Clear and perfect skin has been my desire lately. Actually I have been gone for it since I remember myself using beauty products, but now I made it to my true aim.
Want you, my lovelies, know about some skincare products that have helped me a lot. I have already finished with these products, but result have stayed and hopefully stay.
My skin type is acne prone and rather oily, but combined in winter or autumn.
What I used then? Alpha-H Clear Skin Kit. It consists of five products which for full skincare regime to achieve clear skin. I started like usually with no expectations, thinking only that what can I loose.
It all comes in this cute box and all five products are at same size. This kit is made for normal, oily and combination skin with natural ingredients.
At the mornings and evenings I washed my face with Triple Action Cleanser. It contains gentle Aloe Vera and is mild to use twice a day, but strong enough to clean face perfectly. It does not foam, but I noticed it cleans even pores slightly. I enjoyed it didn't made my skin feel tight after washing.
Every other day I used after washing my face Micro Cleanse to exfoliate my skin. This product contains 12% clycolic acid, which is key to cure acne. It smells like toothpaste and formulation is also like white paste with granulates in it.
I just can't describe it with words how good it was working on my skin. I saw pure, pore-free skin after I used it. An entire beauty regime in a bottle: deep cleanser, exfoliator, polish, mask, all-in-1. This is my favorite from the whole kit.
Twice a day after washing (exfoliating) I applied Balancing Moisturiser which also claims to be gentle exfoliant- that means it assists in natural skin renewal and refinement of skin texture.
It is very light by its consistency, so absorbs quickly and didn't clog my pores. Contains 10% clycolic acid formula.
Once a week I used Purifying Clay Mask with vitamin A. It is deep pore cleansing mask that draws out toxins and impurities without stripping the skin. Impurities are swept away, pores unclogged and skin liberated to enjoy a cleaner, smoother, noticeably softer future.
It is good, very good, because my skin feels very smooth and clean after using it, but I don't like smell of this mask. I can't even describe you what the smell is like, but it is annoying and repulsive to me. It is like some herb, but I don't like exactly what kind of.
Also once a week I used 15% Clycolic Hydrating Mask with Lavender (can't find on their website). I gave a chance to this usually in the end of the weeks. It is creamy and soft mask that cleans and exfoliates, but also hydrates skin deeply. Doesn't clog or overwhelm problematic skin as some hydrating masks can do. It smells just like purifying mask I talked about, but I got used to it in time.
I am happy to have clear skin enough to go out without makeup. Of course I break out when I get stressed, but I don't have to fight constantly with those little whit bumps around my jawline and forehead.
Right now I am only using these Alpha-H facial masks and my skin have been able to remain its condition so far. My makeup goes on better, I don't need so much makeup products anymore to hide anything.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Journey to Clear Skin
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Look Bare Faced!
Yes, I know, another mineral makeup post from me, but I just can't help it since my skin has got different needs when seasons change.
In autumn and winter my skin is more dry than it ever could be- especially around my nose area. Some people always suggest me to pick liquid foundations instead of mineral powders to handle patchiness and powdery look, but I won't. Because the key is finding perfect and most suitable products that won't dry your skin out even in the coldest and harshest season.
So this post is good for girls who think mineral products are causing unwanted powdery look.
Here is Barefaced Beauty Mineral Foundation which claims to be dye-free, talc-free and chemical-free. Also it promises to give sheer coverage if applied lightly, but great coverage if you want apply it heavier.
On my first day with this foundation I applied it very lightly and it is amazing how natural it looks. It gives that kind of touch like you have natural and flawless face on your own.
So, what is that phenomena I am talking about? When considering that foundation I noticed it beseems with your face and natural oils faster than the others. Its consistency seems to be more liquidity and softer than the other powders. It just doesn't suck all my natural oils off from my skin. This is why it feels like I am wearing my own skin- only better.
I can't deny it does all that it promises. In order to have natural finish I use it as highlighter and add natural glow to finish up my makeup. I apply it above my cheekbones, on my nose, under my eyebrows and sometimes a little bit on forehead. I think it makes me little too glowing and shiny if I should apply it all over my face. We don't want finish as eastern egg, do we?

