Fashion Written With A Lipstick | GR Beauty & Fashion Blog

SUMMER SHADES: Kate Moss Spring Lipstick by Rimmel in #16

2014-06-09T18:35:00.002+03:00

Hello guys! I seriously don’t know how to start this post. I hope you’ve been doing well. I know I’ve taken a BIG break from the blogosphere, but that’s due to having two jobs that have kept me busy from early in the morning ‘till late at night. But I’m not gonna sit here and apologise now am I? I’d better make a separate post about it. Now, HELLOOOO summer! The temperature’s rising, summer clothes are out and of course, what a better way to switch your mood than to put on lighter, brighter make up? I’m all for the magenta, fuchsia, bright pinks, corals and all those summery shades, but there’s one particular product that works perfect for me during day and night. The award goes to Rimmel’s Long Lasting Lipstick by Kate Moss in no16!

The Good

First of all, the packaging, while pretty standard, looks very chic and has Kate’s signature on the lid. The lipstick was a gift from my friend, as it’s incredibly difficult to get my hand on Rimmel in Greece. The first thing I noticed about it is (well, I was gonna say the pigmentation, but mind you,) the smell. I understand that it may not appeal to everyone but I actually kind of like it. It’s got that old, I-stole-it-from-my-mom kind of smell, but it fades after a few minutes. The second thing is probably the pigmentation. It goes opaque in one application, which I thought was quite strange, considering it’s not from the matte collection, but has a glossy finish. Its texture is very creamy and smooth and almost glides on to your lips. The colour itself is truly beautiful and oh so summery. It’s describes by most people as a bright, but not neon bright, corally pink. Due to my lips light pigmentation, it shows up more coral on me, which I think I like more.

The Bad

Unfortunately, there are two negative things I had to include in this post about the lipstick. The first one (and probably what pisses me the most) is that it accentuates any dry or flaky areas you may have and as it’s a light shade, it may not look as appealing. The other negative thing is that, while I do find it very smooth on application, the formula itself can be quite drying after a while. Having quite dry lips ‘by nature’ I wasn’t very fond of the results. But that can be fixed by applying a clear lip balm before the lipstick for better results.

Conclusion

This is an incredible product to have, as it’s quite affordable, and its negatives can be fixed just by priming your lips before applying the lipstick. The colour very summer appropriate and can be worn during the day, or as a nice nude to accompany your smokey eyes during the night. The range has so many colour and I’m tempted to order more.

That was my take on the lipstick lovelies. Have you tried any of the Kate Moss lipsticks? What do you think of them? Let me know!

Weekend FOTD #6

2014-01-26T13:09:00.002+02:00

Hola gorgeous people!
It's finally snowing in Greece! Hip Hop Hurray! Let the childness begin!
So since I'm in such a great mood, I thought I'd make another FOTD post, 'cause it's been a long, long time since I posted the last one. Without further ado, here is the name up break-down:

FACE:
Glow by Dr. Brandt ruby crystal retinol hydracrèm on top of moisturiser
Oriflame Adaptive Foundation in Light Ivory Vicky Dermablend Concealer MAC Select Sheer/Loose powder in NW20

EYES:
MAC Patina on the lid
MAC Tet-a-Tint in the crease
MAC Honey Lust on top of patina as a wash of colour
MAC Vanilla as a brow bone highlight
MAC Phloof! on the inner corner
Essence Kajal Pencil in Teddy on the lower waterline
Rainbow Priorities Glitter eye pencil in N508 on upper lashline
Essence Maximum Definition Volume Mascara in Black

CHEEKS:
MAC blush in Harmony to contour
MAC blush in Coygirl
MAC Soft & Gentle to highlight

LIPS:
MAC Snob
Sephora Glossy Gloss in Tangy Bite

And because I'm such a poser(sigh), here you go:

What do you guys think of this look? Do you like it?
I hope you're doing great!

Best of 2013: Books

2014-01-25T21:24:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone!
I am determined to finish the series (2013 faves) before January ends. Things have been happening in my personal life and blogging wasn’t my top priority. I’m sure I don’t need to apologize everytime, as I know you guys do appreciate more a good post that a ‘forced’ one.

So, books have become something like my best friend this and last year. I don’t know about you, but I can’t sleep well at night, if I haven’t read a single page of a book. 2013 was the year of FANTASY. I do seriously believe it’s become of my favourite genres out there. And so I thought I’d do something a little bit different this time and show you my favorite books tht I read in 2013.
Without further ado, let’s get cracking:

1.”Name of the Wind”/”Wise Man’s Fear” – Patrick Rothfuss
Well, my biggest discovery and along with that my favourite discovery has to be Patrick Rothfuss. I’ve only read two of his books(and still impatiently waiting for the third one), but I guess I’m pretty hooked. I like his style, his characters, his world. Pretty much everything.
So, basically these two books are part of the ‘Kingkiller Chronicle’ trilogy. The main character, Kvothe, I fell in love with. He is heroic, he is smart, he is a rebel, he is legendary, but he is also human. The books describe the life of Kvothe and how stories about him and how the stuff he did, made him the legend he is now. I absolutely love it. It is fantasy, but it’s not ‘in your face’ No magic as we know it, no dragons, no pixie dust. It might as well be real.(*sigh).
Not to ramble, you NEED to read these. It’s vital. I am currently ‘dying’ while waiting for the third and final installment of the series(what a drama queen). Thank god it’s coming out this year! You can see my full and detailed review on Goodreads here

2. Rage of a Demon King - Raymond E. Feist
First of all, I have to say that I am a huge fan of Mr Feist. I’m sure most of you know him, but if you don’t hey, you do now! Along with Rothfuss I declare them two favourite authors of 2013. So basically his stories are set in another medieval-magician-kings-queen world called Midkemia. In 2013 I finished the second series/saga which is called ‘The Serpentwar Saga’. To be honest, I was quite disappointed with the series as a whole, compared to the previous one, ‘The Riftwar Saga’.
BUT, one book had to make the cut and that is the third out of the four, ‘Rage of a Demon King’. It’s got action, mystery, magic, wars, love and friendship all in one. It’s the book that I enjoyed the most as it actually gave several answers and was the most entertaining. I’m not gonna tell you to go buy and read it as it wouldn’t make sense as a book on its own so instead, I am telling you to go check out Feist as an author. He is the first author that actually shocked me while reading his books. As in, eyes and mouth-open-wow look.

3. Inferno - Dan Brown
Yep, that’s right. I caved and bought the Infamous ‘Inferno’ by Dan Brown. First of all I was super excited because it is set in the ever so beautiful Florence. I’m sure you all know him but now, Robert Langdon awakes in a hospital bed with no recollection of where he is or how he got there. Not to say much, along with a doctor named Sienna Brooks they basically try to save the world from a malicious thread.
The story is quite nice and a bit shocking at the end. Plus there’s a whole lotta Dante’s Inferno! Hurray! Dan Brown is not my kind of style when it comes to reading, but this book was seriously entertaining.

