Tag Archives: review

MY PHONE (HI)STORY

my phone historythese are my recently used phones, from left to right:
SAMSUNG galaxy alpha / SONY Z3 Xperia / WIKO Highway Pure 4G

what is important for me?
a phone with a long lasting battery is exactly what I need, as I use my phone for work the moment I wake up until the moment I go to bed. not kidding : ) and then I also need a phone that takes awesome photos. these are the two most important things for me: camera and battery. lets see which phone made me the happiest.

my phone history

let me start with the phone that I have used first, the SAMSUNG galaxy alpha. what I love about this phone was my customized case by swiss fashion designer JULIAN ZIGERLI, you can see all the photos and blogposts here >> >> I got this phone at an event in september 2014 and have rarely used it until I have received the SONY Z3 Xperia phone in november. but when my SONY pone broke I went back and used this SAMSUNG phone, until I got the new WIKO phone. a bit complicated but I hope you were able to follow along.

+ lovely case by JULIAN ZIGERLI
+ very light phone 115 g
+ easy to use (Android)
+ 4K (3840 x 2160) video recording

– weak camera 12MP / 2.1 MP : (
– weak battery ~ 6 hours max 

so in November 2014 I have received the SONY Z3 Xperia phone in the lovely mint color that reminds me so much of Tiffany & Co. I have used this phone with pleasure from January until it broke : ( in May 2015. here you can see more >>  and  >> and  >>

+ lovely mint color
+ easy to use (Android)
+ awsome battery – ~ 24 hours +
+ best back camera ever 20.7 MP / ISO 12800
+ waterproof IP 65/68
+ so many photo options
– never had so much fun with my phone before.

– average front camera 2.2 MP
– it broke after 5 months : ( – now I am waiting for it to be repaired.

my phone history

my newest phone is by WIKO, a french phone and therefore my first european phone ever. I got the WIKO HIGHWAY PURE 4G in black with a black case. I have been using this phone for a bit more than 3 weeks now and besides the camera and battery issues it is a great phone, I can really feel that it is faster than any phone I have had before. : )

+ very very light 98 g
+ thinnest smartphone on the market 5.1 mm
+ easy to use (Android)
+ best front camera 5MP that I have ever used

– average back camera 8MP
– weak battery ~ 7 hours
– very little options for photos

so at the moment I am using the WIKO phone and will keep it as a back up as soon as my SONY phone is repaired.

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VICENZA – Hotel TIEPOLO

on the way from Basel to Venice we stopped in Vicenza and spent the night in the 4 star Hotel Tiepolo a bit outside of the city center. our room was in the topfloor (8°) and therefore we had an amazing view over the city. the hotel room was average standard but what I liked best about it was that it had a bathtub! I somehow love hotel rooms with bathtubs – it makes me feel like at home 🙂 the hotel has its own restaurant but unfortunately it was out of order the night we were there. I heard that it is a very good place for conferences and workshops as the hotel has its own conference rooms for about 700 people. what else can I tell you about the HOTEL TIEPOLO in Vicenza, it has free wifi, a flat screen tv, a mini bar, a trouserpress and A/C.

http://q-ec.bstatic.com/images/hotel/840x460/158/15840908.jpg

breakfast was included and they serve bread, croissants, coffee, tea, fruits, jam, orange juice and more! – the usual hotel breakfast buffet.

Vicenza Tiepolo Hotel****
Viale San Lazzaro 110
36100 Vicenza

info@vicenzatiepolohotel.it

www.vicenzatiepolohotel.it

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SOMETHING NEW

Kiehl’s has presented the CALENDULA DEEP CLEANSING FOAMING FACE WASH with Calendula Flower Extract for normal to oily skin type and I was so lucky to get to test it for you. It totally fits my skins needs and I have used the Kiehl’s Centella Cleanser before – so I do have something to compare the product to. I have used it twice and I love it already thats what I can say so far. but I really need more time to be able to review the product. so I will get back to you about it. stay tuned.

what does the packaging say
This rich, gel formula activates with water to create a creamy, dense foam that gently removes impurities without stripping skin of its essential moisture. Formulated with Calendula Flower Extract and Glycerin this deep cleansing face wash helps to soothe and replenish skin without over drying. Skin looks and feels instantly refreshed and revitalized. Soap-free and Sulfate-free.