Click again, please!
To finish my review up lets add a bit colour to it. Okay, Barefaced isn't all about coverage, it also brings out colours with Mineral Eye shadows that claims to be with very good quality so "little goes a very long way".
Pigmentation is great even with dry brush and you really need so little amount of product to have nicely blended eye makeup.

I was surprised to find its nice sheen shimmer not falling off my eyes after long day, because usually it happens when I use shimmery eye shadows.
All this (except eye shadows of course!) goes on with my little cute Baby Buki which is mini version of Deluxe Kabuki and comes with Mini Kits that are available in their site.
It is so soft and goes softer with every use. Huge advantage is the fact that it does not shed and it fits into my little makeup bag I carry along with me.
To sum up I a glad I found so simple and carefree to apply makeup to my cold time routine. What is yours?
PS! Barefaced won one of Natural Health Magazine's Beauty Awards 2009
What is Arbonne + Huge Discount!
I have been searching so much information about Arbonne lately. There has been good reviews and bad reviews, but this is normal and goes along with every product out there. In very end I can't let others decide for me if I like it. So, I have decided to have some products and I think you should think about it too. There is huge discount out that waits us to take advantage of it.
First here is a bit more information about the products themselves:
Botanically Based: A proprietary blending of science and nature based on herbal and botanical principles.
pH Correct: to ensure maximum benefits
Hypoallergenic: Voluntary human testing well exceeds hypoallergenic substantiation claim criteria
Dermatologist Tested: Voluntary human tests done under the watchful eye of independent Dermatologists and Ophthalmologists
Never Tested on Animals: Substantiation and safety testing if performed at independent laboratories on voluntary human panels
Formulated Without Animal Products or Bi-products: Plants and Herbs together with Science and Technology offer superior benefits. Certified Vegan by Vegan.org
Formulated Without Mineral Oil: Occlusive oil can interfere with skin functions as well as advanced delivery systems
Formulated Without Dyes or Chemical Fragrances: Dyes and Fragrances are known irritants and can cause skin irritations
Plus I noticed very often one amazing fact when reading different reviews: some people suffering rosacea have found new life by using Arbonne's skincare. Their skin condition had fall back after using these products.
Okay, Info for Discount:
What: A whopping 20% off the Regular Retail Price and Set Special Prices (excludes "business aid items" such as protein shake cup, makeup cases etc. as those products are already sold at cost)
Who: Anyone from the US, Canada, Australia or UK can take advantage of this incredible offer
When: Now! until Dec 15th.
How:
1. Go to www.arbonne.com
2. Sign in using Arbonne ID 115189764 and PIN 3142 (upper right hand corner of the page)
3. After sign-in the prices default to reflect Canadian currency and shipping rates (as this shopping code originated in Canada). To change to another Currency select the order.
4. Shop Shop Shop!
5. Enter you shipping and payment information on the secure site and voila! You are done and have received 20% off all eligible products! Products will be shipped to your address and normally come within 2-5 business days.
PS! Notice, that order destinations are USA/CA/UK/AU
Email direct at kirstenengel@live.ca if you are having difficulty ordering or if you have any questions at all about the products :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
What I am Using Right Now

The post title speaks for itself, so lets get going to the more informative part of my products.
Shampoo: Avalon Organics Mango & Awapuhi Moisturizing Shampoo
Conditioner: Avalon Organics Mango & Awapuhi Moisturizing Conditioner
Styling Products: none at this time
Shower Gel: Honeycat Cosmetics Sweet Potato Pie Grooming Day Bubble Stuff
Body Moisturizer: The Sanctuary Age Repair Hydrating Body Serum
Deodorant: Rexona Crystal Clear Pure and Versace Man Eau Fraiche Deo Stick (for men... I know, but I like it)
Fake Tan: haven't used for a while, but AntiDote Skincare Summer Glow
Cleanser: Nude Cleansing Oil and Nature Girl "I am Apple" facial cleanser
Toner: none
Exfoliator: Alpha-H Micro Cleanse Exfoliant
Foundation Brush: Ferro Cosemtics
Concealer: Elemental Beauty healing concealer in Bright Eyes
Powder: Bareface Setting Powder in Jasmine
Blusher: Mineralissima in Flirt
Bronzer: Elemental Beauty in Sunkissed
Highlighter: Eyeko 3in1 Cream
Eyeshadow Base: none
Eyeshadows: in everyday basis Senna Cosmetics Mineral Shadow Duo in Cocoa Nudes, but I have loads of pretty mineral shadows I have reviewed in my blog; love them all!
