First there was K-beauty and now there's a vegan skin care range. Avon seems to be expanding on different areas of beauty and skin care lately. Cleaner skin care products are so "on trend" (the word I'm not very fond of) and are becoming more widely available.  Bigger brands are jumping on that bandwagon as well.

Te Mana is new natural brand from New Zeeland that is now also available in Slovenia. Ingredients are mostly organic and hand harvested from ancient rain forest in Aotearoa and combine modern and Maori knowledge. You'll also find Maori words on the products as well as symbols in their logo. I have to say I am always a bit skeptical testing natural skin care, but this one surprised me with their refined textures that I decided I need to share my thoughts with you. 

This is a natural makeup look that I tried to create with mostly just cream products. Cream products will look especially nice on slightly drier or older skin. Powders can often times look more unnatural as well as lot more intense, so using creams for a more natural look is obvious. I love a good bold look, but I've also been loving wearing something more natural. Here emphasis is on glowy natural looking skin with a bit of definition and minimal eye as well as minimal lip.

I started by applying my usual skin care routine - toner, serum and a fairly hydrating glowy moisturizer in these colder months. Then I also used primer. If you have oily parts, like I do, use something that will mattify the skin and fill in pores. I used that on my t zone and a bit around my cheeks where my pores are bigger. You can also use illuminating primer, which I used only on the top of my cheeks and above the brows. This will give your base a bit more of that healthy sheen.

Then I applied BB cream all over my face in a light layer. Because my cheeks tend to have more redness and visible capillaries, I went over them with a bit more product. This evens out your skin tone and makes it look fresher, especially, if you use a BB cream that has that healthy sheen to it. BB cream also usually has less coverage and skin care ingredients in it, which makes it look more natural. But you can use a lightweight foundation too.

After that you need to assess the situation. If you see anything that needs to be lighter or covered up, use a bit of concealer. I have deep set eyes and my inner corners can look really dark, so I used color correcting concealer to conceal out that purplish tone in the inner corners of my eyes - upper and lower. On top of that I applied higher coverage concealer, but tried to use it lightly. Don't overdue it, because you'll ruin the natural look to the skin. I also apply a bit of concealer around the tip of the nose, where I have redness, corners of the mouth, chin and in between the brows. These are all my areas that tend to get redness through, but you conceal only what you feel you need to. If you want to look fresher, also conceal right around your lower lash line which is often times more red than the rest of the skin.

Left: only BB cream, Right: BB cream and concealer

I always set concealer with a bit of powder, especially under the eyes which prevents it from creasing. For that I use a tiny amount of transparent powder that just soaks up excess moisture, but doesn't look cakey or gives it any additional color. If you have oily parts, put some powder there too. For me this is around the tip of the nose, a bit on the forehead and on the center of the chin. Those are the areas that I know will get greasy as the day goes on. If you're skin is dry and you don't get greasy through the day, you can skip powder.

After we've evened out the skin tone, we need to put some more definition back to it. If you have naturally defined cheeks and don't need to define any part of the face, you can skip this step. I used creamy grey toned contour shade to contour a bit under my cheek bones. This makes my cheeks stand out more. I also have wide and high forehead, so I also always contour on the sides of the forehead as well as a bit around the hair line. If you want to define your jaw line, use a bit of contour also under the jaw bone. I also have wider nose tip, so I try to fairly add some contour there too. Always have makeup sponge next to you to blend out, if you've overdone it. It should look natural, like a natural shadow. My trick for making the makeup look uniformed is also to apply a bit of that contour across your lid, but concentrating it under the brow, not on the mobile lid. This gives a slight definition to your eyes without using any powder eyeshadow.

BB cream, concealer, powder and cream contour

Next I move to brows. First I brush them through with a transparent gel or mascara like gel. If you have thick brows, that is all you need to do. However, if you have fair and fine brows like I do, you need some additional help. I mixed two colors of creamy eyebrow shades and drew on little hair like strokes where I wanted to fill in my brows. The point is to not make it too perfect and completely filled in. You want to still see the texture of hair, but just give them nice shape. Because I have bold spots, I also use very thin creamy brow pencil to fill those in additionally. After I do that, I also brush through my hairs with another transparent brow mascara. By brushing the brows up they look fuller, messier and in general more youthful. Giving your eyes sharp arch or drawing your brows in a very thin line, makes you look older and sometimes angrier. Bushy brows are popular for a reason, they look youthful.

One of the most important steps at natural makeup is curling your lashes, if you don't already have them naturally curled. It opens up the eyes and makes you look more awake. Eyelash curler is my favorite makeup tool. I used volumizing mascara, because my brows are not super long nor thick, so I need help. I applied two coats on my upper lashes and only one coat on my lower lashes. My lower lashes are fairly long, so I don't apply mascara all over them, because I want upper lashes to be the center of attention. If you want even more natural looking lashes, apply mascara mostly around the roots of your lashes. This will make your roots look darker and fuller, but avoid putting it on the ends of lashes, because it can look more unnatural. If I go for a no eyeshadow look, I prefer a more fuller lash look, but you can skip it, if you have good lashes already.

