November Favorites: Part 2

Roc night cream with Retin-Ox. 

The truth is that I wanted to try a cream with retinol because I've heard a lot about the beneficiary characteristics of retinol (it improves the skin by removing the dead cells at a faster pace), and I was determined to buy the Avene Retrinal but I discovered that it's not available here, so I got the Roc one instead. 

I started using this every other night for the first week because I didn't know how my skin would respond to it and after that I use it every night. It became my favorite because it really helped my skin to become brighter, it improved discolorations, sun spots, etc. I can't tell about the "wrinkle correction" part because I don't have real wrinkles as yet but I think that it faded a bit the minor expression lines I have on the sides of my mouth. 

If you want a more drastic approach, you could ask your dermatologist for a Retin-A cream, it's a medicine you can only get with a doctor's prescription and I heard it does wonder to the skin (retinol creams on the other hand contain a minor dose of retin-a and can be purchased at a cosmetics store). 

Embryolisse moisturiser - 75ml - €34 on ebay (shipping included).

It has been patiently waiting for two months in my drawer because I first wanted to finish the Korres Thyme Honey cream (smells wonderfully but too heavy and thick for me). The Embryolisse is a really great moisturising cream because it really does what it's supposed to but at the same time it is light and when it gets absorbed into the skin I can feel it supple and baby soft without being sticky to the touch. It also takes only a half pea size of it to cover my face and neck, so the tube will probably last me for ever!

I use it in the morning and also at night, after the Roc cream.

Korres and Eos lip balms

I love Korres lip butters, this is the Purple one. I also prefer them in the tube than in the pot, the idea of sticking my finger in it seems not very appealing to me, or sanitary. As for the color, it's not really purple on the lips, but it does give a little color, like a deep muted raspberry tint.

The Eos one is the Strawberry Sorbet, I got it out of pure curiosity. I can't say that I understand all the craze, but it's a nice lip balm nevertheless, it really smells like strawberry, it is cute to look at (it stands on my bed stand). I don't think that I would repurchase though.

Moroccanoil Light - 100ml - €30 on ebay (shipping included).

This product was a revelation for my dry, light and thin hair! 

I've never used an oil hair treatment before, so I can't really say if it is this specific product or this kind of product in general, but my hair is soooo happy! I use it on wet hair because it untangles like a breeze but I also use it on dry hair when I feel like I need a little more moisture. It also gives my hair a nice shine. 

I chose the Light version because I think it suits better my type of hair, but there is also the standard one, I imagine it will be a little heavier and more dense.

After I finish this, I might try the Kerastase Elixir Ultime, I've heard so many good things about this one as well.

Kings & Queens Cinnamon Orange set

I always saw them everywhere (supermarket, cosmetics stores, etc) but I was never intrigued by them, until, one day I saw an offer (buy one - get one free). So, I started smelling these and this one instantly caught my attention (I think that November was the cinnamon month to me, you'll see why). I LOVE this scent, I even wash my hand with this, I was never that crazy about a body product. 

I also got the body cream on the same deal, it smells awesome too, the only drawback is that the cream is a (very) shimmering one. I use it but not on my arms because I still wear a lot of short sleeved clothes and I don't want to look like the disco queen of winter (LOL!).

Humanity Leather Bracelet Wrap - Serenity Prayer - Grey - €17 on ebay

I came accross this type of bracelets on Youtube, I saw Michele1218 (I really like her videos) wearing one of these and after some online search I got this one. It's in antique grey color, with studs and the Serenity Prayer line has in silver letters the "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." I don't know where it's from but I really like the meaning of it. I love this bracelet soo much that I wear it every day since I got it, I will definitely get another one, there are all sorts of colors and messages. I've actually seen a tan one that will be mine at some point!

Bath & Body Works - Scentportable - ebay

I wanted to try Bath & Body Works products for ages because everybody is raving about their scents, but, most of them (especially candles) are very heavy and the shipping cost is prohibiting for me. I was also looking for a car scent for ages, because I was dissapointed by the majority of the scented products sold here.

So, when I saw that B&BW had:

• portable devices (that you can put in the car, closet, drawer, shoe rack, etc)
• in great variety of colors, shapes, etc
• working in combination with scented inserts (refills)
• which scented refills also come in a great variety
• they require no heat or electricity
• the scent lasts a long time but it's not overwhelming 

I was thrilled! The only disadvantage is that you can't smell them prior to purchase, but, I think that the scent descriptions on the B&BW site are quite accurate. I just wish that someday there will be a B&BW store in Athens!

So, I got two devices, the cutyyyy little Frosted Cupcake (for my closet) and the cutyyyy little Pink Penguin (it's in my car) and a few refills (they come in two per package) in Cinnamon Clove Buds and Leaves. Each device had one insert inside as well, Carribean Escape and Frosted Cupcake.

I think that with 6 refills I'm good until February/March (they're supposed to last 4-6 weeks each).

The best part ? I LOVE the scents! I now have the Cinnamon Clove Buds in my car and in my closet, I'm talking about complete cinnamon takeover! The other scents are really yummy as well.

Now, how pretty is this???

 

Yankee Candle in Christmas Cookie - €22 - Omonoia square (only) Hondos Center

In my search for a home scent (I don't know what possesed me - LOL - this month, it's the first time I got intersted in home fragrances) and given the impossibility to order them from abroad because of the too high shipping costs, I heard that the Hondos Center at Omonoia square had Yankee candles.

So, one day that I was close by I decided to take a look and I found that they do have - a few -and after sniffing each and every one of them (the sales assistant was giving me weird looks) I decided to get this one. It certainly smells like sweetend dough, kind of bisquit, very heart warming and sweet (not overly sweet, I can't stand too sweet scents). It's not cheap but it will last me probably until Christmas (I don't burn it for many hours).

Do I love it? You bet! (How many cups of coffee did I drink today????)

What were your November favorites?