Alona's Beauty Blog

Hair Inspiration

2012-08-05T20:27:00.003-07:00

Been thinking of changing my hair..again. This time back to a natural blonde colour that I had as a kid.

Don't you know that only fools are satisfied? :P

I'm obsessed with Monika's bangs! She looks so much like Vanessa Paradis in the Chanel ads.

Little me when I was blonde :P

That's my handsome brother!

Fun Post: My Top 10 Favourite Songs to Listen to On Vacation!

2012-08-04T23:52:00.005-07:00

This has nothing to do with cosmetics but I'm getting super excited to go abroad so I thought I'd share what's been put on my iPod for this trip!

10. So Danco Samba performed by Joao Gilberto and Stan Getz, written by Antonio Carlos Jobim.

I'm pretty much obsessed with bossa nova music and so, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I especially love listening to it on long flights as it is so relaxing and gets you in the vacation mood. Also, I very much recommend bossa nova if you're going to a tropical destination. There's nothing like listening to "The Girl From Ipanema" while sitting on a beach drinking a cocktail.

Other similar favourites: "Light My Fire" (The Doors cover) by Astrud Gilberto, Blue Monday cover by Nouvelle Vague, Ever Fallen in Love cover by Nouvelle Vague, Don't Go cover by Nouvelle Vague

9. The Flower of Carnage by Meiko Kaji

This is another great relaxing song to listen to after dealing with the ~~Vogons~~ Airport Security. Technically I'm not on vacation whilst I'm in the airport but I'm still listening to my iPod so I thought I'd cheat a little and include this. By the way, yes I did totally find this song because of Kill Bill.

Other similar favourites: The Lonely Shepherd by Zamfir, Battle Without Honour by Tomoyasu Hotei - listen to this while walking around to feel like a BAMF.

8. Asian Hooker by Steel Panther

Seriously. I love Steel Panther too much. Listen to this whilst walking through the historical legendary sights of Europe to add some humour into the somewhat morbid history. Also, if you're feeling stressed, this is the best picker-upper. I mean, from their hilarious lyrics ("What did you have to do/ For that backstage pass / Cause I found a Poison laminate inside of your ass") to their kickass licks, Steel Panther will cheer you up or get rid of your jet lag or make you feel okay that you were harassed by gypsies.

Other similar favourites: Weenie Ride by Steel Panther, Girl From Oklahoma by Steel Panther, Just Like Tiger Woods by Steel Panther, and Party All Day by Steel Panther

7. Un Bel di Vedremo aria from the opera, "Madame Butterfly" by Giacomo Puccini as sung by Maria Callas

All right fine, so you don't want to walk around the breathtaking cities of Europe listening to Steel Panther. Fine, I guess you can listen to some opera.
Madame Butterfly and Carmen are my two favourite operas and I listen to at least one aria from each every day. I can't help but be drawn to the female leads of each opera. So fragile yet strong at the same time. Anyways, I could go on and on about the operas themselves but we're here to talk about the music! I chose to include this aria since it's my favourite from the entire opera and I feel it matches more to the grand feeling of walking on the cobblestone streets of western and central Europe. "Un Bel di Vedremo" is about the main character Cio-Cio-San waiting anxiously for her lover, Pinkerton, to come back from the navy and so, she is hoping and wondering about him. The anxiousness of the song can really be felt by the listener and combined with the anxiousness of going on vacation, it's will either put you at ease or build up even more excitement and suspense for your vacation. The latin gypsy flavour of Carmen works well if you're going to the Mediterranean.

Other similar favourites (composers): O Mio Babbino Caro by Puccini, Seguidilla by Bizet, L'amour Est Un Oiseau by Bizet, Casta Diva by Bellini, Duo Des Fleurs by Delibes, Quando M'en Vo by Puccini.
Other similar favourites (singers): Anna Netrebko, Renatta Tebaldi, Montserrat Caballe, Elina Garanca, Angela Gheorghiu

6. You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates

I don't care how cheesy this is. I love this song. That's all.

Other Similar Favourites: I Can't Go For That by Hall & Oates

5. Csardas by Vittorio Monti

I've pretty much always been obsessed with gypsy music (see #2 below) and since I'm actually going to be in Hungary, I feel like it's justified now. "Csardas" was actually composed by an Italian but it epitomizes the Hungarian gypsy (Roma) feel so well that it's become a staple in my iPod. Csardas is actually supposed to be just a term for a traditional Hungarian folk dance. The more you know!

Other Similar Favourites: Hungarian Dance No. 2 by Brahms, Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms, Lela Pala Tute by Gogol Bordello, My Companjera by Gogol Bordello, Sun Is On my Side by Gogol Bordello

4. Bien O Mal by Julieta Venegas

This Mexican singer-songwriter has the beachy/latin genre down. Listening to her music makes me so happy no matter what mood I initially start out with so this is good to have on your iPod just in case you feel down.

Other Similar Favourites: Eres Para Mi by Julieta Venegas, Sin Documentos by Julieta Venegas, Me Voy by Julieta Venegas, Objection Tango by Shakira

3. Whatever Lovers Say by Nadeah
I am obsessed with Nadeah. First of all, she looks like Brigitte Bardot and has that effortless French chic air about her (except for the tiny fact that she's Australian) and 2) she is a brilliant songwriter. This song reminds me of French chansons from the 60s with a hint of Russian pop. She combines great melodies with brilliant lyrics so effortlessly. For example on her album "Venus Gets Even" she has songs titled "Even Quadriplegics Get the Blues", "I Burned a Cowboy at the Melbourne Airport", and "An Asylum on New Year's Eve". She is so underrated and deserves to be absolutely huge. I really hope she tours North America soon since she pretty much exclusively tours France and Australia and is supposed to be fantastic live.

