✨2020✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While every ✨2020✨
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While everyone’s life came to a halt mine started to roll.
After a decade of standing still, the signs finally said “Let’s Go!”
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Charting unknown waters, challenging myself.
The best gift this year has been to realize I don’t have to stick to just one. 💫
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One dream. One passion. One niche. One life.
Keeping my door open for anything to happen. ✨
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2020 in no particular order:
- Rescued a homeless kitten and found her a new home.
- Climbed a few cliffs (literally) and (figuratively) jumped from some.
- Dived deep into shadow work and Human Design. 
- Spent more time playing Township and The Sims than on Instagram. 
- My cat got bitten and almost died. 
- Read a bunch of books on money, investing and how to unblock subconscious lies.
- Baked a lot. 
- Celebrated 10yrs together with my ❤️
- It’s getting quite late I should probably wrap this thing up. 😅

Happy New Year everyone! 🥳
✨ A simple guide to US Avéne RetrinAL alternat ✨ A simple guide to US Avéne RetrinAL alternatives in Europe.✨
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I've been waiting for Avéne to bring the RetrinAL-range to Europe, and maybe you have too? Well, apparently, it's been here all along! 💁🏻‍♀️ I've contacted Avéne Sweden to get information and confirmation about the strengths to be as accurate as possible. Here's a little cheat sheet for you 👇🏼
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✨ RetrinAL 0.1 Cream = A-Oxitive Night Peeling cream
- Fragrance-free. 0.1% retinal. Has the exact same formula.
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✨ RetrinAL 0.05 Cream ≈ PhysioLift Night Balm
- Fragranced. Not exactly the same formula, but has 0.05% strength. Made to target more mature skin with deep wrinkles and sagginess with Ascofilline. Their now discontinued Ysthéal Cream had the same exact formula.
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✨ RetrinAL Eyes = PhysioLift Eye Cream
- Same formula. 0.015% retinal.
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✨ RetrinAL Advanced Wrinkle Corrector = PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler
- Same exact formula. However, it's being discontinued so I didn't get what strength it had 😶
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✨ RetrinAL Day Cream = PhysioLift Day Smoothing Cream
- Same exact formula. Despite its name, doesn’t contain any retinal. Fragranced.
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➕ Other Avéne products with Retinal:
New Cleanance Smoothing Night cream 
– Replaces the now discontinued TriAcneal Expert (still called TriAcneal in the US though) and is specifically formulated for adult acne-prone skin. It has 0.1% Retinal. Fragranced.
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A-Oxitive Smoothing Eye Contour Cream
– Has 0.01575% retinal. Fragrance-free.
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Have you tried Avéne's products with retinaldehyde? 
I've posted my thoughts on the PhysioLift and Cleanance night creams on the blog! (link in bio)
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#avene #retinal #retrinal #aveneretrinal #antiage #acne #physiolift #cleanance #skincareobsessed #skincarecommunity #skincareblogger #skönhet #skönhetstips #skönhetsblogg
Show us your face Show some skin Show us something Show us your face
Show some skin
Show us something even if it is fake
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Give us a smile
Tell us a lie
Connect more by starting to cry
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Showing my dislike by feeling resistant
To do what it takes to be in this present
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I hate you so much or I hate myself more
That I can’t act the way you’re supposed to
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I just can’t support this behavior
Don’t wanna become anyone’s guru or savior
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When are you going to stop seeking advice,
From people who knows no more than what works for themselves
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Young people thinking they know a lot,
Because they did some research on Google and blogs
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This space is filled with young impressionable heads
Someday they’ll grow up but not today
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Be thoughtful of what you’re spreading online
You might do damage to somebody’s life
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Unsolicitedly pointing out your faults
Indirectly spreading doubt in everyone’s thoughts
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s a pandemic, reaching for extremes
Losing what actually matters and what can’t be fixed 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Stop being a follower, stop trying to show the way
It is time for everyone to learn it’s all in themselves.