4. Faceless Killers - Henning Mankell
This book made me realize how much I love mystery/crime. With all the fantasy, I had completely forgotten about it and didn’t buy any books of that genre. The is part of a series as well, the ‘Kurt Wallander’, where basically the reader follows the cases of Inspector Kurt Wallander, but contrary to the other series I’ve mentioned, they are stand-alone books. When the book is finished, the case is solved. This particular one has to do with a brutal murder in a Swedish village. Mr Mankell did an exceptional job here.
The book is full of mystery, is quite easy to read and very enjoyable. The thing I like the most is that you really do connect to the characters. I really shouldn’t give too much on the books without spoilers so I shall end my rambling here.

5. The elephants dance – Sophia Nikolaikou
Politics, journalism, skepticism, all are perfectly bonded in this book. It is my first book of this author and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The elephants dance is a greek saying depicting that the higher classes or people with power(politicians etc) can step on the lower ones(normal people) and they can very much twist the truth, hide it and stitch it to their own measures. I wasn’t particularly fond of the ending but I finished the book very soon, compared to the other ones. I am afraid that if you cannot read greek, you won’t be able to read it but hey! I has worth to mention! You can read my full review on this(in greek) here.

6. The Time of My Life - Cecelia Ahern
Of course, the list couldn’t be complete without chick-lit, which is my guilty pleasure. The award goes to Cecelia Ahern, which is one of the best chick-lit authors out there in my opinion. I read this book for the second time. It centers around Lucy Silchester, who is unemployed, has recelty broken up and she’s basically a mess and can’t move on.
The first time I was actually surprised that it make my cry so hard, as I’ve never cried while reading a book. I thought it was because I was going through a break-up. But no. I read it again and still cried. And still laughed. This is my favourite book of hers. I like it even more that P.S. I love you.(what?) The humour is astonishing as well. It’s so witty that I was actually teary eyed. It’s light hearted so I think most people could read this. Not to mention the GORGEOUS cover.

So that is my list of favourite book I read in 2013. I hope you guys like it.

Have you read any of these books? Are you planning to? Let me know!

Best of 2013: Skincare, bodycare, haircare etc

2013-12-31T23:50:00.000+02:00

Ok ok, I know I'm a little bit late on this but hey! Prolonged holiday cheer!
I've decided that this here I'm going to split my favourite to at least three parts (skincare etc, make up, book and lifesyle maybe?), so tonight I'm going to show you my favourite skincare products of 2013! There have been lots of discoveries, but to me, the biggest discovery of all was to actually rediscover products I had forgotten I even had and loved, which are bigger and better than any other innovative product that's coming out! So, let's begin!

1. L'Oreal Skin Perfection Miracle Cleansing Oil
The reason why I tried this is because I was either reading rave reviews or bad one. There was nothing in between. So I thought, what the heck, let's try it for myself! I was also super chuffed that my local HC had 20% off all L'Oreal skincare, so it was meant to be. Not to ramble more, 'cause I'm planning on reviewing this, this is AMAZEBALLS! It melts your makeup right off, cleanses your skin like hell, and leaves it feeling incredibly soft and moisturised. Compared to other cleansing oils in the market, this is definitely one of the best options that also comes in a quarter of the price! I will definitely picking more of this over the next months!

2. Bioten cleansing gel-cream with Cotton Extract
Seriously, what can I say about this. I am in my third tube and when it runs out, I will buy more. It's inexpensive, organic, moisturising, smells DIVINE and can also be used as a make up remover as well as a cleanser. Read my full review on this here

3. Sunsilk Leave-in Conditioner for dry-damaged hair
I don't often use Sunsilk products, but for some reason, this little baby could not NOT be in this list. It smells amazing and moisturises my dry ends like no other. I wasn't really impressed by the other products in the range except for this, which I'm already finishing the fourth bottle. A little goes a long way and it's quite inexpensive too. Seriously, check this out if you haven't already.

4. Garnier Hydra Match moistiriser for normal skin(blue)
Despite me having dry skin, I have found that this baby moisturises it like hell. Don't get me wrong, I'm no weirdo, the moisturiser for dry skin in the range didn't do a thing to my thirsty skin. I'm always on the look out for new things to est out and maybe find the 'perfect' moisturiser, but until then, this little guy stays on my vanuty! Read my full review here

5. Balea body scrub in Indian Chai
I have tried several body scrubs over the last few months and I only keep getting back to this. It exfoliates well, leaves my skin incredibly soft and smells like heaven. Cherry on the top: It's so freaking affordable, but so hard to find. As this particular one is limited edition, I'm gonna ask my dear best friend to fetch me some more to try from Germany! Read my full review here

6. Garnier Beauty Oil
One thing: If this ever came out in perfume, I would buy it. It's so fruity and feminine! It is the perfect thing for summer, but you can also wear it during winter. It doesn't crease, doesn't stain clothes and absorbs immediately. Definitely one of the best products Garnier's released this year.

7. Nail Polish Remover Sponges
This is only photographed, because it's the only one I got right now, but seriously, nail polish remover sponges have been huge this year. I have tried the most I've spotted here. From the more pricey to the more affordable. And they all do the job. No fuss. Shimmer nail polish? Off. Glitter? Off. This little boy here cost me 1.50 from Jumbo(how embarassing) and it's actually pretty good! All hail to polish remover sponges!

8.Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser
I am so stupid I forgot to even photograph this, but seriously... it is AMAZEBALLS! I have the ones that's aimed at normal skin, just because I find the typical blue nivea creme scent the one aimed at dry skin has, appalling. It's soooo good. No fuss. Get in the shower, wash, then put this one, then rinse off and voila! Full review is coming soon. Promise.

9. Schwarzkopf Gliss Heat Protectant Spray
I don't particularly have any big problems with my hair except for dry end, thus I don't need to use alota products. But I regularly use hair straighteners, whether that is to straighten or curl my hair. This products, I've been using for almost 2 years and it keeps my hair in better condition, plus it prevent my ends from splitting this often! a must-have!

10. Kings & Queens Queen Elizabeth Sugar Body Butter
Oh my. I actually discovered this in December but it was so good not to mention it. I use it daily. Day and night. The scent is quite sweet and sugary, thus the name, and it is incredible moisturising. The thing that love about this is that it feels quite luxurious really and such a pamper for your skin. I am now eager to try more of their stuff. They all smell amazing!