Other Similar Favourites: Get Off (Prince cover) by Nadeah, Nobody But You by Nadeah, Sticks and Stones by The Pierces

2. (Pretty much the entire cartoon) Бременские музыканты (Musicians From Bremen)
So when I was little and my parents didn't want to watch me (aka I was being annoying), they'd pop in this cartoon into the VHS and I'd shut up and watch it. They had to stop eventually because I pretty much became addicted and had to watch it at least three times a day. Nobody could make a noise in the house when this musical was on. I had to hear every note, every word, and every "yeah" from the donkey (Reference). My absolute favourite song from the entire musical was the one I linked below. I guess the gypsy flavours of the song stuck with me since now whenever I hear gypsy music, I feel all nostalgic and warm. I can't wait to visit Hungary and listen to some real Roma music live.

Other Similar Favourites: Nash Sosed by Angelika Varum, A Nam Vse Ravno by Yuriy Nikulin, Moxnatiy Shmel by Gestokiy Romans

1. So, I'm having a really hard time deciding what to put for number 1. So I'm going to put in two songs. Why? BECAUSE I CAN. Okay, so here they are.

I Will Wait For You (Main Theme From Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) by Michel Legrand

This is pretty much my No. 1 favourite song of all time. It's from my mom's favourite movie (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) and so I grew up with the soundtrack always being played in the house. I love the lyrics but most of all, I love the melody. It just reminds me of a rainy afternoon in Paris. Some songs just stick with you for your whole life and this is mine.

Entre Dos Aguas played by Paco De Lucia

For some reason unbeknownst to me, I love spanish flamenco music. A lot. This is my favourite. It's great for vacation especially if you're going to Spain. Oh my god, Spain. One day I'll travel through all of Spain (big cities, small villages, all of it) stopping in each place to listen to some great Spanish Flamenco guitar.

Other Similar Favourites: Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Gypsy Kings, Alex Fox, Juan Serrano, Oscar Lopez, Amur

So that's it! Of course, these are just my favourites to listen to while on vacation and I have many other favourites...

Love,

Alona

My Vacation Make Up Essentials

2012-08-04T21:56:00.001-07:00

My Travel Collection

Travelling is a huge part of my life and so, I've had to master the skill of packing. I still manage to overpack most times but I'm getting better at it! One area that I've learned how to pack efficiently in is skincare and makeup. I keep my skincare and makeup in my carry on since 1) I'm scared of it getting smashed in my suitcase and 2) I do my nighttime skincare regime when I'm on the plane since the air is so drying, and so, I have to be really careful with what I pack. It's easy to keep under 100mL with makeup but with skincare, it's a different story! I'll be doing another post specifically for skin care but in this post, I'll share what makeup I take with me.
The key word in all of this is "essential". Travelling is not the time to experiment with new products. It's best to stick with what you know already works for you. Take just the bare necessities. You're not going to need false eyelashes, loose shadows, and huge bulky makeup palettes. Also, if possible, take products that you are already using (as opposed to buying the new packaged version) so that you can use it up on your trip, throw it out and have less to take home.

Overall

Dior "Travel in Dior" Makeup Palette: This is the essential travel kit. You can pretty much leave everything else at home (minus mascara) if you take this kit (well I can't because I'm a hoarder). I love everything in it minus the blush (it's just too sheer and sparkly for me). I am in love with the eye shadows. Four creamy, sparkly, slightly sheer, eyeshadows which all compliment each other perfectly. The lighter lip colour is perfect for day time, and the darker one for night. The powder is creamy and gives you flawless buildable coverage. I can't praise this palette enough. Just perfect.

Makeup Using the "Travel in Dior" kit and Bourjois Shade 13 Shadow (colours are accurate representation)