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SOMETHING NEW for MEN

Cristian was so nice to try the CLINIQUE for men collection and will tell us how he liked the products. So the first four products we are going to introduce are: #exfoliating tonic #aloe shave gel #moisturizing lotion #post-shave soother – I already updated the MEN page on isawsomethingnice.ch – have a look! http://isawsomethingnice.ch/men

exfoliating tonic

Q: how did you use it?

always after the face wash with a cotton pad. I dont like the cotton pads because they always stick to my facial hair. I will try to use kleenex in the future.

Q: what did you like about it?
– tingles nicely
– it feels very clean and sanitized

Q:what did you dislike about it?
– smell or better said lack of fragrance

aloe shaving cream

Q: how did you use it?

after I cleaned my face and used the exfoliating tonic I used the aloe shaving cream. its one of my favorite products because it makes shaving very easy.

Q: what did you like about it?
– easy to use

Q:what did you dislike about it?
– nothing

moisturizing lotion

Q: how did you use it?

after the exfoliating tonic I use the moisturizing lotion. or when I shave I use it after shaving and after using the post shave soother.

Q: what did you like about it?
– nice sensation after shaving
– makes my skin soft

Q:what did you dislike about it?
– nothing

post shave soother

Q: how did you use it?

I used it directly after shaving.

Q: what did you like about it?
– refreshes

Q:what did you dislike about it?
– smell or better said lack of fragrance

stay tuned for the next review where we will show you more products of the CLINIQUE for Men collection.  thank you Cristian you are an amazing product tester! xx

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MATRIX products

MATRIX Biolage Volume Bloom and MATRIX Wonder BOOST – lets do something for fine hair! And do you know what, I do got very fine hair.

The Biolage Volume Boost Shampoo and Conditioner contain cotton and no parabens. I used it for the last couple of weeks and I like to switch shampoos that means that I am always having at least 3 products standing in the shower. Like this its easier for me to directly compare the products and effects and also I feel that its better for my hair to have a change every now and then. I previously introduced some other Biolage products, click here >> and I am still using them to this very day!

What can I tell you about these products, other than that they work great for me. They smell amazing, the shampoo lathers and the conditioner makes my hair so smooth and easy to comb.

Let me introduce you to MATRIX Amplify Volume Wonder Boost Root Lifter – another great product for fine hair! How do I use this?

Use on damp hair, direct snozzle applicator close to the scalp or all over, blow dry, set or dry naturally, style as usual. Very simple but very effective! I can compare this product to the Alterna Bamboo Volume 48 hours sustainable volume spray and I can not tell you which one I like more as they both create amazing volume – they will be used up both!

available in Basel:

HOLLYWOOD Coiffure
Steinenvorstadt 25
CH – 4051 Basel

Parallele Coiffure
Steinenvorstadt 79
4051 Basel

Have you tried these MATRIX products?

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MATRIX design pulse

MATRIX
design pulse

for the last couple of weeks I have been trying out these MATRIX design pulse hair products.

#THERMO GLIDE
Express Blowout Creme, for fast drying and silky smooth finish. it helps protect from high temperature styling tools. apply to clean, damp hair.

I can directly compare this product to the Elnett de Luxe 230° C style spray and I think they are really alike. both help to protect from high temperature styling and both help straightening the hair and they also both smell good. packagingwise I prefere the MATRIX tube but I really dont like the design of the design pulse line, its too bold and too black for me.

#SMOOTH SHIELD
Anti Humidity Hairspray that locks in smooth and controls frizz in any weather. 24 hours humidity resistance and hold.

my hair is naturally wavy with straight parts, ever since I have started to dye my hair I really got frizzy roots and this spray is a holy grail, it really controls my frizzy hair! its a light texture spray that is not making your hair look dry or hard. I love it! thanks MATRIX, this is my favorite product out of the design pulse line!

#CLEAN REMIX
Instant Dry Shampoo, that refreshes the hair and absorby oil for a cool second day look.

I dont really like to wash my hair too often and therefore I am a big fan of dry shampoos in general. I already tried many and I can directly compare this MATRIX dry shampoo to the label M dry shampoo I was using before. they both do a great job when it comes to absorbing the oil but I prefer the smell of the label M product.

available in Basel:

HOLLYWOOD Coiffure
Steinenvorstadt 25
CH – 4051 Basel

Parallele Coiffure
Steinenvorstadt 79
4051 Basel

Have you tried the MATRIX design pulse products?

