about customizing a diamond ring.

    Classic Lab-Grown Diamond Ring Options

    When delving into customization, selecting the right diamond is a crucial step. Classic lab-grown diamond ring settings are becoming increasingly popular due to their ethical production and cost-effectiveness. These diamonds are crafted in controlled laboratory environments, utilizing cutting-edge technology replicating the natural diamond-growing process. The result is a stone indistinguishable from its mined counterpart in appearance, chemical composition, and physical properties. Choosing a lab-grown diamond means embracing modernity and sustainability without compromising on diamonds’ timeless elegance.

    Wedding Band Workshop Ideas

    Customizing the band of the ring opens up a plethora of creative possibilities. The band’s choice of metal and design is as crucial as the diamond itself, contributing significantly to the ring’s character. Exploring wedding band workshop ideas can inspire unique designs that complement the selected diamond perfectly. From bands adorned with intricate detailing for a vintage appeal to sleek, contemporary styles, the options are limitless. The band’s design should resonate with personal style while harmoniously blending with the diamond and setting.

    Considering The Setting Style

    The setting style is where personalization truly comes to life. Each setting, from the traditional prong to the innovative tension setting, offers a distinct aesthetic and level of diamond security. The prong setting, for instance, is renowned for its classic appeal. In contrast, a tension setting offers a more modern and sleek look, appearing as if the diamond is suspended in the air. The choice of setting not only the ring’s look but also its feel and how it interacts with daily activities makes it a crucial aspect of the customization process.

    Selecting The Right Metal

    The choice of metal for the ring affects both its appearance and longevity. Traditional options like yellow gold offer a timeless appeal, while contemporary choices like platinum stand out for their durability and modern flair. Each metal has unique characteristics, including color variations, weight differences, and maintenance requirements. When selecting the metal, consider how it complements the skin tone, the daily wear it will endure, and the overall aesthetic you aim to achieve.

    Personalizing With Additional Elements

    Adding personal touches like engraving, accent stones, or special finishes can elevate a diamond ring from a beautiful piece of jewelry to a meaningful symbol of love and commitment. Engravings can include special dates, messages, or symbols that hold personal significance. Accent stones add color and texture, while unique finishes can give the ring a distinctive look. These elements infuse the ring with personal stories, making it a truly unique and cherished item.

    Making It Yours: The Customization Process

    Creating a custom diamond ring is a collaborative and intricate journey. You can bring your vision to life by working closely with skilled jewelers and designers. This process often involves in-depth discussions, detailed sketches, and possibly 3D modeling, ensuring that every aspect of the ring meets your expectations. The customization journey is as much about the experience as it is about the final product, making it a memorable part of your personal story.

    Ensuring Quality And Craftsmanship

    In custom ring creation, quality and craftsmanship are of utmost importance. Collaborating with reputable jewelers who utilize high-quality materials and exhibit exceptional craftsmanship is crucial. A well-crafted ring is aesthetically pleasing and durable, ensuring that it can be passed down through generations. A well-made ring’s attention to detail and artistry speaks volumes about its quality and the care put into its creation.

    The Significance Of Sustainability In Diamond Sourcing

    In the context of modern ethics and environmental consciousness, the source of diamonds plays a significant role. Choosing lab-grown diamonds or responsibly mined natural diamonds reflects a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. This choice aligns with a growing global awareness. It adds value and meaning to the ring, knowing it supports responsible and sustainable practices.

    Conclusion

    The creation of a custom diamond ring is a profoundly personal and artistic endeavor, seamlessly weaving together individual style, imaginative design, and deep emotional significance. This process is not merely about selecting a piece of jewelry; it’s about sculpting a symbol of affection that is as unique and timeless as the love it represents. With meticulous attention to every facet of its creation, from the initial selection of a shimmering diamond to the precise crafting of the setting and band, you have the power to forge a ring that epitomizes bespoke elegance. Such a ring transcends its material value, evolving into a cherished work of art and a legacy piece destined to be treasured and passed down through generations as a testament to a love story that is uniquely yours.

  • Eveline Velvet Mat Lipstick 510

    Eveline Velvet Mat Lipstick 510

    Eveline Velvet Mat Lipstick 510

    I was on a search for a dupe or at least a similar shade as my ancient Jordana Matte Lipstick in 48 Pink Passion (discontinued) and Mac Please Me, as I use Jordana a lot especially for before/after pictures of foundations (for some reason it helps the camera pick up the skin tone better). I found a fairly good shade at Eveline and it’s even matte like Jordana and Mac. 

