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The Liebster Award

January 23, 2014, 12:49 am
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Hi, girls!

I was nominated by a sympathic new blogger, Hannah from Lip Gloss & Loose Curls, to do this fun award. I did some research as I didn't knew much about it and it's a special TAG for new bloggers (such as myself :D) so they have a chance to be discovered out there in the bloggers' world. First of all, I want to thank Hannah for thinking of me, I'm absolutely happy to this fun award, I know most bloggers out there have done it ages ago, but I still hope I won't bore you to death with this post.


So the rules are next:

1. Mention the person/people who nominated you with a link to their blog
2. Answer the 11 questions the people who have nominated you asked.
3. Nominate 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers.
4. Make 11 new questions for your nominees to answer.

Here are Hannah's questions:

1. What is your favorite eyeshadow palette?


My absolute favorite eyeshadow at the moment is Sleek i-Divine Au Naturel Eyeshadow Palette. I love colors, but for me neutral is my go to look every day.

2.What is your favorite lipstick?

My favorite lipstick of all times is Maybelinne Color Sensational Lipstick in 745 Wooden Brown. It's the perfect nude lipstick for me, not too light or too dark.

3. What is your favorite beauty brand?

This is a tough one as I love many beauty brands so I have to get down to two of them, which are Too Faced and NYX Cosmetics.

4. What is one beauty product you can't live without?

As far as makeup, I have to say that my necessary beauty product has to be the lip balm, I have very dry lips so I have one in every purse.

5.What is your favorite thing to do: makeup, hair, or nails?

Here's no doubt, I definitely love doing my makeup.

6.What is your favorite clothing brand?

Again a tough one, I don't actually have a favorite clothing brand, but I think most of my clothes come from New Look, Zara, H&M...

7. What is one fashion item you can't live without?

I love scarves, so wherever I go I have one around my neck. 

8. If you had $1000, would you buy clothes or makeup?

Both, but maybe more makeup than clothes, I'm addicted :)). 

9. What made you start blogging?

I thought to turn my hobby into something that gives me a real satisfaction. And I'm loving it, I actually feel like I'm building something!

10. What is your favorite blog?

My favorite blog is Vampy Varnish, I love her photos, they are so well done. I only hope one day I will get my blog to look as professional as hers.

11. What is your favorite TV show?

I don't really watch much TV, but I love watching The Pawn Stars of Louisiana on History Channel.

Now here are my questions:

1. What's the best skincare product that works for you?
2. What's your favorite nail polish (just one)?
3. Are you a makeup hoarder or you just buy the necessary things?
4. How would you describe your fashion style?
5. If you don't have time to do your makeup, what's the product you put on just so you look decent when going out?
6. How do you feel about false eyelashes?
7. Where do you get your inspiration from for your makeup techniques?
8. What's the one thing you hate about makeup?
9. What's on your beauty wishlist right now?
10. How do you pamper yourself when stressed out?
11. Why do you love beauty blogging?

Now for nominees, probably you all have done this by now so I can't nominate anyone, but if you haven't done it yet or you just want to answer my questions, I would be honoured to read your posts!


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Review & Swatches : Revlon Just Bitten Liptint + Balm #Fate/Destin

January 24, 2014, 2:41 am
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Hi, girls!

Back in the summer when I did some shopping at Fragrance Direct, I've got this Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain+Balm in #Fate/Destin, a nude-brown lipstain and a clear lip balm. I was pretty excited about it as averybody raved about these last year, so I has high expectations about this one, more because I had never used a lipstain before.


I hate giving bad reviews and I keep thinking that maybe mine was bad or something because the lipstain is absolutely awful. Maybe it just doesn't work for me, as I only tried this one, perhaps the other colors are not that bad. 


Anyhow, I didn't get to wear this at all, as the lipstain is so uneven and liquidy, it sets in the lip lines in a way that's not flattering at all. The balm part was not wrong with it, just a clear, non scented lip balm, which is actually moisturinsing used on it's own. 

I did exfoliate and assured my lips weren't dry when I put the lipstain on, but just the same in a mather of seconds it was all in my lines and already fading away. Even with balm on top of it, there was no stopping to setting in some ugly dark brown lines. It also it feels really weird when put onto the lips, it dries them instantly.

From the swatch below, the color and pigmentation might not be too bad, but wearing it on the lips is a nightmare. I couldn't wear it outside my house so I had to remove it, and I did tried on several occasions as I thought I didn't do it right. As far as wear time goes, I can't tell as I didn't have the chance to actually wear it.

I know Revlon makes some awesome lip products, I love their lipsticks and glosses, but this was one is a major fail for me, and damn, I really hate not liking beauty products. 



I don't like the packaging also, more for the lip balm part, it's just a plastic cap that goes onto it, the balm you receive is just the amount you see in the picture.




Sorry for the lack of quality of my lips picture, I had some bad lighting and the color on my lips just didn't want to reveal itself in the photos.

I don't really recomand these ones, I think they are some much better lipstains on the market if you search one and just for the balm part, it doesn't worth buying it.

If you tried other lipstains from Revlon, please tell me how do you like them!


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This Weekend I love...#14

January 26, 2014, 2:35 am
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Hello!

It's weekend again so it's time for This Weekend I love serie again. It's snowing outside like crazy, but all I kind think of lately are summery colors, bright corals, neon nails, colored mascaras... I don't know what got into me, maybe it's this wintery weather outside that makes crave summer and all summery stuff.

 
 Look at this packaging, it's freakin' unicorn! How can you not love this? And the colors are amazing, I would never wear black or green lipstick but the wearables colors look so pretty.


Lime Crime Fantasy Palette #Alchemy

 
Again Lime Crime is killing me with their packaging! These eyeshadows look sooo intense, from all of them I would definitely buy Alchemy.


China Glaze Electropop Nail Polish Collection 

I know these are not new, but I love them all the same for spring and summer. I would definitely wear Aquadelic, Gaga for Green, Gothic Lolita and Sunshine Pop!
 NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation #Nude


I'm eyeing this one for a long time, and after I saw Emily's Awards, The Face Edition, I was sold. So this one will be on my shopping list without doubt. I never tried a powder foundation before and I always look for something that would tame my oily T zone, so this might do the trick.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

 
They don't need any introduction, you probably own them all, I don't own none:))). I finally decided to try these out, I'm curious about all the hype around them. My favorites colors have to be Antwerp, Addis Ababa, San Paulo and Milan. 

What's your latests cravings?

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Review : Apivita Face Mask with Green Clay

January 26, 2014, 10:55 am
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Happy Monday, everyone!

You probably know me and my obssesion for matte skin as I tend to be very oily on my T zone, forehead and chin more during summer. That being said I'm attracted to every mask/treatment/serum that claims to stop (or at least calm down) the sebum secretions in these areas.

