Ajda Sitar /

Mercedes-Benz GLC review blog

My man has always been a car enthusiast, and somehow he made me appreciate and see cars as more than just means of transfer. A car can offer you true freedom and comfort, a place of your own where you can enjoy your own space, your own little world. Ever since we have been living in the centre of Ljubljana, we only have one car, which is mostly driven by Jan. It’s his a bit older, but immaculate Mercedes-Benz C, which he nurtures and maintains himself. I could say that I (sometimes) miss driving, so it was just what I needed. Especially when it looks amazing, drives superbly and has that premium feel. The luxurious SUV Mercedes-Benz GLC definitely offers all that (and more). Right before Christmas holidays when the opportunity arose, I took my mom and sister on a shopping trip to Graz, Austria. The whole GLC driving experience was luxurious, comfortable and dynamic at the same time. Plus, there was more than enough space to store all of our shopping bags. My Mercedes adventure did not stop there, the next day Jan and I took it for a drive to Bled and Mežakla, where we could properly test out its abilities. After two days it has grown on me and I could easily see myself driving it for a longer period of time (or permanently, haha). The exterior design by Slovenian designer Robert Lešnik is definitely my cup of tea.

wearing:
sweater from PRIMARK
pants from ZARA
necklace from PRIMARK
watch from DANIEL WELLINGTON
hat from NEW YORKER
shoes from CINTI (buy HERE)

photo: Domen Blenkuš

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Ajda Sitar /

Although it’s technically already January, I still owe you last month’s favourites. Which ones made the cut this time?

New online store: Via Naturalis with the beauty brand called Balm Balm (click). Via Naturalis is a new Slovenian online store, stocking with natural, organic and eco products. I’ve spotted their 100% organic skincare Balm Balm a while ago and gave four of their products a try. Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser is definitely my favourite out of the bunch and I’m planning on writing an additional post about it. Their Recover All Over Balm is a great all-rounder, I love using it for my dry elbows or feet (it works wonders). The Face Balm in the green tube is perfect for everyone with dry and sensitive skin (it’s fragrance free), while Balm Balm Lip Balm with rose geranium is my winter »must have« for sure.

Black toothpaste is the thing: Curaprox Black Is White. Don’t let the colour deceive you, it’s actually a whitening toothpaste that removes discolouration using activated carbon without abrading or bleaching. It also contains some enzymes, that protect against tooth decay and support the salivary functions. It has a nice, refreshing scent and it truly helps to whiten your teeth. I’ve noticed a difference in around two months of use. Overall, Curaprox toothbrushes are my absolute favourites, I’ve been using their CS 5460 ones for ages now.

Jessica 686 Soigne on nails, Heaven by Deborah Mitchell as skincare. Nail varnish from Jessica in the shade 686 Soigne is definitely the shade of the month. It’s a perfect light, neutral pearly-grey with a hint of purple and it lasts on my nails for a good few days (which was handy especially during my busy December schedule). Heaven by Deborah Mitchell Vanilla Pod Hand Cream keeps my hands velvet soft and nicely scented. Organic vanilla, coconut and vitamin E are the main ingredients that truly make this hand cream special, so much you can actually use it on your
face as well. Another selling point is its highly practical and hygienic packaging – which is a true stunner as well!

Taupe on my eyelids: Zoeva En Taupe Palette and En Taupe Set of brushes. Although I’ve been already using their newest palettes from the Spectre range that are not even out yet (check them out here), my December favourite has definitely been the En Taupe eyeshadow palette. It has a nice range of cool and warm tones taupes, perfect for any skin tone. It’s one of the most versatile palettes, I am sure none of you would be disappointed. The shade named Gallery has been my top pick out of 12, it’s a perfect matte crease shade. For application I’ve been (of course) using their brushes, which are, hands down, the best ones on the market considering the price and quality. Zoeva never disappoints.

Something a bit different: Matis Konjak sponge. This soft and gentle deep-cleanser and exfoliator in a form of a 100% natural vegetable fiber made of  Konjac plant root is a perfect choice for everyone, especially those with hypersensistive skin. You actually don’t need any additional product to make it work (however you can add some if you want), all you need to do is dip it into the water and it’s really to use. You can get about 3 months of use out of it, considering the under 10€ price tag it makes it relatively affordable. I’ve been using it once or twice per week to exfoliate my skin and I cannot recommend it enough. This might be one of the best beauty finds in 2015 for me.

Some good smelling stuff: deodorants and shower gels from CD. I’ve written about their pomegranate scented products before (here), in December I got the chance to try out the rest of the products – in water lily and lemon variations. I still cannot decide whether I like the pomegranate or water lily more, however my mother’s winner is definitely the lemon one – it’s fresh and goes great with any perfume. All of the deodorants are aluminum free and they still work great. Being a huge fan of affordable beauty products, I’ve teamed up with the CD brand and will give you a change to win some yourself. There will be 6 winners, 2 getting three products from the pomegranate range, 2 getting all water lily three, while 2 winning a set of two lemon scented products.

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Ajda Sitar /

christmas makeup beauty blogger

Wear something statement like an Isabel necklace from Perla.
Go for a little black dress that’s comfortable and chic at the same time.
A little sparkle is a must for this occasion; try the Olival dry oil with golden particles.
Wear the ultimate red on your lips, such as the YSL Rouge Pure Couture in 01 Le Rouge.
Curl your hair, make soft waves with the Bellissima Ricci&Curl curler.