Eyeliner: Alima Pure eyeliner in Paparazzi (brown) and Manhattan Cosmetics Liquid Tip Eyeliner in shade 1010N (black)
Curler: don't need it!
Mascara: Avon Supershock in black
Lipstick: Manhattan Cosmetics Intense Moisture & Gloss in shade 53k (pretty nude colour)
Lipgloss: Elizabeth Grant nude lipgloss
Nail Colour: currently Eyeko Pastel Polish (minty green)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Magic in My Makeup Bag
It is getting darker and darker each day. I have something to add a little twist into every day I am wearing my makeup. It is Mineral Magic Cosmetics with its wide-wide range of mineral eye shadows I just adore.
Mineral Magic offers three different sorts of pigments: pearl and shimmer, matte and goth mineral pigments. I have one of goth collection and the others are pearl and shimmer ones. I get so happy when I look my humble collection of these pigments. So truly colorful!
I also did swatches from colors to show you, my ladies. Here it comes.
This one is is called Midas. It is from pearl and shimmer collection and really represents pearly and shimmery color so good. It is not junky or tacky shimmer, but really silky and sheen. Color is perfect: golden yellow which makes also good shade to wear at daytime.
Next one is called Harvest. It is a rustic, deep golden bronzed pumpkin with a super shine. Not junky shimmer or glitter at all. It is very buildable when you want to have darker color, but easy and light enough to decorate your eyes at daytime.
It is slightly darker and more bronze color than first Midas is. By the way, these two make perfect combination together.
Third one is called Aztec and reminds me pinky rose with a hint of violet or lilac. Very girly and gorgeous color. It was surprise when it showed up mo
re peachy on skin than it was in package. I like peachy undertones, so it was good surprise!
Twilight Green is very pigmented metallic shade of forest green with blue undertones. It reminds me almost the color of turquoise and ocean.
Citrus makes me smile, because this color is absolutely fabulous. It is like sliced and juicy red grapefruit. Very vibrant and alive red color with pink undertones. If you watch this pigment in a jar and think that this is so ridiculous and not wearable, think again! Swatch proves that this is totally decorous and gentle shade. I love this!
Opal is very special color indeed. Absolute elegance. It fools youwhen you look it only as a powder in a jar.
As a powder, it looks like pale vanilla cream pearl co lor in the jar as you can see in the photo. When you apply it to your skin, there is an explosion of red and lavender! It is a soft, sophisticated, iridescent sparkle, with a subtle glow. Very suitable for the workplace. This is also a perfect color for the blushing bride, for prom night, and espe cially for that special night on the town!Last but not least, here is Black Amethyst in its glory. It dark sheen lilac color, reminds me eggplant. Very elegant and feminine to use in making smoky eye or eyeliner. Pigmentation of this is like in dreams.
My Mineral Magic eye: used Midas, Harvest and Citrus.
Other few things I own by Mineral Magic are as good a s their eye shadows I introduced you. Here are two "grown-up" lip products I thought I could never wear. But surprisingly there are some certain places where red feminine lady lips are so perfec t. Never say never! I have become loving that kind of look (neutral eyes and pin-up lips).
These lovelies are healthy mineral lipstick in shade Poppy and mineral lip liner pencil in shade Rose Wood. Perfect combination for fall and winter.
