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Sabrina

Beauty Favorites Haircare Skincare

Best Skin + Hair Care of 2021

December 31, 2021

Best Skincare + Hair Care of 2021

I’m wrapping up the year with a best of Skincare and Hair Care favorites roundup of 2021. This year has been a very sad one for us, if you follow me along on social you know we had to say goodbye to Lucy this past week. We are very grateful she made it through Christmas with us. She was a very happy dog and we feel so lucky to have had her in our life for 17 years. We have family in town for a couple of days to help distract us with their company. To all who lost a loved one this year, my heart goes out to you!

In my effort to end the year on a positive note, here is by Best of Skin Care and Hair Care for the year with my top picks in each category.

Best Skincare 2021

Face Cleansers

Makeup Removers / Micellar Cleansers

Toner/Essence/Serum

Moisturizer

Best Skincare Hair Care 2021

 

Scrub/Exfoliators/Treatments/Masks

Eye Treatment

Night Treatment

Body Care + Lip Care

Hair Shampoo + Conditioner + Mask

Hair Styling

Hope you are ending the year on a good note! I’m hopeful for a better year next year. I have a lot to be grateful for with so many good things even though there were a lot of tough moments this year. Sending you all lots of love!

 

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Home / Interiors

Home Decor Refresh Haul

December 28, 2021

Home Decor Haul Marble Oval Tray

I’m back with a home decor refresh haul! I’ve added some small decorative pieces to the home with some new trays, storage units and more over the past few months. So many of you liked my 10 Things I’m Loving for the Home and Decorative Tray Roundup I thought I’d do an updated roundup!

Marble Oval Tray

Marble Oval Tray Pottery Barn

I picked up this Marble Desk Accessory Oval Tray from Pottery Barn and love it. It’s a solid piece of marble, quite sturdy and small enough to display a few beauty favorites. It fits my Byredo 1.7 oz bottles perfectly!

Also shown above: Round Mirror / Knot Bracelet / Sunglasses / Vase

Agate Catchall

Agate Tray Catchall

Another Pottery Barn find, I thought this Agate Catchall looked pretty! There is quite a bit of variation in the stone. The one I received in the mail has slightly different veining and colors than the stock photo, but I think I still like it. It’s on the larger/wider side with a curved base.

Also shown above: Dior Pouch (discontinued) / Sunglasses / Enamel Bracelet / Knot Bracelet / Glass Photophore / Chanel Gold Case

Coffee Table Add-Ons

CB2 Coffee Table Match Striker and Mizensir Bois Ardent Candle

For the coffee table I ordered the Architectural Digest A Century of Style book. I’m still in the process of browsing it but I love these kinds of books! I ordered mine from Pottery Barn but you can find this one easily at other stores too.

I did a CB2 haul for some small accent pieces. This Curve Ball Match Striker makes a pretty decorative piece. I neglected to read the reviews and am a little sad to report I couldn’t get this to light matches with the glass etching. Also it doesn’t come with matches. Still I think it’s pretty!

The Diptyque Feu de Bois and Mizensir Bois Ardent candles are two of the best fire wood kinds of scents I’ve tried. They add a nice cozy feel to the home. (Use code SABRINA15 for 15% off your first order at Mizensir, US only.)

Our Coffee Table is from West Elm which we’ve had for around 3 years. I love the look but we’re looking for a new one to replace it. The glass and mirror surface is so high maintenance and the brass finish did not hold up well.

Also shown above: Small Ivory Leather Tray CB2 (sold out) / Glass Match Cloche / Wick Trimmer / USB Lighter / Vase / Sofa

Large Cement Box

West Elm Zane Bookcase Shelf

CB2 Chelsea Large Cement Box

I had my eye on the CB2 Chelsea Cement Box and noticed they added a large size so I happily ordered it. I think it’s beautiful! They also have these boxes in Quartz which I think are stunning too. I’ve put the box on my shelf for now. Our shelf is the West Elm Zane Bookshelf.

Marble Jewelry Tower

CB2 Marble Acrylic Jewelry Tower

If you follow along on my Instagram you’ve already seen this Marble Jewelry Tower (in this Reel Here)! I’ve decided to use it for beauty storage for the things I reach for the most. I think it’s beautiful (also marked down on sale now through 12/30). I still think the best functional beauty storage units were from Original Beauty Box however they’re no longer in business.

This Marble Acrylic Storage from CB2 is pretty heavy because of the stone. The drawers are on the small/shorter side since it’s designed for jewelry so it won’t hold a lot of my foundation or skincare bottles inside.

