REVIEW: Oriflame Skin Dream BB Cream

Official description:

All-in-one solution fusing make-up, skincare and SPF protection. At once conceals all types of pigmentation, blemishes, discoloration and reduces appearance of pores. Hydrates and creates a perfect, lustrous skin tone. Use everyday for a dewy, flawless-look. Oil-free. SPF 30. 

Packaging: Tube containing 30 ml.

Texture: Similar to a liquid foundation.
What it does: Because the essence BB cream I recently bought is a shade too dark for my skin, I bought this one from Oriflame in the shade Fair because I'm white like a ghost when I'm not tanned. For me, it's like a light to medium coverage foundation, but I like how you can't tell I'm wearing any make-up and it's also good in the transfer department because I hardly see any traces on my phone (that's for me the ultimate transfer test). I like to use BB creams because I don't have severe acne, just some redness, so I usually go with concealer on any acne or blemishes and BB cream to even out my skin color. This BB cream has SPF 30 (another thing I care for) and it's oil free. For me, it's as good as the Garnier one, and it's actually better in the shininess department.

Ingredient List:

AQUA, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, STEARIC ACID, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, HEXYL LAURATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHYLPARABEN, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PROPYLPARABEN, DISODIUM EDTA, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, ALUMINA, SILICA, BHT

Price: 23 lei (5.5 euros)
Re-buy or pass: Definitely re-buy!

REVIEW: Oriflame Optimals Skin Energy Night Cream

Official description:

Hydrating night cream with minerals that deeply moisturise and restore skin’s energy so you wake-up to fresh-looking, glowing skin. Also contains softening, protecting vitamin C.

Packaging: Glass jar containing 50 ml.

Texture: The cream is very light, has a light pink color and a subtle citrus scent.

 What it does: I must say, this is finally a face cream from Oriflame I really like. I'm cheating a little bit because I use it as a day cream also, but it's very light so I'm not too shiny. And believe it or not, it does work! It makes my face look rested and glowing and I love products like that because of my very chaotic lifestyle. I must say though, if you have dull AND dry skin it's not going to give you enough hydration.

Ingredient List:

AQUA, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, OCTYLDODECANOL, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, POLYACRYLATE-13, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, SORBITAN STEARATE, TETRAHYDROXYPROPYL ETHYLENEDIAMINE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, NYLON-12, POLYISOBUTENE, ORYZA SATIVA CERA, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, LACTIC ACID, PARFUM, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, MICA, POLYSORBATE 20, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, LAMINARIA DIGITATA, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1, ASCORBYL METHYLSILANOL PECTINATE, SODIUM METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM METABISULFITE, SODIUM SULFITE, CI 77891, CI 15510, CI 19140

Price: 18 lei (4.5 euros)
Re-buy or pass: I want to buy it again, but for the last campaigns I found it only in the clearance section.

REVIEW: Oriflame Optimals Skin Energy Eye Cream

Official description:

Specially formulated cream for eyes, with hydrating, protecting vitamin C, light reflecting particles to add glow, and minerals for a healthy appearance. Brings a natural radiant look to your eye area. 

Packaging: The cream comes in a yellow tube containing 15 ml.

Texture: It is a very light cream, with a slight yellow shade. Fragrance free (or at least I didn't sense anything).

What it does: Although this isn't some sort of wonder cream, it feels very nice on the eye area, I had no bad reactions (my eyes are pretty sensitive), it's very moisturizing without being too greasy. I didn't see any improvements with my dark circles (I'm starting to believe I just have to live with them), but the skin does look brighter and more "awake". I'm guessing it's from the caffeine found on the ingredients list. Speaking of, I know the pics are blurry, so here is the complete list of ingredients:

AQUA, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, DIMETHICONE, HYDROGENATED COCO-GLYCERIDES, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, CAFFEINE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, MICA, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, XANTHAN GUM, LAMINARIA DIGITATA, ASCORBYL METHYLSILANOL PECTINATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM METHYLPARABEN, SODIUM METABISULFITE, SODIUM SULFITE, CI 77891, CI 15510, CI 19140

Price: 10 lei ( about 2 euros)
Re-buy or pass: I like it and I'm a sucker for vitamin C products, but I don't know if it's going to be available because it was in the clearance section and I think they don't make it anymore.Maybe if I stumble upon it I'll repurchase it.

