Modest Mix

What's in my shower #2

4.10.16

Lush Cosmetics Jason and the Argan Oil solid shampoo

Garnier Ultimate Blends Marvellous Transformer Honey Treasures

A good year after my first 'What's in my shower' post, it is time for another roundup of bath and body products I've been liking. I am back with an overview of the treats that have been ruling my shower routine for the past four months or so.

HAIR CARE

♢ Garnier Ultra Doux 'Marvellous Transformer'
For shampoo, I've been liking argan oil based products a lot lately. I started using liquid shampoo again around March-April after washing my hair with solid shampoo only for over a year. The Ultimate Blends collection (branded as Ultra Doux in Belgium) from Garnier has been well-loved in our family. The Marvellous Transformer shampoo with a blend of Moroccan argan oil and Japanese camelia oil intensely nourishes my dry, dull hair and boosts shine.
♢ Lush Cosmetics Jason and the Argan Oil
I have two backups of Jason and the Argan Oil by Lush Cosmetics, so I think it's safe to say it has grown to be a favourite! This bright purple solid shampoo is packed with argan oil and rose absolute to strengthen and soften hair, and add a lustrous shine. It smells like the popular Rose Jam shower gel too, which is a cool extra.
♢ Garnier Ultimate Blends 'Honey Treasures' & 'Marvellous Transformer'
New in my hair care routine is leave-in deep conditioner. The ones by Garnier are awesome and come in a useful pot of no less than 300ml. Honey Treasures, with royal jelly, honey and propolis extracts, is a repairing mask for damaged hair, while Marvellous Transformer is a multifunctional treatment that leaves (dry) hair feeling supple and nourished.

BODY CARE

♢ & Other Stories 'Steel Garden'
Probably my number one favourite bath product of the moment is this sugar-based body scrub from & Other Stories. Buffing away dead skin cells once or twice a week not only boosts healthier and brighter skin, it's also a very relaxing treatment. Since the formula transforms into a milky lather when mixed with water, I like to double the product as a shaving cream as well. Nothing but good words on this one! Read my *full review* here.
♢ Yves Rocher 'Mango Coriander'
The (fairly) new Mango and Coriander line by Yves Rocher is absolutely worth checking out! The bath & shower gel is so refreshing to use in the morning and comes at a very reasonable price too! I can't stop sniffing the bottle though, the combination of sweet and herbal in this fragrance is something I've never found before.
♢ Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion
On days when I'm too lazy to moisturise after showering, I'll opt for in-shower body lotion. They are super easy as you apply the skin conditioner in the shower and rinse off immediately. The ones by Nivea offer 24h+ care and don't leave a greasy residue. Another go-to is Ro's Argan Body Conditioner by Lush Cosmetics.

Post-shower:
♢ Ever since I started using coconut oil as a body moisturiser, my skin has been much softer and smoother. Coconut oil calms and hydrates, and is therefore a great natural remedy for very dry skin. Another tip is to use it on new tattoos (but only after they have healed!) or as lip balm.
♢ Caudalie's Divine Oil is a luxurious body oil that hydrates skin and leaves it smelling beautifully. I use it for an extra pick-me-up or on special occasions. I also like it as a base to layer perfume on top of, too.

Extra:
♢ Every once in a while - ~~or more often than I'd like to admit~~ - I enjoy a relaxing bath. So far this year I have had a lot of new products to try, which is why I'll be discussing them in detail in a future blog post. One I do want to mention today is the Fizzbanger bath bomb by Lush Cosmetics. I never expected to like it so much and especially recommend getting it for the Autumn season, because apple and cinnamon. I promise you won't regret it!

One thing I'm particularly curious about is if any of you use coconut oil as a beauty product. If so, what for? Feel free to share in the comments!

Top tips for a Paris city break

15.9.16

This blog post has been long overdue, but nonetheless, here it is!

Back in Spring, my friend Emmy and I booked a short break to Paris. We were discussing how we both longed to escape Belgium so we decided to just go for it. A spontaneous trip ended in us having the best time, wandering along the Seine and taking in the vibe of the city and its people. I have posted many snaps from our trip on my Instagram since then, but still have tons of tips on how to plan a city break that doesn't hurt your bank balance that I wanted to share here. I'd love to hear your travel stories and tips too, so drop them in the comment section if you like!

ACCOMMODATION + TRANSPORT

Although Paris is known to be quite expensive, a short holiday doesn't have to blow your budget too much. For us, opting for something different than a hotel made this trip possible on a small budget.

