It's almost that time for me to turn another year older. Every year, I swear that I have too much stuff and I don't need more... but I inevitably find things that I fall in love with. It doesn't help that my birthday falls at the gateway to my favorite season of the year. Cozy sweaters. The perfect berry lipstick. Cold-weather house shoes. Filling in a fresh new agenda with all the fabulous plans for the new year. Staying in with some of the delicious food - and drink! - discoveries I've made this last year. But hey, birthdays are all about indulgence anyway, right? Or perhaps I'm just greedy.

Don't worry, I still wish for world peace and shelter dogs to find good homes when I blow out my candles.

cheek & lip stain | beauty multistick | berry lipstick | 2017 calendar | copper wallet

house shoes | pink sneakers | gold studs | hoop earrings | new glasses

German gin | Portland peanut butter | French jam | oversized sweater | drape top

So I only ditched my platinum locks about six months ago in favor of something a bit more natural... and already I'm itching for a change. Surprise, surprise. It doesn't help that I've joined up with the roller derby crowd, with heads awash in a rainbow of vibrant colors. My natural, ashy blonde shade, complete with my first visible greys (eek!), just feels so 'blah' in comparison. I miss my days of pastel pink and lavender...

Perhaps it's just my impatience getting the better of me while my poor, overworked hair takes a much-needed break - but life's too short for lackluster hair, am I right? In addition to considering warmer variations on my current situation, in both a more golden blond or coppery tone, I'm also really into Meg's recently faded, true orange locks or bright tips. I had dark blue on the ends of my auburn hair several years back and loved it, so I can't deny this is the way that I'm leaning...

What do you think? Should I go more dramatic or keep it neutral? And what about you? Do you change your hair as often as your clothes or have you had the same haircut since grade school? I want to know!


image credits, clockwise:
Getty Images via Huffington Post 
Wonderful You
Max Doyle for Vogue Australia via anyonegirl
via BuzzFeed
Boden

I've known about Pacifica for many years, believing it was purely a company with positively decadent candle scents. So when I discovered that this Portland-based brand offered so much more on my trip there last month, I was completely smitten. In addition to the candles and rollerball scents I knew from many years ago, there is also a complete line of make-up, skin care and hair products. They offer most products on its site, but also sell many items at places like Whole Foods, Target and Ulta in the States.

In addition to smelling divine, these products are gluten-free, vegan and one of the most sustainable product lines out there. As if that weren't enough, just look at that packaging! Who wouldn't want an entire shelf of such beautiful products lining their bathroom shelves? I, for one, wouldn't mind

Lucky for us Europeans, it looks like some of the line can be found through sites like Amazon, though many items include absolutely outrageous shipping fees. My advice? Book a trip to the great city of Portland and stock up! And bring some back for me, would you please..?

If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen that my platinum hair is already long-gone, but not because this color was anything less than fabulous (I just love change!). Before I took the white-blond plunge, I spent a lot of time on the internet searching for photos and tips, and honestly, a lot of what's out there is enough to scare anyone away from this risky shade. Scalp burns, hair falling out - sounds like fun! But I'm glad I went for it and was even surprised at how well my hair stood up to the beating it took to maintain this shade. After nearly two years of bleaching, it was still decently soft and shiny. To pay forward all my online research knowledge and more importantly, my own experience, I'm here to share what I learned after being a whiter shade of pale:




Get a good colorist

I'm all for doing hair color at home. Heck, the dark auburn I had for years was out of a 4€ box, done in my bathroom every 4-6 weeks. But platinum is another beast altogether. First off, it's bleach. The same heavy duty cleaner that wipes away any DNA after a homocide. It's no joke and used incorrectly, you can get burned or even cause all your hair to break off. Not to be dramatic, but those stories are out there for a reason. If you are lucky enough to have a friend who truly knows what they're doing and can help you out at home, then go for it. But if you're new to this process, it's best to go to a professional you trust. My colorist here in Berlin (Carolin at Friseurladen) took great care of my color, getting out pesky bits of pastel colors I had played with on my own - and with her - as well as toning to perfection. I actually started with another colorist, but she never could quite find that perfect balance between golden and grey, proving not all stylists are created equal. Also! Make sure to have your hair as dirty as you can stand it before every coloring session. The buildup protects your scalp from the burning and itching bleach causes, making it a much less painful experience.


