Jan 28, 2014

Recent Favorites - Drugstore Edition

I think I pretty much go by the "one at a time" rule and "strictly-informative" purism when it comes to blogging, but I cannot deny the certain charms of random collective chit-chatty posts.
I myself enjoy reading other bloggers' posts of the kind (minus those about empties - I secretly hate(?) them out of sheer jealousy as I am incapable of emptying anything *_*)

Well, opening a blog post is the hardest part for me as always. I think this one is well complied with the "rambling" quality of the entry itself, so here goes.

These are my latest drugstore finds and favorites that I'd like to share with you today. :)


Recent Drugstore Favorites





1. L'Oreal OleoTherapy Oil Infused Shampoo and Conditioner
I don't really use expensive hair care products but I always have different sets of poos and cons in my shower booth to switch up depending on the hair condition and claimates.
I have enjoyed many of L'Oreal's sulfate free systems (although I don't really mind sulfates in general), and this new set works so nicely for my winter hair that I want to also buy the oil essence.
Lately, the "Oleo Technology" seems to be "the next big thing" - it is everywhere. (The new Light Bulb Foundation from Shu would be one example.)
Plus I can't help but notice the similarities between the L'Oreal OleoTherapy and the Kerastase Nutritive Oleo system. I have no intention buying Kerastase for comparison, but L'Oreal does own Kerastase. 


2. Lumene Vitamin C+ Brightening Skin Nectar and 24hr Lotion
Lumene is a great drugstore skincare brand from Finland. 
After I used up the Sekkisei Whitening range, I wanted some radiance boosting regimen for a short period time before I start my retinol round again. 

The nectar

The lotion

The serum works great under makeup and the lotion hydrates effectively without feeling greasy. 
My skin looks brighter and feels smoother. I am pleasantly surprised by this affordable Vitamin C skincare line cause my skin does not always react friendly to this natural active agent.
(Speaking of "natural", you gotta read this awesome post.)
I might revisit this line again although it seems it has been upgraded to "Bright Now Vitamin C".


3. Boots Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner
Boots is my go-to brand for effective and affordable toner for the last step of cleansing.
This All Bright Cleansing Toner takes care of the last trace of whatever the day left behind and also exfoliate mildly with AHA.
It doesn't look nor smell pretty, but gets the job done. I love this toner.


4. Lumene Waterproof Eye makeup Remover
I actually found the Lumene brand because of this eye makeup remover a long time ago.
Recently I started using separate eye makeup remover again, and this was the one I went right back to.
I have used so many bottles of this in the past. This is as good as the legendary Lancome Bi-facil and only coasts $5.99 a bottle. 


5. Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
This is my holy grail daytime moisturizer for my neck area.
I wish I could wear this on my face as well, but it is on the heavy side so I can't wear the recommended dosage. It works wonderfully on my neck, though.
If you have dry skin, do try this on your face. Not only it contains anti-aging properties but the sunscreen agents used are very solid and effective.


6. Epic Blend Hemp Coconut Lip Balm
When I read about the range on BeautyReflectionsBlog a while ago, I wanted to try but quickly forgot about them.
Recently I received one from BeautyBox5 and I fell in love with it! I mean, I don't even like coconut scent but this lip balm really rocks.


7. L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain Endless Red 
Endless Red is the purest and the most perfect glossy red for me. I can't wait to review on this.
As I have acquired this red, I am done for now since I don't see any other color I want from what's available currently. 
Let there be LEs. Soon.


8. L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick Pink Tremolo
You recently read my rave review. (No? Oh, please do. ;))
Maybe I should warn you about its strong fruity scent here again, but my love is the same.



Thanks for reading!
You can read my other ramblings from the links below if you like.




BTW, all links in this post are provided for your reference.
The sidebar links are affiliated, on the other hand. :)








Join the conversation!

  1. That toner seems like something I might like. I have this obsession with getting a new toner every time one runs out. Even if I love the one I have, I keep trying new ones.

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    1. I think you will like this toner! And Boots has a big toner range. My other favorite is their rosewater toner from the organic line. Smells divine. :)

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  2. Y want to try that organic range by Boots, the toner looks like a good option! :)

    MyMakeUpCompulsion

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    1. Oh, the organic range from Boots is my other favorite, too! Try the rosewater toner. :)

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  3. have to try the L'oreal shampoo you recommended. I have recently switched to L'oreal Total Repair hair mask and totally love it. Really want to try other L'oreal hair products but don't know which one to start. Now I know, thanks for the review and recommendation.

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    1. I have been meaning to try the hair mask ever since I read your review on it!
      I love L'Oreal hair care line. Even the very basic line works better on me than Pantene or Herbal Essences, for example.
      Honestly, their mid-range (mostly in tubes) doesn't feel much different from other salon lines I have tried. :)

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  4. i think i read of cerave being a really good (least chemicals or something??) sunscreen/lotion. so i'm glad to hear you like it. even tho it's for AM, maybe it would do well on your face at night since it's heavy??