My three makeup brushes I use every day and love how they do their work. I have cleaned them, washed them, dried them and they are in perfect condition. I could do review on brushes I have used only few times, so you can trust me on this.
The biggest one is Careassable Powder Brush/Kabuki. Their web page says that this style is often referred to as Kabuki w/Handle. Even if you have seen brushes that appear similar to this, they are not the same. There is nothing else on the market like this brush.
I bet you all have used brushes with natural hair. I have! And many of those will stink when I washed them. Also I can not leave without mentioning the fact that many of those are very harsh on skin. So I have had times when I prefer synthetic brushes instead natural because of these point outs I made.
This brush surprised me a lot. It is totally soft and when it dried after washing, it did not smell at all. I use it to apply my mineral powder foundation or mineral veil when I use liquid foundation. My makeup goes on very easily I can not ask or want more. It is a good investment!
Another one is Ultimate Concealer Makeup, Shadow Shading Brush (what a long name).
I use it only to apply my cream concealer. It goes on very well. My gentle eye are loves this brush, because it does not irritate my skin and feels very soft. What can I say?! This brush is very needed in my brush-family.
Last one is tiny Wet-Dry Brush to apply my mineral eye shadow. It is very precise and with good quality. I love it how it works great when I use mineral loose shadows with little liquid and create eye line. It makes also a good shading brush with a sophisticated results.
To sum up I say some important things to me when considering this makeup company:
It is totally cruelty free, paraben free and I appreciate their costumer service so much. They are very helpful and kind, because sometimes it is hard to choose shades from wide range of colors.
Enjoy yourself!
Monday, October 12, 2009
My New Haircare Routine
Beauté Luxury Cosmetics
Good quality is very important to me if I use beauty products. Oh, I have used products that are quite crappy, but the point is I always use these very temporarily, because I get tired of re-applying my makeup constantly all day long.
So my point is, you must actually use the products before you can say that products are good. And here I am, clearing it up when talking about Beauté Cosmetics - it is really impressive and underestimated in my humble opinion, because I hadn't heard anything from it before I started to use some of their resumé.
Beauté is created by wonderful people and one of them is celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson who also shows some beauty tips and techniques in here. What a brilliant way to improve website of beauty brand. It just gives that personal touch to brand!
So that was a little excitement and introduction by me. Now we are here to watch my four special friends.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
My True Affection for Senna Cosmetics
Hello, ladies! I haven`t been here for a while, because I started my second course at university and I was very busy with my personal live as well. I hope that I have more time now and I am sure that I must make it up for you with my posts and believes that are reflected in this blog.
So, I have been using about month or two some makeup from Senna Cosmetics. As I had much time to get know these products I can say that my opinion is truly honest.
Eugenia Weston, founder of Senna Cosmetics and Emmy nominated celebrity makeup artist, has been a pioneer in the cosmetic
s industry for over three decades.
“From the age of 13, I was fascinated with faces- the emotions, balance, beauty and of course flaws. I was always visualizing how a woman could be more beautiful and better communicate who she truly was throug
h the art of makeup,” states Ms. Weston.
Gifted with an incredible eye for facial harmony combined with a remarkable sense of color and touch for makeup application, sh
e began to create her own totally unique personal makeup style, fashioned by mixing her own colors. Instantly her signature style was in demand by friends and ultimately the top fashion photographers in the international couture scene, including Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, and Greg Gorman. Her work in film, TV, and videos taught her how lighting, fashion and makeup intersect.
Weston’s unbridled passion for makeup inspired her to create Senna Cosmetics, the first complete artist line created for everyday women to use at home.
She also designed the internationally noted ‘Trucco’ Cosmetics product line, consulting with Sebastian founder, Geri Cuzenza.
When you visit their web-page you can see they offer huge variety of beauty products which all look very promising. You don`t get disappointment, because this first impression doesn`t betray.
With my products I got nice brochure which I enjoyed to explore, so I hope you do as well. It simply shows some bestselling products by Senna.
Now lets have fun! I will show you generously which of those are mine and how these show up.
Mineral Eyes Shadow Trio in Cocoa Nudes is product I am using every single day to do my daytime makeup.