Face

I will be taking a foundation (one that's good for photos) with me but it's not pictured since I can't find it at the moment!
Inside my Dior palette, there is the Diorskin Nude Compact in shade 020 Light Beige which I will be applying after my foundation. This is a great powder as it sets your makeup for a long period of time without drying out your skin. This is vital for travel since you will not be able to fix up your makeup very often if you're gone for the whole day. By setting your makeup with a powder, you will not need to touch up your makeup and will not have the hassle of lugging cosmetics around with you!
Rimmel Hide The Blemish Concealer Stick (in 103 Soft Honey): This lipstick shaped concealer is perfect for under the eyes (Tip: create a triangle shape pointing down from your eyes with this concealer stick to brighten your face) since it does not crease nor does it fade. It's smooth and very pigmented, so a little goes a long way. Also, the packaging is perfect for applying directly on your face and it doesn't take up space in your makeup bag!
Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer (in Medium Beige 0-2.5) : Sadly this flawless concealer has been discontinued but I still have a little bit left so I'm probably going to finish it on this trip. This has to be the best concealer if you have dry skin and wrinkles or laugh lines under your eyes. It completely smooths everything, leaving your skin looking absolutely flawless. I've tried high end concealers and every drug store concealer available and this is still #1. It's so disappointing that they've discontinued the concealer but I've heard that the regular mousse foundation can double as the concealer since it has the same formula so once I run out of this, I will definitely be purchasing the foundation version! The only downside to this product is that it doesn't have the most sanitary packaging. When travelling, I recommend bringing products that you can put on your face without having to wash your hands first since you may need to retouch your makeup without being near a sink with soap. That's why the Rimmel Concealer stick is perfect. This potted concealer should only be used after you wash your hands so what I do is use this in the hotel room in the morning, and bring the Rimmel concealer stick with me for the day so that I don't have to worry about having to wash my hands first.
Mac Fix + Spray (the mini 30mL version): Perfect size for a perfect product! I am in love with this finishing spray! Leaves my foundation looking natural and dewy whilst making it last absolutely ages! When travelling, you will be taking lots of pictures so you want your face to not look smudged! Spray this on before applying mascara onto your finished face makeup and eye makeup and it will make it last the whole day and make you look refreshed. The 30 ml size is perfect since you can have this in your carry on and you don't need the big size anyways, 30 ml will last you even if you're travelling for a month.
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (in shade Light 20): Another hit from Maybelline! This is another great concealer with meh packaging (plus: can apply without fingers minus: sponge application at top can store bacteria). I love how this concealer blends in and doesn't crease. It's also quite long lasting which is necessary for travel!
Yves Saint Laurent (or should I just write Saint Laurent now?) Touche Eclat (in the lightest shade): This is a staple in every woman's makeup bag and rightly so. Perfect highlighter that looks amazing in photos. I put it on the top of my cheekbones, down my nose, around my lips, and under my eye brows. It's subtle enough that you don't shine (in a bad way) but strong enough that you look glowing, especially in photos. Nothing more really needs to be said since this is a legendary product!
Revlon Age Defying Moisturizing Concealer with SPF 25 (in shade Medium): I've talked about this product before so I won't really add much here but just to say that this is great for travelling due to the compact shape and added SPF 25! It's a great way to kill 2 birds with one stone since you're getting great coverage while protecting your "under eyes" from the sun. This is one of the main spots on your face that shows aging and tans fast (due to the thin skin) so this product protects that delicate area.

Eyes

Revlon Not Just Nudes Creme Shadow Palette: I've also talked about this product so check out that post for more in depth information. Great palette for travelling since it's sleek, compact, and lightweight. It also has a mirror on the inside so you don't need to bring a compact. Palettes are great for travel but they have to be small and light (I'm looking at you Too Faced and Urban Decay!!!) since palettes can take up a lot of necessary space.
L'Oreal Holographic Single Eye Shadow (in 905 Sand Castle): This is an old favourite of mine as it's the perfect neutral eye shadow for my skin tone. Due to its "holographic" nature, it creates a depth and makes your eye colour pop. I've hit pan on this product so I'll be trying to use it up on my trip!
Bourjois Eyeshadow (in shade 13): This baked mineral eyeshadow is AMAZING. I forgot to open it in my picture above so here is a link to what it looks like. This crazy sparkly purple is great for evenings out as it is bold. It is versatile though since you can use a little bit of it during the day to make your eyes pop. This purple shade is great with brown eyes and makes them stand out. Also, this shade goes perfectly with the sparkly shades in my Dior travel palette.
MAC Eye Kohl Pencil (in Smolder): To be completely honest....God, I hate this product. It smudges, it doesn't last, it gets on everything in my makeup bag, and it stings when I put it on. So you're wondering, what the hell is it doing in my travel kit?! Well, there's one thing it's good for... putting right on your lash line to add definition to your eyelashes. I naturally have very light eyelashes so this definition really makes my eyes look awake. It still smudges, yes, but not as much as if you put it on your waterline. I use this product very sparingly so I don't end up looking like a raccoon after 2 hours of wear. I'm also taking it with me because I'm trying to use it up so my makeup bag stops looking like a member of KISS went to town on it.
Bonnebell Eye Definer Pencil (in Hot Cocoa): This drugstore find is another old favourite of mine which is great to use for eyebrows. My hair is a bit lighter now so I needed to find a lighter eyebrow definer. This is the perfect shade for me right now and it fills in my eyebrows while leaving them to look natural. Also, it is ridiculously cheap! Love it!
L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner (it's obviously black): This is a great drugstore liquid eyeliner. Super precise. It's perfect for drawing that thin subtle "cat eye" on your lash line or you can go all the way and "Amy Winehouse" yourself.

Dior Travel In Dior Kit with L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black: This is just the current mascara that I'm using and want to use up on my trip. It's not my favourite (for my favourite: click here) but it's not bad enough that I can just throw it out or give it away. So, it's just "meh". Mascara in general though, is a staple for any travelling. It instantly brightens your eyes and makes you look more awake.