♢ We booked via Airbnb. It's a service where people offer rooms in various price ranges, so we could browse according to our budget and managed to find very affordable accommodation. We booked a private room in the 11eme district and stayed with the nicest people. The street where it was located had cool bars and restaurants and several metro stations nearby. Emmy and I paid €45 in total for one night, an extremely fair price for the great hospitality and central location. I've always had good experiences booking with Airbnb so for me, it's the first thing I check when travelling. Plus it's also great to connect with locals this way.

♢ Transport will obviously vary on where you live, but living in Belgium, we had the advantage that Paris is just a 3-hour drive away. While driving to the city is the easiest option, it can be expensive with the French toll fees and high parking fees, so we opted to take the Eurolines bus on Saturday morning and found a ride back home on Sunday via a service called Blablacar. Eurolines usually offers cheap tickets to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and other major cities in Europe, so definitely keep an eye on their website if you're looking to travel on a low budget.
Another option when you travel from Belgium is Izy. It's a new low-cost Thalys train between Brussels and Paris with tickets starting at €19. I haven't booked with Izy yet, but absolutely plan to next time I head to the French capital.
♢ I was surprised by how inexpensive public transport in Paris is compared to Belgium! I spent €7.70 on tickets for the entire weekend (type Ticket Jeunes Weekend). Considering how often we took the metro, it was a bargain. We walked around a lot to see as much of the city as possible. Still, the metro is the quickest way to get from one place to the other, as the plan is simple and trains come every couple minutes.

modestmixblog Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Paris

modestmixblog Paris Louvre Eiffel tower Marais collage

modestmixblog Montmartre Paris street art

THINGS TO DO WHEN IN PARIS

Okay, so there are a ton of fun things to do in Paris, but I will focus on the activities we did on this trip so the post won't get too long-winded.

♢ One of my favourite places by far in Paris is Montmartre. This area surrounding the famous white-domed Sacré-Coeur basilica is always packed with tourists. Nonetheless, it is a must-see when you're in Paris. A stroll through these streets never fails to excite me. Place du Tertre is home to numerous local artists. It's fun to see the artists in action and see them paint other tourists' portraits. While you're there, don't forget to have a look inside the basilica, as it's just beautiful.
♢ For a laid-back (romantic) activity I would 100% recommend planning an evening boat trip along the Seine river. A sightseeing cruise under the moonlight allows you to discover the city's landmarks from a different perspective. I got very snap-happy and took loads of pictures; seeing the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and other famous monuments light up by nighttime was just magical.
♢ Similar to the boat trip, a stroll along the Seine guarantees you'll see many of Paris' best-known monuments, yet it allows you to stop for pictures or stray a little further from the river. After a delicious Sunday lunch in Le Marais, we went to Notre Dame cathedral and walked all the way to Champs-Elysées, with stops at the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries and Pont Alexandre II - and Sephora, sorry not sorry - before catching our ride back home. Even though we walked a lot, it was a perfect carefree afternoon.
♢ Speaking of parks, Paris has several green spots where you can rest, such as Jardin des Tuileries next to the Louvre museum, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Champ-de-Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. And who will disagree, there is nothing like soaking up the sun with your feet up and a box of raspberries - or macarons, after all we are in Paris - in one hand in Jardin du Luxembourg.
♢ On a clear day, climb the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe and simply take in the magnificent view over the city. I promise you won't regret it.
♢ For the best falafel in Paris, Le Marais is the place to go. Keep in mind the waiting line will be huge, so don't go there on a completely empty stomach. I love the vibe in this neighbourhood as well. There are countless trendy shops and art galleries to check out.
♢ Galeries Lafayette at Boulevard Haussmann is the place to go shopping after the Champs-Elysées. The ten-story building with beautiful stained glass dome alone is worth planning a visit for.

What are your top Paris recommendations?

4 Facial mists to try

2.9.16

Facial mists are a beauty product I considered unnecessary for a long time. However, since I learned about the subtle, yet powerful skin-changing effects they add to my beauty routine, they have been a daily essential. In the past few years I have used an array of face mists - both those that are marketed as skincare and makeup setting sprays - and currently rotate between four of them. Besides their common purpose of refreshing and hydrating skin, which is why I've particularly enjoyed them this summer season, I use each individually to tackle different skin issues, from a dull complexion and dehydration to fixating makeup.

CAUDALIE BEAUTY ELIXIR

marketed as: skincare

Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is a toning treatment for all skin types that hydrates and adds a burst of radiance to the skin. It is packed with natural ingredients, such as grape extracts, rosemary, mint and rose essential oil to soothe and brighten the complexion. My favourite way of using the Beauty Elixir is on bare skin, especially on days when it looks dull or feels tightened from dehydration. I also like to apply it mid-day or in the evening to refresh makeup or as a little pick-me-up. The minty scent is so uplifting, which is why I like to keep the travel-sized version in my handbag at all time so I can use it whenever.