One of the face masks that I've purchased last summer was the Apivita Face Mask with Green Clay, after eyeing the Apivita range for a couple of weeks in a drugstore near my house. It claims to be a deep cleansing mask, to remove excess of sebum, to tighten pores and to rejuvenate the skin, leaving it soft and radiant. If you haven't heard of Apivita, check their website out, they have an amazing range of high quality products. And they are from Greek. 



This is not the type of mask that you can put on every night as it's pretty strong, the green clay is known to be one of the best skin treatment for unclogging pores and regulate sebum secretions so using it too often might dry out your skin. I used it about 2 times a week during summer, but now during winter, as my T zone doesn't look really oily and I'm using also another liquid exfoliant, I reduced the usage at oce a week.

For me puting this mask on means pampering my skin as I love the tingling feel on my skin, the fresh minty smell and the awsome clean feeling I get after I take it down. I usually leave for 15 minutes even though it says 10 onto the packaging as I like to be dried out when I remove it with warm water.


It has 40 ml and a classic dosage system, the formula is really thick but it blends out really well in the skin so you need only a small amount for the whole face. I've been using it mine weekly since summer and I think I still got 30-40 % left in the tube.



As you can see it's a light green mask as to expected from a green clay mask which dries out almost white.

I can't really describe the feeling I get after using this mask, my face feels so clean, the pores look smaller, it even takes out some of the blackheads and it definitely remove oil excess from my skin. The best thing about it is that it not only works for a couple of hours, I actually feel my skin squeeky cleaner for up to 3 days after using it.

It mattifies the skin but it doesn't dry it out as most clays masks do and it's actually good also for my dry patches on the cheeks, as it's gently exfoliates the dead cells.


Here's how it look dried out on my face (please ignore my undone eyebrows, dreamy expression and untidy hair, in my defense I've just gotten out of the shower:))) ). It doesn't pull onto the skin but try to don't do many facial expression with this on, you don't want to deepen those expression fine lines.


All in all, if you're in the search of a face mask for cleansing your pores, I think this is perfect, provided that you have combination or oily skin. For overy dry skin, I'm not sure it will work the same, you can try a satchet to test it. In drugstores such as Sensiblu, they have a stand with satchets for 1-2 uses for all Apivita masks.

I feel the price, while is higher than other face masks found in drugstores, is fully justified by the quality and the amount you get, about 11 Euro. This mask is the only one I tried from Apivita, but I definitely want to try out more. Their face scrubs, natural serums and moisturisers definitely lure me into trying them.

Have you tried any other products from Apivita? What do you think about them?


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Review & Swatch : Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick #685 Mulberry

January 29, 2014, 1:52 am
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Hello!

I don't know how's the winter going on for you guys but today's a snowy day here in Bucharest. If not for the cold and wind, it would be short of a fairy tale. Anyway I thought today to warm this gloomy weather with a colorful post. What better way to talk colors than a beautiful rich coloured lipstick. Today I have for you one of my last year's favorites : Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Mulberry. 



It's needless to say this is one beautiful lipstick, the kind that every woman should own especially for cold seasons. For me this lipstick means sex appeal, there is something about the gold packaging and the rich, berry color that makes me feel sexy every time I wear it. Unfortunately it's the only Max Factor lipstick I own, but I plan to change that very soon, I'm that impressed with this one. From the same range, I've set my eyes on Bewitching Coral, English Rose and Burnt Caramel.

First of all, lets talk packaging. It's classic gold, it reminds me of Estee Lauder lipsticks but unfortunately it's from a cheap plastic that scratches like hell (I don't even carry it in my purse for this reason). I love the fact that you can see the actual color on one end. For the price (about 8-9 Euro), I think Max Factor could have came up with better packaging, but hey, no biggie as far as the product inside is great.

(no flash)
What really impressed me was the formula, it feels so high end! I mean it doesn't feel like a drugstore lipstick, in terms of application, smoothness, moisture and long wearing. It's very pigmented and very  moisturising, it almost feels like silk on my lips, but it's still really light. It has to be the "elixir" formula improved with shea, avocado and aloe. Most lipstick that claim to give nice, rich pigmentation and long wear feel so unnatural and heavy on the lips, but this one is very smooth and lightweight.

(flash on)

I got the Mulberry which is not something I would normally go after, but I decided to step up from my comfort zone (a.k.a nude lips) and try some new darker and bolder shades. And I love this one, it's a gorgeous wine/berry shade, more on the pink side. I looks a bit too much but it's actually quite wearable and it complements most complexions, especially if you're on the cool tone skin side. 

In terms of resistance, on me it lasts about 6 hours with no touch-ups provided that I don't eat something in during this time. I'd say it's pretty good since it has a creamy formula. 

(no flash)
(flash on)

It does have a tiny frosty sheen given by some small silver-blue particles, but they are not at visibles on the lips. I haven't got a chance to take a photo on my lips in day light so you see how it actually looks on the lips but i'll do it very soon and be back with an update. 

If you'd like to splurge on some high quality lipsticks but you're a budget, Max Factor may have the solution for you. You can find them at any Max Factor stand (DM, Douglas, Kendra etc.).  


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My Current Makeup Removing Routine

January 30, 2014, 12:53 am
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Hi, ladies!

We all love to put makeup on but removing it...not so much. Probably my least favourite beauty routine of every day is taking my makeup off, but as lazy as I am, I never ever skip this step to go to bed with my makeup on, it's just something that I can't do (I'd probably wake up with some break outs or something). 

My makeup removing routine changes constantly as I love to try new makeup removers, I just have some staples I just go back to from time to time (such as my Farmec byphase eyes and lips makeup remover with argan oil). I don't really experiment with my washing gel and skincare routine but as far as makeup removers or toners, I love to pick up different ones. From the picture below it's missing the micellar water I've been using for the last year, I've been experimenting with a couple of brands, but I run out of it and for the moment I don't really miss it.



It wasn't until recently that I dicovered the byphase, oil based makeup removers. I was under the false impression that if I have oily skin, any oil based skin product will make my skin even more oily. I did some research on the subject and it's not even close, oil cleansers are really eficient to disolving makeup and cleanse the skin throughly. My first oil based makeup remover was the Farmec eyes and lips make-up remover with argan oil, which has a byphase formula. It's for dry sensitive skin, but it works just fine for my combination skin, it's a little more oily but for me it's not an issue as I go and wash my face with a cleansing gel afterwards. Anyway I use it only for taking off my very resistant mascara and eyeliner gel without smearing it all over my face. 

This is a repurchase and I searched for it everywhere and I finally found the last one at the counter in Carrefour. It's about 2.5 Euro but it works wonders, it removes my eye makeup so quickly without rubbing too much and it doesn't sting my eyes or my kind of sensitive under eyes area.


At the moment I'm using the Nivea Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover, which I purchased when I didn't find the one from Farmec. It's equally eficient, actually I love that it doesn't leave an oily sheen on my eyes like the previous one, but it has its downsides. First of all, even if it claims to be perfect for sensitive eyes, I always feel a slight burn in my under eyes area even though I try not to rub very hard. Not to mention that it's more expensive than Farmec (about 3.5 Euro) for about half the quantity.