Lips

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss (in Papaya 020): This is the perfect coral lipgloss for the summertime! It goes great with my Sonia Kashuk true coral blush in Sunset and a tan. Although I am a huge sunscreen lover, I still get a little bit darker in the summer so this is the best makeup combination for that time. I wouldn't dare try this in the winter since it would be too bright but when you're on vacation in the summer, why not!?
Bourjois 3D Effect Lip Gloss (in 51 Rose chimeric): This is the epitome of baby pink lip gloss. So perfectly creamy and not sticky. It's great for when your eye makeup is more dramatic or you want to draw attention elsewhere. This lipgloss is subtle but not forgettable. It's a must have whether you're travelling or at home!
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter (in 050 Berry Smoothie): Another makeup essential from me. There's an obvious reason why so many of these products are from my essentials list! Anyways, this shade in particular photographs beautifully so it's perfect for those vacations where you know you'll be photographed. It's a great neutral lip compared to the other two lipsticks I'm bringing!
Barry M Lipstick (in shade 62): Now I've been known to wear bright lipsticks, but this takes it to a whole notha level. This is a neon (I mean, you could paint traffic cones this colour) pink. It's Nicki Minaj pink. It's Barbie on acid pink. I dab this colour onto my lips and rub it in so it's not that bright looking. It's very pigmented and unless you want to look like a bride from My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, I don't suggest you put it directly on your lips straight from the bullet.
Anna Sui Lip Rouge G (in shade 400): This looks like a true opaque red in the bullet but it's actually a hydrating sheer red balm. It gives you that natural looking rouge colour. It's also a great substitute for cream blush as it gives you that natural "I just got out of the cold and am blushing" look. You know the slight red colour your lips turn after they get "burned/chapped" from licking them when it's windy? That's the amazing colour this lipstick-lipbalm hybrid is. Perfect natural red lips without that chapped feeling. Also, the packaging is AMAZING. I'm obsessed with the rose carvings on it and the rose scent. I had never heard of this lip stick before and I saw the packaging across the store, dropped what I was doing, and ran to the Anna Sui counter.
Revlon Fruity Shine Lip Balm: I don't go anywhere without lip balms, and so I'll have one in my suitcase, and two in my carry on. This is a tinted lip balm from Nivea. It's not the most hydrating but it does give your lips a slight red sheen which I love.
Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm: Great for moisturizing lips at night. If my lips are not too chapped then I will use this. If they're chapped, I stick to my classic Vaseline. Otherwise, Burt's Bees are the way to go.
fresh Sugar Lip Treatment with spf 15: This is a sample size I got from Sephora and I am really liking this product so far. It's super moisturizing and the added spf means I can wear it out on its own in the daytime. It stays on for ages so I'm not sure how much of the moisture is actually absorbed but on the other hand, your lips have this perfect long-lasting sheen. Beware though because this product contains oxybenzone which is a controversial ingredient due to its possibility of it being a carcinogen. The verdict is still out so I'm still using this product, but with caution. Also, be aware that this product has a tendency to melt in high heat! Anything over 30 degrees and this lip balm will most likely melt in your purse! Therefore, I recommend not taking it with you if you're going to be in the sun all day.

From L to R: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in 050 Berry Smoothie, Barry M in 62, Anna Sui Lip Rouge G in 400

From L to R: Revlon Lipgloss in Papaya, Bourjois Lip Gloss in shade 51, Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie 050, Barry M Lipstick in shade 62, and Anna Sui Lip Rouge G in 400

Cheeks

Calvin Klein Velvet Brush (in "flush with desire"): This is another old favourite of mine. It's the perfect mix of mauve and pink with slight gold shimmer. It applies like a dream and stays on for ages. It's perfect for travel since it goes with just about any makeup look!
Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush (in 03 sunset): This is great for the summertime because it makes your face glow and look like you just came back from the beach. This sunkissed blush goes great with any other makeup that is coral based.
Bourjois Bronzing Powder (in Medium) not pictured: I totally forgot about this when I was taking the picture! It's a mostly matte bronzing powder with very very slight shimmery silver particles. It's great to highlight cheekbones and give you a more tan appearance. Be careful not to go overboard though since it can make you appear a bit orange if you put too much on. Also, check products in general don't show up too well on camera unless you put a lot on so be careful to straddle the line of looking nice on camerea with not being a cakeface in real life.

So that's all the makeup I take with me on vacation! Keep in mind, I'm going to Europe where I will be taking pictures everyday so I need to look my best. If I was going to the beach, I would just take sunscreen, lip balm and waterproof mascara. Watch out for my skincare post coming soon!

Love,
Alona

All About Perfumes!

2012-04-30T18:37:00.003-07:00

Fragrances basically acted as a “gateway drug” into the world of cosmetics for me. I was very much a tomboy growing up (I pretty much only wore my brother’s hand me downs and spent all day outside) but perfume was always the one cosmetic that I held in high regard, and of course, it was all because of my mother. I remember how even when my family were dirt poor and couldn’t afford anything at all, my mother would always have one good perfume. She would save up for a year and buy a new perfume annually. I was never allowed to spray them since they were worth so much to her but this exclusivity of the perfume was so alluring to me, and so it started this lifelong interest in fragrance. When I turned 12, my mother decided it was time for me to get my first perfume. She chose one of her own favourites to pass down to me, Estée Lauder’s Pleasures. Of course, I was delighted to receive this present and wore it daily until I ran out of it.

Perfume is such a subjective part of beauty and can really speak volumes about a person. A smell is just as descriptive of personality as fashion sense, music taste, and political association is. Therefore, it’s important to choose a scent that speaks not only about yourself, but shows the world what you want to represent and what you like.

How Does Perfume Work?

Without getting too technical and scientific, I shall try to explain the basic way that perfume works.