Merry Christmas!

makeup:
YSL Top Secret Instant Moisture Glow primer
Vichy Dermablend fluid corrective foundation (15 Opal)
YSL Touche Eclat Kiss&Love Edition Radiant Touch (2 Luminous Ivory)
Olival multi-usage dry oil with golden particles
Zoeva Nude Spectrum blush palette (ND020)
Zoeva Pink Spectrum blush palette (PK030)
Zoeva Nude Spectrum eyeshadow palette (ND130, ND110, ND050, ND030)
YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara
YSL Rouge Pure Couture (01 Le Rouge)

hair:
Aussie Miracle Styling Mousse (Curl Define + Shine)
Bellissima Ricci & Curl rotating curler

nails:
Alessandro Glam Rock nail polish (Black Leather)
Alessandro Pret a Porter nail polish (Velvet Red)

outfit:
New Yorker dress
Perla necklace

photo: Domen Blenkuš
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Ajda Sitar /

last minute holiday gift guide beauty

I’ve rounded up a list of some last minute holiday gift ideas, that might come handy for all of you who are still on the hunt for a perfect present.

The safest bet: L’Occitane
In any L’Occitane store you will find timeless presents for every soul, young or old(er), male or female. They are usually beautifully wrapped and ready to go underneath your Christmas tree. Easy, peasy.

Luxurious pick: YSL Rouge Pur Couture
if buying a luxury beauty item, I would highly suggest you go for one thing (and one thing only). Don’t pick other (not so luxurious) bits and bobs, rather find a perfect shade of high-end lipstick – like YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 01 Le Rouge.

A great perfume: Lancome La Vie Est Belle
I’ve completely fallen in love with this scent and I believe it’s a perfect all-rounder when it comes to women’s perfumes. Not too sweet, not too floral or fruity, with a hint of vanilla and patchouli. This year opt for a scented body cream rather than perfume.

Something fun: Alpstories
Slovenian brand that never disappoints! You can find many amazing products there – from facial oils and shampoos to personalized bottles of body lotion, shower gel, bath salt or hand wash. It’s the place, where you can find gifts for everyone.

Budget beauty choice: Avon Luxe collection
A rather budget-friendly gift that still looks luxurious is the range of Avon Luxe products. The line offers everything from eyeshadows, eyeliners, primers and lipstick in different shades and finishes.

Something different: Herra Hair Perfume
I’ve been completely addicted to this (unusual) product – Herra Hair Care perfume, that not only covers your hair in the most amazing scent ever, but also protects it. It’s a different gift, perfect for your lady friend that already “has everything”.

The answer to your mother-in-law gift dilemma: Vichy Neovadiol range
Gift shopping for your mother-in-law might be the hardest job ever. I would highly suggest you check out the Vichy Neovadiol range in your local pharmacy, it might be just what you’ve been looking for. P.S.It’s perfect for any women’s skin past 50.

Something magical and glittery: Olival oil with golden particles
I’ve written about this amazing product before and the reason why I recommend it as the ultimate gift is the fact that you can use it in many different ways. It’s glittery and smells amazing, what else could you wish for? I am giving two of these away, don’t miss out the giveaway underneath.

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Ajda Sitar /

All of my readers know I’m a beauty addict, while my fellow followers know my mother-in-law has a small obsession too. Hers more or less reflects on buying beauty related things for me. She travels a lot, so she brings me stuff from all over the world. In the past few years she became a true beauty expert herself (she has a radar for holy grail products, which she’s proven when singlehandedly picking Rimmel by Kate Moss nude collection in London – read all about it here). Her final stop this year was Korea, a land of beauty. Her mission: to buy a cushion foundation and a few sheet masks. And what she came home with? Three cushion foundations and over 50 sheets masks!

Cushions are a huge trend in Korea and they’ve managed to make their way into European beauty stores as well. Since the offer in our stores is relatively poor, I ordered my boyfriend’s mom to find one for me there. My instructions were to find one either in Etude House or Missha, while she came back with Etude House Precious Mineral Moist Any Cushion (in Light Beige) and Missha BB Cushion (in N21), plus an additional refill (she gave me a hint Santa’s going to bring something else as well). For all of you wondering what a cushion is, let me explain how you use it in a few words: you take a thin, powder puff (similar to beauty blender) and press it into the cushion, which is some sort of sponge soaked in product; tap all around your face, blend it nicely and you’re done. They are easy to use, usually provide light to medium coverage, are easy to reapply during the day and look extremely natural on your face. I’ve already fallen in love with mine.

Another huge beauty trend are sheet masks. My mother-in-law perhaps understood my “a few” as 50, but she said she just couldn’t resist entering makeup stores, since there was one right next to each other. She booked a hotel not knowing it was just in the middle of a “beauty street” – a street located literally in the middle of 100 or more makeup stores (beauty heaven or hell for your bank account, I’m wondering?). I guess we will both be pampering ourselves with Missha, Tony Moly and Etude House during the Holidays. Listening to her Korean beauty shopping experience, I know I have to experience it once myself.

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