    Formula was quite creamy when it was new, but not long after it was opened, it became drier. Luckily it looks like once it reached a certain stage of dryness, that process stopped. I’ve not experienced this at lipsticks quite so soon, usually it takes a couple of years (it happened at both Jordana and Mac’s lipsticks by now), but it’s still gliding on the lips just fine and it’s not drying or flaky. Pigmentation is merely ok and I find myself applying several layers. It also doesn’t match Jordana nor Mac in terms of staying power, but it wears off evenly. 

    Shade 510 is a pale warm pink, which on my skin tone looks somewhat vibrant, but I think deeper skin tones may hide this vibrancy and make it look more muted. It’s very similar to both Jordana 48 Pink Passion and Mac’s Please me, though in the tube they don’t quite match as Eveline looks brighter, but swatched and on the lips they are very alike. Eveline’s shade comes of looking a lot creamier/shinier when freshly applied, then it sets in a while, but both Mac’s and Jordana’s versions are completely matte from the start. Consequently, Eveline’s version is a lot less dry than those two, in fact it’s quite comfortable on the lips.  

    Packaging is not the best quality. It reminds me of those MUA lipstick they used to sell for 1 GBP. It’s a cheap, light plastic and I fear the cap might crack one day. Not that Jordana had any better packaging.

    Lipstick has a fruity scent.  

    It’s not the best quality, but good enough and the shade is a good match for Mac’s Please Me and the discontinued Jordana 48 Pink Passion (and that long discontinued Essence’s lipliner Wish Me a Rose if you remember it). It isn’t expensive, as it’s 5,09 € in DM (Notino has it too), so I won’t be too heartbroken if it goes bad fast, but Jordana’s was very cheap and it lasted years.  

  • 10 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY! 🍾🥂

    10 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY! 🍾🥂

    Hey you! 

    this year I am celebrating my 10 year blog anniversary! 🥳

    Wow! Such a long time and so much has changed! I have moved 3x during this time. I have gotten older and … wiser? Maybe! Here is my very first blog post!

    A couple of my blog highlights:


    2013 I wrote my – to this day – most read article (more than 376K views): How to get free makeup and beauty products!

    2014 I was featured by SheSpeaks, Sheknows, The Hub and Lucky Magazine.

    2014  I started a YouTube channel and my most watched video is “How to get rid of frown lines between the eyes” (with more than 357K views). My second most watched video is “How to remove a mole yourself” with 274K views- btw a fantastic trick that really works. I have today 17K subscribers.

    2015 I became “the face of dermaflage” (a topical silicone filler to fill in flaws such as frown lines or scars- read more about my photoshoot). Back then I used it only for special occasions but today I use dermaflage every single day- I pay myself for it and I am no longer sponsored! I was also named 1 out of 100 Popularizer by Glamour Magazine.

    I have 17K subscribers on my YouTube channel and 41K on my German YouTube channel.

    Thank you so much for those of you that are visiting my blog regularly. I wouldn’t be here without you! Let’s get old together lol.

  • MISSHA Magic Cushion Cover Lasting SPF50+/PA+++

    MISSHA Magic Cushion Cover Lasting SPF50+/PA+++

    MISSHA Magic Cushion Cover Lasting SPF50+/PA+++

    Ever since I tried my first cushion foundation, I’ve liked how convenient and easy they are to use. No brushes or getting hands dirty, all you need is in one compact. A lot of them also have great ingredients and a high SPF. Sadly I haven’t been able to find a shade match yet, so I’ve switched to BB creams, but I’ve missed having a cushion foundation. Originally, I was going to buy something else that is available in a lighter shade, but it was out of stock and this was just 5 € on Stylevana so I picked it instead. 

    Texture: The foundation is absorbed into the sponge/”cushion”, so you don’t really see the texture, but removing the sponge or pressing on it with a finger reveals this is a very light liquid foundation, similar to the likes of Catrice HD Liquid Coverage. It blends with ease and holds a ton of pigment in a small amount of foundation. It’s one of the more moisturising foundations, so more suitable for dry skin.  