Wash minimally, deep-condition regularly

Like every salon-achieved hair color, shampoo - and even water! - can strip that beautiful shade you just paid your hard-earned money for. Washing hair as little as possible is key, which can be a tough transition if you're a daily shampooer. Understand that it will take time for your scalp to adjust and you will be a greasy mess for a while until it stops overproducing oil. I wash my hair one-two times a week, and it took me several months to not look like a homeless person on this regimen. A good dry shampoo is key, as are the right shampoos in the shower (see my recommendations below). Whether you deep condition with an oil, like I did, or with a mask, do it often and for as long as you can manage to sit at home with your hair wrapped up. Trust me, your hair will thank you.


Hands (styling tools, hair elastics, etc.) off!

That gleaming white shade has been achieved by stripping all the pigment from your hair, including it's strength and a good deal of its volume. Even if you're lucky enough to have thick strands of hair to begin with (in which case, lucky you!), it's going to get a heck of a lot more delicate. Something as simple as running a brush through your hair can be met with a cacophony of snapping. This means wide-tooth combs only and minimal brushing, finger-combing in the morning should be your go-to. Hair elastics, bobby pins and the like will also strain your already stressed strands even more and should be kept to a minimum. Heat tools and blow drying are also torture for hair in this state, and should also be avoided. I was pretty stringent about all these practices and still suffered from a lot of breakage, though my strands were pretty fine to begin with. TLC should be the name of the game with platinum locks.


Protection, protection, protection

Platinum hair is so delicate, it needs more protection from the elements. That means keeping it under knit hats in the drying winter and under straw ones in the stripping summer sun. Additionally, what the sun does to make natural blondes blonder, will only yellow your hard-earned white hue, resulting in toning more often to keep the brassiness at bay. Don't forget thinning the structure of your hair with this process will also leave your scalp more prone to sunburn as well. I never tried any hair sunscreens for fear the ingredients would also yellow my hair, but if you've had any positive experience with this, please share in the comments!




Choose the right products

Speaking of products, it's important to remember this is another area that can kill the perfect white in as little as one use. These are the products that worked best for me:

• Phyto Subtil Elixer: This pre-shampoo oil did great things for the softness of my platinum hair. While the directions recommend to leave on for 10 minutes, sometimes I'd leave it on for over an hour. True, the product is a pretty deep golden that's probably not the best for white strands, but the right shampoo counteracts any discoloring that might occur.

• Lush Rehab Shampoo: What I originally bought as a deep-conditioning shampoo turned out to be one of my best weapons in fighting against the yellowing effects of the world on my white hair. Almost doing a better job of toning than Shimmer Lights, I was shocked at how one shampoo with this would restore my hair to the shimmering pale hue I left the salon with. It's important to note, this will not tone hair that was yellow to start with, it will only strip away the brassiness that has occurred between colorings.

• Clairol Shimmer Lights Shampoo: This American cult classic got it's status for good reason - it works! It's pretty strong stuff, both in color and old-lady scent, but it will tone hair all the way to lavender if you let it (which could be good, if pastels are your thing). It can also be diluted by mixing with regular shampoo. Keep an eye on how long you leave it on, as some more thirsty strands will hold the purple stronger than others. If you find it hard to come by or too expensive here in Europe, Lush's Daddy-O Shampoo is a solid alternative.

• Davines OI Absolute Beautifying Potion: I discovered this through my stylist, first loving the scent when she'd spread it on my hair but then loving the non-greasy softness it left behind. A lot more than I normally like to spend on hair products, I was pleased to find that a very little goes a long way and even the small bottle lasts for-ev-er with short hair. I'd put this on wet hair after getting out of the shower and also for small, smoothing touch-ups to dry hair between shampoos. It is by far my favorite hair product discovery of the last few years. 

• Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder: After discovering my go-to dry shampoo left my new platinum hair a parched, crunchy mess thanks to all the alcohol in it, I knew I'd have to find an alternate way to stretch my shampoos and preserve my color - without turning it to straw. Enter Burt's Bees baby powder. It's talc-free, smells divine and soaks up hair oil well with it's cornstarch base. Frustratingly, it's one of the few items in the Baby Bee line not available in Germany, so I have friends bring me a bottle anytime they visit. (I've been a big fan of this stuff for a long time)

Whether you are already platinum or looking to try out this color soon, I hope you find some helpful tips for your best blond!  