BIODERMA HYDRABIO EAU DE SOIN SPF30

marketed as: skincare, makeup setting spray

Fairly new on the market is Hydrabio Eau de Soin by the French skincare brand Bioderma. It's a water-based hydrating anti-UV mist for sensitive, dehydrated and sun-exposed skin that moisturises and protects, while preventing premature skin ageing. The hypoallergenic and paraben/fragrance/alcohol free formula can be reapplied throughout the day as a hydration boost, but I also like it as a makeup setting spray. Because my skin is sensitive to regular sunscreen or moisturisers with added SPF, this is an easier, effective alternative that I can apply multiple times a day without ruining my makeup or causing skin irritation. Eau de Soin is a very fine mist that adds only a thin layer of sun protection, so I make sure to apply it regularly.

URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

marketed as: makeup setting spray - *full review*

All Nighter is known for being a weightless, long-lasting setting spray that helps makeup stay in place for up to 16 hours. It's supposed to 'lock in' makeup by lowering the temperature of the applied products and that way protects them from moving around on the skin. Basically it adds a heat- and waterproof layer on top of your makeup. This spray is my go-to on days when I can't be bothered to do touchups throughout the day (f.e. work days, festivals, etc.) or on hot summer days when my makeup needs some extra help to stay put. This stuff definitely lives up to its claims - my makeup will not look as fresh, but is still pretty much intact until the second I remove it.

MAC PREP+PRIME FIX+

marketed as: skincare, finishing spray

If I remember well, my first encounter with facial mists was this one. Fix+ may seem like a basic facial spray at first, but is a multi-purpose skincare product that is packed with vitamins and minerals. Thanks to an infusion of green tea, chamomile and cucumber, it gives skin an instant boost of hydration, while refreshing and finishing makeup. I always use Fix+ mixed with foundation to help the product feel comfortable on my dehydrated skin, avoid a cakey look and add a soft sheen to the skin. When applying loose pigments, I dampen a brush to pack the product on for a long-lasting, more intense finish. Last year, MAC also brought out limited edition scented versions of Fix+ which I adored. The rose-scented one is a great pick-me-up for throughout the day. I like it a lot on days when my skin is acting up, as Fix+ is soothing and hydrating, and gives skin a lovely dewy look.

Other great facial mists that deserve a mention: Lush Cosmetics Tea Tree Water, Lush Cosmetics Eau Roma Water, pure rose water. They are all brilliant toning treatments for sensitive skin.

Are facial mists an essential in your beauty routine?

Latest Instagram discoveries

19.7.16

Instagram: @lysclr

I have a confession to make... I have been ~~kind of~~ very much obsessed with Instagram this year. The photo app offers an incredible variety of material. As it's continuously expanding, I often catch myself browsing for snaps, to catch a glimpse of people's interests and discover talented- both professional and non professional! - photographers every day. While I'm a long-time follower of numerous great beauty accounts, it's mostly pretty lifestyle and travel pictures that hold my attention. I mean, how many red sunsets over a city skyline can I fall in love with? (The answer is: each and every one of them.) Today I'd like to introduce to you some of my latest Instagram discoveries.

Quick, before I list my latest Instagram obsessions, are we Insta-pals? You can find me under the username @lysclr! Instagram is such a fun place to document memories. I've been snapping away the past few months and also have a couple fun trips planned later this year, so expect lots of regular updates!

7 IMPRESSIVE FEEDS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

@orionvanessa I like that she sticks to a fixed colour pattern while posting a beautiful variation of travel/lifestyle pictures and portraits. I could just browse through her feed forever.
@livvrh Liv is so, so gorgeous. I'm mesmerised by her stunning makeup looks and like the cute snippets of her life she shares on her feed.
@joythielemans Joy might be best known for her role in one of Belgium's most popular TV shows, but besides her career on the screen, she uses Instagram to share fragments of trips and things she loves.
@rodrigosoutobueno Floral tattoos are clearly this tattoo artist's trademark, they're just so beautiful! Wishing I could have a floral arm sleeve like that. I just might one day.
@rubenhughes Ruben captures the most beautiful landscapes! For some reason, his pictures evoke a feeling of serenity. (Cool artsy analysis there, Lys.)
@dantom More genius landscape shots. I love how this photographer plays with light and colours in his pictures.
@kattenapollo Possibly the prettiest cat ever.

Who are your top Instagram discoveries?

Rosie Gift Set from Lush Cosmetics

27.6.16

The easiest brow routine with Essence Make Me Brow

30.5.16

Who said having great eyebrows requires a lot of maintenance? If you liked Benefit's bestseller Gimme Brow, then you'll be thrilled to hear that German drugstore brand Essence have released their own interpretation of the tinted brow mascara. Make Me Brow is a brilliant dupe to its popular, high-end sister.