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SENSAI SILKY BRONZE

SENSAI SILKY BRONZE

“the sun is shining the weather is sweet..” so lets see what SENSAI is presenting this Summer! I got the Sensai Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream for Face SPF 50 – Silky Bronze Self Taning for Face – Silky Bronze Sun Protective Compact – Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream for Body SPF 30 and I have used these products for the last couple of sunny days! I can directly compare this collection with the Lancaster Sun Control products that I have also recently tested. so let me tell you what I think about the Silky Bronze collection:

Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream for Face SPF 50
a very nice cream and super easy to apply. I think SPF 50 is perfect for the face but its also available in SPF 15 and SPF 30 and it is waterresisitant!

Silky Bronze Self Taning for Face
I did not use this product yet, I will keep you posted!

Silky Bronze Sun Protective Compact SPF 30
I love bronzing compact powders and especially this one! it has the perfect shade and matte finish without any shimmer. It can be used dry or wet and is waterresistant. this is my favorite product out of the Sensai Silky Bronze Collection and I would definitely repurchase it!

Silky Bronze Cellular Protective Cream for Body SPF 30
like the one for the face it is also a very nice light cream that is very easy to apply. I used it this sunday and I was in the direct sunlight at the river for about 3 hours in the afternoon and I didnt get any sun burn. Its only available in SPF 30 which I consider a bit low. to be very honest I dont really like the smell of these creams or maybe its just because I prefere the smell of the Lancaster Sun Control products that I have also recently tested.

did you use the Sensai Silky Bronze products?

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SKINSIDE – the new cosmetic drink!

I am a very open person, open to a lot of things and always eager to try new things. So when I saw these products at GLOBUS Basel, I couldnt resist: I wanted to try these new skinside cosmetic drinks!

skinsinde cosmetic drink with collagen and swiss milk serum is available for day and night. I got both and I am currently drinkling the skinside antiox morning drinks.

its really hard to tell if I can already see any results of the drinks. the sun is out and this helps my skin to fight against blocked pores and such. I started drinking the SKINSIDE antiox 1 week ago and I am very sure that it needs a bit more time. overall I am very happy with my skin at the moment, so I will continue to drink the antiox for at least 2 more weeks and will get back to you before I start testing the night balance drinks.

note: this drink contains lactose – but in a very small dose. I am lactose intolerant and I didnt have any issues with these drinks.

let me know if you have tried these aswell. did you like them? did you see any results?

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DO YOU SELF TAN?

After enjoying the new LANCASTER sun control products I just felt like trying these new self tanners aswell. They come in two different shades #light and #medium – so as I am quiet pale I started with the #light Self Tan Beauty for face and the one for body and face.

#light “a week end in CAPRI”
#medium “a week in IBIZA”

I recommend to exfoliate the skin in order to prepare it for the self tanning product. like this you get rid of any excess of dry skin and the tan will last longer and more radiant.

so far I really like the result. I applied it 2 a week and I dont see any streaks. I will continue to use the light Self Tan Beauty and maybe then switch to the medium.

have you tried the new Lancaster Self Tan Beauty products?

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something new by L’OCCITANE

Eau d’Angelique Bio

Gel Radieux 50 ml
Crème Radieuse 50 ml

something new! my friend Sara is testing the Gel Radieux for I SAW SOMETHING NICE. She has normal skin with dry patches and likes creams that are not too heavy – so the gel texture is perfect for her. I prefere a creamier texture and thats why I started using the Crème Radieuse. so far we both like the Gel and Crème. Its easy to apply and it works great with Foundation and BB Creams. The organic Angelica Seed Extract keeps your skin moisturized for 24 h (Gel) to 48 h (Crème)!

Gel Radieux 43.50 CHF
Crème Radieuse 54.00 CHF

photocredit: www.pflanzenfreunde.com

http://ch.loccitane.com/

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LANCASTER sun control

SPF 50 yes, I am not kidding. We all have to be careful with our skin! Some of you may say: but then you will not get tanned.. hmm, I will get my tan for sure, also with SPF 50, but I will also make sure that my skin still looks lovely when I am 40+

Lancaster was so nice to let me try these new SUN CONTROL products – thank you so much! so let me introduce the new LANCASTER sun control collection with infrared technology and DNA expert:

#Anti-Wrinkles & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Radiant Glow Cream SPF50+

#Anti-Ageing & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Uniform Tan Milk SPF50