11. Noxema Memories Deodorant
OK. The most random thing someone could fit in their list is probably deodorant. But hey, I always keep coming back to this. Whatever new deodorant I try, is not nearly as good as this. I'm sure most of you are familiar with this, but if you're not, then please do try it! The scent is lovely too!

That's it boys and girls, for my skincare, bodycare, etc favourited of 2013! I hope you're having a wonderfull New Years Eve with your loved ones and an even better New Years!

Merry Christmas!

2013-12-25T23:24:00.003+02:00

Image from weheartit.com

Just a quick post to wish you all lovely people Happy Christmas and a wonderful holiday season! I am having a lovely time with family and dear ones thus far. Tomorrow a new post has been scheduled to come up so watch out for that!
Now go have tons of fun with your dear ones, eat lots of food and have no regrets!

Garnier Hydra Match Review

2013-12-01T20:04:00.000+02:00

Garnier Hydra Match - 6.49€*

Hey lovely people!

Firstly, Happy 1st December! Christmas is only 24 days away and I’m already in a Christmassy mood and looking forward to holiday music, decorations and such.

Secondly, I want to make an apology for not updating the blog at all in the past couple of months. To be completely honest, my ever-so-lovely camera broke down, I was pretty bummed about it and my other camera didn’t have the same quality. Then other things, including work, came in the way and need I say more, blogging wasn’t my first priority.

However I could’ve never distanced myself from it, so here I am talking about Garnier’s newly launched range of Hydra Match moisturisers, which are “tailor-made” to suit your skin issues. Having been trying them for several months, considering my skin has changed quite a bit during seasons, I am now confident that I can write a full and honest review on them.

To get it out of the way before I start soliloquize, the thing that got me hooked at first was the cute packaging. Seriously, how adorable are the little pastel tubes?

I’m gonna start by talking about my favourite out of the four and that’s the blue one, which is suitable for normal to combination skin. It is enriched with Blue Lotus and Mannose and it is claimed to leave your skin feeling hydrated for up to 24 hours. Now, I’ve been using this during summer, autumn and winter and I find that it’s the only one that actually moisturizes my skin and leaves it feeling soft, radiant and healthy. It is not shimmery but leaves a gorgeous healthy glow to the skin. It absorbs fairly quickly and has a lovely fruity scent, while its texture is quite light. I actually liked it so much that I got a second tube and it’s nearly finished!

The orange one is aimed at dull and tired skin. It has a unique texture, as it’s a gel. At first I thought what the heck, gels don’t work on my thirsty skin but hey, this baby is gorgeous. It absorbs instantly, and leaves my skin feeling radiant and moisturized. What I really like about this though, is that it almost feels like a serum or face primer; as it does prep my skin amazingly well for foundation. It contains smoothing oils, Citrus extract and Mannose. To me it smells like peach and I find it great to wear on days where I need an extra boost to my skin.

The pink one is aimed at dry skin types, hence its texture is much thicker than the previous ones (actually the thickest of the four). It contains Camellia oil and Mannose and is supposed to “revive” your skin in an instant. Although it did provide a certain hydration, I was disappointed by it. Considering that I have dry skin, this would be a dream for me. But it was not. It left my skin feeling greasy, almost like an oil film. I tried this day and night, and it was simply not working for me. I couldn’t imagine wearing this before foundation. Also, its texture is much too thick for my liking. Remember how hard it was to get that Nivea Cream out of the tube? Yep, like that. One positive though, the scent is quite lovely and sweet.

The green one is for all oily skin girls out there! It is enriched with Green tea extract and Mannose and it claims to leave the skin matte and moisture. It clearly isn’t for me as my skin type is quite different, but after one application, I noticed that it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin looking matte. It smells like cucumber to me(more like The Body Shop’s seaweed range to be precise).

To conclude, the ones that are the most suitable for my skin are the blue and the orange one. I actually quite like the result and integrating them in my skincare regime (post coming soon), works like a miracle.

Of course, you shouldn’t “hook” on my opinion about each of them. People’s skin reacts differently to different products, so you should check yourselves and I’m sure you’ll find the one the suits you best. I can only say one thing, at 6.49€ they are a bargain!

So that’s it. The blog post (more like a novel) came to an end. Phew. I am definitely posting more lovely things in the following week so watch out for those!

What do you girls think of Garnier’s Hydra Match range? Have you tried it? Did you like it? Let me know!

Weekend FOTD #5

2013-08-09T16:45:00.002+03:00

It's been ages since I last did a FOTD post, so I thought why not make a new one featuring one of my favourite looks at the moment! What I love most about this is that, It may look complicated but it really is not! Full credit goes to Alli from Make Up by Alli. She did a tutorial on this and I absolutely LOVED it! Now let's get on with the products!

FACE:
MAC Prolongwear Foundation in NW25
Vichy Dermablend Concealer in 20 (Nude)
MAC Sculpt and Shape in Bone Beige Emphasize(LE) (used as bronzer)
MAC Fix +

EYES:
MAC paint pot in Blackground (used as an eyeliner, then smudged)
MAC e/s in Tete-a-Tint(in the crease and in lower lash line
MAC e/s in Stars 'n Rockets (dabbed on the lid until blended with the crease colour)
MAC e/s in Vanilla (brow bone highlight)
MAC e/s in Phloof! (inner corner highlight)
Nivea Stay On Eye pencil in Brown
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara (review here)

CHEEKS:
MAC blush in Harmonh (to contour)
MAC blush in Margin

LIPS:
MAC lipstick in Pink Nouveau
Maybelline Water Shine Gloss in Rose Petal

That's it for my incredibly easy colourful look! What do you girls think?

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

2013-08-07T21:27:00.000+03:00

~Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara - 19.99E

Mascara is probably the only make up item I can't "live" without. I have very fair lashes, and I think I look like an alien without wearing it. Now, forgive me but I am not usually "loyal" to a particular brand when it comes to mascaras. I pretty much change it every three months and I always seem to be looking for new products! This may have changed though, because I, ladies (and gentlemen?) have found the "perfect partner" to start a serious relationship with, my Holy Grail mascara, then one I keep turning back to no matter what, the one that fulfills my needs! (drama queen)

It is of course Max Factor's Falsh Lash effect mascara! I discovered this a few years ago when I was doing my weekly drugstore "walk" and was a bit bummed about its price. But let me tell you, it's worth every cent!
Retailing at 19.99E, it's not one of the cheapest drugstore mascaras. In fact, I was even thinking to let it go and buy a Lancome mascara which costs 10 more euros. But I thought I'g give it a try.
And, oh my god, does it do wonders. I have literally tried this on all of my girlfriends and they all seemed to love it. It is a pretty good mascara that adds tons of volume and lengthens your lashes like no other. With only one coat! Some people may not like how intense it looks and may want something more subtle, but as far as I'm concerned, my eyes are what I want to accentuate more! I apply one coat during the day, and two coats for when I'm ready to go out, just so I can make it more dramatic.