After my parents cancelled their trip to Berlin and our Bailey-dog got diagnosed with cancer, I was ready to let my birthday go the way it's gone for the past two years: postponed. Since I luckily got the flu out of the way this week, at least I won't be sick for a third year in a row, but there will definitely be some toning down of the festivities. Hey, when my girl needs chemo, that's the way I'd rather it go anyway.

All that aside, who says a girl can't dream..? I mean, that's what birthday wishes are all about anyway, right? Did anyone ever get that pony they wished for as a child? Plus, autumn for me has always represented the start of a new year (I was the nerd who liked going back to school), so my birthday always coincided with this time for reevaluating what I had and possibly a little reinvention as well (with hopes of becoming the cool girl that never quite materialized). These days, as I inch closer to 40 (*gulp*), I'm definitely more about investments than frivolous wants. Yes, any 'want' is by definition frivolous, but you know what I mean. Things I could love forever rather than just a flash in the pan. So, if money were no object and someone could wave their magic wand, here's what I'd wish for this year...


A perfectly simple black dress | All about the black in recent years, it has come to my attention that I do not own a Little Black Dress. Well, I own one that's not-quite-right for my body and will likely be eBaying soon in an effort to raise money for pricy canine chemotherapy (stay tuned for more on that!), but more importantly, it's limiting in its uses (read: it's sexy vibe, all the way). When I slipped on this 3/4-sleeve oversized dress from COS, it was classic/modern/chic, all at the same time. Equally at home at a party, or a wedding, or on a date, this little black number is classic Audrey from the the front, but the swooping back fabric and roomy pockets feel a bit avant-garde. It's everything a girl could want in an LBD, including a really reasonable price tag.


A tattoo from Sophie Lee | I was introduced to artist Sophie Lee's work through Australian friends who are also looking to get inked by her and I must say, I was immediately drawn to her slightly New Yorker-esque kind of style. Plus, working at the acclaimed AKA Berlin, it's hard not to be impressed. I wanted to start with another small piece on my arm and then work with her on perhaps a larger floral piece for my back. I was warned after my first one, once you start... and here I am, nearly two decades later, plotting more. Art is addicting folks.


Matte red lips | The more I use my Bite Beauty products kind friends and family have brought me from the States (mercilessly gluten-free and food grade!), the stronger my belief in lipstick has become. With a warm pink lip crayon, a mauve-y lip gloss and a brick red sheer lipstick already in my arsenal, I'm ready for the big guns: a matte classic red for fall and winter. Aside from all the creepy chemicals and lurking gluten (who knew?), most lipsticks dry out my perma-chapped lips and I abandon them at the bottom of a drawer before they're even half gone. Not so with Bite Beauty. I'm a hard-core fan and will camp out in anticipation when they finally bring this amazing line to Germany.


Clear eyeglasses | I am so in love with my peachy-pink Lucca's I bought earlier this year (and I've never had more compliments on a pair of frames, let me tell you), but as we slip into fall, something about the petal-like color feels rather out of the place for the season. Ace & Tate's clear-framed Hudsons keep it light yet neutral, a perfect pairing for say, a crimson lip and a little black dress. I mean, have you seen Anne in her clear frames? Sold!


Mother of pearl hair | I first stumbled on this hair color while looking at my hair stylist's website earlier this year and heavily debated between this and the pastel pink I had been wanting. Ultimately cotton candy hair won out, but now that I see this popping up more on lovely heads, I'm convinced this should be my next foray into this soft color trend. Subtle, Different. Love.


Simple {real} gold jewelery | In addition to these lovely Another Feather earrings, I'd like to repierce my closed-up second holes to put them in. After all, they're just sitting there. As my friend Kat mentioned while she was buying up lovely gold rings during our trip to Copenhagen, it's time to invest in grown up jewelry. I love the trendy, quick-fix just as much as the next person, but her determination to invest in something better for herself resonated with me. Might as well add the Crest cuff and Curve ring while I'm at it.