    Coverage and finish: A small amount covers so much. It has at least medium coverage, but I apply a thin coat of product. It melts into the skin and looks natural. Finish is satin, but there is a dewy/glass skin glow for a while. My skin is currently dry and just sucks up moisture, so it becomes less glowy quickly, but it stays a bit tacky all day. First time when I applied it, I guess I applied too much, but it highlighted every pore and even wrinkles I didn’t know I have – but in a smaller amount (that still covers a lot), it doesn’t make the lines or pores look worse.  

    Staying power: It lasts well on my dry skin and fades evenly.

    Shade: I knew I was taking a risk buying shade #21, as at Missha’s foundations I wear #13, #17 and #19. I wanted a different Missha cushion because this doesn’t come in  a lighter shade, but it was out of stock or it would take at least a month to even send it. Magic Cushion is sadly too dark for me. It’s similar to It Cosmetic’s CC in Fair Ivory, so only a shade too dark, but the undertone makes it match even less. Undertone is warm, peachier than CC Fair Ivory, while if I know this correctly, Missha’s famous BB #21 has a grey tone to it. 

    Scent: This has no scent.

    Packaging: The compact has everything you need – a sponge that blends like a dream (I use such sponges also for other foundations) and a mirror. These are so great for on the go, especially in the summer to top up the sun protection (clear versions exist too). The sponge compartment is double sealed to prevent it from drying out. There isn’t much foundation in these cushion foundations – that’s something you have to accept, plus the sponges absorb so much. When it starts to feel dry, I turn the sponge around as the bottom has some fresh foundation left for a while. You can also just buy refill at such foundations. 

    Price and availability: I got it on Stylevana for about 5 €. The rest of Missha’s cushions are more expensive. 

    I love the concept of these and how pigmented this formula is, plus it has an SPF. Too bad it doesn’t come in a light enough shade for me, but I still wore it a lot in the summer.

  • How Instagram has changed in the last 10 years!

    How Instagram has changed in the last 10 years!

    I am on Instagram for 10 years and it has changed so much. You know what speaks louder than words? Pictures!

    Here is my very first Instagram post from August 30, 2013! Nail polish pics were back then a huge thing in the beauty community! This was my favorite nail polish. 18 likes, 2 comments. Haha. Cute.

    This is how in 2013 my Instagram feed looked like. We see mostly nail polish swatches, my watches and my cat Schmusie. Most importantly: NOTHING here was sponsored or gifted. That was not a thing in 2013. People would just randomly post whatever they wanted. Just for fun! It was also very easy to get new followers because everyone would follow back! You would get 1000 followers in no time.

    2013

    This is my Instagram feed in 2014. Still some nail polish pictures and we are starting to see some makeup- flat lays. Nobody would do that today anymore. Way to boring lol. But back then flat lays of things were totally new and the thing! Again: everything pictured are things I purchased myself. Nothing gifted, nothing sponsored! Super authentic. Schmusie (my cat) was still featured as well.

    2014

    This is my Instagram feed in 2015. The nail game is still strong. A couple fashion post are popping in. This is the first time I see a product featured that was gifted by a company (the hair tool). The pictures start to look a little more professional, but we still see very boring flat lays of products. People would start to play the follow/unfollow game to gain more followers. Annoying!

    2015

    My Instagram feed in 2016: I am still doing nail pics. I started to actually apply the makeup on my face and show it instead of just flat lays of makeup laying on the table. The flat lays start to look more polished and elegant. Schmusie is still included! Nothing sponsored or gifted- all my purchases. 

    At some point during this time Instagram changed the chronological order of the feed and switched to the algorithm-based feed that shows posts it thinks you would be most interested in. EVERYONE- including me- hated that. We lost so much engagement and it was a struggle! 

    2016

    My Instagram feed in 2017: Alright! I can see here instantly: Instagram has changed. MOST of my posts are PR gifts from companies! This must have been the year that brands understood the value of Instagram and they started sending out the most ridiculous gigantic PR packages. It was so much y’all! The feed looked more polished as we were taught it should look aesthetic and cohesive.

    2017

    My Instagram feed in 2018: EVERY SINGLE POST is either a PR gift or a sponsored post (meaning I have been paid in cash too).  Octoly (a platform where Influencers could order high end products in return for an Instagram post- today it is called Skeepers) became a huge thing for Influencers. And the word Influencer? Probably was born during that time too. I just grew into this! Ads, ads, ads! White backgrounds were the thing and the whole feed should have a certain vibe.