(Sorry for the blurry picture, camera didn't want to focus)

I like my mascara wands to be big and boy, this applicator is huge! It has got plastic bristles that "comb" through the lashes, volumizing and lengthening them. One of the things I really like about it is that when you take out the wand, it doesn't have lots of gunky product on it, which helps application when you're trying to layer it or if you're trying to achieve a natural look. No spidery lashes! The scent is typical mascara scent which I don't really mind.

I would seriously recommend this to everyone. I already own the black along with the deep blue one and I would LOVE it if Max Factor made a cobalt blue colour! It is an amazing product!

RATING:
A+ Have you guys tried the Max Factor False Lashe Effect mascara? What is your opinion about it? Let me know!

Lusting over #2

2013-08-06T16:48:00.002+03:00

1. Victoria's Secret Bombshell perfume
2. Ted Baker clutch
3. Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow Blush in Liquifuchsia
4. Tarte Braziliance self tanner
5. The Professor of Poetry by Grace Mcleen
6. Zoya nail polish in Nova
7. Manolo Blahnik BB Patent Heels
8. Victoria's Secret Ultra-moisturizing Hand and Body Cream in Coconut Passion
9. Bourjois Paris Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Peach on the Beach
10. Dara Ettinger Alicia Halo Druzy Rectangle Studs
11. NUDE ProGenius treatment oil
12. Elemis Devils Mint Body Scrub

There are so many thing I'm curerently lusting over, that it was pretty hard for me to even choose my top 12 for this list! This time though, there is a good mix of fashion, skin care and make-up. I even chose a book! Nevertheless, most of these items I surely want to have in my possession in the forseeable fiture, some I may as well wait for a bit longer(Manolo Blahnik pumps I'm looking at you!) Ted Baker is not absent from my list again. I seriously am loving it, If I could, I'd probably purchase the whole shop. Not to forget to mention my obsession with Victoria's Secret Bombshell perfume! I had a sniff the other day and have decided that it needs to be mine! What's not to love about it? The scent? The bottle? Or the name?

I've also included a few skincare bits and bots, a couple of them being the NUDE ProGenius treatment oil and the Elemis Devil's Mint body scrub (how cool is the name?) Last but not least, I have developed a serious book obsession the past year and cannot imagine a day passing by without reading a chapter of my favourite book! This time, what's caught my eye is the newly released novel by Grace Mcleeen entitled "The Professor of Poetry". The plot seems quite intriguing and I'm planning on getting my hands on it very soon.

That's it, the products I'm lusting over have just been presented to you! What do you guys think?

Balea Body Scrub in Indian Chai

2013-07-28T18:43:00.001+03:00

As you may have noticed, a major heat wave has made an appearance in Europe, making it almost unbearable to go out and about in the city. I am jealous of the people who live by the seaside and can refresh themselves whenever they want to. For the rest of us who have to go to work in this boiling weather and can only 'escape' during the weekend, it is only 'appropriate' to find the right products to make it bearable.

I don't know about you, but I definitely need my three-shower-a-day fix to make it through, otherwise I feel gross. I get myself ready in a towel, cooling water is running, candles are lit and I'm good to go! One of the things I seem to need more often because of the heat, is to refresh my skin twice a week. It's one thing to cleanse your skin every day, but you surely need to exfoliate and remove all those dead skins cells. I am a firm believer in exfoliliating and I seem to have found my favourite product to do so, in the past few months, which makes it a real treat whenever I'm in the shower!

Balea's body scrub in Indian Chai(LE) has got to be one of the best body scrubs out there and let me tell you what: it only costs 1.45E for 200ml! My best friend bought this for me when she went to Germany during February, as she knows I'm all about skincare and wanted something I couldn't get my hands on in Greece.

Balea products seem to be big in Germany and from the research that I was able to do (bare in mind that my knowledge in german is below zero xD ), they are extremely affordable, but still good skincare products. They do have quite a good range from body lotions, to masks, facial cleansers and so on.

My experience with the body scrub has left me speechless. Its scent is fantastic. I wish you could smell it. It is an amazing blend of Indian Chai and vanilla. It is not very strong but strong enough to make you feel fresh. It has got micro beads in it, which gently exfoliate your skin, removing impurities and all the dead skin cells, whilst leaving the skin squeaky clean and completely renewed. To be honest, it's not the most gentle exfoliator I've ever used, as the beads are quite big, but they're not harsh and it's exactly what I need to refresh my skin! Plus, they help to stimulate blood circulation as well! It also contains almond oil in it, which nourishes the skin and along with the exfoliation, makes it it velvety soft and radiant! Not to forget, this has some slight hints of glitter in it, but you can't really tell once you get out of the shower!

I couldn't find one negative to mention about this product. Perhaps the fact that is is not widely available and very hard to get. It smells like heaven, exfoliates your skin like crazy, and leaves it incredibly soft and nourished. All this for the price of 1.45E! I can't recommend this enough! This particular scent is limited edition, but if you manage to find any Balea products then surely give the body scrubs a try! I am already listing products for my friend to get me when she goes to Germany soon!

Have you tried any Balea products? Have you ever heard of them? What do you think of the review? Let me know in the comments!

Summer favourites!

2013-06-22T23:34:00.002+03:00

Hello beautiful people!

It feels so invigorating to be back! This time, yesterday being the summer solstice, I thought it'd be the pefect time to talk about my current favourite products for summer! There's lots of skincare this time, but I truly rely on these, to maintain the moisture in to my skin and feel glowy and healthy during this BOILING weather!

1.Garnier bodycocoon body milk
This is an old love. I used to use this when I was younger, and I absolutely LOVED it! You can imagine my excitement when I spotted it at my local HC for the price of 3E! It was an absolute bargain! It smells amazing, the typical, "vintage" Garnier fruity scent! As far as moisturising goes, it does a wonderful job at keeping my skin hydrated, while it doesn't feel greasy, is quite light and absorbs fairly quickly!

2.Bioten Silky Radiance body lotion with cocoa butter and Macadamia oil*
First things first. This smells AMAZEBALLS. Chocolate mixed with caramel and mocha. I am literally holding myself from eating it! It is aimed at normal to dry skin. It moisturises so well, and the scent stays on for hours and hours! I literally apply this in the morning, and when I get back from work I can still smell it! The thing about it that I love the most is that, whilst being a lotion, it still has got a thick consistency that hydrates the skin really well. I use this when I feel like I've got particularly dehydrated skin, but it's summer so I can't really use a body butter, as it's going to melt in an instant! I am really liking this baby! Please if you get a chance, just give this a SNIFF and you'll be hooked for months and months to come! :D

3.MAC Mineralize blush in Rhapsody in Two (LE)
I think I've talked about this before. I got in a few years ago from a collection I can't remember the name of. It was love at first time! It's so shimmery and pretty I can't take it. If you don't like shimmer in your make you you should probably stay away from this. Its got gold and pink shimmers in it. The pigmentation is not great, I wouldn't use this as a blush in its own, but rather as a finishing touch as it gived the most gorgeous glow you have ever seen!