TESTED: Egyptian Magic Cream

Hi, kitties!

So, for almost a year now we have Egyptian Magic in Romania too. I mean the real thing, not the fake ones, and lately they had a free testing campaign, so I requested a free sample.I got it very quick with a 15% off coupon on my next order. I got only one 1 ml sample, but it was enough for 4 uses, meaning twice the use I usually get out of that kind of sample.
This is an organic cream made of olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis extract. It's supposed to be good for about anything: face, lips, hands, skin, scars, hair, baby's skin, helps heal bruises and it's a good lubricant.
Now, because I only had a small sample I used it on my face. I read online that it's not that good for oily skin, but I tried it anyway and...I hate it. It's very thick, looks like Vaseline and feels the same too.

I have combination skin, but with this cream on my face I looked very oily. It didn't break me out or something, but I just don't like the feel of it and I didn't see any special effects and I know I shouldn't expect to see something after only two days, but considering this cream has a 25 euros price tag I expect to see something amazing from the first use.
So, if your money's tight like mine, don't waste it on this expecting a miracle, but if you can afford it give it a try, I hear many people swear by it. I guess, like with every cosmetic product, it's a matter of what's good for you, not what the commercials or others say it's good.

REVIEW: Farmec Obsesie Fantasy Deodorant

Official description:
Obsesie Fantasy Deodorant is addressed to women who desire a deodorant that would offer them protection against perspiration and veil them in a charming perfume. Having and extended action duration (48 hours), Obsesie Fantasy Deodorant offers protection against the bad smell of perspiration, and the hair inhibiting complex, Rar- Epil, slows down armpit hair growth, reducing the frequency of depilations. Aluminium chlorohydrate free. Packaging: Green tube containing 75 ml.Texture: This deodorant seems more like a liquid and it's not your typical foamy formula you usually find in spray deodorants. What it does: Farmec is a well known and much loved cosmetics brand so I wanted to try one of their deodorants because I'm tired of my Cien ones. The Cien ones smell nice and they do the job, but the spray ones (I like spray deodorants best) leave a cloud of product behind and sometimes I'm coughing like crazy when I apply them and I imagine that can't be healthy. Also, I was intrigued by the fact that Obsesie (which translates Obsession) is aluminium chlorohydrate free. I don't know about that Rar-Epil complex, but what I can tell you for sure is that this deodorant smells almost as strong as a perfume does, so I don't think it's suited for those who don't want the deodorant to mix with the perfume scent. I personally don't mind because I'm double assured I'll smell nice all day. There are 4 other versions of this deodorant and I'll most definitely try them all.Price: 6 lei (about 1.5 euro) at a local supermarketRe-buy or pass: It's on my shopping list. P.S. Sorry for not using my own photo. Blogger had some issues while posting these and my picture got lost somehow. 

REVIEW: Beauty UK Naill Gift Set in Midnight Minx

Official description:

We thought we'd take a selection of our best selling, utterly fabulous nail polish colours, turn them in to mini versions (that actually aren't that mini!) and put them into three themed collections in a pretty package....then someone in the office had a hot flush and decided we should sell them at less than a fiver!

Packaging: The nail polishes are not really mini size because they have 8 ml each, and that's how sometimes normal size nail polishes come.
Texture: Some of the colors are more liquid than the others (the blue and the lilac shade). Only the black one is matte and the others are all a little bit sparkly.
What it does: Beauty UK Romania were having a 50% off sale, so I decided to buy a nail polish gift set because I don't have that many colors. And since it was just the beginning of fall (it was October) I decided to go for this color combination because they seemed to be fall colors. Oddly enough, the darker colors (black, blue and the lilac I first thought was purple) were not that pigmented and I had to apply 3 coats for the true color to show up. The black is matte, but still shiny and that's something I like because I don't like matte nail polishes at all. If you're a fan though, this gift set is not for you because the colors are mostly on the sparkly side. The nail polishes stay on my nails for about 3-4 days because I do many house chores like washing dishes by hand or scrubbing my oven or things like that, but I'm pretty happy with the staying power.