⏱ 5min Makeup ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .Tarte ⏱ 5min Makeup
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.Tarte BB Primer in Medium
It’s very similar to the BareMinerals BB Primer but in a better packaging. The Tarte primer can be a little matte looking though.
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.Milk Makeup Lip+Cheek in Werk
Surprised at how much product you get in the mini! Werk is a beautiful and neutral shade that will suit most complexions. I don't understand why it has citrus oils 🤨 but will nonetheless get it in Rally too. 😄
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.Milk Makeup Fiber Brow Gel in Dutch
My very first brow-mascara and I’m very pleased! It won’t fill in gaps, you still need a pencil for that, but will make brows look bushier. I recently had a period of fallout, and I believe the brow gel has helped with regrowth! My brows seem much thicker than before and I haven’t reached for it as often. If I repurchase, I’ll probably go for a shade lighter. Dutch was a perfect match, but slightly too dark for my liking. 
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.Too Faced Sculpt concealer Neutral Beige
I'm one of the lucky to have my shade match in the travel size. However, the product I got wasn't mixed very well. 🙇🏻‍♀️ So the shade is slightly darker than what it's actually supposed to be. You get a good amount in this little bottle and you only need the tiniest bit. However, I won't be going back to it as the formula doesn't seem very well mixed and I will never be able to finish the full size in time.
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.Nars Lipstick in Tolede*
Thanks to Sephora for getting me hooked on expensive lipstick! 😂  Tolede is such a beautiful and universal shade. I so want to repurchase but I probably can live without...
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.RMS Master Mixer*
Had it for 3 years and I’m not even at the bottom of it! 😅 I’ve had to throw away the Signature Set* as it was smelling kind of rancid. But the Master Mixer pot is holding strong. However, I think it’s time for a replacement. Don’t overestimate old makeup! Your skin will thank you. ✨
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What started innocent ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What started innocent became so serious. 
From filter and frames to FaceTune and fame. 
10 years on Instagram and I am mostly the same. 
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I might never get it as I came on here too early. 
It has another meaning than growing a following, likes and making money.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I should’ve shown more face, I should’ve shown more skin. 
Maybe then, you’d find me on the discovery page? 
Maybe photos of my ass would have hold your attention 
or flexing my superior wisdom?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Most of you joined less than five years ago. 
The other Alumni’s seems to have left the platform. 
It’s not what it used to be.
Not saying it’s a bad thing. 
Just saying the vibe here has become whiny and depressing. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But it’s not how you have it, it’s how you take it. 
The reality is that, I decide what gets to show up on my feed.
And it might not be diverse enough, but it makes me happy. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I post less now than I used to do.
It’s because I want a life where I’m not exposed to everyone’s opinion and caring what others think, say or do.
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With all that said, 10 years later I’m still here. 
Happy 10th Birthday 🎉  and perhaps to many more!
For how much longer? I really don’t know...
Despite not being a huge coffee drinker I've exper Despite not being a huge coffee drinker I've experienced my teeth yellowing as I've gotten older. I haven't really been able to combat it as every time I switch my toothpaste, especially to a whitening one, I get terrible toothaches! My gums are quite sensitive... 🙇🏻‍♀️ Anyone else who can relate?
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I was thinking about getting one of those teeth whitening kits and then I got approached by @thesmileo and couldn't say no. Their products are peroxide-free and a more gentle alternative. I can tell you right off the bat that my gums did not feel any discomfort! 😁 For the results, you'll have to jump over to my blog and read! (link in bio!)
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✨ If you've been interested to brighten your smile a notch or two, use the code isabel10 at the checkout at smileo.se for 10% off your order! ✨
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How do you keep your smile white? 🙂
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#gifted #smileo #notaffiliated #teethwhitening #teethwhiteningkit #beautyblog #beautyblogger #skönhet #tandvård #vitaretänder #crueltyfree #whiteteeth #beautycommunity #teethcare
A few meltdowns and veterinary bills later... Ev A few meltdowns and veterinary bills later... 