Perfumes are made from a combination of three things: essential oils (the strongly scented “oil” extracted from plants), alcohol (that multipurpose liquid which, when varying the concentration, can be either quite lethal, anti-bacterial, or a yummy social lubricant) and synthetic products, which help the perfume be long lasting, and perhaps, depending on the product, produce a stronger scent.

Perfumes work by reacting with your body’s natural heat and personal chemistry. Your body naturally emits heat due to many reasons such as us being homeostatic creatures, and needing to get rid of unnecessary energy. Through the process of heating, the perfume, which lies on your skin, starts to evaporate and so, you begin to smell the lovely fragrances of the perfume. Chemical reactions (you + the perfume à new fragrance) give the perfume a multidimensional angle and this, in particular, is what makes perfumes such a subjective and personal statement. No two people, wearing the same perfume, will ever smell the same. The smell that is emitted on your body from the perfume also depends on what type of climate you are in. Perfumes will smell different on a hot summer day than on a cold winter night.

What is the Difference Between Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Others?

The concentrations of aromatic compounds determine the type of perfume. Aromatic compounds are the parts of the perfume that give off an aroma. The rule of thumb is the higher the concentration of aromatic compounds, the stronger the smell (this is because more of the compounds will interact with your skin and your personal chemistry).

From strongest to weakest smell:

· Strongest: Perfume (aka extract or extrait perfume, if it’s French): 15-40% aromatic compounds
· Eau de parfum: 7-15% aromatic compounds
· Eau de toilette: 1-6% aromatic compounds

· Eau de cologne, a type of eau de toilette: Woody citrus type perfumes with 3-8% (typical ~5%) aromatic compounds (usually considered “manly” smells and therefore most colognes are male fragrances)

The percentages of aromatic compounds are just guidelines since it all varies depending on the fragrance itself.

Note: some perfumers make this very confusing by diluting different amounts of oil to their perfumes and so; sometimes their eau de toilettes are more potent than their eau de parfums. Most though do stick to these general concentrations and so, it’s usually safe to assume that eau de parfum will be a stronger smell. In any case, test out both types on your skin to see what works best for you.

Perfume is Multidimensional: Fragrance Notes

You may have noticed that the perfume you applied first thing in the morning will smell completely different within the hour. This is because perfumes are made of 3 distinct components, (top notes, middle notes, and base notes), which peel like an onion throughout the day, revealing new hints of fragrance as the old layer diminishes. Your fragrance will undergo a “metamorphosis” throughout the day as it lingers from the top notes, to the middle notes, to the base notes.

The three sets of notes work in conjunction with each other to create the overall effect of the fragrance. Usually within the span of an hour, the perfume will showcase each of the sets of notes, starting with the top (aka head notes), and ending with the base notes.

There are distinct types of aromas used within each type of note that help create the fragrance.

Top notes:

These are the smells you perceive the instant that you spray the perfume. This is generally what lures a person in to purchase the fragrance. Top notes consist of small, light molecules that evaporate quickly. The scent in the top notes is also very much determined by the middle and base notes. Depending on the middle and base notes, the top notes can smell very different to another fragrance with the same top notes but different middle and base notes.

Typical top notes: citrus and ginger

Middle notes:

At the end of the top notes’ “performance”, the middle notes emerge and take over. The middle notes are known as the heart of the perfume, since they work in conjunction with the top and base notes to create the overall pleasant and rounded smell. They interact with the top notes and also help to make the base notes more pleasant and mellow, since base notes are very rich and can be slightly overpowering at first.

Typical middle notes: lavender and rose

Base notes:

Overall, the base and middle notes are the most prominent part of a perfume. After the dissolution of the top notes, the middle and base notes are what persist and therefore are very important because they are the essence of the perfume. Base notes are just like what the name suggests: the foundational base of the perfume. Perfumes need a rich, deep, solid, strong base in order to be long lasting, prominent and pleasant. Base notes are made of heavy, long-lasting molecules which means that they last for a very long time. You will smell base notes last when the perfume fades away. You will smell base notes after the top and middle notes have faded away.

Typical base notes: musk, amber, sandalwood, leather, ambergris, patchouli

Types of Scents

Perfumers have organized scents into groups called “fragrance families”. These are organized by similarities in their overall essence, and similarities in the use of certain notes.

There is slight controversy about exactly how many fragrance families there are but I shall go by the system invented by Michael Edwards since it’s heavily used in Sephora and many department stores.

Edwards first divided fragrances into 4 general categories: floral, woody, oriental, and fresh. Each of these categories have their own subcategories which make up 14 basic categories, and of course, there are even more subcategories underneath those… The category “aromatic fougere” is in the center of these categories since it is one of the main families by which modern perfumes are classified. It has notes of warm lavender, citrus, sweet spices, and oriental woods. Aromatic fougere is the basis of many male fragrances.

The fragrance wheel is used to help you understand what fragrance family you like so it is easier to shop for new perfumes and find your perfect scent.

The main groups of the fragrance wheel are:

· Floral: Main notes consist of flowers. Different types of flower scents are often blended together to create a distinct bouquet, if you like, of scents. This fragrance family is excellent for young girls and women but can also be sophisticated and sexy for an older generation. Floral scents are obvious excellent choices for the springtime. Common flowers used in perfume are roses, orange blossoms, gardenias, jasmine, and carnations.