When you want to know about consistency it is very silky, matte and easy to apply and blend.
Favorite color from this trio is probably the lightest one - Neutral Matte Cream. It gives very sheer and healthy glowing look when I use it alone on daytime.
Form-A-Brow Kit perfect and most natural way to shape brows just like you want them to be.
It based on the professional 3-point brow shaping technique taught in the finest beauty schools.
I have not much to say about this brow miracle. It leaves brows more natural than whatever brow pencil. It is perfect for add more definition to your brows or just fill in caps on your brow-line. It goes on easy and it is perfect to blend in. I use the color in the middle the most and the right one least, because I don`t want my brows to be too dark as I am blonde.
Sheer Lipstick SPF 15 is the one that is always in my purse. It is enough sheer, protecting and moisturising to be lip balm, but contains enough pigments to carry title of lipstick.
Color itself is warm creamy pink with little bit watery ad shiny consistency. It feels like wearing a lip gloss.
I have got also two Lip Lacquers: one is sparkling and the other is pearl glow.
These are very long lasting, but not drying as some of that kind lip products can be. I gives very creamy, but thick enough result to lips. I tested these out by drinking water and licking my lips, it lasted irrespective of my trials. Although it lasts, it is not difficult to remove it with tissue or cotton pad.

Pearly glowing in the other hand is better to me and my desire to have baby pink glossy lips. It is in shade Zest and is like opalescent peachy pink.
This is how I get along with products by Senna Cosmetics. I must confess I thought that it is not good quality I should look for, but I was wrong. Quality is the best!
I hope you liked my writing and enjoyed my little things that are important to me - play with makeup and tell you all about it.
Have a nice weekend!
Friday, September 11, 2009
My Long Term Favorites
I discovered brand called Bella Lucce in this summer and tried out two products right away after that. I gave these some time to be sure if these are as good as my first impression told me. And yes, they are!
This beauty brand offers all thing that is necessary to pampering yourself in original way of beauty rituals. I personally am surprised by different types of products: wine therapy, pumpkin mask, chocolate syrup, banana bath and these are only few of tempting treasures that I need.
I have Rainforest Restoration Hibiscus & Honeysuckle Hair Treatment form their Luxe Collection.
It is a supercharged weekly restorative treatment that delivers a potent cocktail of essential nutrients for hair and scalp. Pro-Vitamin B5 increases the strength of the hair shaft and prevents damage caused by overheating as it tames split ends. Wheat protein works overtime to boost body while organic hibiscus extract restores silkiness to all hair types. Finally, a blend of organic shea butter, real honey and macadamia nut oil feed the hair and lock in moisture… sexy, shiny, beautifully soft hair is within your reach.
I wanted this to treat my colored an naturally dry hair. First time I used it once a week after washing my hair instead of conditioner. Just like instructions said. My hair was soft, smooth and silky. Second week I thought that it could be extra moisturizing when I apply ~ for an hour before going to take a shower and washing it off with shampoo. Of course I used my usual hair conditioner and believe or not, results were even better than first week. Now I ignore all the instructions and act my way every week and my hair have never been happier.
It is quite thick, good smelling little bit oily cream I apply to my roots and then all over my hair.
This innovative dry mask combines Moroccan Rhassoul Clay with a nourishing botanical blend that includes sea kelp and green tea extract. Brimming with natural antioxidants and potent polyphenols, this remarkable treatment removes toxins and impurities and refines skin texture as it tones and replenishes minerals essential to healthy skin. Mix with water, yogurt, milk or puréed fruit according to skin type to create a completely natural facial masque that'll have your skin glowing.
I have used dry masks only couple of times before and I didn`t have my certain opinion about these. I just found masks that are already completely made for me and seem to be easier and faster way to treat skin. I had only the joy of applying and rising off.
Now I don`t mind mixing my facial mask myself, because it has got huge advantages: it can be used several ways and it includes purest ingredients ever. Playing with different mixers (water, milk, yogurt, juices, honey, oils, cream) every woman can choose the best facial miracle for her skin. It lasts longer, because you need very few when mixing your facial mask. They say that once you have used dry, you never want everything else. I agree, but never say never!