The black shade in 3 coats

The blue shade, also in 3 coats.

The dark red shade

This is a silver grey shade.It's very nice

The lilac shade seems to be purple in the bottle but it's lighter on the nails.

The last nail polish I thought it was going to be a boring yellow shade (I hate yellow in general), but it's a beautiful golden color. I think it will look great together with the the dark red for Christmas.

Price: 18 lei (about 4 euros)
Re-buy or pass: I would buy other gift sets too, asides the Urban Girl one because they seem like pastel shades and I'm afraid they're not that pigmented.

REVIEW:Suddenly Madame Glamour by Lidl EDP

Official description: None. Unofficial, it's supposed to be a dupe for Coco Mademoiselle.
Packaging: The packaging is nothing too fancy, but I've seen and had more expensive perfumes than this and the packaging wasn't that great. At least is has a pulverizer. The bottle contains 50 ml.

Texture: Golden colored perfume.
What it does: I never smelled Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle, so I can't say if it's a dupe or not. Lidl's perfume is a citrusy one and I feared it would be very synthetic smelling. Of course it's not going to be like the luxurious corespondent, but I'd say if you want something to wear on daily basis without bothering the others around you, or maybe at home (don't laugh, I wear perfume all the time because it makes me feel like I'm put together even if I'm a mess in comfy clothes and with no make-up on), than you won't have anything to lose if you give it a try. The lasting power is not that big, just about 3-4 hours, but like I said, you can use 2-3 bottles of this a month and it's still cheap as hell.
Price: 15 lei (almost 4 euros) in Lidl supermarkets.
Re-buy or pass: Yes, I will definitely buy it again and I'll also try other scents from Lidl.

REVIEW: essence all-in-one BB cream

Official description:

one for all! this lightly tinted cream ensures a smooth, radiant and flawless complexion. it makes small skin imperfections disappear without blocking your pores. the oil and perfume-free beauty balm is available in three different skin tones with spf 30. the must-have amongst foundations for a smooth complexion.

Packaging: The packaging is always cute at the essence products and this bb cream is no exception. Comes in a tube containing 30 ml.
Texture: Similar to a liquid foundation.

What it does: Well, even from the description, they say it's a tinted cream. Basically, this is a tinted moisturizer with a light to medium coverage. This doesn't cover acne or anything like that, but it helped me with my redness, and that is quite enough. One think I don't like is that the lightest shade (called 01 Universal) is a hint too dark for a fair complexion like mine. If it's blended well, I can work with it. Also, oily skin isn't this cream's best friend. You can't use this without a powder or you'll shine bright like a diamond. What I do like is the SPF and the fact that it's oil free. I had some bad break outs and now I'm healing and I didn't notice this BB cream making things worse.
Price: 14,60 lei (almost 4 euros) at my local essence counter.
Re-buy or pass: I'm glad I tried this BB cream and it's a nice product for the price, but...I like Garnier better.

Vichy Idealia Life Serum REVIEW

Official description:

An ultra-light, ultra-soft concentrate, with a non-greasy and non-sticky texture.Enriched with a unique combination of LR2412+LHA molecules, the formula helps transform and protect skin exposed to stress, pollution, smoke or
Tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control.
- Hypoallergenic
- With soothing and fortifying Vichy Thermal Spa Water
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free

Packaging: I had only samples, so I don't know.
Texture: A very light, pale rose colored cream with a subtle scent.


What it does: So,yesterday was the last of my 8 days testing period and I must say I wasn't even sure if I would give this serum a positive review, until I saw the pictures. The lightning is bad, but I wanted to make them be the same ad the before pictures, meaning at night, in my bathroom, using the super macro setting on my camera. And I think the pictures speak for themselves. I didn't use any filter or anything.