4.NYX blush in Natural
This is such a pretty basic matte pink! I usually wear this during days where I wake up really early and can't be arsed to apply much make up! The texture of this is extraordinary! So smooth and it blends out perfectly! I am actually ready to go and buy a bunch of other NYX blushes to see if they are the same! It is quite affordable to which makes it even better!

5.The Body Shop Coconut shimmering body lotion
I also have the butter version of this, but like I said before, body butters during summer are a no-no for me. This on the other hand, is extremely moisturising, very light and has that awesome coconut scent that we all have grown to love! It is my second bottle of this and it always reminds me of summer, 'cause thats when I mostly use it.

6.Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera
I've had this for a long time and there's still so much product to use. It's a gorgeous pastel coraly pink! It stays on for hours and gives and incredible glow. Too bad I can't purchase stila here anymore, but I guess I will find more if these babies online! You can also use this on your lips, but mine are a bit too dry and this doesn't suit me as much! Nevertheless, it's texture is amazing and a little bit goes a long way. Such a gem in my collection!

7.Garnier Ambre Solaire Golden Protect sunscreen spf30
I got this for the first time last year and I loved it so much I got it again! It smells like cococunt and doesn't let me burn. Can you imagine that? It is not greasy at all, absorbs instantly and has shimmer! What more can I ask? I am thinking there might be an Ambre Solaire for the face as well and I am definitely getting it! See my full review on this here.

8.Oriflame wonderlash dramatize mascara
I have been really liking this mascara for the past few weeks that I've been using it! It really elongates your lashes while making them look fuller and SO black! One of the best mascaras that I've used recently, plus it's quite affordable too! I can wear it during the day on the top lashes only or if I want a more dramatic look, top and bottom and we're good to go!

9.Vichy Dermablend Concealer
I am in love with this. I use it every single day, even when I'm not in the mood to apply make up and just want to conceal my dark circles or a blemish. It is not cakey and just the right colour for me to highlight any dark areas, while it still is quite concealing! It is truly one of the best purchases I made during 2013!

10.Maybelline Diamond Effect Palette in Coral Drama*
This is probably my favourite Diamond Glow eyeshadow pallete out of the four. It does have pretty gold and corally colours which makes it perfect for summer. It's even got a darker plum colour to darken the crease or to extentuate the lash line!

11.Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm
This is my third tube of this. At 24E for a lip balm, it doesn't come cheap but it does wonders! It is supposed to adapt to your natural lip colour , so you have something unique according to your lips' pigmentation. The balsam in it protects and hydrates your lips like no other!

12.Maybelline Dream Mousse blush in Brown
This mousse is something I;ve never experienced before. I first I was confused as to how to use it, cause when you apply it, it instantly tranformes into powder. You have to be really quick about it. Thi particular colour I really like to make me look tanner while still providing some pop of colour with the orange in it. I am interested in trying a few more of these.

13.Noxema Derma Clinic deodorant
I know, it is quite odd to put a deodorant in a favourites post but seriously, this is incredible! It smells like apricots and stays on for HOURS. One negative tough is that it leaves white marks if you're not careful. I have to shake it really well and apply it from a distance. If I could have this for a perfume I would definitely buy it!

14.MAC Mineralize eyeshadow in Heat Element
I rediscovered my love for this. One half is gold the other bronze. It is such a great combination, especially for summer. The great thing about MAC's mineralize eyeshadows is that you can apply them with a wet brush to have a more intense effect or to apply like like an eyeliner! I am not sure if this is still available, so I use it with caution, 'cause I don't want to run out!

15.Balea body scrub with Indian Chai
This is an incredible body scrub my best friend got me from Germany and I've heard that Balea is quite famour there! I'm not saying much, 'cause I'll post a full review of this shortly, but just one thing: It smells like a DREAM!

16.Avon blemish clearing facial scrub
This is the one facial scrub that works best with my skin. It feels so invogorating and freshens up my skin perfectly. Now with all the heat and stuff it is truly a saviour! Read more about it here.

17.Garnier Beauty Oil*
I am not really into body oils during summer for the simple fact that they leave residue behind. This is different though. It absorbs fairly quickly, is not greasy and smells like paradise. I even apply this sometime on the ends of my hair just to make them smell(even more) beautiful! Review about this is on its way!

18.Pom Pom make up removal wipes
I don't usually prefer wipes but things have been very hectic recently and I had to remove my make up wuickly before I headed to sleep. I have a thing with wipes. Most of them seem very harsh on my skin and they irritate it like hell! These are very soft and wet and they effectively remove make up, even the most stubborn traces of mascara! TRUE LOVE, my dear!

19.Narsya body butter with Orchid & Cotton
Ok, I know I said before that I don't like using body butters during summer but this is an exception! It has got a very light consistency and absorbs instantly! I got it when I was on holiday in Bansko, it was cheap as chips and I feel amazed at how good this is! It smells incredible! I wish I could somehow back this up! I mostly use it when I get out of the shower! It is also great for when I shave as it doesn't irritate my skin at all!

This was quite a long post guys, but there were so many things that I wanted to talk about with you! Have you tried any of these? If so, do you like them? Let me know!
Now it's better to go and cool away by a pool or beach, right! Hope you're well!

Weekend FOTD #4

2013-04-20T19:36:00.000+03:00

What a gorgeous weekend this is! I'm feeling happy and inspired even though work has tired me quite a bit!
For this weekend's FoTD I felt like bronzing it up! A generous amount of self-tanner as well as bronzer did the trick! Too bad the lighting is horrible and you can't see the colours the way they really are! And well, of course, I had to pair it with a bright red lip! Matte was not an option, so I went for something glossier!

FACE:
MAC Prolongwear foundation in NW25
Vichy Dermablend skin concealer - 20 nude

EYES:
MAC e/s in Brule (all over the lid up to the brow bone)
MAC e/s in Quarry (in the crease)
MAC e/s in Vanilla (inner corner)

CHEEKS:
MAC blusher in Harmony (to contour face)
Maybelline blush mousse - Brown

LIPS:
MAC lipglass in Russian Red

I tried to take a good picture just to show you how beautiful the combo of Quarry and Brule is...but I failed! Here's the best I could do! The colours look more intense and prettier in real life!

Here's my last weekend FOTD. Do you like it? :)

Bioten cleansing gel-cream with Cotton Extract review

2013-04-19T16:53:00.002+03:00

Hello gorgeous people!