I measured the height of each drawer since it’s not listed online:

  • Drawer 1 and 2 are both 5 cm tall
  • Drawer 3 is 6.7 cm
  • Drawer 4 is 8.5 cm tall

For reference a Westman Atelier Foundation Stick and Armani Luminous Silk Foundation are both 9.5ish cm and a Chanel Les Beiges Highlighter is 9 cm tall. These are too tall to fit in the bottom drawer standing upright.

Marble + Brass

Williams Sonoma Marble Brass Tray

I recently added another Marble and Brass Tray to our home from Williams-Sonoma. This is very similar to the one I have from West Elm (shown below), but with different handles and slightly different dimensions.

This Marble and Brass 3-Tier Stand is a pretty addition to our kitchen. It’s constantly on backorder but if you have your eye on it I recommend buying it. It was on a 3-month backorder when I ordered it and it ended up arriving a little sooner than they promised.

Marble Brass 3 Tier Stand

Brass Vanity Mirror

West Elm Caspian Vanity Mirror

This little Brass Vanity Mirror from West Elm looked really cute online and I like it! It’s on the small side but I love that it has two sides, one magnified, one regular. It’s pretty sturdy too!

Tiered Stand

Tiered Acrylic Stand Amazon

I ordered a few Acrylic tiered stands on Amazon to display perfumes. I picked the smaller size and really like it. It’s functional and helps me see product easier. You can use this for anything really, doesn’t have to be for perfume! See it IN ACTION HERE.

Gold Jewelry T-Bar Stands in the Large and Small are from Kendra Scott.

Perfume Storage Ideas

Muji Acrylic

Muji Acrylic Sunglasses Case

Last but not least, I picked up this Muji Acrylic Storage Sunglasses Case. I love the quality of their acrylic pieces. If you have a store near you it’s probably easier to find product. Online the inventory is hit or miss so I often have to keep rechecking to see if they’ve restocked items.

I think this is a cute case! I can also use it for mini bottles of perfume, nail polish, etc.

A lot of you asked about this Mini Bottle Stand from a while ago. It’s back in stock if you’re looking for it! It’s on the small size but super cute.

Spring Nail Polish Favorites

That wraps up my home décor haul! Hope you found this helpful!

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Lifestyle

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2021

Diptyque Holiday Candle Carousel

Merry Christmas! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe holiday season as we wrap up the year. Andrew and I spent Christmas Eve at home with just the two of us along with our pup Lucy and cat Calvin.

Calvin turned 9 this year and Lucy is 17! We are grateful for every day we still have with our Lucy girl as she is very old and has lost most of her sight and hearing. She’s still happy, healthy, living for the snacks and belly rubs, just slowing down more and more each day.

Wishing you all the best from the bottom of my heart! Sending you all lots of love! Grateful for the kindness many of you have shown me each as you follow along on my beauty journey. Hopeful and looking forward to the next year!

Merry Christmas!

Calvin and Lucy

I’ll be wrapping up the year with some favorites roundups! Also stay tuned a mini home decor haul refresh (you can see a peek at one thing I hauled here) and a look at Chanel Spring first week the new year!

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Nail Polish

Holiday Nail Colors I’m Loving Right Now

December 15, 2021

OPI Snow Day in LA Swatch

It’s been a while since I’ve done a nail polish roundup so I thought I’d share 10 Holiday Nail Colors that can take you from Christmas into the New Year. I love following all the nail trends and save a lot of tutorials for inspiration! However I still haven’t mastered the hand painting swirl designs myself. I bought a few tools to try at home in the new year, so maybe I’ll be able to do it one day! For now I love bright or bolds. I still wear my everyday neutrals often but love these holiday shades.

All swatches below are with two coats!

OPI Snow Day in LA

OPI Snow Day in LA Swatch

OPI Snow Day in LA* (infinite shine formula, also available in the regular formula) is a soft smooth white with a hint of pearl. Applies smoothly without streaks with 2 coats. Love that it’s a bright white without being too stark.

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OPI Intentions are Rosegold

OPI Intentions are Rosegold is a pretty metallic coppery rose gold with a foiled finish. Applies without visible brush strokes and ultra rich pigment!

OPI Intentions are Rose Gold

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OPI Paint the Tinseltown Red

OPI Paint the Tinseltown Red* (infinite shine formula, also available in the regular version) is a pretty red with a holographic shimmer finish.

OPI Paint the Tinseltown Red

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OPI Big Bow Energy

OPI Big Bow Energy is a bright cool-toned fuchsia pink cream, I have it in the Infinite Shine Formula, also available in the Regular version.