Bottom line, I like it, it's more accesible than Farmec but if I had to choose, I like the other one better.


Instead of micellar water, at the moment I actually prefer the Dr. Soleil Hydra Plus 3-in-1 Cleansing Milk with wheat germs and aloe vera.  It claims to be a hypoalergenic formula, with a3-in-1 action : nutritional, purifying and regenerating. For me it's a good makeup remover, I usually don't like the cleansing milk formula but this one is really refreshing, it takes of my makeup really quickly and it leaves my skin smooth and moisturised. I like to use it for my face mostly, it takes off foundation/powder/blush in a minute without much fuss.

It has a faint perfume, nothing striking. I love the fact it leaves the skin looking healthy which you wouldn't expect after taking off the makeup.


About toners I've already talk in this post, where I did review the L'Oreal Sublime Fresh Skin Perfecting Purifying Toner. I only want to add the fact that I've included in my makeup removing routine also the use of toners after taking off my makeup, just for cleaning all makeup traces and refreshing the skin. I use this one on all my face and neck avoiding the eyes and lips of course.


I don't know about you, but I usually after taking my makeup off, I like to wash my face afterwards with my Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel. I don't consider it part of the makeup removing routine but more of the skincare routine as I use it twice a day religiously every day. 

I don't know if my makeup removing routine misses something, it's just what I've developping lately and it works  for me. I hate using too many products at once, I like to keep it simple, and my skin seems to like it. As these products tend to change pretty often, you'll definitely see other makeup removing routine posts in the future.

What's your makeup removing routine? Do you stick with it or do you like to change things up?


Love at first brush
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Empties#2

January 31, 2014, 3:07 am
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Hello, ladies!

Grab a seat and snack as I've got empties for you and it's going to be a looong post. I didn't realize I had finish so many products until I tooke them off the bag I was storing them. While I'm proud of myself that I've actually finish so many products, I kind of kicked myself for letting so many empties gathering around.




























Body Empties: 


  • Dove Go Fresh Nourishing Shower Gel with blue fig and orange blossom scent - you know me, I love Dove shower gels, I always have one in my bathroom. I particulary loved this one, nice fresh scent, very moisturising, it feels like mousse.
  • Balea Young Dusche Hutten-Zauber - I always like to pick some new Balea shower wash, they have an amazing range of flavours and they are so cheap, this one smells like rasberries and it was pinky-red. How cool is that?
  • Online Moisturising Liquid Soap with cucumber and green tea - Again, this is an old favorite. I love fresh scents and this one is great. I don't know for the moisturising part as I don't expect for a liquid soap to hydrate my hands but at least it didn't dried them. 
  • Balea Rasiergel Buttermilk Lemon - I fell in love with the texture, it's not a shaving gel but a yellow-green shaving rich mousse. The smell is absolutely great, like lemon cake! It leaves the skin so smooth with zero irritations!
  • Garnier Mineral Invisible Antimarks 48Hr Antiperspirant - I love Garnier deodorants but this one was kind of a miss for me as it leaves a heavy white powder behind which I don't like at all. I still used it after shower, I enjoy the smell, it's like clean cotton.
  • BU In Action water lily extract Antiperspirant - I had this travel size in a Pink Box and I searched it everywhere to rebuy it but I couldn't find it. Too bad because I enjoyed it a lot, I loved the water lily scent. 
  • Lady Speed Stick Stainguard Daringly Fresh Deodorant - This is my favorite stick deodorant, I use it every day and I won't change it any time soon. Ir doesn't stain or decolor my clothes, it's invisible (no whitey stuff) and the flavour persists all day long. 



  • Treacle Moon The Pomegranate Secret Shower Wash - I've got it from Fragrance Direct and I enjoyed untill the last drop. Maybe it was the natural pomegranate flavour or the small particles in it which makes it also a scrub. Anyway, I'm sad it's gone and I can't find it anymore on Fragrance Direct.
  • Elmiplant Highly Moisturising Body Lotion with yogurt and bambus - I loved it, I'm sorry they've changed the formula. You can read my review here.
  • Nivea In-Shower Sea Minerals Body Lotion - You can read more about this here, I now use the almond oil version of this which I love a looot more, it's more moisturising than this sea minerals one.
  • Himalaya Foot Care Cream - Sadly this was in a minisize, thankfully I can still get it at any store that sells Himalaya products. I love the smell and texture, which I can't say about any other foot cream and I actually did see a difference. And it looks like peanut butter:)))!
Skincare Empties:




  • Ivatherm Herculane Thermal Water - Here's the review, I loved it, it lasted me for a whole summer. I plan to get it also in springtime.
  • L'Oreal Sublime Soft Pure Micellar Cleansing Water - Read more about this micellar water here. For now I stay clear of micellar waters, but I would definitely buy this again.
  • Farmec eyes and lips makeup remover with argan oil - In my yesterday's post, I was telling you everything about this makeup remover. I'm just sad I can't find it easily.
  • Bioten cleansing milk with honey and thyme - It's an old favorite, read more about it here.
  • Gerovital Plant Micellar Lotion Cleanser - For me it did about the same thing as the L'Oreal one, same efficiency and I didn't waste as much product with this one, the dosage system is smaller.
  • Vichy Normaderm deep cleansing purifying gel - Got this is a promo package with Vichy Hyaluspot, you can read a full review here, but let me tell you this is my holly grail cleanser, I use twice a day every day and it's just perfect for my skin. Try it!
  • Loofa pad - I use this little guys from time to time to exfoliate my skin or clean the masks. 
  • The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream - I wasn't impressed with this day cream, the texture is very light and quick absorbant but I didn't feel it did many things for my skin, not even the mattifying part. 
  • Oriflame Optimals Matte Touch Night Gel Cream - I used to love it, you can read my review here, but now I have a different skincare routine which works better so I'm not repurchasing it.
  • Uriage Aquaprecis gel defatigant yeux - I've got this in mini size in a Pink Box, I really loved it and I will repurchase it. It give the instant fresh eyes look and it works wonder on the dark circles.
Nail Empties:


































  • Blanchette Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free with D-Panthenol and Glycerine - One of the best nail polish remover I've had, acetone free, it works wonders even on the glittery nail polishes and it's so inexpensive.
  • Care Nail Polish Remover Acetone Free in soaked sponge - I bought this from pure curiosity as I liked the idea to just stick my finger inside and come off clean. It worked for about 4-5 times but then the sponge gets dirty and it's not so funny anymore. But it's a quick solution if you're in a hurry.
Hair & co Empties:



  • Balea Professional Oil Repair Express Kur with argan oil - I used this as one time hair treatment and I really liked it, it made my hair smooth and healthy looking. I think it's great as  winter treatment to use it once at a few weeks as it can be a little too heavy on the hair, more if you tend to get oily very quickly.
  • Wella Professionals Brilliance treatment for fine to normal, coloured hair - I've probably raved about this one a few times, it's my go to hair treatment for a few years now and it's just great, more during winter. It really moisturises, keeps the ends without any splits and my hair looks pretty shiny. 
  • Vivanatura hair cream with natural extract and petrol against hair loss (no parabens) - This is repurchase, I've used this a few times when I felt my hair loss was a little too much and it really helps. I mean it smells heavily like gas even a little longer after you wash your hair and you're prone to get on fire with one but it works really good. Just use sparingly and only when you feel you're facing hair loss more than usual.
  • Beauty UK Blush #4Baked Peach - I've got in a blogsale but unfortunately I received it broken so I had to transfer in another compact so technically it's not an empty! I love it though, it gives a natural flush effect on my cheeks.
Samples & Masks Empties:




  • Caring Shine Conditioner for soft, shiny hair - Sadly I can't remember where I got this from, it was from a hair dye package and I found it in my bathroom. It gives nice shine and smoothness to freshly dyed hair.
  • Skinlite Clear Exfoliating Gel & Intensive Vitamin Complex Masque - This works in 2 steps as you might have guessed: first you exfoliate your skin using the clear gel which actually feel good, not too gritty and then you put on the intensive vitamin complex masque. All in all, I liked how my skin looked afterwards, it's nice for those pampering moments.
  • Skinlite Strawberry Yogurt Masque - My favorite Skinlite mask, it smells great and my skin looks so healthy and glowy afterwards.
  • Chantelle Boue Minerale de la mer morte masque nettoyant - Just a drugstore mask, nothing exciting here, didn't see much difference after using it.
  • Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2%BHA Gel & Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine Free Daily Mineral Compelx SPF 30 samples - These samples were the ones I've tested before buying the full version products. Love them, stay tunned, review coming soon!
  • Balea Bademomente Seelenmagie - I've just got this bath salt to pamper myself during a very cold winter day last month and I loved it, it was so refreshing and relaxing in the same time, faint fresh smell. Great stuff!
Makeup Remover Supply Empties:



  • Balea Young Reinigungs Tucher - I don't think I have to say something else about these, just look how many I finished!


  • Ebelin 80 Kosmetik stabchen - Just some cosmetic cotton buds...
  • Ebelin 40 Maxi-Pads & Bella Cotton Pads - I love the maxi cotton pads for removing my makeup, nail polish or any other skincare. 


Love at first brush
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Favorites of the moment (January 2014)

February 1, 2014, 3:02 pm
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Happy Weekend everyone!

I can't believe the amount of favorite products I have for January, both new things and rediscovered old ones. I just had to stick with one of my New Year's resolutions to try out more beauty products and also to search between the old, slightly forgotten ones.

This is going to be a pretty long post, so grab a cofee or a tea and enjoy!











Last month my bath moments were all about moisturising, winter has taken its toll on my skin, so I tried to get moisture for my skin with the help of Dove Creme Mousse Body Wash and Nivea In-Shower Body Milk Almond Oil for dry skin. In terms of moisturising body washes, I don't think anyone can beat Dove, and this creme mousse is even smoother than their usual shower gels. You already know my love for Nivea In-Shower Body Milk, I particulary love this version, is far more moisturising than the sea minerals one (white package).


My hair also needed some extra moisturising and the Anian 2 Phase Instant Conditioner for easy comb was just my savior, I love that I spray it on my wet hait before blowing it dry and it instantly gives me smooth, hydrated looking hair. I don't usually use hair spray, but this last month I've used mostly the Nivea Styling Spray Volume Sensation Extra Hold, which gives nice volume without being too heavy and sticky on the hair.


January also meant long, hot baths and the Herbamedicus Herbal Bath Eucalyptus Oil did wonders for my sore and cold body. It's so relaxing that I can't imagine taking a pampering bath without a few drops of this into the warm water.

 

As stated in my previous post concernin my current makeup removing routine, in January I've mostly used the Dr. Soleil Hydra Plus 3-in-1 Cleansing Milk for my face. I've rediscovered last month the Tea Tree Pore Minimizer from The Body Shop which I've had for a  couple of months but only lately I've been using up more often, priming my face before foundation or BB cream and I could really see a difference in the way they set on my skin, more smoothly and evenly. The skin around my eyes felt a little more dry lately so I applied the Bioten Anti Wrinkles and Dark Circles Cream with Royal Jelly and wheat proteins. It's very light and moisturising, as it enters the skin quickly preventing the fine lines to deepen.


My hands were also in need of moisture so the Cera di Cupra Hand Cream was one of my staples last month, it's so smooth and rich, that I smile everytime I blend it into my skin. Vitamin A is a supplement I take sometimes for my excesive skin dryness (on some areas of my hands and heels), a few drops of this on my palms are enough to solve the problem. For my nails I've been using lately the Rimmel Nail Nurse Nail Base & Top Coat, it prevents my nails to get stains from the nail polish and it keeps them from exfoliating. I've been wearing a lot of dark nail polish during holidays but lately I've really into nude shades and the one the complements my skin tone is the Rimmel 60 Seconds in  Caramel Cupcake. Here's a swatch, please excuse the obvious chipping and my cuticles, I've had this on my nails for a week when I took the photo.




The L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation in 200 Apricot Beige is an old love and I've been trying to finish it so that I can dive in the new backup. I've yet to find a foundation that's so lightweight and natural on my skin and blend so well that not even looks like I'm wearing foundation. The ELF Small Stipple Brush is the one I get the best finish with it's great for all cream face products. Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with real cocoa was somethig that I've wanted for a long time and for good reason, it's so good and easy for contouring my face and it smells like cocoa. I've literally used it every day in January.





My lip favorites last month were Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in 240 Undressed for nude lips and Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in 685 Mulberry for bold lips. The lip balm is something I've put on my lips multiple times a day and one of my latest rediscovers was Balea Juicy Orange lip balm, just look how pretty it looks and it smells very good, like orange juice.






I tried to use more of my Sleek palettes and the Original one was a bit neglected so in January I've used it for a couple of looks, it's so versatile that I can basically create all the looks I can dream of with this palette. For every day looks I've been abusing an old love, the Deborah Eyeshadow Duo in 3 Buttered Beige (the brown is great for filling my eyebrows) and also a pigment from Pure Colors in 106 Maple, a warm matte brown, perfect for the crease. The duo from Pastel in 65 Forest was also present in a couple of looks, the kaki is great for using as an eyeliner gel (mixed with Inglot's Duraline).





January was all about black and brown eyeliner, I've been constantly switching between NYX's Gel Liner & Smudger in Brown (Charlotte), Music Flower Gel liner in dark brown and Sleek Ink Pot as far as gel eyeliners go. They are all very pigmented and with a nice texture, perfect for obtaining on point liner. Inglot Duraline is an amazing discover and I've been playing with it a lot, creating different funky eyeliners with the help of eyeshadows. At the beginning of January, I've received the NYX's The Curve and I've enjoyed it a lot, it's so easy to use, so pigmented and the staying power is a lot more than I've expected from a felt tip liquid eyeliner. My love for brown also made me use a lot more my Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Kajal in Bronze, which is a warm brown with bronze glitter. Avon Glimmerstick Eye Liner in Sugar Plum looks so nice on hazel eyes, so I've used it a lot on my waterline with no iritations happen, the staying power is also very good.