It's been some time since I last posted, but believe me when I'm saying it's been a hectic 2 weeks and I haven't even had proper time for myself!
The truth is, I haven't been feeling good about my skin for wuite some time now. Mind you, it's not like I had acne or anything, but I never seemed to have a problem even when I was in my teenage years. So, now that regular spots were coming up more frequently, I wasn't pleased. No matter what product I used, I couldn't fix it. When it comes to skincare, I always have lower expectations from high street brands than I do with high end ones. And then I met this baby!

Bioten cleansing gel-cream - 3.50E*

Bioten is a relatively new brand that is known for its purist philosophy. Their products are paraben and paraffin free. It is fairly quickly going up the ladder and personally I find it's one of the best high street brands out there.

Their cleansing gel-cream with cotton extract for dry/sensitive skin is an absolute miracle. I wanted to use it properly for a few weeks before I tell you guys about it, even though I knew I loved it the first time I used it! It is a gentle cleanser that effectively removes impurities and keeps my skin feeling soft and clean. It smells amazing! Seriously, it makes me happy in the morning right the second I use it! I use it day and night and it helps my skin remain spot-free! I mean I do get the occasional spot 'that time of the month' but I seriously don't mind.

It contains natural cotton extract, which is rich in proteins and minerals and effectively helps to protect sensitive skin whilst conferring a smooth and supple appearance. It also has some pinky micro-beads in it, which release Vitamin E! I love these as they're so subtle that are not harsh on my skin, while offering some sort of exfoliation as well! It leaves my skin feeling so hydrated and fresh afterwards snf ready to proceed to the next step which is toner then moisturiser! Honestly, I have seen a vast improvement in the appearance of my skin. It looks healthier, plumper feels so much softer and has no spots.

All in all, this cleanser is actually a bargain! It is very affordable but does wonders to the skin. It is not tingly after its use. I reckon most people should give this a try even though it's aimed at dry/sensitive skin. It is paraffin, paraben and soap free. Seriously there is not a negative thing I can think about it right now.

RATING:
A+

What do you think of this? Have you tried it ladies? Let me know!

MAC lipstick in Impassioned

2013-03-23T19:35:00.000+02:00

Aloha!
The sun is out much more often these days, which makes me want to incorporate brighter colours to my make up! Corals, peaches, hot pinks and fuschias are on the highway!!! This time, I'm going to talk about one of the most gorgeous and unusual colours that I own: MAC's Impassioned lipstick!

Impassioned is a very intense, ultra-pigmented, in-your-face, watermelon pink, with a fuchsia undertone. I cannot describe it quite well. It is not a true pink, and most definitelt not a true red. It is an in-between colour. It is neither warm nor cool-toned, so I believe all skintones can suit this. It goes really well with my super pale skin, but looks equally as beautiful on tanned skin.
It has an amplified finish, which I like even more than cremesheens! Vegas Volt is an amplified too, but I find Impassioned to be a bit more moisturising to my lips. Its staying power is truly amazing. Of course, if you're out for drinks and stuff it is eventually going to fade, but it will leave your lips with a lovely just-bitten/rasberry colour!

I would really recommend you to go and check this out, even though I think that it stands out on its own at MAC counters. It is simply beautiful worn either in winter or summer!!

Have you girls got this? Do you like it?

Oriflame More by Demy Make up palette

2013-03-22T14:27:00.000+02:00

Hello gorgeous people!
Spring has finally arrived here, things are getting a little bit better, BUT, I'm still prone to spring allergies and stuff and right now I'm up with the worst sore throat ever! I hope you had a wonderful time at the Carnival/and what not, last week.

My mum purchased this make up palette from Demi Moore's collaboration with Oriflame, a couple of weeks back and honestly, I haven't stopped using it ever since!

First of, the packaging. It is quite sleek and feels very luxurious. The top is covered in metallic gold, while the bottom is crystal clear(plastic, it seems). When you open it up it's got a huge mirror which is so practical. It has four neutral, browny/bronzy eyeshadows, a blush and a cream highlighter. It's even got applicators for them, a lip brush, a blush brush and an eyeshashadow sponge brush. To be completely honest, I don't like using them. I never use the applicators that come with palettes anyway.

Now, the quality of the products is actually astonishing, I didn't really expect it to be that good. The colours blend so effortesly! The eyeshadows are beautiful and cover your basic, every day make up, but they can also be worn to look a bit more intense for an evening look. My favourites have to be the light shimmery one and the one on the top right!

Here comes the reason why I love this so much! The blush is a gorgeous rosy pink with lovely shimmer(not glitter!) running through it. It is the sort of colour that awakens your face and makes you look fresh and glowy! It can also look very chic and sophisticated for a night time look. I didn't really own anything quite similar, which is strange considering the fact that I have about a gazilion blushes which I don't really need. ^_^
The highlighter is a beautiful golden toned highlighter. It goes up smooth, and is not greasy at all. It gives the most amazing cheekbone highlight, even now that I'm super pale. I reckon this will look amazeballs during summer!

In all honesty though, there are a couple of cons to it. It is quite small for a palette. Too small. To the point where I dab my brushes with difficulty. And most importantly, it is ridiculously expensive. For Oriflame price standards anyway. I was quite in shock! It retails at about 30E. Thirty euro for a 7 gr palette? I didn't pay that much for it, my mum got it for about 15E.

I don't think it is worth the price, it is too small. I use it every single day, really but I wouldn't get it full price. If you manage to find it on discount, give it a try, 'cause it truly is a beautiful palette!

Have any of you girls tried this beauty?What do you think of it?

Weekend FOTD #3

2013-03-11T12:00:00.000+02:00

Holla chicas!
First of all, have a great week!
This weekend, I didn't really do much, stayed at home most of the time, so I kept my make up simple and fresh.

FACE:

Garnier BB cream in Light

Rimmel Wake me up concealer

CHEEKS:

Oriflame More by Demi make up palette( for blush and highlight)

EYES:

AVON true color eye palette in Pink Sands(the lightest one on the inner half, the pinky one on the outer half)

MAX FACTOR Million Lashes(one coat just on the top lashes)

LIPS:

Korres lip butter in Mango

I am seriously developing a true love with the More by Demi palette by Oriflame. More in a post coming soon.

So, here is my simply dewy weekend look girls!What do you think? Have you tried any of this products?

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in Impulsive Fuchsia

2013-03-06T00:33:00.000+02:00

Hello ladies!

I hope you're having a wonderful week!
What do you think of my new header? It is slightly different from the precious one and guess what...I made it myself!

Every week or two, I find myself obsessing over a particular product,to the point where I reach for it multiple times a day if possible. Given that, I decided it was time to talk about one of my most used products recently. Loreal's Rouge Caresse lipstick in Impulsive Fuchsia that it!