· Oriental: A warm and exotic fusion of spices, amber, balsams, and resins. These are excellent for the autumn and wintertime.
· Woody: Woody scents are due to the richness of the notes used (such as leather and the obvious…wood). These smell very natural and outdoorsy but have an element of elegance and regality to them. These are very commonly used in many male fragrances due to the masculinity and richness of the notes. Woody scents are excellent for the wintertime and autumn.
· Fresh: These are very bright and clean notes, which are reminiscent of things such as a day at the beach, or freshly cut grass. This category includes the scents of citrus, water, and the ocean. Fresh perfumes are excellent for springtime and summertime.

My Personal Taste

Likes: Oriental, Chypre (woody, musky), Floral (with the exception of most Rose scents), Spicy

Dislikes: Citrus, Aquatic/Oceanic, and Gourmand (dessert type scents), Green

Note: Just because I dislike a certain type of perfume doesn’t mean that I don’t think it smells nice on other people. I just personally think that those scents either don’t match my personality or don’t integrate well with the chemistry of my body.

I shall do another post on just my personal preferences since there will be a lot to talk about!

Love,
Alona

A preface to my blog: Why is skincare important? Why is skincare not the most important thing?

2012-04-16T16:37:00.050-07:00

(ha ha, do you get it? A preface? Ha, I crack myself up...)

One of the reasons why I get to try out a myriad of skincare and makeup products is because of my mother. My mother is... a unique individual, to say the least. She very easily gets convinced by salespeople that product x is a miracle product and that it will solve every single skincare problem and make her look photoshopped and flawless. (Then she never uses them...but that's another story). Obviously, no product is capable of doing all that. Especially over the counter products. If skin care products were truly able to completely get rid of signs of aging and acne, then they'd be strictly controlled and prescribed only by doctors. Skincare products can only produce superficial results. They will never make your wrinkled skin perfectly smooth, they will never get rid of your genetically inherited dark circles, and they will never treat the internal problem causing your acne.

We so easily forget that skincare is a supplement to your real skin care regime: your diet. What you put inside your body makes a huge difference in your skin, as well as how your body is functioning. We also forget that the skin is an organ. If you are having problem skin, it's the first sign that there is something wrong on the inside, whether it be your diet or a hormonal imbalance. It's important to not only take care of your skin aesthetically, but medicinally as well.

But, that doesn't mean skincare is not important. Skincare is absolutely vital in prevention. Skincare does effectively prevent superficial signs of aging, dark circles, discolouration, and pimples. It is an absolute vital part of our daily routine and is just as important as brushing your teeth. Whether you are male or female, young or old, it is important to learn the basics of skincare and apply it to yourself. You don't have to be as obsessed as I am, but it's important for every single person to know how to treat their skin with good care. If I can force my super stubborn busy macho dad to wear La Roche-Posay sunscreen, then I'm sure you can force yourself to incorporate some sort of skincare routine into your daily life!

So, with that lecture out of the way, I invite you to explore the world of skincare, carefully and cautiously but with an eager eye. Learn your skin type and what you are sensitive to because you absorb into your bloodstream anything you put on your skin. Be careful but be adventurous. You never know when or where you'll find your next great skincare innovation, whether it be a well-known favourite from a department store, or an old family skincare secret you find out from a stranger.

Go forth and prosper! (Why am I such a nerd...)

Love,

Alona

My Holy Grail Toner: Chanel Precision Lotion Douceur

2012-04-05T20:23:00.026-07:00

As usual, I bought this product on a whim when I spotted it in the duty free shop at the airport. I swear, I don't find good beauty products, they find me. (That sentence structure is called 'chiasmus' by the way. I just had my English exam so obviously AFTER the exam is when I remember all the terms I needed to know for the exam...). Anyways, I have very dry skin and it seemed for a while that no matter how good all my moisturizers were, I still couldn't get rid of that tight flaky skin! I thought that the problem might lie with the pH balance of my skin so I started my search for something to help get rid of the dryness (which is most prominent after I cleanse my face). So, needing something after my cleanser but before my moisturizer, I figured a toner was a good way to go (and also, a no-brainer).

Truthfully, I didn't have much hope for this product. To be honest? I fell for the gorgeous packaging. The quintessential Chanel double C-Cs, the minimalist design, and the gorgeous light pink bottle make it so appealing and I just thought...it would look so nice on top of my chest of drawers.

Little did I know that this toner packs a miracle! Literally within seconds of using it for the first time, my skin appeared brighter, all of the dry flaky skin went away and my skin felt so smooth.

Now, this is my holy grail toner. I absolutely have to use it after cleansing or else it just doesn't feel right! This is also a great product to wear on its own without moisturizer and it leaves your skin feeling just as satiated but without the greasy film that many moisturizers leave. I don't recommend skipping moisturizer all the time, since moisturizer has certain active ingredients necessary for your skin but if you're in a hurry and don't have time to wait for your moisturizer to sink in, this toner would be a great 2-in-1 product. It really helps makeup glide on perfectly.

Here's the description straight from Chanel's website:

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A fresh, light toner for normal-to-combination skin with the de-polluting power of Tulip Tree Extract and the emollient properties of Mallow Extract. Gently purifies while respecting skin's eco-balance, with velvety-smooth, radiant effects.