#Anti-Wrinkles & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Radiant Glow Fluid SPF50

this weekend was the first time I have used these products as it finally was sunny again in Basel, Switzerland. On Saturday and Sunday I applied the  #Anti-Ageing & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Uniform Tan Milk SPF50 to my arms and legs. It smells soooo good! Since years I am using the LANCASTER sun products and I m so attached to its smell. when I smell my skin it brings back my summerholiday memories from sunny California or beautiful Barcelona. It just instantly brings me into a happy summermood! my skin is very pale compared to how tanned I am in summer so I am thinking about trying the LANCASTER self tanning products. I will keep you updated about that. 🙂 so now back to the SUN CONTROL products. On Saturday I applied the #Anti-Wrinkles & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Radiant Glow Cream SPF50+ to my face and neck – the skin absorbs the cream really fast and it leaves a beautiful glow. Yesterday, Saturday I used the #Anti-Wrinkles & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Radiant Glow Fluid SPF50 allover my face and neck – and this will be my go-to Sun Screen for this Spring/Summer. I love the texture, its light and easy to apply under my foundation or BB Cream. As soon as my face is a bit tanned I dont wear foundation too often. I prefer to wear something lighter like a BB or CC Cream or sometimes I just use a bit of Bronzer and thats it! So I have to say that I am really happy with the results of these products. my favorites are the #Anti-Ageing & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Uniform Tan Milk SPF50 and #Anti-Wrinkles & Dark Spots Sun Sensitive Skin Radiant Glow Fluid SPF50 – I would definitely repurchase these two products!

tips and tricks!
I prefer to apply the sunscreen (body) before I get dressed, like this I make sure that none of the products gets on my clothes and I am also sure that the Sunscreen got absorbed by my skin before exposed to sunlight. I apply the Sunscreen (face) before my moisturizer. I read an interresting article on howstuffworks (link) and I came to the conclusion that it actually doesnt matter in which order you apply the moisturizer and sunscreen, as long as you use both.

What do you think?
Have you tried the LANCASTER sun Control Products?

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RODIAL

RODIAL – my first experience with RODIAL products.

In the goodiebag of the L’OFFICIEL Schweiz launch party there was this SUPER ACIDS X-treme hangover mask by RODIAL. I have never ever used their products and I had to google the brand. RODIAL is a London based and was founded 1999 by Maria Hatzistefanis.
so anyway, I was curious enough to give this little green bugger a try. When I had dinner with my BF last night I just suggested to watch a movie later and put on this new clay mask. I was expecting nothing other but a big huge: “NO F****** WAY”.. but to my biggest surprise I heard: SURE, why not.

ooh, wow, that was a surprise! so we did it. we washed our faces and applied the SUPER ACIDS X-treme hangover mask by RODIAL and waited for it to be dry in order to scrub it off our faces. After 15 minutes the mask was dry and we removed it. I took some super funny photos of us with the face mask but I am not allowed to show you the photos 🙂 I guess it was enough for him that he was willing to try the mask!

so how was it?
It tingles and burns a bit when applying, so I think its nothing for very sensitive skin. As I have couperose on my cheeks with very sensitive skin I didnt apply any mask on my cheeks but still I had a burning feeling on my skin. The mask contains 75 ml and I am sure it will last for another 3 to 5 masks. But I am not sure if I will ever use this mask again as it is very strong and I think its too much acid for my sensitive dry skin. I will stick to my creamy masks that I have loved and used before. (eg. Sislyey Paris, Ananné..) so to sum it up, this mask is something for rather oily skin and nothing for sensitive skin.

Have you tried this RODIAL mask before? How did you like it? Would you recommend this mask? Please leave a comment below. thanks. xx

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NEW products by Estée Lauder

#1 Sumptuous Infinite daring length and volume Mascara

#2 Revitalizing Supreme CC Creme

#3 ReNutriv Ultimate Contouring Eye lift

#4 Pure Color Envy Lipstick

#5 Modern Muse

#6 Pure Color Nailpolish


ladies, spring is about to be here and Estée Lauder presents some really awesome new products. I was invited to the press lunch in Basel and had the opportunity to get all the products explained and introduced. we all got a booklet with the latest products and a lot of interesting tips!

#1 Sumptuous Infinite daring length and volume Mascara
Some of you may know that I am not a Mascara Fan at all 🙂 I hardly ever use Mascara.. But still I am always craving new things and I am one of these person who loves to try out new things. So of course I gave this Mascara a try and I have to say it does what it promises. It made my lashes look longer and made them dense and I really liked the shape of the brush.