What it does:Yes, I do still have redness on my skin, I admit it didn't help much with that, and I do have some acne, especially because I was on my period, but then again, this isn't supposed to be an anti-acne product. Nevertheless, the skin looks much better, especially the pores,they are much smaller. And truth been told, I do look rested, although I get little sleep at nights.The serum goes fast into the skin, no complaints with that and I didn't have any new breakouts or anything from it. I didn't use any other moisturizer because I didn't need to. I also did a collage so you can see the difference. The pictures on the left were taken last night and the pictures on the right are 8 days old.

My only complaint with this serum is that it's supposed to be suited for all skin types, but I got pretty shiny on my oily spots (forehead, chin),so that's my only issue. Other than that, like I said, I didn't even notice that much of a difference because I can't see my skin in macro vision, but after I saw the pictures...Now I don't know how I'll live without this serum.
Price: I don't know yet, but I'm pretty sure over 100 lei (over 25 euros)
Re-buy or pass: The only thing keeping me away from this serum is the price tag. I just can't afford to spend that much money. But if I could, this serum wouldn't be missing from my cabinet.
DISCLAIMER: I wasn't paid for this review. I received free samples for testing, but I wasn't obliged to write a review on my blog. I didn't manipulate the photos in any way and these are my honest opinions about the product.

Manful by Oriflame EDT review

Official description:

Feel your desires awaken with this intoxicating fusion of exotic saffron, cinnamon bark and roasted tonka bean notes. Manful Eau de Toilette exudes carnal power and cries out for closeness.

Packaging: The packaging is very simple, a white bottle with a black cap in a black box. I know it's a men perfume and so on, but I think they could have make something more special. 75 ml
Texture: The perfume has a slight redish color.
What it does: I got this perfume because I had a sample that I gave to my husband and it smelled heavenly. I came to the conclusion I like cinnamon notes in men's perfume, and my husband loves it because it's very long lasting. I kid you not, he puts it on in the morning and in the evening I can still smell it on his neck. I think it's one of the best perfumes for men made by Oriflame, if not the best. If you or your man like spicy fragrances, you should definitely try this. Let me be honest, I like the scent so much, my husband gets many more kisses daily since he's using it (wink, wink!).And everybody keeps asking what he's wearing, especially because it's a new perfume aand not many have tested it.
Price: 53 lei (12-13 euros)
Re-buy or pass:Since it has become my husband's favourite, we'll buy it as long as Oriflame doesn't discontinue it.

Sparkle in Paris by Oriflame EDT

Official description:

Embody the seductive powers of the irresistible fragrance Sparkle in Paris. Combining the sensuality of Vetiver with the dynamic freshness of Boysenberry and sparkling Champagne Accord, you’ll rouse the exhilaration and magnetism of the City of Light. 

Packaging: The bottle is very cute, with the collection's logo, an ornamented cap and a lovely shape. The box has the collection's colors, black and pink. 50 ml
Texture:  The perfume has a slight pinkish color.
What it does: Well, I had an obsession with this collection, mostly because I liked the design, so I wanted to have the perfume by all means. I had the body lotion and I loved the smell, so I figured I would like the perfume too. Well, it is a big disappointment. The scent is the same I knew, but it has absolutely no staying power on me. I even applied a generous amount of it, but after two hours the scent is gone, not only on my skin, but on my clothes too. For God's sake, my deodorant from Cien lasts longer than that, because that's the only thing I sense. With Oriflame perfumes I feel it's like hit or miss. Some are very powerful, like More by Demi Moore, and some are useless like this one. I was really in a mood for trying some of their new stuff, but now I'm turned off. Luckily, my hubby had better luck with his perfume, but I'll come to that in a different post. Bottom line, don't be fooled by the commercial and the cute design and save your money for something else.
Price: 40 lei (10 euros)
Re-buy or pass: Not only do I pass, but I regret buying it in the first place.

Garnier Fructis Goodbye Damage Fortifying Conditioner review

Official description:

Is your hair damaged, lifeless and prone to breakage?

Get ready to set your hair free with Goodbye Damage Fortifying Conditioner! Enriched with Keraphyll and Amla Fruit Oil, the powerful formula repairs hair from within, sealing split ends.