BB cream, concealer, powder, cream contour, brows and mascara

After that I go back to my skin. One of the easiest ways to look glamorous, fresh and healthy is to apply creamy highlighter. Highlighter brightens up your skin and gives your that youthful glow. I used a mix of champagne (more pink based shade) and mixed it with a slightly cooler whiter champagne, just to make it really pop. You can go as heavy or as light, as you want with the highlighter. I like it heavier, but since I use cream highlighter, the texture looks much more skin like and not too obvious.

I apply highlighter with fingers. Make sure to blend the edges, so it looks as natural as possible. For that you can use clean finger or dampened makeup sponge. I apply highlighter on tops of cheeks - also a bit closer to the nose for that round cheek look, above the arch of my brows (if you have a lot of lid space, you can apply it under the arch of the brow, but if you have hooded eyes avoid that, because it will only make you look more hooded, instead apply on top of brows), in between the brows and slightly along the nose (but not down to the tip, because I have long nose in general), on the cupid's bow and on the inner corners of the eyes (this opens them up and makes them look brighter, avoid this step, if you have eyes that are wide apart, instead apply it only on the center of the lid).

BB cream, concealer, powder, contour, brows, mascara, highlighter

Another very important part that makes you look alive and healthy is blush. Blush has been in the makeup game for years and for a good reason. It's that instant pop of color that freshens up your complexion. I also used creamy blush in a muddy brownish mauve shade which is very close to my natural redness of the cheeks. The more natural color you use, the more natural it will look. You don't have to be too precise with it in order to achieve natural look,  just follow your natural redness of the cheeks. Again, creamy texture will blend into the skin seamlessly and look much more natural than a powder.

BB cream, concealer, powder, contour, brows, mascara, highlighter, blush

If you have vibrant natural lip color, you can just apply lip gloss and you're done. But if you're like me and your lip line is a bit blurred, you can use lip pencil in similar tone of your lips and just slightly define the edges. Blend it out with a q-tip to make it look more natural and less defined. Then I used a bit of that creamy blush and applied it on the lips. It makes the whole look come together in a similar tone. I also used a bit of sheer pink lip gloss on top to make the lips look fresh and juicy.

This is a simple natural, yet still defined, makeup look that will suits anyone as long as you adjust it to your features and skin tone. You can create this look in under 20 minutes, because you can basically apply all cream products at once and just blend it out well. I've done this already, when I was in an extreme rush. Cream products are also easier to blend, because they don't require any specific brushes or skills. I think it's a great everyday fresh natural makeup look.

If you want to spice this look up for an after work occasion or any other occasion that requires you to look more colorful, I'd say choose a good bright red lipstick and apply it on the lips with fingers or a lip brush. Diffuse the edges with a q-tip for a more effortless and modern look, like you haven't tried too much. I guarantee you it will look well put together with minimal effort.

This is just what I like, when it comes to natural. It may be way too much for some or too little for some. But I like to define my smaller eyes, add some contours to my face, as well as make the skin as glowy as possible. I'd love to hear what is your definition of natural makeup. Let me know in the comments.

Products used:

Avon mark Magix Face Primer

Oriflame The One Illuskin Face Primer

Missha Perfect Cover B.B. Cream - 21 Light Beige

Look by Bipa Matte Camouflage Concealer - 010 Light

Catrice Camouflage Cream Anti-Shadow

Paese Rice Powder

Maybelline Mastercontour Studio - 01 Light

L.O.V. BROWtittude Brow Gel Serum

Avon Mark Perfect Brow Creme Gel Pot - Deep Brown + Freedom Makeup Eyebrow Pomade - Caramel Brown

Catrice Slim'matic Ultra Precise Brow Pencil - 03 Dark

Catrice Lash Brow Designer Shaping And Conditioning Mascara Gel

Beyu Beauty Queen Volume Mascara

Kiko Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter - 100 Gold + Colourpop Super Shock Cheek - Flexitarian

H&M Pure Velvet Cream Blusher - Cameo Brown

Catrice Lip Foundation Pencil - 030 Addicted To Cafe Au Lait

ItStyle Lipgloss - 09

Avon True Colour Perfectly Matte Lipstick - Ravishing Rose

I've been testing out two fun skin care and body care products that are perfect for hot summer months. It was my first time using natural clay mask in a powder and I find the process of mixing it up quite satisfying. The cocoa bar with orange and gold shimmer is like a dark chocolate with orange flavor for your body. Just don't eat it.

Malinca Clay Mask*

It comes in a white plastic pot with grey lid. Malinca in Slovenian means raspberry that's why you'll find raspberry illustrations on their products. The packaging is fine, you just have to be careful opening it up so that you don't spill the clay all over.

In it is 90 grams of product and the regular price is 5.99€ although you can often find it cheaper. You can buy it here. 