Zip-top leather tote bag & wallet | Totes are definitely having a moment right now, but like Birks, hasn't this classic really always been around? While Madewell totes have become something of an Instagram epidemic - because they're lovely - they fall prey to the same issue I take with most leather totes on the market: the open top. I suppose that's convenient for easy access while your hands are full, but in rainy, big-city Berlin, I'd rather my items inside stay dry and un-pick-pocketed. San Francisco-based Cuyana just released its new zippered tote in this buttery, butterscotch-hued version and even though I have yet to see one in person, I'm confident this is the bag I've been searching for. Add to that a very grown-up gold monogram and a chic black wallet to go with, and dreams would be made, people. Here's hoping by the time I can afford these, they'll start shipping to Germany...


Black brogues | Good black oxfords are hard to find, apparently. I've been on the lookout for years for just the right thing, with no luck. Mostly, I blame my Sasquatch feet, but really, the styles just didn't appeal. These new-for-fall ones from Clarks hit just the right note with an on-trend platform that isn't runway ridiculous and perforation details that keep them from feeling stodgy (read: too manly). Bonus? They are light and crazy comfy. I tried the blue pair on in the store (in a 42, which is unheard of for me in closed-toe Clarks, so err on the smaller side if you pick them up) and it was like walking on two little clouds. Okay, two big clouds, but you get my point.



What are you dreaming about this autumn...?



Sophie Lee's tattoo photos via her Instagram
Mother of pearl hair photo via Jenna Perry

Being an expat is hard enough without also having to settle for crap European deodorant (raise your hand if you feel me on that one?) and lip balm that doesn't do much to un-chap your lips. Home may now be overseas and there may be a slew of great products to discover over here, but sometimes there's nothing quite like the staples you'd come to depend on. Both new and old, these are my favorites that I have come to depend on - and fill my suitcase with anytime I visit!


It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Product| As the name implies, it's a miracle for overly dry, damaged hair. My sad locks, parched from several journeys into various hair colors, soak this stuff up like a sponge. Now I'm wishing I had bought the bigger bottle last time...


Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle| Ever since this product was recommended to me by a former colleague with some of the prettiest nails I'd ever seen (thanks, Ashley!), I have never been without it. Whenever I've tried something else, I've always been disappointed. I was thrilled to see Sally Hansen products show up in German drugstores, only this magic gold bottle is annoyingly absent from the lineup of nail treatments. Don't be fooled by the other offerings, this is the holy grail for strong, glossy nails. I always return home with multiple bottles for my dry, brittle nails.


eos Medicated Tangerine Lip Balm| Let me just be honest: I've always had super-dry lips. I would go through tubes and tubes of lip balm, trying every product on the market, stashing them in every pocket and in every bag. After my celiac diagnosis and realizing that vitamin E (which is often derived from wheat germ - who knew?!) is in pretty much every lip product, I feared I would be stuck with eternally chapped lips. Joy. No matter what products I tried that were safe, nothing gave the moisture I needed - until I found this. At first, it smells a bit medicine-y, but once it's on your lips, the tangerine takes over and all is fruity and yummy and super moisturized. Douglas just started carrying EOS balm, and it's available in the UK, but I've yet to see this particular version over here and frankly, the other flavors (I've tried five of them) just don't pack the same moisture punch. I've already blown through an entire little dome in just over a month - which while super cute, is a bit unwieldy in pockets and such - and have only one more from my last trip, so I'm plotting how to get more in bulk. Gluten-free and it works. Unglaublich.


Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Crème| This stuff is one of my ultimate beauty indulgences. It's not that expensive, but it's enough that even when I lived in the States, I only bought it every once in a while. Like so many of the products I covet, I love it because it works. Even better than that, it smells like a tropical vacation. The super-thick, goopy texture can be a bit off-putting, but one after night of slathering your feet in this stuff, leaving it to soak in under some thick socks and waking up with feet that feel like a baby's bottom, you'll be hooked. Lucky for us in Europe, it is available over here, but for a bit of a markup.


OPI Nail Polish| OPI has reigned supreme in the world of manicures for some time. It's reasonably priced considering the overwhelming color selection and top-notch formula - except in Germany. Here, a bottle of this stuff will set you back an ungodly $20. Even in the Netherlands it goes for much less! At around $8 stateside, I can't help myself from picking up a bottle or two whenever I'm back. Malaga Wine and Berlin There, Done That - surprise, surprise - will remain some of my all-time favorites.