#2 Revitalizing Supreme CC Creme
A new anti-aging CC Creme – which adapts to your skin color and gets slightly tinted. the Cream should be applied as the last step after the moisturizer and inbetween foundation. I wear the CC Creme on Sundays and I just wear it on top of my moisturizer and it makes my skin look very even and it reduces the redness on my cheeks.

#3 ReNutriv Ultimate Contouring Eye lift
I cant wait for summer.. this will be my best friend in summer! The new ReNutriv Eye Lift Creme has an amazing applicator out of ceramic which always stays cool. No matter if you have it in your purse or in your room it stays the same temperature. its like magic! I use it without creme and start from the inner part sliding outwards underneath my eyes, I repeat this 3 times per eye after that I apply the creme with the same move. I have been using it for the last couple of weeks and I really see a difference in my skin around my eyes – YAY!

#4 Pure Color Envy Lipstick
Bright lips, I am so ready for the spring summer colors of 2014.
20 different intense moisturizing color shades for bright lustrous lips!

#5 Modern Muse
Modern Muse – I love the name of the newest Estée Lauder fragrance.
The fragrance has a very elegant and soft note and became one of my favorite fragrances. I wouldnt say its a fresh scent but still it makes me feel very fresh and clean. I took it to London for the fashionweek and whenever I travel short distances with small luggage I limit myself to bring only one parfum and allow myself to buy one in the dutyfree 🙂 so this time I didnt find a suiting parfum on my way to london so this meant I had to use the same parfum everyday for one week 🙂 and I loved it!! on the way back I found something nice, something we dont have in switzerland, but I will tell you in another post. stay tuned. I can highly recommend to visit your local parfum shop and try the Modern Muse fragrance – I am sure you will love it too.

#6 Pure Color Nailpolish
Not only bright lips but also bright nails – the new Pure Color Nailpolishes are really nice. I wore it for several days and it didnt chip. But I also used the top coat from Estée Lauder so I cant tell you if it would chip or not if wearing it without top coat. I will try it and will let you know.

soo, thats it for now. I had fun with all those new products and I hope you will enjoy them soon too! spring starts this month, yay! I will show you the Mascare, lipstick, CC Creme and Nailpolish in an upcoming post! stay tuned! xx

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BEAUTY BESTSELLER

BEAUTY BESTSELLER
L’OCCITANE

#1 Eclat & Soin Couleur
Shampoo with 5 Essential Oils

#2 Concentre de Lait AMANDE
Firming and Smoothing Milk Concentrate

#3 Creme Mains Rose Heart
20% Shea Butter protects, moisturizes and absorbs quickly.

#4 Verveine Eau de Toilette
with organic Verbena extract

These are the BESTSELLER products by L’OCCITANE. As I told you in my previous post this month is all about BEAUTY BESTSELLERS. Let me tell you a little bit about these amamzing products.

I have colored hair and I used #1 Eclat & Soin Couleur Shampoo for a couple of hairwashes and I really must say its an amazing product. Mostly herbal products do not latter but the Eclat & Soin Couleur smells really good and latters. As some of you may already know I have very dry skin and therefore I m always looking for rich body creams or butters. #2 Concentre de lait AMANDE is a perfect cream for dry skin. It smells delicious and it moisturizes and absorbs very fast. I use it allover my body and I can get dressed immediately without feeling greasy or so. Some weeks ago I posted something about handcreams, the post was caled “things I hardly use but I should” there I already featured the #3 Creme Mains Rose Heart with 20% Shea Butter. It is a great product that protects, moisturizes and absorbs quickly. see the post about handcremes << http://isawsomethingnice.ch/post/73605959920/thingsthatihardlyeverusebutishouldhandcreams >> last but not least let me tell you about the #4 Verveine Eau de Toilette
with organic Verbena extract its a very fresh fragrance and for me it is a bit too much citrc so I prefere to use it in my house instead of my body – I know this must sound weird but I really think it makes an amazing roomspray aswell. 🙂

photos by DEMIAN BICHSEL

please take a moment and answer these questions – I am very curious what you think about L’OCCITANE products. Leave a comment below or answer it directly via @tumblr

so which is your favorite product by L’OCCITANE?
do you use any of the BESTSELLERS above?
which is your favorite product out of the BESTSELLERS above?

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