Everything that could go wrong did 🙇🏻‍♀️ But I think we’re finally on our way to put this behind us 🤞🏼 I’ll spare you nasty wounds and share cute cone cat 😄
Some new things I've been testing since spring. 👇🏼🌸
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💕Deviant GRL
I got this for Christmas but didn't crack it open until around May. I've learned it's best to only have one exfoliator on rotation. So I wanted to finish some before moving towards the next.
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I don't have much to add to the conversations about this one.
It's somewhat gentle to what I'm used to. Meaning, I don't wake up feeling a huge difference in my skin. But in a way, that's a good thing! 😄 It doesn't sensitize the skin and disrupts my retinol use. Usually, it's a battle of having to balance the use of both. But with the GRL I've been able to use both interchangeably without accidentally damaging my skin barrier. 👍🏼
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💕Allies Of Skin
Six months ago I managed to get my hands on two tubes (second hand) of the (now called) Peptides & Antioxidants Day Treatment for about €10 each. 😱 You don’t pass up a deal like it. 
 
I see it as a serum and moisturizer in one. For the price, I don't think we should expect anything less. This and some spf should suffice after your morning rinse. 
My complexion seems more even with consistent use, and redness from blemishes has become less visible. ✨
During early spring I found it to not be completely hydrating enough though, so I spice it up with drops of oil. 
Overall, I've been loving and enjoying this one so far! However, I don't deem it a necessity for my skin as no life-changing difference was found when I took a break before opening the second one. 
It's more of a high tech cream that redeems results in the long term. 
This cream has definitely sparked interest in trying more from AoS. I recently got the Promise Keeper Blemish Facial that I'm excited to use!
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[Continues 👇🏼]
I've rewritten this text a bunch of times to the p I've rewritten this text a bunch of times to the point that it started to rhyme. So if it rhymes in some places and others not, it's only my silly wise head trying to express my thoughts.
It's hard to stop once you go, in many ways, it can be applied how weeks turned into months.
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Somewhere along the way, I lost clarity. For every year that passed, I felt more and more unhappy. Frustration, sadness, and envy. My misanthropic side was getting the best of me.
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It took me years to admit to myself that I'm depressed. I kept pushing although my body screamed for recess. I felt swallowed by hate and frustration, getting triggered on a daily basis. I was looping a bad pattern and losing myself in the battle.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I finally did what my soul had asked for. Disappear and become a total no one. This break was written in the stars, as it coincidently happened while my Saturn Returned.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I climbed up on the rooftop. With a birds-eye view, I contemplated a lot. 
Learning things about myself that I kept pushing aside. 
Stuff I already knew but couldn't accept. 
Stuff I already knew but didn't think I was allowed to express.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I thought many times on when to return. But every time I set a date, something else took the spotlight in the world.
But I have to admit, it's been nice to not take turns. To keep my mouth shut and not voice my opinion.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
More than six months passed and I feel happy again. 
I found myself and integrated. 
I missed this part of me, the one who used to be so creative. Not caring what others thought, only caring about my next adventure.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There's more to share than this space allows. I'll continue to share what my soul desires. As a heads up, this will gradually affect the future of my content and direction. But from experience, when you lose some you gain a new and clearer reflection. ✨
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  • Blog
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Beauty · August 1, 2019

Empties Vol 6

skincare empties, eltamd, Klairs Vitamin E Mask, charcoal mask, Dr Jart+ hydrating mask, Placenta serum

It’s another round of empties!
In this episode, I’ve finished up a lot of face masks and then there’s well talked about brands like EltaMd and Biologique Recherche.
Leave your thoughts or questions in the comment below, would love to hear your experience on any of the products mentioned!

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EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 review

EltaMD UV Clear SPF46

A well blogged about sunscreen from the US, that’s oil-free and supposed to be great for acne-prone skin, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Also comes in a tinted version. The UV Clear SPF46 a mix of both physical and chemical sunscreen (9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate).
You can’t really buy this in Europe yet, the way I got my hands on it was buying it second hand through Swedish eBay, Tradera. But if you can’t wait for something to pop up, I’m guessing Strawberrynet is your best place to shop.

The finishing feels matte with a somewhat radiant finish. Does blend in well, but wouldn’t say it goes on completely clear on my skin. I seem to have that type of complexion that any mineral sunscreen that promises to be invisible never truly is. I need some tint otherwise I end up looking ready for my casket! But I have to say, that the EltaMd’s sunscreens do have one of the mildest white cast I’ve come across.

The application is smooth, one pump is all you need for your whole face. It’s also fragrance-free but has sort of a bitter almond-scent to it, luckily it doesn’t linger.
It worked great with my skin and didn’t seem to cause any breakouts, but didn’t feel like it helped to prevent them either. It’s got B3 and HA in the formula, which makes it feel hydrating and felt great during winter.
But during summertime, in very hot and humid weather, this felt uncomfortably sticky on the face.

Conclusion

In a sense, I like that it is a hydrating formula that works great for normal to dry skin too. A lot of products for acne tends to also be formulated for oily skin. So I’m pleased to see one that’s more for all skin types.
But if you live in a hot and humid climate, you might want to look for something more matte. In Sweden, we have about one week in July that’s really tropical, and so it’s not a huge deal for me to have an extra sunscreen for that situation.

The only thing you have to keep in mind is that this is more of an everyday sunscreen. It is not water or sweat-proof, and therefore not the best sunscreen to have on during a day at the beach or during outdoor activities.
I would and will explore more of EltaMDs sunscreen, specifically the tinted versions and the new physical sunscreens they offer.

Repurchase? Yes, I would.


Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta

One of those products where I’ve felt, do I talk about it or not?

The Biologique Recherche Serum Placenta was gifted by my mom to help with acne and post-inflammatory red spots. While I have some grey zones, naturally, I’d never purchase it myself as it is definitely not a vegan product. But I just didn’t have the energy to argue with my mom, so I gave this an honest try.