Ion Color Brilliance Brights Semi-permanent Hair Color| For everyone who liked my recent foray into lavender hair, this is where it's at. After enjoying a brief stint with dark blue tips via Manic Panic a few years back, I was anxious to try out the whole pastel craze. I heard Ion has taken over as the semi-permanent color to use, so I bought tubes in both pastel pink and lavender. The results were mixed. The pink was beautifully subtle but definitely required longer developing time for more impact. So when I went for the lavender after the pink was gone in one wash, I was stunned to watch as the bright purple color cream on my head did not fade, no matter how much I rinsed. Almost two months later, it's faded, but still holding on for dear life. All that said, if you're looking for awesome 'temporary' color, this stuff is great. My hair was not damaged and the colors were lovely, with minimal weird tones as they faded, though they are recommended for use on hair that is already bleached so that they show up. The best part? You can find them for $5 a tube in the US, whereas I found only one color on Amazon Germany. And it went for €25.


Herbal Clear Sport Deodorant| Since jumping on the more natural deodorant bandwagon several years ago after discovering that what's in most of them in the US causes cancer and those gross yellow stains on your clothes (yeah, that's not just sweat), I've found that most of the more natural stuff is just not up to the task. Except this stuff. Even in the States, it's hard to find, but I promise you it's worth it. It's not super sticky, the smell is subtle and pleasant, but most of all, it just works. While I still have my pricey La Roche Posay one here to fall back on, I always make sure I've got a few sticks of this stocked up.


Aquaphor Healing Ointment| For serious moisture, this is the cream of the crop. Rough elbows, dry feet, even burns and cuts, this stuff completely heals. Eucerin is huge over here and Aquaphor can be found if you happen into the right Apotheke, but I've never come across the giant tubs like in the States. It's all purpose, can't-beat-it-product.


Burt's Bees Baby Bee Calming Lotion| Finding lotion that calms my irritable dry skin but manages to keep all the nasty parabens and unnecessary chemicals out of the equation can be tough. This Burt's Bees formulated for sensitive baby skin fits the bill nicely. Plus, it soaks in nicely and has a scent as soothing as the name implies.


Burt's Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder| I am completely obsessed with this stuff. I don't have a baby, but you'd think I do by the stock of this I keep in my bathroom. If I'm not powering baby bottoms, what am I doing? Using this for dry shampoo! This 100% natural, talc-free, cornstarch-based powder has the most lovely soft smell (not really like a baby, so not to worry) and soaks up oil without making me look like I'm trying to bring back the powdered wig look. Not sure why Germany doesn't carry this product, but it needs to add this to it's Baby Bee lineup, stat!


What are your favorite US-based beauty products? Have you found any good substitutions when they are hard to find?

Furthering my continued research on beauty products in Germany, I'm here to tell you about what I love from the German Apotheke, or pharmacy. Pharmacies in Europe are not at all what you think of if hailing from the US of A. Sure, there are prescription drugs and pharmacists ready to answer questions and provide you with over-the-counter meds that will barely make a dent in your symptoms (oh, Sudafed, how my sinuses miss you during allergy season...), but it's the swanky (mostly French) beauty products that make the Apotheke an actual shopping destination. Brands that were mostly relegated to high-end department stores in America can be had at any corner pharmacy - and here in Germany, they literally are on almost every corner - at a much more palatable price.

But with all these amazing choices, where does one start, you might ask. Well, that's where I come in. Having a penchant for beauty products, not to mention being here for several years, I've spent some time seeking out the best. So whether you are a new expat in Europe looking to replace that face wash you loved for years or are just here on holiday and want a special little beauty treat to add to your arsenal back home, this list is for you. Of course, everyone's skin and hair needs are different, but these are the things I've found to work brilliantly for me.


Vichy Pureté Thermale Sanft schäumende Waschcreme | This creamy, moisturising face wash is super gentle and feels great going on. Even better, it lasts forever as only a teeny bit is needed for each use. I keep mine in the shower for washing my face in the steam.


La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Nettoyant/Reinigungsfluid | My go-to face wash, I've been using this since before I even moved to Germany. I love how gentle it is for my sensitive skin, as well as how my face doesn't feel stripped by washing with water.