OPI Big Bow Energy Swatch

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Hermes Rose Incarnat

Hermes Rose Incarnat is a bright fun pink cream, similar to Chanel Turban (the Chanel pulls more warm/peachy). I keep getting so many questions about the Hermes nail polishes and I’m working my way through testing them. I still don’t think they’re worth $45 as I don’t think any polish should be that much. But I am really happy with the formula so far. Has good lasting power, no chips within 1 week, opaque coverage, beautiful colors. I think you can definitely find dupes though!

Hermes Rose Incarnat Nail Polish

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Hermes Rose Magenta

Hermes Rose Magenta is a gorgeous mauve magenta pink cream.

Hermes Rose Magenta Nail Polish Swatch

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Hermes Orange Poppy

Hermes Orange Poppy is a vibrant orange cream. I love how bright and vibrant it is!

Hermes Orange Poppy Nail Polish swatch

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Hermes Rose Tamise

Hermes Rose Tamise is one I love in the bottle, dries to a slightly darker finish on my nails. I’d describe it as a muted dusty mauve plum. This one is a bit hard to find, but I’d recommend checking back online to see if they restock at Hermes.

Hermes Rose Tamise Nail Polish swatches

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Essie Topless & Barefoot

Essie Topless & Barefoot is the one classic pale nude pink shade that always gets me compliments. Doesn’t last as long as other formulas but it’s a great neutral!

Essie Topless and Barefoot

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Chanel Le Vernis in Interdit

Chanel Le Vernis in Interdit is another classic bold vampy shade. Opaque, smooth, dramatic! Another one that always get compliments more than any other vampy dark shade I own.

Chanel Le Vernis Interdit

What’s on your nails right now this holiday season? Do you do them yourself or go to the salon? Mine are all DIY. I have only been the salon once in the past 3 years for a pedicure. All the others are done on my own at home! For those new to the blog you can check out my Hand + Nail Care Favorites here including hand creams, tools, base + top coat favorites and more.

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Press samples have a * next to them. All other items purchased by me.

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Fragrance Sephora

Fragrance Favorites from Sephora

December 13, 2021

Perfume Favorites from Sephora

The Sephora Fragrance For All Event starts today! Beauty Insider Members can save 20% off full-size perfumes online or in-store anytime from 12/13 through 12/24 with code FRAGRANCE20. Promo code is a one-time use (US only). This year Sephora is also offering free same-day delivery code SAMEDAY to have your orders and gifts delivered (offer also runs from 12/13 through 12/24).

Offer is valid on full-size fragrance purchases of 1.0 oz or larger, excludes sets and Chanel fragrances. Discount is available for one time use online or in-stores. Discount does not apply to taxes, shipping, or other fees. Some limitations apply. See store for details. Available in the US and CA. Discounts cannot be stacked, but Sephora Collection may be used in same transaction.

Perfume Favorites from Jo Malone, Tom Ford, BVLGARI, Replica and Viktor Rolf

I love trying new perfumes and I love rotating new ones each season. I’ve put together a roundup of my top favorites from Sephora.

Jo Malone Favorites

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne, Basil and Neroli, Fig and Lotus Flower

Jo Malone was one of my first high-end perfume loves. The scents bring back distinct memories for me! I’ve tried pretty much every perfume and the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne is one of my most-worn perfumes. It’s such a great earthy woody scent you can wear year round. Notes include ambrette seeds, sea salt and sage.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

I also love the Basil and Neroli for a fresh and bright earthy green kind of scent. This one is one of Andrew’s favorites on me. It has a mix of basil grande vert, neroli and white musk. It’s fun and bright.

Fig scents are beautiful for the home but are hard for me to wear. The Jo Malone Fig and Lotus Flower is one that I can actually wear that still has that lovely fig scent. It has fig leaf, lotus flower and vetiver for a juicy green kind of floral.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc

If you’re looking to splurge Tom Ford is the way to go. My absolute favorites are the Eau de Soleil Blanc and Soleil Blanc for white floral, bergamot, ylang ylang + Coco de Mer notes. These are more spring to summer time scents but I still wear them year round. Other loves include his Tobacco Vanille, Oud Wood, Santal Blush and White Suede to name a few.

Fresh Clean Scents

BVLGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc

If you’re looking for something fresh and clean like linen, try BVLGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc (artemisia, musk + white tea) or Maison Margiela REPLICA Lazy Sunday Morning (lily of the valley, iris + white musk). Both have a soft fresh feel, they smell like clean skin and have a calming effect.