Last but not least, the good old NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk was the base of many of my eye looks lately and also a good highlighter for my waterline.

(Charlotte, Dark Brown, Ink Pot, The Curve)
(Charlotte, Dark Brown, Ink Pot, The Curve)
(Bronze, Sugar Plum)

Wow, that was a lot! January was definitely a month of many love discovers and rediscovers and I definitelly want to keep up like this. What were your beauty favorites for January?

Love at first brush
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This Weekend I love...#15

February 3, 2014, 5:04 am
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Hello, girls!

Welcome to a my wekendly quickies! Here's some of the beauties that have caught my eyes these past days:

MAC Matte Lipsticks in #Pink Plaid, #Honey Love, #Please me and #Kinda Sexy

Lipstick

I was never really attracted to MAC Lipsticks, therefore I don't own any yet, I've just couldn't justify spending more than 20 Euro on a lipstick when there are so many dupes around which are a lot more affordable. But lately I've caught myself drooling over these lovely nude & pink shades and I'm thinking it won't hurt to try some out, see if the texture & pigmentation live up to the hype around them. 

Crown Makeup Brushes


Crown brushes are some pretty affordable makeup brushes that can be  bought online on their website and they have very good reviews. Many bloggers compare them with MAC and Sigma brushes and say they are high quality for the price, they don't shed, the bristles are very soft etc. I'm very tempted to give them a try as I'm always in the search of good brushes.

Moroccanoil Hair Treatment


You've surely heard about the amazing Moroccanoil and I still am in the search of a miracle something for my unrully hair. I'm curently loving my Wella Reflexions Oil and the next on my list might be the all mighty Moroccanoil.

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in Plus Keratin


Still from the hair department I'm curenttly obssesed with this keratin conditioner, it's Youtube's fault, everybody raves about this one. And all those beauty gurus have incredible beautiful hair.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette


Eyeshadows that look and smell like chocolate? Yes, please! After the Chocolate Soleil Bronzer I now want a "taste" of this chocolate bar. And they are all neutrals. I'm already writting it down on my wishlist for when Sephora will bring them in.


Love at first brush
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January's Haul

February 4, 2014, 3:13 am
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Hi, girls!

It's time for haul, as you might have already guessed! As you ca see in the pictures below, I was really set on buying makeup last month (and I still am!). Fragrance Direct clearance was partly guilty for the purchases below, if you don't know what Fragrance Direct is, read more here what was my first experience with this site. I'm loving it more and more as I find products I used to love and I can't find anywere or new products to try out or products that are considerably less expensive than in stores.































I've also discovered a Stock Market close to my house where they bring some brands and product ranges
we can't find in regular stores among other things. This is where I bought a cute pink Cuissons Pure Super Zingy Burst Shower gel which smells amazing like grapefruit (1.5 Euro), a Herbamedicus Krauter Kurbad Eucalyptus Bath Oil (1.5 Euro) and a Cyclax Cocoa Butter & Walnut Exfoliating Body Scrub (1.5 Euro).


I always love to have a Dove shower wash in my bath so I've stock up on Dove Creme Mousse Body Wash (2.5 euro). From Fragrance Direct I've bought a Be Beautiful Salon Selectives Cool & Rejuvenanting Shower Scrub with Eucalyptus and Peppermint (1.99 pounds) and a Sea Spa Relaxing Salt Scrub TangerineMelon (4.99 pounds on sale). Oh boy, I've bought lots of scrubs last month!























I've finally found my beloved Farmec Eyes and lips make-up remover with argan oil (2 Euro) and I had to buy it, it works wonders. I've also stock up on some cotton pads even though I couldn't find the maxi ones I love. I've repurchased also the Byphasse Make-up remover wipes for sensitive skin with sweet almond oil (3 Euro) a good replacement for my favorite Balea wipes.























From my FD haul I've got Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Textured Nail Polish in Apple Sour (1.99 pounds), such a nice pastel color for the spring to come. Revlon Liquid Quick Dry (5.5 Euro) is also an addition to my nail stuff collection.


I was in need of a loose powder so I thought to give this Charles of the Ritz Custom Blended Powder in Light (4.99 pounds) a chance when I saw it on FD. I've finally found my beloved L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation in Apricot Beige (5.99 pounds) on FD so I had to have it.























I'm definitely not a false lashes person but I've decided to play out some more so I've got the Royal Lased Out Individual Lashes (1.99 pounds) in Medium and an Eye Waterproof eyelash adhesive (2.5 Euro).























Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eyeshadow Primer (17 Euro) is my absolute favorite so I've repurchased it from Sephora as my Lemon Drop version is almost done. I was very curious about the Rimmel Exaggerate Undercover Shadow Primer (4.75 pounds) but unfortunately it's no good for me, my eyeshadows creased in less than 2 hours!


W7 Style Eyes Brow and Lash Shaping Gel (1.99 pounds) will replace my ELF clear mascara. I was also searching another brow pencil so I'll give a try to W7 deluxe Eyebrow Pencil with brush (0.99 pounds) in Dark Brown. Bourjois Elastic Mascara Black Unlimited (2.99 pounds) was something I wanted to try out and I really like it.






























The curiosity also made me buy NYX The Curve eyeliner pen for Black Friday but only in January arrived (The Make-up Shop didn't have it on stock). I actually like the ergonomic handle and it's also very intense. L'Oreal 24Hr Super Liner Gel Eyeliner  (5.99 euro) in Black Violet is quickly becoming my favorite, not your usual black, but more of a dark violet which looks great with color toned eyeshadows. It also come with a small brush. I've actually forgot to show you in December's Haul the Sephora Waterproof Contour Eye Pencil 12 Hr Wear (gift)  in 33 Love Affair,  a dark plum, really nice for complementing hazel eyes.

























In the eyeshadow departement, I've got at sales Sephora Eye Graphic 4 Colors Palette (10 Euro Sale)  in Burgundy. From FD, the ones that caught my eyes are Rimmel London Glam Eyes Mono Eyeshadow (0.99 pounds) in Fancy Topaz, a beautiful pink-coppery shade, Dainty Doll Eyeshadow (1.99 pounds) in Teach Me Tiger, a beautiful coral shimmery shade and the famous L'Oreal Colour Infallible Eyeshadow (1.5 pounds) in All Night blue, which is a dark rich blue, great for smokey eyes. In a local store I've found some eyeshadow pigments from Pure Colors (4 Euro) in Maple (matte soft brown) and Coral (matte light pink-coral shade).


























Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick (6 Euro) in Undressed which made it to my January favorite list is the perfect nude for my complexion, not too brown or too pink. From FD I've got a couple of lip products: Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick (1.99 pounds) in Ethereal, a baby pink coraly shade, Posibility Peppermint Ice Cream Lip Balm (0.99 pounds), very moisturising but with no peppermint flavour whatsoever.