The Rouge Caresse lipsticks are a relatively new addition to L'Oreal's make up range. They are described as moisturizing lipsticks and appear to be L'Oreal's answer to the much-anticipated Revlon Lip butters.
First of, Impulsive Fuchsia is a hot pink/fuchsia with a cool blue tone to it. The packaging is nice and looks way more expensive that it really is. It has a clear lid, while the other half is gold. It actually reminds me a lot of Dior's Addict Shine lipsticks.

As far as texture goes, it is quite smooth and soft like a lip balm. I particularly like it, 'cause even people with dry, chapped lips can wear it without worrying a slight bit. The colour pay off is quite good for a lip balm-sort-of product, it is sheer but I find that it's quite buildable. You can go from relatively light to full on fucshia if you apply more layers. Also, the finish is shiny but not sticky at all, which makes you lips feel and look super moisturised. It most reminds me of Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks. It has a mild, fruity scent and tastes ok.(weirdo)

Still, there are a few cons I would like to mention.
The lasting power is not that great as it lasts me approximately an hour, before I have to reapply. But to be honest, don't expect miracles from a lip balm/lipstick product!I don't mind!
Its price is around 20 euros here, which I believe is a bit expensive for a highstreet/drugstore brand. I got mine in Bulgaria for only 10euro.
I suspect that the lighter colours in the range may appear a lot more sheer on pigmented lips.

Overall, L'oreal's Rouge Caresse lipsticks are such nice products to have, if you're looking for a more affordable version of the higher end brands' take! They are not THAT expensive, they are very comfortable to apply and their colour range is simply phenomenal. There's definitely something for every taste!

Have you girls tried any of these? What do you think? Which one is your personal favourite?

Lusting over #1

2013-02-17T21:30:00.000+02:00

Hello guys!

Seeing as though I've been pretty lazy these days, didn't go out this much and to be honest, forgot to take my camera with me, making a "Lusting Over" post seemed like the perfect idea!

short-sleeved blouse: ted baker
face primer: paul & joe
planner: pony brown V2
ring: accessorize
heart-shaped clutch: lulu Guinness
wallet: ted baker
cleanser: this works
shoes: zara
bracelet: accessorize

shirt: ted baker

Ok, I am always 'window shopping' just before sping arrives and I always find my self creating endless lists of things I want to purchase! It's always nice to re-vamp your wardrobe with bright and pastel colours! I already feel super excited!

Do you guys create lists of what to buy everytime the seasons change? Do you have items you're lusting after right now? Let me know!!

Nails of the moment! Essie in Cascade Cool

2013-02-07T20:33:00.000+02:00

Hallo beauties! I am big on nails. I pretty much can't go without nail varnish. I feel naked. I recently got this beautiful Essie shade that came along with ELLE magazine. Its regular price is about 10E but I got this for 5,90. Bargain right?

Cool Cascade is a blue toned lilac-ey pastel pink. It is quite a 'bright' pastel and I love it to bits. It's application is amazing to be honest, as it needs only to coats, just to be sure, to achieve an opaque finish. It looks and feels very creamy and luxurious.

I generally love the Essie nail varnishes as they don't seem to chip on me(for some weird reason) and they last long. The colour range is amazing and there's always something for everyone's taste.
So if you want to channel your inner 'Barbie', check this out. It being an Elle freebie, makes it quite a bargain. I am planning on getting a couple more, as the shades are gorgeous. I'm just looking for the shades that I like best.

What do you think of this shade? Have you purhased any Essie nail polishes recently? Which one is your favourite?

Weekend FOTD #2

2013-02-03T13:31:00.000+02:00

Salut mes cheres!
These past few days have been awful, I was always on the go, then got down with the flu, exams are on their way...you can see, it's pretty hectic. But I managed to stay true to my word, so here's my second 'Weekend FOTD' post.

FACE:
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil Free B.B. Cream - Light
MAC Studio Finish concealer - NW20
MAC Select Sheer Loose powder - NW20

EYES:
MAC paintpot - Bare Study
MAC e/s - Jest
MAC e/s - Quarry
MAC e/s - Nylon
Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara - Black

CHEEKS:
MAC blush - Daft Pink(LE)

LIPS:
MAC l/s - Chatterbox

BROWS:
HnM Clear Brow Gel

This week, I've decided to go for a bit more of a 'flirty' look.
What do you girls think? Isn't Chatterbox just beautiful?

January favourites.

2013-02-01T16:50:00.003+02:00

Oh my! I can't even believe it's February already!
I have found some lovely products to tell you about this month! Ι've really been using these non-stop and I can't wait to show you :)

1.Calvin Klein - Eternity Perfume
This particular perfume holds a dear place in my heart because my mum used to wear it ever since I was very little. So it always brings back good memories. I firstly bought it when I was 18 and I always make sure I have a bottle of this on my vanity. It smells very...feminine. Its top notes are freesia, mandarin and sage, its middle notes are muguet, white lily, marigold, narcisse and last, its base notes are patchouli, sandawood and amber. Definitely take a sniff, if you come across it.

2.Yoghurt of Bulgaria - Probiotic Ultra Mild Facial Wash Gel
I am stil planning on making a full review of this, so I'm not gonna get into much detail but I simply LOVE it and I wish I'd gotten another one in Bansko. It's got a very discreet scent and instantly melts into your skin. It cleanses very well, but the thing I love the most about it is that it leaves my skin feeling super moisturised. I can't quite explain it. Mostn of the other cleansers will leave your skin feeling stingy. This will make it super soft and full of moisture. Like you've put a serum on top. It's amazing! Next time I'm in Banso Im stocking up the whole brand plus several back-ups of this baby!Seriously!

3.Oriflame - Milk&Honey Soothing Sugar Scrub
I really like the philosophy behind Oriflame's products but to be honest most of their products don't seem to work on my skin. This scrub I got in a Christmas gift set and I was truly pleased with the results. I have dry skin(for the 100th time), so a good harsh scrub once a week really helps to sooth it and remove all dead skin cells. More than that and it can dry it up even more(talk about weirdos). This products is a saviour! It's not harsh at all, I can use it 2-4 times a week and it will effectively remove the dead skin cells, make my skin super soft, while not drying it up. It's got a very light consistency and its scent is quite fresh. HG!

4.MAC Pigment - Vanilla
Such a gorgeous product! It's a golden off-white and has lots of uses. I use it as an eye shadow, inner corner highlight, brow-bone highlight, cupids bow AND cheek highlight. One thing. GET IT!

5.MAC Pigment - Melon
I did a review on this here. It's a beautiful golden peach that can be used as a highlight as well. I've been using this seriously all month. Can you see a slight obsession with MAC's pigments?