A double action to repair damaged, lifeless hair:
- On the inside : the formula penetrates into the hair fibre to fill in cracks caused by damage. Hair is strengthened from within.
- On the outside : the formula seals the cuticle for added strength. Hair is smooth through to the ends.

Packaging: Comes in an orange squeeze tube containing 200 ml.
Texture: Very thick, creamy. White color, pleasant fruit scent.
What it does: When I bought my current Schauma shampoo they didn't have any conditioners from that brand at the store, so I chose something from Garnier. My hair is long now pass my shoulders and it's tricky to take care of because the roots are getting oily fast and I have a sensitive scalp, but the ends are a little bit damaged because you know, wind, sun, hard water and so on. Therefore, I always use a shampoo suitable for greasy hair, but a conditioner suitable for dry or damaged hair and that combination works best for me. Now, about this conditioner. I wasn't too enthusiastic about the Garnier Ultra Doux conditioner I had in the past because it didn't do much for my hair, but the Fructis line surprised me pleasantly. I remember I had another conditioner and a shampoo in the past and I liked them. My hair is smooth, it has a nice shine, it's easy to style, so I have everything I want from a conditioner. This particular conditioner is in my top 3 for now. I haven't decided if I like Nivea conditioner more or not, but this one is great (I'm talking drugstore hair products here, I don't use professional stuff because they're too expensive for me).
Price: 10 lei (2 euros) in any supermarket
Re-buy or pass: Yes, I might just repurchase this conditioner.

Schauma 7 Herbs Shampoo review

Official description:

The formula with 7 carefully chosen herbs removes grease, provides freshness and perfectly restores the hair's natural volume.
Hairtype: Normal to fast re-greasing hair

• The Shampoo gently cleans the hair, removes excessive grease and leaves the hair healthy looking
  
• It strengthens the hair from the roots down to the tips
  
• The strengthening formula contains precious herbal extracts such as Camomille, Rosemary or common hop
• Herbal extracts are used for decades for cleaning the hair and improving its condition
  
• For well-groomed hair with natural volume and a light feeling of freshness all day long

Packaging: Plastic, green squeeze bottle containing 250 ml
Texture: The shampoo is more on the liquid side, it has a pale green color and it smells vaguely like herbs.
What it does: I bought this shampoo mainly because I was being nostalgic. In the 90's, when there weren't that many beauty brands in our country, friends and family who were working or living in Germany would bring us drugstore stuff they could find everywhere. Schauma was something almost everyone had because it was so cheap. And it still is.But I remembered I always liked their shampoos and plus Schwarzkopf makes SYOSS too and figured it couldn't be that bad. And I was right. For my greasy hair, the 7 herbs (which are listed only with the ingredients, so I don't know exactly what they are) get the job done. For me, it's important not to have an itchy scalp just one day after I washed my hair. Therefore, my scalp feels good and my roots are not greasy. Also, if you have a problem with silicone, this shampoo is 100% free of it.
Price: about 10 lei (2 euros) in any supermarket
Re-buy or pass: Yes, but at the same time there are other two shampoos from Schauma I want to try, so we'll see.

W7 The Big Five Eyeshadow Palette review

Official description: Couldn't find one
Packaging: Nice, slick case with zebra print on the top, a mirror and a double ended sponge applicator. 4 gr.

Texture: Silky, shimmery eyeshadows.

What it does: It's the first W7 product I own and I love it! The eyeshadows are much nicer in reality, but they don't show up well on camera because they're on the shimmery side. And I do love shimmery eyeshdows. If I were to compare them, I would say they're like e.l.f. ones. Not the greatest pigmentation, but with a primer they do pop on the eyelid and I had no problems with the creasing. I like all the colors, which is pretty rare even for a small palette. It has a silver, a pink, two golden shades a lilac one. For me, it goes to my favourites because the formula, the shades and the packaging are great for me. They were really cheap so that's why it's not like I could demand the greatest quality, but they are decent.
Price: 14 lei (3 euros) on cosmetiq.ro
Re-buy or pass: I would buy this palette in other shade combination.In fact, I would try other eyeshadows from W7 in general, because so far I like what I got.