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    1. They have the PM facial moisturizer which does not contain sunscreen but as moisturizing.
      I really love the whole range this brand offers! Try their basic lotion and cream as well as their gentle cleanser. :)

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  5. Thanks for the link love :) And I love those Epic Blend balms! Gah, they're amazing.

    Also, good to read about Lumene! I've always been curious because they seem so affordable. I think I will try that the next time around.

    Also, Lena, have you talked about your skincare retinol routines? I'm curious to hear how often you rotate through them, what products you don't stack, etc.

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    1. My pleasure! It is a fine post, really. :D
      I've tried some other skincare products from Lumene and been always quite pleased. No nonsense brand.
      As for retinol regimen, I actually like Retin-Aldehyde range from Avene. OTC retinol doesn't work as effectively or has strong ordors (ex:RoC) and Retin-A is too strong and seems unnecessary for me. The Avene range is a happy medium.
      I have reviewed on them -> http://www.lenallure.com/2012/02/skincare-review-avene-eluage.html
      I usually switch up every 2-3 months, but sometimes I keep a bottle of Eluage (Avene) and use it during PMS to keep hormonal breakouts at bay. Hths! :)

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    2. Thanks, Lena! I know you like Avene - been keeping an eye out for their things. Will have to give them a try!

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  6. I've seen the Oleo Therapy line at the drugstore and wondered if it was any good. I definitely want to give it a try now since you mentioned it worked well for your winter hair :)

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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    1. The shampoo has this thick gel-like consistency but lathers well and cleanse without stripping. The conditioner is quite light and leaves my hair bouncy. I really enjoy them! Hope they work nicely for you as well. :)

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  7. i have teh caresse stain in pink resistance and wanted to get endless red for a while. and as mentioned before SO want the new extraordinary glosses!!!
    Jenn
    A Beautiful Zen

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    1. I was skeptical about this red since the stain deepens once on. But, it looks and wears beautifully. I really love it! :)

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  8. Oh, the L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire just is something I want right now! (Even though I've more than enough lip products that I don't use)

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  9. Thanks for the link dearest! :D I'm so glad you found those Epic Blend Lip Balms and like them too!
    I HATE reading empties posts too haha-SO bothersome to me. I empty stuff too, but honestly posting about it is just ludicrous to me.
    I love CERAVE ANYTHING haha. It's my go to drugstore skincare brand and love everything they make!

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    1. Pleasure! :) If it wasn't for your post, I might not have tried it at all. (I have more than ten lipbalm sticks loose in the house. ;p)
      As to empties posts, I am mainly jealous, really. HAHA. True I would rather post about something else! ;D

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  10. LOVE these types of posts... and I actually like empties post, because I like to see what other bloggers actually use up. You know, some might rave about something but they just don't use up anything? I'm guilty of that, but I can use up skincare like crazy.
    I have a love hate relationship with drugstore brands, because they don't seem to like me very much...

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    1. Glad you like it, Lily!
      I guess I do empty something, but mostly those few staples. Anyway, I have great respect for people who empty lots of products every month not to mention they keep the bottles and document them! :)

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  11. I don't think we have those L'Oreal hair stuff here, otherwise I might have picked them up by now. A lot of oil-based stuff coming to the drugstores this year! I used up one Kerastase oil serum which was pretty good but not really worth the extra cost. And now I want to try that L'Oreal lip thing and those lip balms so badly!

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    1. I am just guessing the L'Oreal serum is as good as the Kerastase. The brand has been doing this for so long and it would probably missing a last few things. ;)
      Good thing is that people don't seem to hate oils so blindly any more. I'm excited to see many more varieties with this Oleo technology.

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  12. Hi Lena,

    I really enjoyed this list--- it's fun reading about good drugstore picks. Haven't tried any Boots products yet, but I'm liking the sound of the Lumene :-)

    P.S. Really like the current comment setting! It was tougher for me to comment on Google+!

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    1. Hi Dovey!
      Thank you for your comments! :D
      I think now I have a good balance btw drugstore and higher-ends in terms of beauty shopping. I guess I research more before I buy anything.
      Boots and Lumene are pretty nice and reasonably priced. Let me know if you try them.

      I'm actually glad my Google+ comment box stopped working. I didn't realize how restrictive it was until I switched back! :)

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  13. Lena, I can totally relate to not finishing bottles of various products... I often accumulate at a faster rate than I actually use and finish. Hence, the sea of bottles and products in my bathroom cabinet! Anyway, will have to try the L'Oreal Oleo products. It's always nice to hear about a good drugstore shampoo. xx

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