Compared to everyone else who’s tried or is using this, I’m probably the first to be sensible about it as I was totally unaware of how cult this brand was at the time of use.
I do think that the product works to some degree, but that the price tag and the brand’s exclusivity can make you a little “blind”.

I will say that I could notice a difference between when I used it or not. On days of use, my skin would look better, slightly calmer and have some radiance. It sort of felt like an all-in-one product without the irritation of some. It seemed to hydrate, soothe and fade red spots to some degree. But I saw the greatest effect when coupled with the BR P50V lotion (review here). And I strongly believe it acts as a buffer to tolerate the exfoliating lotion better which yielded better results.
But overall, it wasn’t a cure for acne or my acne scars, and the effect wasn’t as good as of other ingredients.

Except for the stank this has, which smells just like cats sprays... My biggest issue with this serum was its consistency. It’s very runny like water or toner and sinks in fast. I just personally didn’t like how you applied it, felt a bit messy and like I didn’t know what I was doing. Did my face get any or did my hands absorb most of it?
There are pros and cons to that. Pro, it makes it easier to layer product. Con, you might use more than you need.

Conclusion

In the end, I simply did not find it to be amazing or necessary in my routine after I had finished it. Maybe it’s because my routine already includes retinol, vitamin C, as well as ceramides, amino acids, and peptides? I feel like I “moved on to better things”.

It’s supposed to help with acne and dark circles but did nothing to prevent spots or lighten my dark circles. Now, that last one is a really profound claim. Considering that dark circles are caused by thin skin, and pretty much botox is the only cure for that… “Helps with puffy eyes” would be a much better choice of wording. But then, can’t comment on how well it worked for that as I never get those.

It might have had a somewhat effect on PIH/PIE and wound healing, but I didn’t find it to be better than other popular, or even cheaper and conventional ingredients. (Like vitamin A, C, and chemical exfoliants) And like I mentioned, it seemed to work best paired with the P50 lotion. Alone, it hardly did anything for me than to hydrate. But a good moisturizer with ceramides and NMF’s does the same, without having to cost plenty.
I also looked at the research behind using placenta in skincare and found very little research to say for sure that it’s better than the known ingredients we use today.

And lastly, this has a very repulsive odor. It’s not strong, still, it lingers much like neem oil. But it truly smells like a bodily discharge of some kind. The scent kept reminding that it comes from an animal, which definitely made me feel shame to use. I just can’t justify this sort of ingredient to be used for vanity’s sake. Luckily, I personally found other ingredients to deliver better results. Not necessarily cheaper, but definitely more effective. And so I didn’t feel torn when finishing this up.

Before ending, I’d like to add that I used to use this in conjunction with an at-home dermarolling to minimize acne scars (indents). However, can’t say that I noticed a difference.
And rounding off, the BR Serum Placenta is a good alternative for hydration and to help tolerate the P50 Lotion better. Alone it won’t have as an effect on fading discolorations from spots. But know that there are cruelty-free products that can be used the same.

This product should have its own post as I have more to say on the topic and alternative products to recommend that’s vegan-friendly. But this will do for now.

Repurchase? Nahh… Maybe if it were human placenta and did not smell so obviously of secrete. But then there’s this risk with contamination and why placenta extracts lost its popularity in the mid-1900s.

Biologique Recherche Placenta Serum review

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue in Dune

I wrote a full review on this almost 2 years ago (check it out here) and thought it would be fun to revisit, now that I’ve actually finished it.
It’s recommended to use it within 12 months, so I’ve been dragging it out a bit too far. Reason for this is simply that I’ve had other foundations to use and that I have periods of not wearing foundation at all.

Overall, I don’t feel any less different from my initial review. I still find it to be a great sheer foundation!
I’m still amazed at how long 35ml has lasted me. My biggest issue though is still the dewy radiance it gives. For that, I’ve concluded I like it more during wintertime. Because that’s the time I want a little more radiance and hydration.

The thing is, if I were to buy it again, I might go like 3 shades lighter. I don’t know how they’ve sorted the shades, ’cause I can wear a little bit of everything. I noticed that the shade Natural 5.0 suits me just as good as Dune 7.5!
Actually, looking at their foundation shade matcher right now, they do in fact recommend Natural 5.0 to tanned skin?!
Anyway, as I’d use it for wintertime, if I ever repurchase, I’d probably go with the shade Natural or Ginger.

There’s not much more than that to add!

Repurchase? Yes, I would.

*Managed to throw before including in picture.