Avène Lotion doucer | I began my face-washing routine in the early nineties, era of the stinging alcohol toner. Why on earth did we do that to our skin?! For that reason, I hadn't used a toner since - until I discovered this. Feeling like I needed a little extra clean and a bit more moisture after my face wash, I decided to give this a try. I've never looked back. It makes my skin feel clean (not stripped), moisturized and smelling like French perfection.


La Roche-Posay Hydraphase UV Intense Legere | I have been adamant about moisturizer with sunscreen since I was 15 years old, after losing several friends and family members to various cancers and the days when melanoma news was at its peak. The incessant teasing of my paleness in high school has turned into skin in my 30s I can be proud of, and I know I have my daily UV protection to thank. This is great stuff and the bottle lasts a decently long time. In the harsh German winters, sometimes I'll switch the heavier 'Riche' version of this to satiate my dry, irritated skin. The smell also takes me back to those weeks spent on the French Riviera in high school, and what could be better than that? (note: I used to use this one, which works great, but prefer one without parabens)


La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL LSF 50+ Anti-brilliance Gel-crème toucher sec | I call this the holy grail of sunscreen. It disappears into your skin like you never put anything on, making excuses for not putting on sun protection null and void. I keep this little tube in my bag for touch ups on my nose, ears or neck when I am out in the sun for longer than expected, as well as to protect my exposed tattoos from fading. I recommend the large tubes of Anthelios sunscreens for slathering on during summer holidays as well.


La Roche-Posay Deodorant Physiologique 24H | I happened upon this product on a trip to Paris many years ago when the airline lost my luggage and I had to replace all my toiletries. After begrudgingly shelling out for all new products at the pharmacie, I discovered that this seemingly simple deodorant was better than anything I'd even used. It didn't irritate my skin, it had no scent and best of all, it doesn't have parabens, aluminium and all the other crap in US deodorants that are terrible for you anyway. Even in Europe, amongst all the icky liquid roll-ons in the drugstore, this is a gem.


Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Augen Make-Up-Entferner | Paying a bundle for eye make-up remover seems ridiculous, but there's also nothing worse than skimping on something that leaves you to wake up with raccoon eyes from all the make-up it didn't remove the night before. This is the best stuff I've found that doesn't cost a fortune but gets the job done. An extra bonus: it's gentle on my easily-irritated eyes.


Phytojoba Masque brilliance haute hydration | With all the capricious hair decisions I've made in the last few years (red, bright blue tips, platinum blonde), my hair has taken a beating. At the recommendation of a well-known white-blonde, I ditched regular conditioner for a deep-conditioning mask. This one is fantastic, it smells great and improves my hair's straw-like texture tremendously. I use it as a regular conditioner every time I wash my hair (letting it work it's magic for as long as possible), as well as slathering it on dry hair a couple times a month and leaving it for as many hours as I can manage to be lazy around the house before washing it out. Phyto's Kératine mask is great as well.


Phytokératine Sérum réparateur longueurs et pointes | That damaged hair I was talking about? Well, it requires all the help it can get. Looking for some kind of leave-in reconstuctor, I gave this stuff a try and it has literally changed the texture and feel of my hair. All those horror stories I heard about platinum hair breaking off left and right, with slit-ends galore, just doesn't happen for me and I think owe a lot to this little bottle. I love the way it smoothes when applied to dry hair without making it greasy or weighed down. A little goes a long way.


Phytocitrus Shampooing éclat couleur | Anyone who spends a lot of time or money on hair color wants to protect it and keep it looking its best. I read good things about this shampoo from other blondes and thought it sounded like the right one for me. As with all of Phyto's products, I love that it's plant-based and the wonderful smell. It helps keep my color bright and doesn't over-lather and dry my hair out.


There are still so many products I have yet to try from the Apotheke, so I would love to hear about your experiences. What mid-range skin and hair products do you love?

It's funny how when you move to another country, you are so focused on the big stuff - visas, residence permits, communicating day-to-day in a new language - that you can forget about the little things you have to adapt until you're standing in front of a drugstore shelf, tirelessly translating the key words on the fronts of bottles until something sounds like what you are looking for. That face wash you depended on since your teens may not be available in your new home, or as I found out, your skin has changed so much in a new climate, it has a whole new set of requirements.

