Elenaa Petranovic

When I first started trying to live a low-tox lifestyle, I was overwhelmed. There are so many products claiming to be “clean,” “natural,” or “non-toxic,” and it’s hard to know which ones actually work. Over time, I learned that the best products are ones that combine effectiveness, safety, and simplicity. I don’t want my home or personal care routine to be stressful — I want it to feel easy, intentional, and healthier for me and my family. Here’s a list of products I’ve tried, tested, and genuinely love — ones that I reach for daily and feel confident recommending to anyone trying to reduce toxins in their life:

When I first started paying attention to the ingredients in my skincare, I realized how many of the products I was using were full of synthetic fragrance, silicones, and harsh preservatives. My skin was constantly irritated — red patches, dryness, and breakouts that just wouldn’t go away. That was my wake-up call to start learning about clean skincare. At first, I was skeptical. Could clean and natural products actually work as well as conventional ones? I began small — replacing my foaming cleanser with a gentle, oil-based formula and choosing a moisturizer without artificial fragrance. Within a few weeks, my skin looked calmer, more balanced, and I didn’t feel the tightness I used to after cleansing. The biggest shift for me was realizing that clean skincare isn’t just about what’s not in the product — it’s also about what is. High-quality oils, botanical extracts, and minimal, transparent ingredient lists made all the difference. I also started to pay attention to packaging — choosing brands that use recyclable glass or biodegradable materials. Another change came from simplifying my routine. Instead of ten different products, I now use four that I truly love: a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, nourishing serum, and a light SPF cream. My skin barrier feels stronger than ever, and I no longer chase perfection — just health and balance. Switching to clean skincare has been one of the best choices for my skin and my peace of mind. It taught me to read labels, trust my instincts, and take care of my skin in a mindful way. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch, start with one product at a time — your skin will thank you later

If there’s one beauty brand that nails the “luxury look without the luxury price,” it’s KIKO Milano. Their packaging is sleek, their formulas are solid, and the whole brand just has that effortless Italian beauty vibe — bold, chic, and a little flirty. These are my go-to KIKO products that I always keep in rotation, whether I’m doing a 5-minute face or going full glam for a night out. ✨ Whether I’m doing a 3-product face or playing with shimmer and winged liner, KIKO Milano always brings the glam. Affordable, photogenic, and seriously underrated. 💋 KIKO MILANO – Affordable Glam with a Touch of Italy If you love sleek packaging, modern trends, and surprisingly good formulas at a reasonable price, then KIKO Milano is a brand you need to explore. I discovered KIKO years ago while traveling, and I was instantly drawn to their elegant stores and massive range of products – from everyday essentials to bold, artistic makeup. What makes KIKO stand out (in my opinion) is that their products feel premium, but they won’t hurt your wallet. They’re fun, high-performing, and often underrated outside of Europe. This list includes my top picks – the KIKO products that I’ve repurchased, recommended, and genuinely loved using. What you’ll find here: • Hydrating lipsticks that feel like butter on the lips • Long-wearing foundations and powders that never feel heavy • Blushes and highlighters with soft, buildable pigment • Eye products (like their famous long-lasting shadow sticks) that are perfect for quick glam KIKO is also great for: • Clean, minimalist makeup lovers who still want that subtle glow • Experimenting with color – especially through their limited editions • Finding unique formulas you don’t usually see in drugstores I’ve added notes about how I wear each product, which skin types or tones it suits best, and some honest thoughts on when it works and when it might not. KIKO feels like a hidden gem, especially if you’re looking for luxury aesthetics on a budget. I hope this list helps you find a few Italian beauties to fall in love with. 🇮🇹✨