Face masks, Klairs Vitamin E, Dr Jart Hydra Sleeping Mask, InstaNatural Charcoal mask

Klairs Vitamin E Mask

I wrote a more extensive review of this one year ago. My thoughts and feelings haven’t changed much since then. But I thought I’d give you another update. I still love it as a mask but also hate the herbal scent.
As I mentioned in my review, the scent got milder… But that isn’t to say that it isn’t strong in the jar!
It says to use it up within 12 months, but took me about a year and a half, and the scent is still very prominent. I would’ve finished it quicker, but I haven’t been so into face masks lately in general.

Klairs Vitamin E Mask is one of the nicest masks I’ve owned in terms of texture and results. But I have unfortunately not been able to wear it as a sleeping mask it has aggravated my skin. Mostly, skin that’s already inflamed and breakout-prone. On healthy skin though, it has worked very well.

Repurchase? If they got rid of the scent or changed it to something more tolerable I would’ve liked to repurchase it. It’s really a pity they went heavy on the lavender.


Dr. Jart+ Dermask Vital Hydra Sleeping Mask

I haven’t been able to find this mask on US sites, seems like it’s only sold in Europe and Asia. You can get it at places like ASOS.
It’s a hydrating sleeping mask that has a gel consistency. Sinks in without leaving the skin sticky. Does contain some fragrant oils for perfume, but nothing too strong.

I picked this up as I wanted to focus more on hydrating face masks. This seemed to have great ingredients despite the fragrance. I’ve enjoyed their rubber and Shake&Shot masks and thought this would be similar.
It contains a sort of “aqua soothing complex” with patented ingredients derived from plant glucose and xylitol. It’s supposed to restore and protect skin’s moisture barrier and help soothe and calm irritated skin.

My skin hasn’t necessarily reacted badly too it, but I seem to not tolerate sleeping masks. Even when they are light as this one. I always end up waking up with a few bumps, like it’s occlusive or something?
I’ve tried the Vital Hydra Sleeping Mask both on top of my moisturizer and instead of my night moisturizer with no luck. I was going to sell it further, but then I came to a point where I had used half of it and there was no point.

Instead of a sleeping mask, I use it as a regular rinse-off. Because of its gel texture, I’ve also been able to use it with my Foreo UFO (review here).
But overall, I haven’t found this to be that hydrating and calming to my skin as I had hoped. At least it’s not that expensive for how much you get and how much you need each use.

I’m still very much into hydrating masks, but I’m going to try finding something more effective at calming the skin rather than having the possibility to aggravate – which the Dr. Jart+ Hydra Sleeping Mask has by containing perfume, geraniol, and citronellol.

Repurchase? Probably not. It’s nice and all, but I didn’t find it to do anything for my skin.


InstaNatural Charcoal mask review

InstaNatural Charcoal Mask

Another face mask! This one’s not really empty but it’s going in the bin after just standing in the corner for months in the shelf.
Mind, this product has been discontinued, but you can still get it through Amazon and probably other places. But please read my review before you do…

I feel kind of ashamed that it’s taken me so long to talk about it. As I kind of promised a follower on Instagram that I would follow up on this mask. I got it last year as a freebie when purchasing the InstaNatural Eye Gel. You could choose between three or four products, I chose the Charcoal Mask.

Well, my experience has been quite problematic with this product. I wanted to give it a fair try before I recommend it.
It has – or had – many great reviews, but if you look closely, there are a few one-stars between all the four/five-star reviews. And unfortunately, my experience has been just the case of those giving it a one-star review.

I don’t see myself as having particular sensitive skin anymore. So it felt odd reacting negatively to a product quite as intense as I’ve had.
The directions say to keep it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off. I’ve used charcoal masks before with good experience. But after five minutes with this one, my cheeks start to burn badly, pulsing with heat and like someone just put numbing cream on. It’s a very weird experience for me who rarely gets a reaction like this.
I rinse it off, and my face is bright red, like a sunburn. Which stays up until one hour after I’ve washed it. The heat lingers for about 10 minutes more.

It’s like an allergic reaction, but I can’t for the love of God figure out what ingredient that’s causing this! I’ve practically had experience with all the ingredients before and never had this type of problem. The one that’s sticking out the most is Hesperidin. But according to Paula’s Choice CID, this is supposed to be one of the best antioxidants?!
So my only conclusion is to suspect the third ingredient on the list, Bentonite clay, which has recordings of being quite harsh to some. And similar reportings can be found on the Aztec Healing Clay, which is pure Bentonite clay. I’ve actually never used it pure or where it’s been high on the INCI list, but it’s been in a few products without a problem.