    2018

    My Instagram feed in 2019: I see a little more balanced feed of sponsored but also unsponsored posts, a little drizzle of fashion posts and my 2 new cats are presented too! All pictures kind of look like they belong together. We would use Apps to check before posting if it matched the feed. So much work lol. 

    During that time so many new beauty content creators came to the platform and gained so fast new followers. There was a ton of cheating. I was pretty pissed because I was here for so many years and these new gals kept popping up and gaining so many followers in such a short amount of time. Instagram was only about promoting products. Everyone and their mom wanted to be in the game.

    2019

    My Instagram feed in 2020: a lot more fashion posts, a couple of free products but not that crazy anymore like in the past years. Well, it was also the year we hit a pandemic and brands really slowed down sending free stuff. Here and there we started to see more video formats on Instagram- but music was not available yet so the videos were still pretty lame- mostly not vertical yet either. Notice how there are no more flat lays of products and no more nail polish pictures. 

    2020

    My Instagram feed in 2021: video content and Reels became a big thing in 2021. We would see more videos than still pictures. I remember how some creators were able to use the music library but I wasn’t and I felt like that was so unfair. It took a couple of months when the feature was finally available for my account. However, I see a nice balance of unsponsored posts and some sponsored content. It also did not matter anymore if the feed was cohesive or had a certain vibe. The video content made everything look a little less polished but therefor more authentic again.

    2021

    My Instagram feed in 2022: I focused a lot on fashion hauls here- but they were not sponsored. I see only 2 posts with free PR gifts in this feed! Brands were not crazy anymore with the amount of stuff they would send to Influencers after the pandemic. Reels are taking over! There was a time when Instagram paid also for Reels, so video content exploded in 2022. Almost all my posts are Reels! Fast paced, transitions and such were the new thing.

    2022

    My Instagram feed in 2023: still a lot of fashion (unsponsored) and I see 2 posts with free PR gifts. I still post a ton of Reels- even though Instagram no longer pays for it. But we are starting to see more still pictures again because Instagram is not “hiding” them anymore.

    2023

    What a crazy ride y’all! I have to say: I kinda miss the old days, were we would all just post for fun and did not care about how many likes or comments we would get, or if the picture was “Instagram perfect”. It is also sad that all the brands prefer Instagram over bloggers with a real website.

    Since around 2021 I have gotten rarely any sponsorships on my blog anymore, which used to be a big thing. All the brands care about these days is Instagram. So, I feel like I have to play the Instagram game. Let’s talk in 10 years again how Instagram has changed lol. If they are still around….


  • PUPA MILANO Vamp! Waterproof Mascara

    PUPA MILANO Vamp! Waterproof Mascara

    PUPA MILANO Vamp! Waterproof Mascara

    A while back I was sent a few Pupa Vamp mascaras, all regular formulas, which aren’t the best suited for my lashes, since my lashes don’t hold a curl. However, the formula impressed me so much, I really wanted to get my hands on a waterproof formula. The regular formula fans out the lashes so lovely, it adds plenty of volume even with one coat and just makes the lashes look so nice. I was hoping for a similar effect from the waterproof one, but I know from experience waterproof and regular formulas at all mascaras tend to differ a lot in terms of performance. This one isn’t quite as nice as the regular formula, but it’s regardless a good mascara and it improved with time. 

    As is usual for waterproof formulas, this is drier than its washable sibling. That means it deposits less product on the lashes with one coat and you’d expect that would make it even more defining because you’re applying the product slower, however, it doesn’t define and fan out the lashes as impressively as the regular formula. I had to use a clean silicone comb to separate the lashes, though to be fair it wasn’t that clumpy to begin with, but I’m one who really like a well-defined lash look. It was not the best when I opened it, but it the next weeks it improved as the formula dried and thickened. I need two coats for a good amount of volume, but it’s not like the regular formula. This is a proper waterproof formula that hold the lashes well, but it is the slowest drying waterproof mascara I’ve tried. It’s also one of those that is more difficult to remove that the average waterproof formula, though nothing on a level of Catrice Doll mascara, but a separate dual phase remover is needed as my cleansing oil (Nuxe Very Rose or Hada Labo) doesn’t get it off on its own. It’s very long lasting on the lashes, it doesn’t smudge, but I’ve noticed a few times some black spots under my eyes at the end of the day, meaning it can crumble.