Curated with my favorite Maybelline products – affordable, reliable, and super effective. Here’s what I’ve tried, loved, and recommend. If you love affordable beauty that actually performs, this list is for you. These are my all-time favorite Maybelline products that I’ve tested, loved, and keep coming back to. From long-lasting foundations to the most viral mascaras, these are my go-to picks for a complete drugstore glam routine. 💄 Why I Love Maybelline – My Must-Have Products for Every Day Maybelline was one of the first makeup brands I ever tried, and even after exploring high-end brands, I keep coming back to it. Their products are reliable, modern, great for everyday use, and most importantly – affordable. What I really appreciate about Maybelline is that they follow beauty trends without sacrificing quality. Some of their products are now considered drugstore staples, and honestly, they’ve earned that status. This list includes products that I’ve used over and over again – things I genuinely love, repurchase regularly, and would recommend to anyone. Whether you’re just getting started with makeup, on a student budget, or just someone who appreciates simple, effective products – there’s something here for you. I’ve included my favorites for: • Face (foundation, concealer) • Eyes (mascara, eyeliner) • Lips (long-wear liquid lipsticks that really last) I’ve also added some little tips & tricks to help you get the most out of each product – like prepping your lips before matte lipstick, or which formulas suit which skin types best. If you like a natural look, effortless everyday glam, or even the occasional bold moment – I believe you’ll find something you love here. And best of all, all these products are easy to find in most countries, especially in drugstores or online. Thank you for being here and trusting my recommendations – I only share what I truly believe in, and what I wish someone had told me when I first started exploring makeup.

Revolution Beauty is a brand that delivers high-quality makeup with trendy formulas at affordable prices. Their products suit both beginners and makeup enthusiasts who want great results without overspending. From flawless foundations to pigmented eyeshadows and long-lasting setting sprays, Revolution covers all your beauty needs with standout performance and fun packaging. Below are some of their best-loved products, each offering unique benefits for your makeup routine. 🎨 Revolution Beauty – Affordable, Trendy & Surprisingly High-Quality Revolution is the ultimate brand for anyone who wants to have fun with makeup without breaking the bank. What I love most about them is their creativity – they’re bold, fast-moving, and not afraid to play with color, texture, and new trends. But beyond that, many of their products are actually amazing in quality, and easily rival some much more expensive options. This list is a curated collection of the Revolution products that truly impressed me – not just cute packaging or hype, but formulas that perform well, last long, and feel good on the skin. These are the pieces I’ve used consistently and would repurchase again. What you’ll find on this list: • Full-coverage concealers that blend like a dream • Affordable powders and highlighters that don’t look cakey • Eyeshadow palettes with beautiful pigmentation and endless color combos • Lip products that are creamy, wearable, and fun to experiment with Revolution is especially great if: • You’re on a budget but still want trendy, high-performing makeup • You like playing with color (think: blushes, eyeshadows, bold lips) • You want dupes for high-end brands without sacrificing quality I’ve also added notes on how I use each product, what skin type they work best for, and a few honest pros & cons — because we all appreciate transparency. Bottom line? Revolution is a brand that lets you explore your creativity without pressure. Whether you’re looking for everyday staples or bold statement pieces, I hope this list helps you discover a few new favorites that you’ll actually love using.

Self-care, for me, isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating tiny rituals that help me feel grounded, balanced, and like myself again. Over the years, I’ve built a little toolkit of products that help me reset when life feels overwhelming or my skin is acting up. These are the ones I keep reaching for, no matter what. These little rituals aren’t magic, but they’ve made a huge difference in how I take care of myself. Not just my skin — my mood, too. 🧴 CeraVe – Simple, Science-Based Skincare That Actually Works If there’s one skincare brand I always go back to – no matter how many fancy products I test – it’s CeraVe. It’s no-nonsense, dermatologist-developed, and incredibly gentle on the skin. Whether you’re struggling with breakouts, dryness, irritation, or just need a reliable routine, CeraVe has something for you. Their formulas are based on essential ceramides, which help strengthen your skin barrier – something most people overlook. They’re fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and made to work with your skin, not against it. This list features my favorite tried-and-true CeraVe products that helped me: • Balance my skin • Heal dryness or sensitivity • Keep breakouts under control • Build a minimalist, effective routine Key products on the list: • Foaming Cleanser – great for oily/combo skin • Hydrating Cleanser – ideal for dry or sensitive skin • Moisturizing Cream – the one in the big tub! A skin-saver for winter • AM & PM Moisturizers – simple, effective, and contain SPF/niacinamide • SA Smoothing Cleanser – gently exfoliates without irritation Why I recommend CeraVe: • Perfect for beginners building a routine • Excellent base products before layering active ingredients • Great for acne-prone, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin This list includes short notes on how I layer each product, how often I use them, and what skin types I think benefit the most from each one. No frills, no fake promises – just skincare that works. And honestly, that’s why I always keep a few CeraVe staples in my cabinet.

This is my favourite lips combo