Still, the aftermath is soft skin, and it doesn’t look like my skin got more agitated than the burning sensation and redness. But knowing this is a bad sign I’ve eventually let it be.
Only once did I pick this up and put it on and it didn’t turn my face red or burning despite leaving it on for 10 whole minutes!
I’m suspecting that my use of acids and retinol may cause some sensitivity to this particular clay? As the redness didn’t occur at one time when I was taking a break from these things.
Overall, the take on this is, you don’t really have to have particularly sensitive skin to react to a product. Some ingredients or formulas are just bad. I’m speculating that there were a lot of people like me reacting to it, and that’s why they discontinued the product.

Repurchase? Well, it’s discontinued, so no can do. But as you’ve probably sensed from my review, Big NO!


Have you tried any of the products above?
Share your questions and thoughts in the comments below!

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Hey there! I'm Isabel. A beauty and health obsessive girl sharing my passions with the world. Here on Frivolous Girl you'll find content like beauty reviews, my journey with acne, and articles about health, food and lifestyle.

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✨2020✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While every ✨2020✨
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While everyone’s life came to a halt mine started to roll.
After a decade of standing still, the signs finally said “Let’s Go!”
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Charting unknown waters, challenging myself.
The best gift this year has been to realize I don’t have to stick to just one. 💫
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One dream. One passion. One niche. One life.
Keeping my door open for anything to happen. ✨
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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2020 in no particular order:
- Rescued a homeless kitten and found her a new home.
- Climbed a few cliffs (literally) and (figuratively) jumped from some.
- Dived deep into shadow work and Human Design. 
- Spent more time playing Township and The Sims than on Instagram. 
- My cat got bitten and almost died. 
- Read a bunch of books on money, investing and how to unblock subconscious lies.
- Baked a lot. 
- Celebrated 10yrs together with my ❤️
- It’s getting quite late I should probably wrap this thing up. 😅