I have used it with water and yogurt and I must say in both ways this mask is an ease to my acne prone and oily skin. It sucks all extra oils on my skin, but doesn`t dry it out. It smells like wonder and I noticed little white pieces in it. I think these become from coconut, because I feel the scent of it as well.
So, my face has got also pampering ritual once a week and all this because of Bella Lucce.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
One Simple Balm to My Health and Beauty
This post is not only beauty related as you can tell by reading a title of it. It talks also about health, because I have found such a unique product called Móa The Green Balm.
I am sure that every beauty blogger or lady knows about vaseline that can help you in varied problems with your skin, lashes, lips, makeup, nails etc. Yes, I thought that vaseline is that one and only as it is most multipurpose remedy I could ever use. But, I live and learn!
The healing properties are quite remarkable: it calms, nourishes and protects, making it suitable for use in all sorts of different treatments…
• especially beneficial in very dry or cold weather conditions, the balm is an exceptionally effective re-hydration agent; may help to prevent and treat frostbite
• helpful with skin conditions such as dry patches, rashes and burns
• helpful with the after-care of burns or scarring to promote healing, reduce itching, nourish and soften
• may help to soothe eczema and mild cases of psoriasis
• protects chapped and cracked skin on elbows, knees hands and feet
• use on cuts and sores for all the family
• makes a fantastic facial cleanser/beauty balm, removes all traces of make-up, whilst conditioning the eyelashes and balancing
the skin; see below for step by step instructions
• softens cuticles
• revives dull looking hair; comb through to condition and restore lustre and vitality to tired looking locks
• a baby bag essential - Móa helps to prevent nappy rash and soothes cradle-cap
• warm between the fingertips, to use as a quality massage oil
• mix a teaspoon of móa with hot water and a little honey and gargle to ease a sore throat
The Móa cleansing ritual
Móa balm not only cleanses, but also exfoliates, tones and decongests the skin. It improves circulation, refines skin texture and even helps to stimulate cell renewal
Follow the steps below to remove your make-up and leave your skin feeling toned and balanced.
1) Take a pea sized amount of Móa and melt between the fingertips to create an oil
2) Using gentle pressure, smooth Móa over your entire face,neck and make-up
3) Dip the Móa cloth into hot water and press to the face, allowing the steam to cleanse, open pores and seal the therapeutic oils
into the skin
4) Repeat these steps twice; using more movement should you require additional exfoliation
Can you believe it? Móa has got even more uses to be proud of.
I didn`t have to wait long until I could use this miracle balm. I got a blister on my upper lip. As soon as I noticed and felt it I started to rub this green balm on it several times a day. Usually I use some harsh apothecary cream on my blisters and wait at least a week until it is perfectly gone. Sometimes these dry my problem area so out that I get bleeding upper lip and it is definitely not comfortable condition. I really don`t know if you believe me if I say that my blister was gone in two days. I hope you do, because it is true and I was very, very impressed, because I get blister on my lip quite often and I am always very sad when it happens.
The other use I tried out is putting a little bit balm in my hair to moisturise my dry ends. I warmed a very little amount of green balm between my fingers and slightly applied it on my washed and dried hair ends. It is important to use very few, because you don`t wanna make your hair greasy. It worked as well and left my hair really soft.
What is so great about it? Wonder, wonder! Of course ingredients!
• 100% natural product
• 100% organic herbs
• Concentrated active ingredients
• No chemicals
• No artificial preservatives
• No perfume
• No alcohol
• No parabens
• No lanolin
It is important you are aware of the fact you don`t wanna put it in your eyes because its herbs can irritate such a gentle area as your eyeballs are.
Read here how Móa have helped different people. It is very interesting and impressive to read.
I am ready for winter from now, because I am curious about how my sore throat and this balm going to get along.
Have any of you used it? What do you think of it?