    Brush is a classic one, the same at regular formula, but mine is bent. I had several Pupa Vamp mascaras and none’s brush was bent. It’s a clumsy brush as no matter how hard I try, I get smudges on my eyelids, so it’s the type of mascara like to I’d apply first before other eye makeup. It’s been months and I still haven’t gotten a hang of the application.

    When I bought it, the price was already high at 17 €, but now it’s 20 €. 

    It’s good, but because it doesn’t perform as great as the regular formula, it doesn’t stand out from my other waterproof favourites, which are cheaper (Essence I <3 Extreme Waterproof and Revlon Volumazing), so I don’t know if I’d buy it again – probably not because that price increase is ridiculous. Regular formula is great and I recommend, as well as their coloured mascaras.

  • My skin care routine- for women over 40

    My skin care routine- for women over 40

    I haven’t shared with you my skin care routine in a long time! Here’s what I currently do in the morning and evening. I just turned 47 and I do have combination skin. Super important in my opinion: including a high quality Vitamin C serum (for an even skin tone), Retinol (to speed up skin renewal) and of course sunscreen (to protect from those aging sun rays)!

    New: I am including German links for my German readers as well.

    My morning skin care routine:

    It depends in the morning if my face feels greasy or not. Sometimes I might just wash my face with water in the shower- or if needed I use:

    I love this cleanser! It lathers well without stripping my skin and smells nice and fresh. Affordable too!

    2. Derma E Vitamin C concentrated serum // Amazon
    I always use a Vitamin C serum for an even skin tone. So important y’all! This one is one of my favorites. I can also recommend Pixi Vitamin C CapsuleCare (Ulta //Douglas.de), The Ordinary Vitamin C serum (Amazon // Douglas.de) or COSRX Vitamin C23 Serum (Amazon // Douglas.de)

    I currently use this Aqua Gel as a lightweight moisturizer- perfect for summer. Smells super fresh and contains hyaluronic acid, a hydrator naturally found in skin that binds to water and holds it in for more supple and smooth skin. 

    My secret trick! I use a TINY amount under my eyes to make those deep lines and wrinkles appear softer! In my opinion the best cream to do that! This is a dupe for the famous La Mer cream. Only difference? The scent (and the price tag lol). Read why I prefer Nivea Made in Germany.

    5. Sunscreen

    Having combination skin I really do not want to add too many layers of products as my skin turns into an oily mess, so I prefer to just use a BB/CC cream or something tinted in the summer, such as the It Cosmetics CC cream (Ulta // Sephora // Douglas.de) or the Tarte BB cream (Ulta // Sephora // Sephora.de). 

    My evening skin care routine:

    I wash my face with

    2. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water For Waterproof Makeup // Amazon // Douglas.de

    I just discovered this Micellar water and I must say: I love it! I use this after cleansing my face, like a double cleanse and I see that for example the inner corner of my eyes still has often traces of makeup on. This makes sure, that my face is really cleansed but my skin does not feel dry after as it is still very gentle. Strong enough though to even get rid of waterproof mascara!

    3. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum // Amazon // Douglas.de 
    I am currently on a Retin-A break (If you care: I have tips how to get Retin-A without a prescription for you) because I hang out too much out in the sun. This is the Retinol I chose for summer. It feels very creamy and moisturizing, so I do only use 1 drop all over my face- excluding my eyes because they are too sensitive. I use this 2-3 nights and then I use 1 night:
    4.  DERMA E Ultra Lift DMAE Concentrated Serum with Copper Peptides and Resveratrol // Amazon // not available in Germany- however I can recommend this one instead.

    I really wanted my skin to have more beneficial ingredients, so I am including copper peptides, which support the production of collagen and elastin and help repair damaged tissue resulting in tighter, bouncier skin with huge anti-aging benefits. However, you can not use Retinol and copper peptides at the same time (it would make both ingredients basically inactive), so I use this on a night where I skip the Retinol serum. 

    At night I use again this lightweight gel moisturizer. When I use the Retinol serum, I find that I need this mostly around my eyes and my neck. On my nights with the Derma E copper peptide serum, I use it all over my face.

    Of course I still use my beloved Frownies! One between my eyes for 10 years now (a blast from the past: here is a 5 year update)! I have tried others but imo these are still the best, they are much firmer because it is paper and not just plastic tape. I hate how much they have gone up in price but I still buy them and prefer them over cheaper ones.

    And there you have it! You can watch it also on YouTube (in German language though lol)



    Disclaimer: Contains Affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.