Happy New Year everyone! 🥳
✨ A simple guide to US Avéne RetrinAL alternat ✨ A simple guide to US Avéne RetrinAL alternatives in Europe.✨
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I've been waiting for Avéne to bring the RetrinAL-range to Europe, and maybe you have too? Well, apparently, it's been here all along! 💁🏻‍♀️ I've contacted Avéne Sweden to get information and confirmation about the strengths to be as accurate as possible. Here's a little cheat sheet for you 👇🏼
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✨ RetrinAL 0.1 Cream = A-Oxitive Night Peeling cream
- Fragrance-free. 0.1% retinal. Has the exact same formula.
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✨ RetrinAL 0.05 Cream ≈ PhysioLift Night Balm
- Fragranced. Not exactly the same formula, but has 0.05% strength. Made to target more mature skin with deep wrinkles and sagginess with Ascofilline. Their now discontinued Ysthéal Cream had the same exact formula.
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✨ RetrinAL Eyes = PhysioLift Eye Cream
- Same formula. 0.015% retinal.
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✨ RetrinAL Advanced Wrinkle Corrector = PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler
- Same exact formula. However, it's being discontinued so I didn't get what strength it had 😶
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✨ RetrinAL Day Cream = PhysioLift Day Smoothing Cream
- Same exact formula. Despite its name, doesn’t contain any retinal. Fragranced.
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➕ Other Avéne products with Retinal:
New Cleanance Smoothing Night cream 
– Replaces the now discontinued TriAcneal Expert (still called TriAcneal in the US though) and is specifically formulated for adult acne-prone skin. It has 0.1% Retinal. Fragranced.
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A-Oxitive Smoothing Eye Contour Cream
– Has 0.01575% retinal. Fragrance-free.
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Have you tried Avéne's products with retinaldehyde? 
I've posted my thoughts on the PhysioLift and Cleanance night creams on the blog! (link in bio)
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#avene #retinal #retrinal #aveneretrinal #antiage #acne #physiolift #cleanance #skincareobsessed #skincarecommunity #skincareblogger #skönhet #skönhetstips #skönhetsblogg
Show us your face Show some skin Show us something Show us your face
Show some skin
Show us something even if it is fake
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Give us a smile
Tell us a lie
Connect more by starting to cry
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Showing my dislike by feeling resistant
To do what it takes to be in this present
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I hate you so much or I hate myself more
That I can’t act the way you’re supposed to
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I just can’t support this behavior
Don’t wanna become anyone’s guru or savior
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When are you going to stop seeking advice,
From people who knows no more than what works for themselves
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Young people thinking they know a lot,
Because they did some research on Google and blogs
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This space is filled with young impressionable heads
Someday they’ll grow up but not today
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Be thoughtful of what you’re spreading online
You might do damage to somebody’s life
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Unsolicitedly pointing out your faults
Indirectly spreading doubt in everyone’s thoughts
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s a pandemic, reaching for extremes
Losing what actually matters and what can’t be fixed 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Stop being a follower, stop trying to show the way
It is time for everyone to learn it’s all in themselves.
⏱ 5min Makeup ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .Tarte ⏱ 5min Makeup
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.Tarte BB Primer in Medium
It’s very similar to the BareMinerals BB Primer but in a better packaging. The Tarte primer can be a little matte looking though.
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.Milk Makeup Lip+Cheek in Werk
Surprised at how much product you get in the mini! Werk is a beautiful and neutral shade that will suit most complexions. I don't understand why it has citrus oils 🤨 but will nonetheless get it in Rally too. 😄
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.Milk Makeup Fiber Brow Gel in Dutch
My very first brow-mascara and I’m very pleased! It won’t fill in gaps, you still need a pencil for that, but will make brows look bushier. I recently had a period of fallout, and I believe the brow gel has helped with regrowth! My brows seem much thicker than before and I haven’t reached for it as often. If I repurchase, I’ll probably go for a shade lighter. Dutch was a perfect match, but slightly too dark for my liking. 
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.Too Faced Sculpt concealer Neutral Beige
I'm one of the lucky to have my shade match in the travel size. However, the product I got wasn't mixed very well. 🙇🏻‍♀️ So the shade is slightly darker than what it's actually supposed to be. You get a good amount in this little bottle and you only need the tiniest bit. However, I won't be going back to it as the formula doesn't seem very well mixed and I will never be able to finish the full size in time.
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.Nars Lipstick in Tolede*
Thanks to Sephora for getting me hooked on expensive lipstick! 😂  Tolede is such a beautiful and universal shade. I so want to repurchase but I probably can live without...
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.RMS Master Mixer*
Had it for 3 years and I’m not even at the bottom of it! 😅 I’ve had to throw away the Signature Set* as it was smelling kind of rancid. But the Master Mixer pot is holding strong. However, I think it’s time for a replacement. Don’t overestimate old makeup! Your skin will thank you. ✨
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What started innocent ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What started innocent became so serious. 
From filter and frames to FaceTune and fame. 
10 years on Instagram and I am mostly the same. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I might never get it as I came on here too early. 
It has another meaning than growing a following, likes and making money.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I should’ve shown more face, I should’ve shown more skin. 
Maybe then, you’d find me on the discovery page? 
Maybe photos of my ass would have hold your attention 
or flexing my superior wisdom?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Most of you joined less than five years ago. 
The other Alumni’s seems to have left the platform. 
It’s not what it used to be.
Not saying it’s a bad thing. 
Just saying the vibe here has become whiny and depressing. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But it’s not how you have it, it’s how you take it. 
The reality is that, I decide what gets to show up on my feed.
And it might not be diverse enough, but it makes me happy. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I post less now than I used to do.
It’s because I want a life where I’m not exposed to everyone’s opinion and caring what others think, say or do.
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With all that said, 10 years later I’m still here. 
Happy 10th Birthday 🎉  and perhaps to many more!
For how much longer? I really don’t know...
Despite not being a huge coffee drinker I've exper Despite not being a huge coffee drinker I've experienced my teeth yellowing as I've gotten older. I haven't really been able to combat it as every time I switch my toothpaste, especially to a whitening one, I get terrible toothaches! My gums are quite sensitive... 🙇🏻‍♀️ Anyone else who can relate?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I was thinking about getting one of those teeth whitening kits and then I got approached by @thesmileo and couldn't say no. Their products are peroxide-free and a more gentle alternative. I can tell you right off the bat that my gums did not feel any discomfort! 😁 For the results, you'll have to jump over to my blog and read! (link in bio!)
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✨ If you've been interested to brighten your smile a notch or two, use the code isabel10 at the checkout at smileo.se for 10% off your order! ✨
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How do you keep your smile white? 🙂
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#gifted #smileo #notaffiliated #teethwhitening #teethwhiteningkit #beautyblog #beautyblogger #skönhet #tandvård #vitaretänder #crueltyfree #whiteteeth #beautycommunity #teethcare
A few meltdowns and veterinary bills later... Ev A few meltdowns and veterinary bills later... 