It's the most natural way of using a clay mask as the only ingredient in ti is 100% grey clay in a powder.  

It has a light grey color with a tint of olive to it. It's finely milled.

On the instructions says to mix with water in the ration of 3:2, but you can obviously mix it how you like. You can make it really thin or slightly thicker. I prefer it to be a bit thicker so that it covers the face evenly. Here you can see how I mixed it with water and I actually used way too much of the clay. A little goes a long way. Small teaspoon is more than enough for your whole face.

Once it's wet it looks a bit darker and it dries to a lighter grey olive shade. I've read that apparently you're not supposed to let these clay masks dry down completely, so it is advised to leave it on the face for 2 to 3 minutes only. 

It's a very basic natural clay mask that has that muddy scent to it and is recommended for all skin types. I've never used these masks in a powder form and I think it's kind of fun to mix it on your own. You can essentially also add your own things to it like oils, yogurt, oats, honey, essential oils... depending on your preferences and needs. The possibilities are endless. I'm definitely going to try this in the future.

It worked nice and definitely made my skin smoother and it looked cleaner, but I wouldn't say it's deeply cleansing which is means it's less harsh than most store bought clay masks. This means it's better for sensitive and drier skin. But clay masks in general are a bit drying, so you'll need to apply skin care after you use it. It's especially good product for summer when skin tends to get more clogged up.

Keep in mind that clay masks won't get rid of stubborn blackheads and they also work much better, if you prepare your pores before, like sitting in a hot bath or putting your face over a steam to open them up. 

Malinca Cocoa And Orange Bar With Gold Shimmer*

It comes in a plastic transparent pot with raspberries design and silver top. The pot is actually quite big. Inside is a small plastic protector that sits on top and prevents the bar from scratching.

In it is 50 grams of product and the regular price is 10.99€, but you can also find it on sale sometimes. You can buy it here. 

The ingredients list is quite natural. The main ingredient is organic cold pressed cocoa butter with orange and gold shimmer.

It comes in this cute heart shade. The cocoa butter has a slight yellow tint to it and it smells divine. Like a proper dark chocolate with orange flavor. I love me some of these, so whenever I use this, I start craving chocolate. It also has sparse small shimmer in it, which actually almost looks more like a glitter. It's not that noticeable, it just might spark a little here and there. 

Cocoa butter is very good for skin. I've researched it when I was looking for natural butters and oils to help me with my dry lips and cocoa butter was high on recommendation list. It actually softens the skin and gives it a nice protective, nourishing and moisturizing layer.

Because it's in a fun bar shape, you can also use it for massage. It's the best to be used after a shower, because the skin is slightly warmer then and it melts better. I find that you can also use it through the day, as your skin has a good warmth anyway. 

It's not too sticky or greasy like oils, but it gives the skin a nice sheen and it absorbs quite well. It's just moisturizing enough that it will make your skin look nourished and healthier. 

They also have a regular cocoa butter bar and one with a mint flavor, if you prefer an After Eight scent. 

Both of these products you can get on Malinca, which is a Slovenian online store that offers a wide range of natural foods as well as skin care, sports clothing, hand made jewelry, candles and many more. They also have blog with fun recipes using natural and healthy ingredients. Usually you'll find a few recipes under each ingredient that they sell. I love buying my Golden Tree Whey Protein in Vanilla from them, as it's one of the rare whey proteins that doesn't have artificial sweeteners. Basically one of the most natural proteins that I've found so far. I make small protein balls from it, use it as a flour for my american pancakes and such. 

They also ship to most EU countries, so definitely check them out. I love their range, because they have a lot of products that are harder to get in Slovenian stores.

GIVEAWAY

Here is the fun part. I will be giving away both of these products to one of your. All you have to do is go to my Instagram and find a photo of those two products. Further details are under that photo.

Giveaway is opened for Slovenian residents only.

*PR products

I like to try natural products every once in a while and some definitely impressed me in the past. It's a lifestyle change that is becoming very popular. One of those products that people like to change out for a natural one is definitely deodorant. As I am a sweaty pig, deodorant is my most needed product on daily basis. Let's see if I got along with this Cvetka Bio Herbal Deodorant in Hug of Gentleness (Cvetka Bio Zeliščni Deodorant - Objem Nežnosti).

I love the neutral brownish mauve look that Ariana Grande usually wears and it seems to be her staple. When I saw her video for Everyday (which is probably the most low budget video ever), I couldn't help but watch her makeup. Mauve is usually more reserved for fall time and to me it looks cool toned, but I still wanted to make an inspired look by that video. Turns out mauve is quite a neutral shade that works on cooler and warmer skin tones. It's a very natural look with that mauve haze to it.

I started my eye makeup with eyeshadow primer and I set it with beige matte color. For the crease I first used a very light matte warm brown. Then I used slightly darker and cooler matte brown. On the lid I used a mixture of light mauve and an even lighter lavender shade. This eye look is all about matte shades that give you that subtle mauve haze.