BVLGARI Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc and Replica Lazy Sunday Morning

Best Date Night Spicy Scent

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb

Last but not least is the Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb. To me this is one of the best classic date-night spicy scents. It’s sweet, spicy and floral with a mix of jasmin, orange blossom and patchouli.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb

Perfume Favorites from Sephora

I have a few on my wishlist I might splurge (and save) on during this event! I have been trying some mini samples I have of Tom Ford Soleil Neige and Maison Louis Marie No. 04 and plan on purchasing the full sizes!

Would love to hear about your perfume favorites from Sephora! What are your absolute must-haves?

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Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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Giveaway Holiday Gift Guide

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

December 12, 2021

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas

 

1 Violet Grey Set / 2 Victoria Beckham Set / 3 T Bar Stand Large / 4 T Bar Stand Small / 5 Belt Bag / 6 Water Bottle / 7 Pave Diamond Hoop Earrings / 8 14k Gold Huggies / 9 Gucci Duo / 10 Hand Cream / 11 Candle / 12 Small Tote / 13 Mini Bag / 14 Aesop Set / 15 Hand Trio / 16 Faux Shearling Slides / 17 Tarte Bow and Go / 18 Jo Malone Cracker / 19 Skincare Set / 20 Nuxe Trio

If you’re still doing some last minute shopping for gifts I have one last Holiday Gift Guide with some ideas for you!

A few of these I own myself and love. The Aesop Protector Trio ($82) has all of my Aesop favorites for the home. I think this makes for the perfect hostess gift! Their Adventurer Roll Up Hand Trio ($56) is another one I love with their hand sanitizers and hand cream.

I’m a minimalist when it comes to jewelry but if you’re looking for some nice classic pieces I love the Mejuri Bold Hoops Earrings ($160) that come in 14k Yellow Gold and White Gold. These are solid gold pieces and I wear these almost every day. I splurged on the Pave Diamond Bold Hoops version ($495) earlier this year and love them. Also love this dainty diamond necklace (worn here).

Lululemon is a favorite at our home. Both Andrew and I use or wear something from Lululemon nearly everyday. I love their Everywhere Belt Bag ($38). It’s the perfect size to carry just the essentials. I bought a bunch of these to give as stocking stuffers this year. I also really love the Everywhere Fleece Belt Bag ($48) which sold out super fast but I have seen it restock a couple times.

The Jewelry T Bar Stands I have that many of you ask about from stories are from Kendra Scott. I have both the Large ($85) and Small ($80) and think they’re really well made. I think these would make super cute gifts, also shown in this Reel here.

The Tarte Bow and Go Set ($35) restocked online at Tarte! And they’re having 30% off sitewide with code 30OFF at checkout! Sephora’s Beauty For All Event ends today with 20% off with code GIFTEASY (one-time use). I’m ordering this Gucci Perfume + Mascara Duo along with a few other things.

Last one I want to highlight is Skinstore! They have lots of great gifts at all price points, great sales and sets. I shared four sets on Instagram in this post here including the Holiday Edit Box ($75), 111Skin Jetsetter Pouch with my favorite Eye Masks ($30, available in Rose and Black), and the NuFace Fix Set ($139). US readers might be really excited to know they carry Nuxe which is so hard to find these days. I’m really happy to have been able to buy their Huile Prodigieuse Trio Set ($66.75) so I can have their body oil in my life again.

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Sending you all lots of love and good vibes during this holiday season. I know it can be extremely stressful this time of year! I’m hosting another giveaway! ONE reader will be selected to win a selection of my favorites! Open to US and Canada readers, 18 years or older. To enter:

  • complete ALL the steps in the widget below
  • open to US and Canada residents, 18 years or older
  • giveaway runs through 12/14/2021 11:59 PM EST
  • winner will be selected by me and emailed directly within 48 hours of giveaway end time
  • winner must email me back within 48 hours or another winner will be selected
  • prize will ship within one week
  • not sponsored or affiliated
  • giveaway includes: Lululemon Fleece Belt Bag (black), mini Diptyque candles (x2), Bobbi Brown Enriched Face Base + Eye Cream, Bobbi Brown Sweet Indulgences Lip Set, Cobblestone Lane Eye Palette, Tarte Kiss Me Under the Mistletoe Maracuja Lip Set, Fresh Lip Balm, Glossier Balm Dot Com, Aesop Adventurer Hand Trio Roll

Enter Below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Giveaway Skincare

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

December 6, 2021

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to have a one-on-one interview with one of the co-founders of Omorovicza, Margaret de Heinrich. Omorovicza has been a long-time favorite for years and it was so great to connect with the brand founder and learn more about her skincare philosophy, background behind the brand and her own self-care routine.