6.MAC lipstick - Chatterbox
For me this is the perfect 'bright' colour for daytime. MAC describes it as a red pink but it doesn't show up any redness on me. Maybe because of my coll tone it shows up cooler, more like a bright girly pink. It's super gorgeous, I've tried it on lots of my friends and I reckon it'll suit most skintones!

7.Bioten Skin Repair Serum
Ok, I've been using this for more than a month. I really like it. It's got more of a gel texture than a serum and boosts my skin with moisture! I can't live without it! It's my second bottle of this and I'm sure going to repurchase. I'm not sure about its firming claims, simply because I don't have such problems as of yet! Also, it preps my skin like a dream, almost like a primer, before I put on my foundation.

8.Too Faced lipbalm - Grapefruit
This is my second container. I first got it when Laura/lollipop26 recommended it a few years ago. I don't reallt use it as a lip balm, it's not that moisturising anyway. Add the fact that its quite sticky, I use ot more as a lip gloss. It stays for hours, smells amazing and gives an amazing finish to my lips!

9.Bioten skin moisture moisturiser*
I love this. It adds the right amount of moisture to my thirsty skin, has a light texture that absorbs quickly, leaving my skin soft and plump AND it smells amazing. Applying this after the serums is the perfect combination! A review is on its way so I'm not gonna get into much detail!

So that's it for my January favourites girls! What do you think? Have you tried any of these?

Weekend FOTD! #1

2013-01-26T16:21:00.000+02:00

Hello gorgeous people!
In today's post, I'll show you the make up I chose to wear this weeked. Maybe this will be a new blog feature? We'll see!

FACE:
Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation - 52
Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer - 51, 52
MUFE HD Micro Finish powder

EYES:
Maybelline Color Tattoo - On and On Bronze
MAC Pigment - Vanilla(to hightlight)
Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara - Black

LIPS:
Korres lip butter - Jasmine
MAC l/s - Cherish

CHEEKS:
MAC Blush Ombre - Springshine

What do you think of this look?
Would you like a weekend FOTD feature on the blog?

Review: MAC 181SE Mini Buffer brush

2013-01-23T00:34:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone!
I desperately wanted to make a post, but uni and internship kept me busy and very tired, hence the delay.

I got this baby quite a few years ago(4 to be precise) and haven't stopped using it ever since. I wanted to get a kabuki brush for a long time but I wasn't really sure which brand to invest into. So when the MAC holiday collection kits came out, in 2009, I was really drawn into the Pinzapoppin'! kit and the price was great!
I really like the mini version, as I think the 182 buffer brush is too big to fit in all of my powder/highlighter containers.

It's got very dense bristles, which makes it ideal for diffusing colours and making them look more natural. I initially got it, because an MUA told me it's the best brush to use with MAC's MSFs. She was spot on! I never use another brush to apply them, as this makes highlighting seem so natural and effortless.

During the years, I've discovered more ways to use it. I find that it's perfect for buffing out too-strong contours, applying blush and even mineral powder! I now mostly use it to apply MSFs and/or to touch up with powder when I'm out as its size makes it PERFECT to put in your handbag! Last but not least, I want to mention that I haven't had that many problems with shedding, just a single hair here and there, but keep in mind that I've had this for 4 years!

All in all, this is a great investment and I would definitely repurchase, if I ever come across it again. I recommend this to anyone who likes small kabuki brushes as it can be so versatile!

Do you like kabuki brushes?

Review: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral.

2013-01-10T18:59:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone!
I thought today was the perfect time to talk about one of my favourite cream blushes at the moment!
Calypso Coral, that is!

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral - 22€

I've had this cream blusher for quite some time now, and was suprised that I never paid attention to it. During the colder months I always find myself reaching for cream products, just so I could have that healthy inner glow!

Calypso Coral is a vibrant coral with strong pink tones on my fair NW20 skin. It may not be the most natural, every day colour, but it certainly gives an awakening and refreshing effect. It is ideal for those days when you haven't slept enough, as it gives you an amazing pop of colour! I found it looked more coral on my lips(probably because my lips are not so pink) than my cheeks(which was pinkier). It also looks great when I'm tanner, although a bit more coraley, than pink!

It has a creamy formula, almost like a hardened cream and a dry powdery texture. Most people moan about the Pot Rouges, saying they're too hard to blend, but I find that it blends like a dream. What I do is I take my stippling brush and start blending is circular motions and then, if needed, I finish with my fingers. I have to mention though, as I usually suffer from dry and chapped lips, I moisturise and exfoliate really well before I apply it as it tends to be a bit drying on the lips.

The reason why I love this product is not so much the colour, but the staying power and the fact that it finishes smooth with zero stickiness! Mind you, I LOVE Stila's covertibles, MAC's cream blushes and so many others, but they always tend to be a bit sticky. You will not feel any kind of stickiness with these! They are superb! Also, I do have dry skin(surprise, surprise) especially on my face, so naturally, cream blushes tend to sit well on my skin. And last long, about 4-5 hours. But this is truly amazing. Add the fact that I tend to put my hands on my face a lot, this baby lasts for a solid 8 hours without even fading! Honestly, it's such a life saver as I put my make up in the morning to go to class and I want it to last all day 'till I go to my internship!

Overall, If you're looking for a long-lasting, not greasy cream blusher, then I'd recommend Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges. They do have a nice range of colours that will most likely suit any skin tone and any taste.

What do you think of the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges? Have you tried any?

Review: MAC Ruby Woo lipstick.

2013-01-02T17:03:00.001+02:00

Hello everyone and Happy New Year!
I know that the festivities are over, but if there's one thing I discovered during December, it's my love for red lipstick. So just before 2012 came to an end, I gave in and got Ruby Woo. Another red to add to my humble collection of red lipsticks...

Ruby Woo is described as a blue-based red with a matte finish and nearly opaque colour coverage. To me, it looks more neutral than Russian Red, for example. Russian Red is surely deeper and more blue-toned that Ruby Woo. The thing about it is that, it's super matte which can be super drying, so prep your lips with a primer or a lip balm before you apply it. I have seriously dry lips but with a lip balm underneath Ruby Woo bears no pain :)

What really surprised me though, is the longevity of this lipstick! I wore it on New Year's Eve where there was lots of drinking, dancing, smoking, even sweating(AND eating!) involved and it didn't streak, not even fade after 6 hours of wear! This makes it the most long-lasting lipstick I've ever came across. It's even better than a lip-stain!

Overall, Ruby Woo lives up to its fame, it's a classic retro red that most likely suits any skin tone. To me it's heaven, because I love the combination of pale skin, blue eyes and red lips. If you ever pass by a MAC counter, check it out!

Have you managed to get your hands on this lipstick? What do you think?