I want to enlarge my lip glosses collection so I've also bought W7 Super Pout Lip Gloss (1.25 pounds) in Mady, a light pinky shade. Just look at the ginormous applicator, it's crazy!


I've heard so many people rave about the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer (5.5 pounds) so I had to have the shade in Nova, a nice bright fuchsia color.

























The last lip product I've got from FD is the Manhattan Soft Mat Lip Cream (0.99 pounds) in 53 M, a dark coral-red shade. It's a great products, but exfoliating the lips before applying this is a must as being a lip cream everything shows.



Love at first brush
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TAG : The 7 Deadly Sins of Beauty!

February 4, 2014, 7:28 am
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Hello!

I've seen this TAG circulating on Youtube and I thought it was interesting to do it! Ready to read my confesions about my sins?

1. GREED - What is your most inexpensive beauty item? What is your most expensive?


The most inexpensive beauty products I own (actually there are many) are purchased from Fragrance Direct, at the price of 0.99 pounds : Revlon & Sally Hansen nail polishes, Posibility Lip Balm, Rimmel Glam Eyes Mono Eyeshadow etc.


The most expensive product in skincare is Paula's Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Daily Mineral Complex SPF 30 at the price of 29 Euro. For beauty department, I think the most expensive product was Urban's Decay Naked 2 Palette (dupe) for about 20 Euro.

2. WRATH - What beauty products do you have a love/hate relationship with? 


I have a trully love/hate relationship with my mousse foundations, especially with L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation, as I love how good they look on my combination skin, but if I don't moisturise my cheeks really well I tend to get dry spots around them.

3. GLUTTONY - What are your most delicious beauty products?

I have many bath flavoured products, especially shower gels, but still the most delicious beauty product has to be NYX Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait, it actually smells like a strawberry cake.


4. SLOTH - What beauty product do you neglect, due to laziness?

I'm always lazy when it comes to false eyelashes, they seem like a lot of work for me so I skipped them usually.


5. PRIDE - What beauty product gives you the most self confidence?

Definitely my black eyeliner, I always love a strong eye so I wear almost every day gel eyeliner and I love it, it gives such confidence.


6. LUST - What attributes do you find most attractive in the opposite sex?


I'm mostly attracted to men that have a relaxed attitude and that seems to hold a mistery. From physical point of view, I'm mostly attracted to a men's hands, they can tell everything about that person (that doesn't seems odd, doesn't it?).

7. ENVY - What items would you most like to receive as a gift?

I love eyeshadow palettes mostly so I would love to receive some of these as gifts. Unfortunately in Romania we don't have many choices in that domain, but there is always the online shopping.

Love at first brush
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Review : Balea Trocken Shampoo

February 5, 2014, 1:19 pm
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Hi, ladies!

Dry shampoos have become an everyday staple for women lately, as the claim that they can give the "freshly washed" effect does appeal to many of us. I mean nobody has time to wash their hair daily (and it's no good for the hair also) so the dry shampoo comes to save us the time and effort. I'm sure you've all heard about Batiste, the holly grail in the dry shampoo department and we've all seen how all beauty companies have begun to come out with their own version of the dry shampoo.

I'm a sceptical person so I didn't really faint of the thought of a dry shampoo as I feel it only gives the impression of nice clean hair but it doesn't actually clean it. I've bought a drugstore one just for testing purposes and because I needed something to pull together a decent hair style after gym, so I've got Balea Trocken Shampoo.



It claims to give volume and an intense fresh sensation after using it, so that the hair doesn't look limp or lifeless. Did I like it? I honestly can't say yes or no, I'm in a kind of love/hate relationship with it.

I like that it actually give a nice clean smell to the hair which is always good after a party when you're hair smells like cirgars but you don't want to wash it, just to freshen up. I like that it does give some sort of volume and it hides the oily roots for a day time period.

But the smell is awfull, I always sneeze and cough when using it even though I really try not to breath or spraying it close to my face. It's no use, it's like an white cast that surrounds me for a couple of minutes. And what really bothers me is that it leaves an white cast all over my hair (which is dark brown by the way) even though I aggitate it before and spray for about 15 cm distance. By brushing my hair afterwards, the white cast dissapears eventually but not without effort.

You can even see the white particles on the cap in the picture below, it that concentred.























I'm positive that I'm curious to test out other dry shampoos, for the moment I keep using this one when I really, really need it. My hope is to find one that actually have a nice flavour, if Batiste were available in Romania would be so much better but it's not so untill I'll order it online I'm going to see what other brands are in our stores.

I still think that it's not a can't live without product but it's nice to have in "bad hair" situations, I give it that much. What dry shampoos have you tried and what are you're favorites?


Love at first brush
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Review & Swatch : Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Foundation #103 True Ivory

February 7, 2014, 3:25 am
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Hello!

If you've read me for a while you know that I don't really wear foundation very much as in liquid or cream formula or any other heavy textures, I'm more for the lighter versions such as mousse or souffle foundation. Actually in the past years I've wore mainly BB and CC Creams and skipped foundation on a daily basis.

The reason is that I have combination skin and most foundation, especially the liquid and creamy ones that are oil based (but not only) make me shine so badly that no amount of powder can save me. Even the ones that claim to mattify my skin, what is something I usually go after.

Without transforming this post in a foundation saga, the point is that I'm always searching for very light products, as I've seen these work the best for me. My number one in this departement is L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation, I've also loved Maybelinne's Dream Matte Mousse which I haven't seen in stores lately and now I've purchased Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in 103 True Ivory.




It claims to be a "feather-light" and the "liquid mousse blends flawlessly for natural looking, all day shine control. Silky smooth formula leaves a perfectly matte, baby soft finish. Lightweight texture won't feel heavy or greasy."

Firstly the formula was a little dissapointing for me as it's really thick when you get it out of the tube, not exactly like a mousse but more like heavy cream. But once you start blending into the skin it becomes almost liquid and it quickly adapts to your skin. So eventually it doesn't feel heavy at all on the skin.
























It has medium coverage, which is enough for me as I don't go for full coverage usually and I don't have that much stuff to hide. I love to apply it with my realTechniques Expert Face Brush for a flawless finish, it blends really nice and even though is mattifying, it still gives a nice subtle dewy glow which is always welcomed, because as much as I search for mattifying face products I have looking like too porcelain like.

I like that it lasts through the day, but I always use a setting powder on top, so on it's own it might look a little not put together. But it does look smoothly and gives a velvety feel. I feel that I need to be extra carefull with exfoliating my skin before applying this type of foundations, as being a mousse formula, it shows any dry patches around my cheecks and lips like crazy. So for a flawless look you need to properly exfoliate and moisturise your skin before.














































The real test will be during summer when I tend to get really oily in my T zone so then we'll see how good it holds up against shiny skin. I've a heard a couple of bloggers complaining that this foundation gave them rashes, but for me it didn't happen and I've been using this for at least 2 months, nor did it broke me out. It may have some alergenic ingredients so you might want to try it on a smaller skin area before applying it to your face.