The line was founded in Budapest where Margaret and her husband Stephen met. They were impressed by the healing properties and benefits of the Hungarian mineral rich waters and began their quest to capture these ingredients into their own skincare line. You can read more about their brand history and the inspiration behind their skincare line here. I love that she has so much passion for her brand! Also truly appreciate that she understands the seasonality of skincare as well.

I’ve used quite a few things from Omorovicza over the years. Long-time readers know that I’m a huge fan of the Queen of Hungary Face Mist. It’s made my favorites list countless times and they’ve since added a few more formulas to their lineup! For those new to the brand I thought it would be fun to share my Top 10 favorites!

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

Cleansers

Omorovicza Cleansers

Readers know I love trying cleansers. I think having a good cleansing routine is essential to having clear healthy skin. I’ve tried nearly every cleanser Omorovicza has!

Moor Cream Cleanser ($82) is the first cleanser I tried and it’s one I’ve kept repurchasing. It has such a unique cream mud texture that works to purify the skin while moisturizing. It has Moor Mud with calcium, magnesium and a blend of essential oils to cleanse and purify.

Cleansing Foam ($82) is a sulfate free cleansing foam. This has been formulated for all skin types but for me I find it best suited for normal-oily skin or combination skin. It’s gentle and non-stripping but works to help remove excess oil. Key ingredients include Copper Gluconate, White Lupin Extract, Apple Pectin and their patented Healing Concentrate.

Queen Cleanser ($95) is one of the newest additions to Omorovicza and I love it! It’s like a cold cream cleanser and works well to clean the skin gently while calming the skin. Calendula extract calms the skin. It contains evening primrose oil, Vitemin E and linseed oil to smooth and protect the skin. This cleanser leaves the skin feeling soft and well balanced.

Peachy Micellar Cleansers ($52) these cleansing pads are among my favorite from the line. I use it as a first step cleanser to remove makeup at the end of the day. It has a super fresh feel to them. These contain natural Olive Oil Ester to draw out oil and impurities, Damask Rose Flower Water to soothe and soften and a gentle Patchouli + Peach fragrance.

Omorovicza Peachy Micellar Cleansers

Mask/Treatments

Omorovicza Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel and Deep Cleansing Mask

There are several masks and peels from Omorovicza. I have not tried them all yet but two I really love are the Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel and Deep Cleansing Mask. The Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel ($200) is an ultra-gentle exfoliating and brightening peel with AHA and Lactic Acid. This is one of the few peels I can use that is gentle enough for my sensitive skin. You leave it on for a couple of minutes and rinse off. It’s recommended to use 2-3 times per week.

The Deep Cleansing Mask ($125) Is a great purifying mud-mask. It has a slight cooling effect and works to reduce pore size and clarify the skin without stripping it. It contains their Hungarian Moor Mud rich in calcium and magnesium to clear the skin. I’ll use this 1 time per week or every other week. I like that this one is soothing and not too strong.

Queen Cream

Omorovicza Queen Cream

For moisturizers I’ve really loved the mists from Omorovicza but haven’t really explored the other creams or lotions yet. One that I have tried is their new Queen Cream ($249). It is phenomenal! Margaret describes it as a cloud cushion for the skin and I couldn’t find a better way to describe it. It has a unique balm texture that glides onto the skin and doubles as a makeup primer. It primes and preps the skin for foundation. Love that it has a nice blurring effect!

Face Mists

Omorovicza Face Mists

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Face Mist

I’ve saved the best for last! I’ve loved the Queen of Hungary Mist for years. It’s a gentle hydrating mist that works to refresh the skin without being too heavy or oily. It has a mix of orange blossom, rose and sage. It’s the best skin refresher I own.

The Magic Moisture Mist ($99) is a bi-phase formula that also acts as a liquid moisturizer. It has oil and water that gives the skin a nice fresh glow.

The newest addition is their Queen of Hungary Evening Mist ($84). This is designed to help soothe the skin overnight and has lavender oil to relax, melatonin to repair the skin overnight and CBD to calm and reduce any inflammation. I keep this on my nightstand and I love it. It’s the perfect skin treat to end the day.

Omorovicza Skincare Favorites

You can find all of my favorites at Omorovicza. There’s a lot to explore by skin type and collection. They also have some items in travel size as well.

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The brand has kindly offered to host a giveaway to one US reader (18 years and older)! Giveaway will run from 12/6 through 12/9/2021 11:59 PM EST. To enter follow all the steps in the widget below. They’re giving away:

  • Queen of Hungary Mist
  • Peachy Micellar Pads
  • Gentle Buffing Gelée
  • Midnight Renewal

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Have you tried anything from Omorovicza? What are your favorites?

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