It can be daunting to embark a major journey for new products that will work for you, let alone in a language you are still working to master, but I've compiled a list of my favorites after nearly five years here from the German equivalents of CVS or Walgreens to help. So if you're unsure of what's worth grabbing at your local dm, Rossmann and the like, take a look at these recommendations to see if there's something that might help fill a need in your beauty line-up.


Essie nail polish

Essie polish is one of the few US treats that don't pass the high cost of importing onto its customers. Bottles of OPI are an ungodly 16€ here, while Essie remains at a reasonable 8€. Still relatively new to the drugstore scene, the color selection is not comprehensive and the displays often go unreplenished for long periods of time, but at least it's quality polish at a good price. This perfect urban grey, Chinchilly, is one of my favorites, but it's hard to go wrong with other classics like Sugar Daddy or Wicked.


Essie apricot cuticle oil

Yes, another buy from Essie, but this is my new favorite product find. It doesn't soften my cuticles as much as I would like, but it makes my nails - especially manicured - glossy and beautiful. Plus, it smells deliciously like apricots.


Neutrogena Norwedische Handcreme

A long-time staple for me in the States, I was thrilled to discover this was sold here in Germany as well. Super thick and rich, this is a must for dry German winters, though my dry skin drinks it up year-round. The regular formula's scent is quite pleasant, but I stock up on the perfume-free version to have at our bathroom sink, my bedside table and in my bag at all times.


Loreal Elnett Haarspray

This European stylist favorite had been smuggled into the US for years before some retailers started to wise up and worked out a deal to sell it to us Americans directly - at a price. Now living in the glorious European Union, where this hair magic hails from, I can get it at a fraction of what they charged to import it in the States (for some reason, it's also much cheaper in Germany than it is in France). Even better, it comes in a multitude of variations - dry hair, colored hair, extra volume, extra strong hold - so you can pick just the right one for you. If you have used it, you love it. It's everything a hairspray should be (soft, lasting hold) and nothing it's not (hard, sticky or gross).


Syoss classic hair color

For the few years that I was a redhead, I relied on Syoss hair color for frequent color refreshes and root touchups. It's super cheap and I found the color was surprisingly better than more expensive hues. When I changed things up to a darker brown, I was equally impressed by the color performance. While I now leave my new platinum locks up to the professionals, if I ever go back to the auburn or brown shades, this will be my go-to.


Alverde NATURKOSMETIK AugenBrauengel

Strangely enough, I discovered this German beauty brand product through a French fashion and beauty blogger. A huge fan of her style, not to mention any beauty recommendation that really works and doesn't break the bank, I was floored to see someone in France importing a drugstore product from Germany because it was that good. I was never a big user of eyebrow product as I always found it either streaky or crunchy or fake-looking, but this product was a game-changer. It's the perfect balance of subtle color and gentle hold that takes your brows to the next level - without looking like you tried too hard.


Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

Admittedly, I'm not usually a fan of drugstore cosmetics, mascara aside, as I find they under-perform so drastically compared to more expensive brands. So when I picked this stuff up on a whim to replace some of my favorite dried out Bobbi Brown gel liners, I didn't have very high hopes. Boy, was I surprised. Not only is the color strong and easy to apply, but it stays on all day like its more expensive counterparts without fading or flaking.


Bi-Oil

I originally picked up this reparative oil for my legs that are overly sensitive and irritated from my shift from waxing to shaving last year, but then discovered that it works wonders on my face. Granted, my daily sunscreen routine since my teens has left me with only minor wrinkles thus far, but this stuff seems to smooth and repair what damage my facial skin has endured. I use a couple of drops around my eyes and on my forehead under my face moisturizer and at night, but my skin has shown definite improvement for the year or so that I've been using this. Better yet, it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin the way almost every anti-age product I've ever tried has.


Nivea honey & oil creme seife

Basic, creamy, superb-smelling soap. I rarely will use anything else and even my mother stocks her suitcase with these bars every time she comes to visit.


Garnier Ambre Solaire Sonnenschutz-Milch

A faithful Neutrogena sunscreen-wearer in the States, I quickly learned that Garnier was the European drugstore gold standard for sun protection. Great formulas and range of protection options, I always have a bottle of this stuff with me when I'm headed out in the sun.


How about you? Are there any German or European drugstore products you can't live without?



Stay tuned, as I will be showcasing more beauty buys I count on from the Apoteke (think high-end drugstore) and department/specialty stores...