Love at first brush
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This Weekend I love...#16

February 10, 2014, 3:35 am
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Hi, girls!

Hope you're having a happy Monday! I'm kind of ashamed that lately I've posted the This Weekend I love... posts on Mondays, I'm actually thinking of changing the name:D. In my defense, I was not really in the mood of writing this past weekend, so I think it's best to write when inspiration strikes not when one's feeling obliged to do it. Anyway, here are my latest cravings and guees what, they are all from StrawberryNET.com! It's an amazing online store for discounted cosmetics, skincare, haircare & fragrances, free delivery worldwide. I love that I can find high end products and many brands that aren't available in Romania at fair prices and they have constant promotions and an interesting fidelity program.

Here's what caught my eyes:


Yves Saint Laurent Teint Mat Purete Foundation SPF15 - #10 30ml/1oz

I've heard such good things about YSL's foundations that I'm really tempted to try out the mattifying one. And the price is tempting also. I've never tried high end foundations as I'm not very fond of foundation in general so I couldn't bring myself to spend too much for one. But I might be tempted to try out this one.


NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil - Baroque 9105 2.8g/0.09oz

I've been thinking about NARS' version of glossy lip pencils for a long time and while I'm still debating if they worth 20 Euro. I may splurge a little bit.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner - # 04 Violet Ink 3g/0.1oz
You know me and my addiction to gel eyeliners so I can't pass this violet beauty from Bobby Brown. It's a little pricey but I've been hearing it's great quality.


Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler -
If you're makeup fanatic (like me:D) than you know this little guy is the best in the eyelash curlers category, it really makes a difference and you can say Adios to false lashes. 


Fusion Beauty SculptDiva Contouring & Sculpting Blush With Amplifat - # Haute (Unboxed) 8.5g/0.3oz
I know Fusion Beauty does great lip products so I'm really tempted by this cream blush. And this color is gorgeous, it screams spring to me. Now it's on sale, but I'm holding back, I've just got a Smashbox palette so I try to keep it down for a couple of weeks.

Philip Kingsley Scalp Tonic 250ml/8.45oz
I'm eyeing the Philip Kingley hair products for a while and this scalp tonic seems interesting for my sensitive scalp.


Vivite Glycare Perfection Gel (Oily Skin) 75ml/2.5oz
I'm looking for another exfoliant to use in the morning and this one from Vivite seems interesting. I still have to do some research,  but I like what it says in the description.

Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz
I'm not much of a perfum lover but I had this one in a sample some time ago and I loved it. It's so fresh, so summery. 

Have you purchased before from StrawberryNET? How do you their product selection?

Love at first brush
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Review & Swatches: Manhatan Gel Eyeliner Long-Lasting #1 Petrol

February 11, 2014, 12:49 am
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Hi, ladies!

Eyeliner gels are my beauty obsession, even though I've got quite a few in different colors, I'm always tempted to buy more and always checking new brands for these pots. I know gel liners are prone to drying but I'm using them almost every day so they are put to work. In terms of colors, the Manhattan Gel Eyeliner Long Lasting in 1 Petrol is one of the most beautiful and vibrant eyeliner I own.


I would describe this shade as a matte bright turquoise or acqua green. It's the only green shade gel eyeliner 
I own and I'm amazed about the great quality. The texture is perfect, not too creamy, not too hard, it's really opaque so from one flick of your brush, you've got yourself a pretty intense eyeliner.

In terms of durability, I love the fact that it hasn't dry out a bit since I've purchased it, more than 6 months ago, the texture is the same. I do store my eyeliner gels upside down and I'm always careful to close the lid. 

The package is sturdy, a compact glass jar with a black plastic lid, the classic package for gel liners. 



I apply it using different liner brushes, depending on what I want to achieve, either fine lines or angled or more dramatic. It can also be used as a cream eyeshadow as it dries quickly and sets onto the eyelid. It doesn't smudge or fade away, it lasts all day long. I don't know if it's waterproof as I don't put gel liner on my waterline, but it's resistant. 

You can see from the swatch below how intense the color is, how opaque it is. It's actually the only gel liner that is so easy to work with, I don't have to build the color or to even it out, the formula is just perfect.
























I've got it from Fragrance Direct, it's in stock right now for just 1.5 pounds. It's so inexpensive for such great quality, I would love to buy the other shades but sadly I couldn't find them in stock.

What do you think of gel liners? Love them, hate them?


Love at first brush
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Review : Rimmel London Nail Nurse 5-in-1 Nail Base & Top Coat

February 12, 2014, 2:51 am
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Hi, girls!

If you're like me and you love to paint your nails at least once a week, than you're always in need of a good nail base to keep yours looking healthy, because there is no point in having a great manicure and using great nail polishes if your natural nails look like if they were in war. 

I've been trying nail bases from different brands but as of the autumn of 2013 I've been only using Rimmel London's Nail Nurse 5-in-1 Nail Base & Top Coat.  Firstly I'm really impressed with the great formula, not thick at all and so abundant for lack of other words. I've been using it constantly for about 5 months and it's not even 50% gone? And the best part is that the formula is the same as the first time I've used it.


The wand is smaller than an usual nail polish wand but the formula is so thin that you can cover up your nails in no time. 

Why 5-in-1? It claims to be a multifunctional nail treatment that combines various benefits:
  • protects the nails against exfoliating
  • gives a boost of growth
  • hardens the nails
  • nourishes the nails
  • gives an exceptional finish to your manicure























As I've been using it constantly for the past months I've noticed a huge difference in the way my nails look. I do have naturally strong nails that won't chip or brake  very easily and they do grow up really fast, but they are prone to exfoliate if I'm not using proper protection. Since I've started using this nail treatment, I've noticed a huge improvement as they won't exfoliate anymore and they do grow out a little faster than usual.

I've been using it only as a base coat or on its own when I thought to give my nails a couple of days pass from nail polish, but not as top coat as I have a rapid dry one for the job. It's very glossy indeed and it dries out really quickly so I don't have to wait a lot before applying the nail polish, just around 2-3 minutes.

I feel it does a great job as base coat as the nail polish adheres so good, I don't deal with chiping however cheap the nail polish might be. And what's even best, my nails aren't stained anymore from the dark nail polishes I'm using nor do they get that sickly yellow tone.























If you're looking for a nail base, I definitely recommand to check this one out, you'll have it for months before running out which I feel it's great as with most nail bases, in 1-2 months either it was gone either it thickened so badly that won't work anymore.

Love at first brush
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Review & Swatches: Seventeen Perfect Harmony Eyes #55 Blue Gold Wonder

February 13, 2014, 5:43 am
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Hello!

Today I've got for you a pretty vibrant trio eyeshadow palette from Seventeen, the Perfect Harmony Eyes in 55 Blue Gold Wonder. It's from the old collections, but you might still find it at some Seventeen counters.