TULIP TREE EXTRACT, selected for its anti-pollution effect. The Tulip Tree has been planted in cities worldwide in an effort to help de-pollute the air. The tree’s shiny green leaves are covered with a protective wax that traps pollutants, which are then washed away when it rains. CHANEL PRÉCISION Cleansers and Toners utilize Tulip Tree Extract to remove impurities caused by pollution and protect the integrity of skin’s natural defense barriers. This helps to prevent free radical damage, which can lead to premature aging.

BIOGLUCANE boosts the cleansing action of Tulip Tree Extract and helps balance the skin without stripping its natural barrier, heightening the depolluting power of each formula in the collection.

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Chanel says that this product works optimally on Normal-to-Combination skin but I have dry skin and find that it works absolutely perfect on my skin and does exactly what a toner should do for dry skin.

Chanel has another version of this toner but for dry/sensitive skin (in a blue bottle, called Lotion Confort) as well as a version for combination-to-oily skin (in a green bottle, called Lotion Pureté). The variations of this toner all include different ingredients specifically formulated to treat the skin tone they're formulated for. For example, the Lotion Pureté specifically has mattifying properties that are important for oily skin (Meadowsweet Extract; used for sebum control). Also, the Lotion Confort has Arum Lily Extract, which they say hydrates the skin. (In case your wondering, the toner I use, the Lotion Douceur has Mallow extract, which is supposed to soften and smooth the skin and works to rid your skin of pollutants you absorb during the day).

Chanel claims that this toner gets rid of pollutants in your skin but I'm not quick to support this. Firstly, I think "pollutants" are a PR-fancy word synonymous with dirt. Your cleanser should take care of that and your toner shouldn't have to de-pollute anything. If you have residue dirt left on your cleansing pad when you tone, it just means that your cleanser is doing a bad job. Your toner has the responsibility of helping your skin stay balanced (not too oily, not too dry) and

brightening up your complexion. That's what Chanel's Lotion Douceur is perfect at.

Love,

Alona x

Family Skincare Secret!

2012-04-04T12:46:00.020-07:00

Back in the 90s, my mum used to work in a travel agency. Due to the nature of her work, she was constantly on the phone and because phones in the 90s were that clunky horrible mess, she started to get breakouts right on the area where the phone touched her face. No matter how many times she wiped the phone, she'd still always end up with horrible pimples! Then, one day, a coworker suggested she try this paste that promised to instantly dry up pimples. My mom went out and bought this product. As soon as she got home, she put it on. The next day, her entire breakout had cleared up!! This miraculous product is Payot's Pate Grise Purifante.

Remember how in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", the dad used windex for everything? Well, that's how my mom is with the Pate Grise. When I was little and got a cut or scrape, she'd put Pate Grise on it. When I'd get bit by mosquitos, she'd put Pate Grise on it. When I'd get a rash, she'd put Pate Grise on it. I grew up around this product and saw it heal my cuts and scrapes, and when I reached puberty, I saw Pate Grise heal my pimples.

Pate Grise works by drying out the oils in your skin (and drying out the pimple) underneath your visible layer of skin. It is best applied before a pimple fully emerges (so apply it when you can see a pimple rising underneath your visible layer of skin). According to my mum, Pate Grise contains ingredients that help get rid of inflammation, so that's why it's useable on all parts of your skin (cuts, scrapes, rashes etc.).

Unfortunately, Pate Grise has stopped being stocked in duty free shops all over the world. You are most likely to find it at spas and skin care salons, especially in France and Spain. I wish this product was more readily available. The good side though, is that it lasts a very long time so if you can find this product, you don't have to worry about stocking up since 1 package can last you up to a year!

From the Payot website:

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Due to their anti-seborrheic nature, schist extracts activate the maturing process of blemishes whilst neutralizing bacteria. Talcum absorbs impurities.

A mythical formula created by Dr Nadia Payot, Pâte Grise has been the benchmark for flawless skin for 3 generations!

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As I grew older, and started getting pimples myself, I used Pate Grise on my pimples (especially on those who haven't erupted yet) overnight and I always woke up with improved skin. I really recommend this product for those who don't suffer from severe acne, but still have a few spots on their skin. This is great for all skin types and works best when applied to pimples that haven't fully "come out" yet.

Payot's Pate Grise is probably my most treasured skincare item and I hope it will be around for my entire lifetime! My mother and I don't know what we'd do without it!

Love,

Alona

Some of my current favourite pictures :)

2012-04-03T22:43:00.004-07:00

Leandra Medine

Magdalena Frackowiak

I don't own any of these :)

Love,

Alona x

10 Essential Makeup Products

2012-04-03T19:15:00.056-07:00

I am a firm believer in investing in skincare rather than makeup. So, because of my minimalist approach, I tend to buy and use only the essential makeup products. So, without further ado, here are my essentials that I always wear and keep in my makeup bag!

10. L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

Mascara

I absolutely love mascara (and am not ashamed to admit that I love to cake it on until it clumps)! It brings attention to your eyes while defining them and making you look more awake. Who doesn't love that? Every girl should own a good mascara that leaves her lashes looking more voluminous, longer, and curvier. I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot on a good mascara as there are excellent mascaras available in the drugstore, such as my personal favourite, the L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara.