Everything that could go wrong did 🙇🏻‍♀️ But I think we’re finally on our way to put this behind us 🤞🏼 I’ll spare you nasty wounds and share cute cone cat 😄
Some new things I've been testing since spring. 👇🏼🌸
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💕Deviant GRL
I got this for Christmas but didn't crack it open until around May. I've learned it's best to only have one exfoliator on rotation. So I wanted to finish some before moving towards the next.
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I don't have much to add to the conversations about this one.
It's somewhat gentle to what I'm used to. Meaning, I don't wake up feeling a huge difference in my skin. But in a way, that's a good thing! 😄 It doesn't sensitize the skin and disrupts my retinol use. Usually, it's a battle of having to balance the use of both. But with the GRL I've been able to use both interchangeably without accidentally damaging my skin barrier. 👍🏼
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💕Allies Of Skin
Six months ago I managed to get my hands on two tubes (second hand) of the (now called) Peptides & Antioxidants Day Treatment for about €10 each. 😱 You don’t pass up a deal like it. 
 
I see it as a serum and moisturizer in one. For the price, I don't think we should expect anything less. This and some spf should suffice after your morning rinse. 
My complexion seems more even with consistent use, and redness from blemishes has become less visible. ✨
During early spring I found it to not be completely hydrating enough though, so I spice it up with drops of oil. 
Overall, I've been loving and enjoying this one so far! However, I don't deem it a necessity for my skin as no life-changing difference was found when I took a break before opening the second one. 
It's more of a high tech cream that redeems results in the long term. 
This cream has definitely sparked interest in trying more from AoS. I recently got the Promise Keeper Blemish Facial that I'm excited to use!
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[Continues 👇🏼]
I've rewritten this text a bunch of times to the p I've rewritten this text a bunch of times to the point that it started to rhyme. So if it rhymes in some places and others not, it's only my silly wise head trying to express my thoughts.
It's hard to stop once you go, in many ways, it can be applied how weeks turned into months.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Somewhere along the way, I lost clarity. For every year that passed, I felt more and more unhappy. Frustration, sadness, and envy. My misanthropic side was getting the best of me.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It took me years to admit to myself that I'm depressed. I kept pushing although my body screamed for recess. I felt swallowed by hate and frustration, getting triggered on a daily basis. I was looping a bad pattern and losing myself in the battle.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I finally did what my soul had asked for. Disappear and become a total no one. This break was written in the stars, as it coincidently happened while my Saturn Returned.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I climbed up on the rooftop. With a birds-eye view, I contemplated a lot. 
Learning things about myself that I kept pushing aside. 
Stuff I already knew but couldn't accept. 
Stuff I already knew but didn't think I was allowed to express.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I thought many times on when to return. But every time I set a date, something else took the spotlight in the world.
But I have to admit, it's been nice to not take turns. To keep my mouth shut and not voice my opinion.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
More than six months passed and I feel happy again. 
I found myself and integrated. 
I missed this part of me, the one who used to be so creative. Not caring what others thought, only caring about my next adventure.
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There's more to share than this space allows. I'll continue to share what my soul desires. As a heads up, this will gradually affect the future of my content and direction. But from experience, when you lose some you gain a new and clearer reflection. ✨
At the start of the summer, I learned that the Swe At the start of the summer, I learned that the Swedish brand EVY reformulated almost all of their products making them vegan-friendly! 😀 Now, only the Daily UV 30 has collagen and silk extract.
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I was quick to pick up their new Daily Defense SPF 50.
The specialty with EVY is its very high staying power. Their SPF 50 will protect you up to 8 hours even after taking a 20min swim! If you're someone who forgets to reapply this might be an option.
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EVY seems loved by many. However, for me, it wasn't love at first application and it didn't develop into something serious once I emptied the can. 
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My main issues were:
- The finish wasn't as elegant as the La Roche Posay Shaka Fluid. It says to work great as a primer. Perhaps if you like a gripping effect? I personally had trouble applying makeup on top of this. But when on it stayed all day long. 👍🏼
- Too easy to overdo. They say to apply a "golf ball" for the face. What exactly is a golf ball? 🤔 I found the mousse to be tricky to measure for my tiny sized face. Only 1 out, perhaps, 6 times did I manage to apply a correct and comfortable amount.
- EVY recommends to rinse your face if it still feels sticky after 10 minutes (the high water resistance will make it stay), but when I did that my skin would feel dry and uncomfortable. I just never seemed to find the right balance with my application 🤷🏻‍♀️ 
- My skin just didn't seem to like something about it 🙄... 
I emailed them about my concerns about removal of the product and they replied it should come off with regular face wash. Despite double-cleansing, I could sometimes feel like it was still on.
Or I don't know. I just know my skin behaved better when I used LRP instead of this. 🤷🏻‍♀️ So could be just something else in the formula.
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Eventually, I stopped using this on my face and used it up on my body instead. [Continues 👇🏼]

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