«Mind if I take a look?» – the secret inner workings of my mirror cabinet
28.8.2025
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Natalie Hemengül
It’s off-limits for others, which is precisely why it’s so interesting: the bathroom cabinet. Mine’s like a love hotel. Products come and go, and there are a few permanent residents holding down the fort.
Obviously, opening other people’s mirror cabinets is off limits. But admit it, I’m sure you’ve had the urge to find out what’s behind that smooth facade. That’s why I’m opening mine to you today. At least the part where I keep stuff for my evening routine and a few other things. Follow the numbers on the picture and the legend below the photo will tell you exactly what it is and what I think of it. Have fun snooping browsing.
1 Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
This mask with an exfoliating effect contains clay and bean extract. Although I quite like it, I won’t be buying it again.
2 Baskets with bits and bobs
It includes Veet facial cold wax strips (for the area between my eyebrows), my eyebrow scissors and brush from Ebelin (to trim the hairs) and a pile of anti-blackhead patches from Balea, which I always have in stock.
3 Taft Irresistible Power Grooming Cream
This belongs to my boyfriend and has been sitting here untouched for so long I don’t think the product is even sold any more.
4 Glossier After Baume
This really rich cream in a glass jar strengthens the barrier, provides suppleness and is ideal for dry and sensitive skin. It’s a recommendation from the heart.
5 Rosental Organics EMS Gua Sha
I use this facial massage tool regularly. However, I doubt that the (very gentle) electrical muscle stimulation and the little bit of built-in light therapy are effective. The appliance is also difficult to clean. A massage stone would probably have done the trick.
6 Farfalla organic almond oil
I use this in combination with the electric Gua Sha (5).
Body lotions
Quantity discount
CHF12.30 per piece for 2 units CHF164.–/1l
Farfalla Almond pampering time
7 Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment
Currently my favourite retinol serum because it has a nourishing gel-like texture. It contains peptides and vitamin C.
8 Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream
The consistency of this moisturiser is too light for my taste. I only use the gel as a mixing base for my tanning drops (9) because it makes them easier to work into my skin.
9 Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops Dark for face and body
I mix it drop by drop into my skincare every few days to give myself a light tan. Although the product delivers, it wouldn’t be my first choice. Partly because I’m at war with the cheap dropper. It really makes application difficult.
10 First Aid Beauty Dark Spot Serum
I initially bought the niacinamide serum to lighten the dark spots on my body. Now I only use it on my face because it has noticeably improved the texture of my skin.
11 Apricot Down the Frown Hyaluron Patches
My frown line’s always active, even when I’m asleep! These plasters are designed to provide relaxation between the brows. But you’d have to wear them for that. My bad…
12 Cosrx Acne Pimple Master
Until recently, these were my favourite pimple patches. But they were replaced by number 13.
13 Garnier Pimple Patches
These came out of nowhere. The round hydrocolloid patches in different sizes are transparent and suck the life out of pimples.
14 La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
Always ready for emergencies: no cream soothes irritated, reddened skin (including spots!) faster than this classic. It contains panthenol, shea butter and glycerine.
15 Kela absorbent cotton holder
The constant fiddling with the packaging of my absorbent cotton rolls has driven me mad. I needed a solution.
16 Nivea eye make-up remover
Removes waterproof make-up with ease. However, I found the original packaging impractical, so I filled the product into a pump dispenser that used to contain hair serum.
17 Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water
My first choice for over a decade. Gentle on the skin and effective.
18 Nature Love monk’s pepper
Monk’s pepper is said to help with menstrual mood swings. I thought it was worth a try and am currently at the beginning of my test phase. Make sure you consult your gynaecologist before taking it.
19 Fluffy headband
A giveaway that I wear to keep my hair out of my face during my evening routine.
20 Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
A twist-out cleansing balm? Yep. I’ve only started using it and am already a big fan.
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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