Runner up: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

Designer Alternative: Christian Dior Diorshow Iconic

9. MAC Eyeshadow in "Charcoal Brown"

I absolutely adore this eyeshadow. I use it in the crease for a bit of definition of my eye, as well as for filling in my eyebrows. Unfortunately, I inherited (from my mom's side of the family) very light eyebrows so I really need to fill them in for them to match my skin tone and hair colour. It used to be a lot more visible when I was younger because I had a much darker, more olive skin tone which got paler as I grew older. Thankfully now it's not as noticeable or else I'd be rocking the avant-garde trend of no eyebrows all the time!

Just to show you I'm not joking, here's me at age 11...with the lightest eyebrows.

Ohhhhh yeah. My awkward stage lasted about 8 years.

8. Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow Palette in "710 Not Just Nudes"

I absolutely love this palette. When I'm travelling, this is the only eyeshadow palette I ever take...actually, this is the only eyeshadow palette I own!!! It is the perfect formulation for the eyes as it does not crease, nor does it fade (even after a good 14 hour day!). My personal favourite out of the palette is the champagne colour (second from the left), which I love to dab right in the middle of the eyelids to brighten up my eyes. It has great shine which just helps make your face glow. The colours in the palette are perfect for a day look, as well as for creating a smoky brown look for the night. It contains both matte and shimmery shades so it's perfect to travel with since you can choose if you want a more natural look (the matte shadows) or a more pronounced look (the shimmery shades). Overall, this palette is fantastic for anyone who loves a good neutral eye with a bit of shimmer and definition!

The picture does not do these eyeshadows justice! Be sure to check them out for yourself at your local drugstore!

7. Revlon Age Defying Moisturizing Concealer with SPF 25 in the Medium Shade

This is hands down my holy grail concealer!!!! It rarely creases, looks so natural, and protects your eyes from UV rays with its SPF 25. It is also hygienic to use due to the design of the packaging (it looks like a needle). I've been looking for ages for a really good concealer and have tried pretty much every concealer from Sephora. I spontaneously bought this on a late night run to the drugstore and instantly fell in love with it! But beware...it has just been discontinued. I'm so heartbroken by this! Now, I'll have to be on the search for another concealer. If you can still get your hands on this, then run to the stores!! For now, I'll be depending on eBay to get my fix...

6. Biotherm Blush! in #60

I bought this on a whim (this seems to be how I usually find out about great products!) at a sample sale and have been obsessed with it since then. It has very finely milled glitter in it so it gives the perfect glow while still remaining natural looking. For my skin tone, colour #60 is a perfect combination of a blush and a bronzer. I put this over my cheekbone and cheek area to define my cheekbones while still giving me a nice refreshing glow and adding some well-needed colour to my cheeks. It is very buildable but I prefer to keep it natural looking so I only swipe it onto my cheeks once or twice.

5. eos Lip Balm

All right...I admit it. I was drawn in by the packaging of this lip balm. It reminded me of the toy sphere that comes in a Kinder Surprise Egg which I used to devour (and still do) when I was a child. Imagine my surprise when this quirky packaged lip balm actually delivered! Instantly, my lips felt moisturized and much softer. With chronic use, my lips have overall become softer and less prone to becoming chapped in the cold cold cooooooold wintertime. I love the stares I get when I pull this out in public and it's always a conversation starter, but most of all I love how great this product is! This may be the first product where the packaging actually matches up to the quality!

4. MAC Matte Lipstick in 'Ruby Woo'

This is the absolute perfect red for my skin tone. I originally started out with MAC's 'Russian Red' but it is too vampy for me and sucks the life out of my face, no pun intended. Meanwhile, 'Ruby Woo' brightens up my face and draws attention to the lips all while enhancing my skin tone and making my teeth look whiter! I absolutely adore a red lip and love to wear one as often as I can. It is the epitome of class and elegance, while still looking sultry and feminine. 'Ruby Woo' is my go to red colour when I need to look my best!

3. Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Pomegranate Crush

As I'm sure you can tell by now (minus the bold red lip), I love natural looking makeup. This stain is perfect for making your lips look berry beautiful (see what I did there?? see? see!!!!?) and giving your lips a nice flush of colour. It also livens up your dull skin by bringing a bit of colour onto your face. Since it's a stain, it's perfect for those days when you will be doing a bit of eating, kissing, beatboxing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation etc. ...or when you just want to look like you have no makeup on but still have a beautiful tint to your lips!

2. Dior DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow Creme-Gel Makeup SPF 20 Powder in Light Beige 020

Although it's a bit of a splurge, I find it's absolutely worth it! I don't normally wear foundation day-to-day so this is a great alternative for evening out the skin tone and providing nice albeit very light coverage. I prefer a powder to a tinted moisturizer since I find, at least for me, the powder helps my concealer and blush stay on longer and also, it looks much more natural. I also came across this accidentally when I was gifted a Dior travel kit palette and this powder came in it.

1. Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in 050 Berry Smoothie

Everyone and their mother has heard of Revlon's revolutionary lip butters and I feel like I must add my two cents into the mix! These lip balm/lipstick hybrids feel comfortable on the lips, stay put, and moisturize all while looking absolutely beautiful! I love the Berry Smoothie shade as it works perfectly for my skin tone and is a nice colour to wear during the daytime. Lip butters are also a perfect introductory product for those just starting to get into lipstick. They're light, not super pigmented, and come in very flattering colours.

So there you go! Those are my 10 essential makeup products that I always have in my bag!

Love,

Alona