Makeup Storage!

Makeup storage/organisation posts/videos always are very interesting to me because they provide useful ideas about how to store and organise all these bits and bobs in a way that is pretty but ergonomic at the same time.

Available space, budget and the size of the makeup stash (as well as how much it is desired to expand) are the criteria and keeping these in mind I visited my local Ikea.

Of course I did examine the much coveted Alex 9 drawer unit but in my case it was out of the question because I don't have the space to accommodate it, nor was I willing to spend the money on it. Also, I don't have that much makeup and being a bit OCD I would constantly have a nudge to fill it up with colorful little pots and tubes!

So, I decided to get the modest Helmer unit at €29 and it was a wise choice because it suits my needs perfectly. 

It took me about an hour to put it together and i also did a little DIY decoration (if you follow me at instagram/twitter @scrapgalgr you 've all ready seen it) so, here it is!

On top

Brushes, brush cleanser, Mac Fix+, tissues and a small towel.

First drawer: everyday stuff

Second drawer: face

Third drawer: eyes

Fourth drawer: lips

Fifth drawer: brushes and backups 

Sixth drawer: new stuff, samples

As you can see I used a lot of Glowbox boxes as well as an Ikea organiser for forks/spoons that I cut in order to accommodate my brushes and my foundations. I also used some colored little storage baskets from Jumbo.

I also tried to not overweight each drawer because they're not very sturdy, that's why I put some face stuff in the lips drawer.

I do have though some space to grow a bit if I choose to but not too much and that's my original plan, we'll see if I manage to stick to it!

I've seen that theese drawers are also used to store nail polishes but I don't think that such a drawer filled with nail polishes will last very long before falling apart.

In a few words I'm very pleased with the way it came out, the Helmer unit really ticks all my boxes and the final result is dead on what I had envisioned.

That's all for now, I hope you are all well and thriving!

Fall coming, let's talk about serums!

Serums and skincare in general is my least favorite theme because the results most of the time are so subjective and not apparent.

Nevertheless, since fall is coming and it's the ideal time of the year to talk about products that help our skin recover after sun, sea etc, I'm going to share with you my thoughts on the Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum and the REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate.

My skin (i think) is quite normal (neither dry patches nor oily) but it doesn't feel plump and lively, it is quite dull most of the time and makeup always slides off after a few hours.

So I diagnosed (lol!) that probably it is dehydrated and I wanted a serum that fights dehydration.

 

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum

After reading all the hype and raves about it and finding at €19 at a Greek online pharmacy I decided to give it a try.

It is supposed to offer deep hydration with hyaluronic acid and polyphenols and many more beneficiary ingredients, it goes without saying that it contains no parabens etc.

The consistency is of a watery, milky lotion that gets absorbed in a second so it is perfect for wearing even under makeup. 

It's not a moisturizer though, so you have to wear a separate moisturizer on top.

My thoughts: well, no miracle worker here for me. I didn't see any difference in skin texture or hydration. I 've used up the whole bottle but I can't tell that it actually did something.

I do think though that it would be perfect for combination/oily dehydrated skin because it is so lightweight.

If you have used it  please share your thoughts!

REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate

This one was a random choice, I wanted to try an anti ageing serum and HQhair.com happened to have an offer (30% off I think) on REN products so, given that I do like REN products, I decided to give this a try.

It is supposed to combat signs of age like wrinkles, discolorations, etc and to leave the skin smoother, younger looking, brighter and more even toned.

It contains vitamins A and E, Omega 6 and 7 and many other goodies, no parabens etc as well.

It is a facial oil and it does take a while to sink in. It also has a fishy smell, TG it dissipates after application.

My thoughts: no miracle worker here as well BUT I 've been using it for 3 weeks now and definitely see a subtle amelioration: sun spots have slightly faded, skin tone does appear more uniform and bright, my skin does feel supple in the mornings and well nourished in general. 

Out of the two, although they serve different aims, I do prefer the REN one because I do see a slight difference. 

Here are some more photos

Do you have a favorite serum? 

That's it for now, I hope you're all well and thriving!