Clearly I'm not the only one who has picked up about the existence of Make Me Brow, because it took me numerous hopeful trips to the drugstore, only to find stock had run out each time, until I finally got hands on the product in Antwerp - halfway across the country, of all places! (Around two months later, I'm happy to observe Make Me Brow is readily available at most large Kruidvat stores in my hometown.) Still, it was worth the hunt, as it's made my eyebrow routine so much easier. I've changed how I fill in my brows a couple times this past year; my current routine is quick, fool-proof and gives a fantastic, natural-looking result.

MY EYEBROW ROUTINE

1. Every six to eight weeks I dye my eyebrows using Bransus' eyelash&eyebrow dye from Kruidvat. Because my eyebrows are naturally blonde, dyeing them a brown colour gives them more (visible) shape and definition. It also makes filling them in a lot easier as the basic shape's already there!
2. As for my actual day-to-day brow routine, I first apply the Make Me Brow tinted mascara as a base. The tiny spoolie easily coats each hair and gives them a tint that lasts the entire day. The fibers in the product help fill in the brows for a fuller-looking effect. In these aspects, I'm sure Make Me Brow is an almost exact dupe to Benefit's offering, except it's ten times cheaper!
3. After applying Make Me Brow, there are still a couple of gaps in my eyebrows. To fix these and to give my eyebrows a defined look, I use Catrice's Longlasting Brow Definer, a liquid pen that draws soft, thin lines; it's perfect for drawing the outlines of my brows while not looking harsh at all.
4. Finally, I run a clean spoolie through my eyebrows to make sure they don't look too dark or harsh and I add more tinted brow gel or touch up mistakes with the liquid pen where needed.

Easy as that! An eyebrow routine that takes five minutes and looks great.

How do you maintain and/or fill in your brows?

Friday tip: & Other Stories Steel Garden Body Scrub

20.5.16

In Mum's beauty collection: Paco Rabanne Olympéa Eau de Parfum

3.5.16

10 Things I want to do before turning 25

27.4.16

The skincare routine switch up

16.4.16

Lush Ultrabland Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance serum Enzymatic Peel mask Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey

Let's do a throwback to October of last year, when my skin decided to have a very unexpected freakout (thanks again for that). I went from a normal, somewhat sensitive skin type to clearly dehydrated combination skin in just a matter of days. There is no way I could know for sure what caused it; it could have been the seasonal changes or maybe I became intolerant of any product(s) I was using at the time. Still, I decided to simplify my skincare routine and cut out anything that might further irritate my skin. This change basically meant I would get rid of any harsh products, including a number of makeup products, and would focus more on keeping my skin hydrated. I even kept a skincare diary for a while! Five months later, I see major improvement in its balance. This allowed me to introduce a couple new products - including a small French skincare haul recently - and get to an effective skincare routine.

CLEANSE: Lush Cosmetics' Ultrabland cleansing balm was recommended to me as a product that would gently cleanse the skin without stripping it from its natural oils. Ultrabland does not only do all that, it also gives skin a hydration boost as it's packed with great ingredients. Ultrabland has a thick consistency that takes some time to work into the skin and remove the dirt that builds up during the day or overnight. At first, I used it exclusively in the evening to remove a full face of makeup, but now I'm okay with using it in the morning too.
TONERS AND ALL THAT: To exfoliate, tone and soothe my go-to's are Eau Précieuse and pure rose water. Both can be swiped across the face with a cotton pad. This doesn't irritate my skin at all. As for facial scrubs, the Antipodes Reincarnation exfoliator is still much loved, I do skip it more often than I used to. Eau Précieuse is a water-based lotion that purifies and exfoliates skin and keeps it smooth. Only when I feel like it needs some extra care, I'll go in with the facial scrub. Finally, I've just added Caudalie's Beauty Elixir to my routine. So far I'm really liking it! I'll probably write a more detailed review on this glow-inducing facial mist later on.
MOISTURISE + TREAT: La Roche-Posay Hydréane Légère has been my most-loved moisturiser in the past few years. I can't miss it anymore! I apply it morning and/or evening, sometimes layered over a serum such as Caudalie's Vinoperfect Radiance serum or Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. Right at the beginning of my skincare switchup, I decided to give La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ a go. It's an acne-fighting and scar-fading moisturiser that can be used as a spot treatment or applied as a regular moisturiser all over the face. Back in Autumn, I'd use it all over to calm down the breakouts and prevent scarring. Now that my skin has been better, I only use it once every few weeks. I also try to include weekly skin pampering into my routine by doing regular face masks. I wrote about my favourite face mask combo in *this* post.

Have you recently introduced new products into your skincare routine?