If you haven't heard of Seventeen Cosmetics before, check out their website, it's a Greek cosmetic brand, which can be found in most local stores (Romania). They have an interesting selection of beauty products and the ones I was most drawn to are the eyeshadows, they have such nice shades, very pigmented and with a buttery texture, almost creamy.



I'm not very fond of the packaging, it's white and it does get dirty and it has kind of a cheap feel to it, but it's no biggie. The three eyeshadows come with a cheap double ended sponge applicator that I rarely use. I like that you can see the colors through the lid though.


Before I show you the swatches, you should know they feel very luxurios just like some high end eyeshadows, the texture is very smooth and velvet like. There is some fall out as to be expected for such pigmented shades, but not much as they are not chalky or dusty at all.

In terms of resistancy, they do hold up really well throughout the day without fading or creasing but I'm always using a primer before.

The trio I've got is called Blue Gold Wonder and it contains 3 eyeshadows pans that don't have any name but that are easily identified:

  • A slightly darker, rich gold. It's the definition of gold eyeshadow, it's the most vibrant and opaque I've got. It's shimmery as to be expected but with no large glitter particles.
  • An acqua-green turquoise shade. This one is a little lighter on skin than in the pan, but still the color pay off is great, it's a shimmery turquoise with silver specks. 
  • A medium blue-green shade. It looks straight blue in the pan, but on skin it's looking pretty unique, blue with a little green mixed in . It's a little shimmery, with a silver undertone, and it goes on so smooth and opaque.




Overall, I feel this is a great little palette, this colors complements most eye colors especially hazel eyes and they are great for a coloured fun look. I admit that I'm using the gold the most  in combination with other shades, but the blue color had me the instant I saw it, it's so unique.

The price is around 8 Euro, but I've seen also some of these trios at 10 Euro, but it's totally fair for such great quality, comparable to high end shadows.


Love at first brush
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10 Drugstore Beauty Items for Valentine's Day Makeup (or Dragobete)

February 14, 2014, 1:29 am
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Hi, girls, and Happy Valentine!

I admit that I'm not much of a Valentine's Day lover, I mean it's nice to get flowers and chocolate from my boyfriend and maybe even a cheesy oversized pillow heart, but it's not something we put too much thought into it. Maybe because it's a "borrowed" holiday, my Romanian readers know that in Romania we actually celebrate love on 24th February and it's called Dragobete. But it's not as fancy as Valentine's Day now, isn't it?

Anyhow I debated with myself if I should do my first FOTD specially for 14th February as I'm actually thinking to step up from my comfort zone and actually show you now and than some of my attempts in the makeup section. Bu then again I thought I'm not the kind of girl that goes all pinky just because it's the day of love, I mean I like pinks and wear them a lot in my makeup look but I just don't really get why we should all go pink and purple and mauve for Valentine's Day. And god knows I've seen tons of tutorials these days on that theme.  So I WILL be doing a look, my own version, but it will be for 24th, I just feel the need to give that day a little more importance.

To cut my rambling short, for today I thought to make a short list for makeup products (drugstore wise) that I know many of you would want to wear for a romantic date, being it even for Valentine's Day.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick #900 Hot Plum














Astor Fashion Studio Nail Polish #085 Bubble Gum Pink
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio #Knock on Wood, Silent Treatment & The Gilded Age
Wet ‘n’ Wild Silent Treatment Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio Review, Photos, Swatches
Silent Treatment (via)

Knock on Wood (via)
The Gilded Age (via)
Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury Creme Lipstick #Ethereal & Henna
Revlon Photoready Skinlight Face Illuminator #Peach Light & Pink Light
Milani Baked Blush #Luminoso
Rimmel London Apocalips #Celestial, Stellar & Luna

L'Oreal Shine Caresse #Eve
HAUL & Swatches of Loreal Paris Shine Caresse Eve, For Luminous Skin
Ga-de Crystallic Matte Nail Color #Gold Sugar

via
NYX Lipliner Pencil #Coral, Nude Pink & Fuchsia



via

What special beauty items do you prefer for romantic dates? Do you go all pinky-rose, neutrals or brights? 


Love at first brush
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LOTD : Berry Amore

February 15, 2014, 8:53 am
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Hi, girls!

I'm nervous and more than a little self conscious as I'm about to show you my very first look featured on this blog. It's yesterday's look, I took the photos in hurry so please excuse the akward faces. I do feel self conscious as I can't help feeling that I have many flaws and while I love makeup, by no means I'm not wearing tons just for covering them.

So here it goes, please be kind:))! I titled this look as Berry Amore because my eyelook reminded me of a Milani Baked Blush called Berry Amore and funny thing is I wore this for Valentine's Day. Unintentional:D!








Products used:

Face:
L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation #200 Apricot Beige
Alverde Concealer #02 Porcelain
Miss Sporty So Matte Perfect Stay Smooth Pressed Powder #002 Medium
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder with Real Cocoa
Flormar Pretty Compact Blush-On #P115

Eyes:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anticrease Eyeshadow Primer
Click You're It Smashbox Holiday Eye Palette : Shades 1 & 2
Sleek I-Divine Palette Ultra Matts V2: Shades: Dune, Pillow Talk, Maple & Villain
L'Oreal Gel Intenza Eyeliner #03 Violet Black
NYX Wonder Pencil #Dark (on the waterline)
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara

Eyebrows:
W7 Style Eyes Brow & Lash Shaping Gel
W7 Deluxe Eyebrow Pencil #Dark Brown

Lips:
Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 kisses Stay on Lip Contouring Pencil #049 Natural
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick #240 Undressed
Maybelline Color Sensational Shine Gloss #105 Cashmere Rose


Love at first brush
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NOTD, Review & Swatches: Revlon Top Speed Nail Polish #350 Mistletoe

February 15, 2014, 11:05 pm
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Hi, girls!

Today I have for you a quick NOTD I've been wearing for the last week, so please excuse the minor wear at the tips of my nails as the photos were taken after 3-4 days since I've painted my nails. But the bright side is that you can see how it looks after a few days of wear, as all manis look good in the first day.

So here I've been using 1 coat Rimmel Nail Nurse 5-in-1 Nail Base & Top Coat (review here), 1 coat of Revlon Top Speel Nail Polish in Mistletoe and 1 coat of Revlon Liquid Quick Dry.

 

 Mistletoe is a pretty unique shade, it's almost duchrome. It's mainly a dark granite grey with a deep dark olive-green undertone and silver and gold particles best shown in sun light. Unfortunately the photos don't catch all these nuances, I had a hard time taking some decent photos!

The finish is also quite unique, it dries out quickly as it's a Top Speed nail polish and it dries out almost matte, suede like. But the shimmer makes it look quite sparkly.

The resistance is not very high, in 3 days it starts chipping a little. The formula is also a little heavy, almost like a liquid sand one. But it's still easy to apply it.



I bought it from Fragrance Direct, it's still available here if you like and it's only 0.99 pounds. Go for it!

Love at first brush
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