A thing of beauty is joy forever

A thing of beauty is  joy forever

31 January 2010

FOTD





For my make up today I used an orange
kohl pencil from Primark
(I blogged about it yesterday).

I have lots of different pencils in my
collection: Clinique, Body Shop, Lancome, Urban
Decay, L'oreal etc and most of them are black, brown or
grey so I'm exited that I found these cheap babies so
I can play with the colours.

I like the way it makes the contrast with the
green colour of my eyes.







Currently listening to:



Love,

Stella


30 January 2010

Primark make up: yay or nay?!



I had doubts if Primark make up is even worth trying.
But I was pleasantly surprised
with their kohl pencils!
They have a great range of colours
(lots of bright ones)
and if they're used with a primer,
they stay in place all day.
The set of two with a sharpener is only £1!
Plus they're soft and creamy.

I like using bright colours.
It can be put on both of the lashlines
or only the lower one with a really neutral
eyeshadow.

I've got quite a lot of eye liners and kohl
pencils. I really like the Make Up Forever
ones but since I discovered Primark pencils,
I prefer to save some money
for my other addictions lol



Any experience with Primark make up?

Hope that everybody had a great Saturday!

xoxo

29 January 2010

loving your IPod touch? check this out:>




I love my IPod Touch
and when I saw these picture,
I had a huge smile on my face.

How cool is that?? lol



Just wanted to share that with you.
For me, IPod is a necessity.
I love the fact that I can have my music
with me everywhere.

However, the idea of this bedding set
is kinda geeky.

But I love it!! lol

xoxo

28 January 2010

Elvive Full Restore 5 range review



Hello my lovelies!

I've been using Elvive Full Restore 5 shampoo and conditioner
for about 3 weeks now and I will be using it for
a while as I got them both in Tesco in
'buy 1 get 1 free' kinda deal.

So what does the Full Restore range do then?
Well, it claims to combat 5 signs of hair decay or
rather five common problems.
It claims to give you back strength, density,
vitality, shine and silkiness.

'Yeah, right!' you might be thinking but
I have to say that the Full Restore range
has surprisingly impressed me,
my coloured hair is looking better all round within
three weeks of using all the products.
The results were actually pleasing from
a high street brand.
It left hair soft and manageable
without weighing it down

and it also kept it looking shiny and healthy.

I just noticed that the endings are still
dry and I wanted
to try the leave-in conditioner.
I usually stay away from this sort of conditioners
being afraid that they're too heavy for my hair
but this one is really light!
I like the fact that it can be used both
on dry and wet hair.
It leaves my hair smelling great as well.

Overall 5/5.


You might have seen the adverts with the lovely
Cheryl Cole, flopping her big bouncy hair all over the
place and boasting how Loreal Elvive Full Restore 5
has radically transformed her locks.

Well, she is pretty but I've seen that
in other countries than UK,
it's Evangeline Lilly (also the face of L'oreal)
who advertises this range.
And I know that this opinion isn't too
popular but I prefer her much more than Cheryl Cole!
She has this natural beauty and charm about her.
Cheryl is also pretty but when I look at her,
I can see the whole crowd of stylist, make up artists,
hairdressers.. who take care of her image.
Evangeline Lilly seems more natural
and reminds me that
the true beauty comes
from within.










What do you guys think?

xoxo


26 January 2010

ikea dress?!







That is so creative!
When I saw it, I knew I had to blog about it.
I love ideas like that: make something innovative
out of nothing.





And it's waterproof! lol

And FYI- no, it's not me in these pics:)




Love/Hate?

Have a happy Tuesday!

xoxo

25 January 2010

The Body Shop Home Fragrance Oils ♥




I love the oil burners
at this time of the year.
It creates a relaxing and indulgent
atmosphere in my flat.
I'm obsessed with these Home Fragrance Oils
from The Body Shop.
Some water, just a few drops
of the oil, a tea candle. Et voila!
These are the ones I'm using now:
Black Velvet Apricot, Exotic,
Vanilla Spice and Lavender.
They're £3,50 each.

Anyway just wanted to share my current obsession.
I'm all about candles and testing
different scents right now lol

Any recommendations?

xoxo


24 January 2010

yet another FOTD















FACE
L'oreal Studio Secrets Primer
Chanel Mat Lumiere Foundation in 05
Make Up Forever Concealer Cream Palette N°1
ELF Mineral Booster
Victoria Jackson Bronzer in Sunkissed
The Body Shop Busher in Cool Dusk

EYES
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Coastal Scents 88 E/S Palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero
The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara in Black

LIPS
Gosh Darling Lipstick
Smashbox O Gloss Lipgloss


Recently I've been posting a lot of FOTDs.
As much as I enjoy it, I was wondering if
you guys are interested in this kind of posts.
Should I keep them coming?
I want to know your opinion.

xoxo


23 January 2010

I ♥ your blog tag




I was tagged by lovely Jimin Choe
Thank you so much girl!
I read your blog regularly:)

The rules for this tag are to accept the award
and tag 15 blogs that you love to read as well.

I follow quite a few blogs and it's soooo hard
to name just 15 of them, but here they are:

Caz
Jennie
Lip Gloss Gossip
Miss Erica
Rosa Adores...
Lorraine
Froso
Ashwini
Anca Condrache
Fern
Victoria
Lipgloss86
Yellowjellybaby
Trichie
Charlotte

I'm sorry if you've already done this tag
but that's my way of telling you how much
I enjoy reading your blog ♥

xoxo

Bio-Oil review




One of my fab followers Divija Reddy
asked me what do I think about this product
so I thought I'll write this review:)

To begin with, I used Bio-Oil's web site to get some details.

Bio-Oil can be used in many different cases:

Improving the appearance of scars
Bio-Oil helps improve the appeara
nce of all scar types.
It is also highly effective in helping to maintain the elasticity
of scar tissue on joints and other high-mobility areas.

Improving the appearance of stretch marks
Bio-Oil is highly effective in helping to improve
the appearance of existing stretch marks. Bio-Oil helps to increase
the elasticity of the skin,
thereby the possibility of new stretch marks forming is reduced.

Improving the appearance of uneven skin tone
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone caused
by hormonal fluctuations, skin-lighteners or excessive sun exposure.
Visible as dark patches on the face or body, uneven skin tone
often becomes most apparent during pregnancy, menopause
or after exposure to high volumes of UV light.

Aging skin
Sagging and wrinkled skin commonly associated
with aging is largely caused by the weakening of the
collagenand elastin support system in the dermis.
Bio-Oil contains numerous ingredients that help to
plasticize the skin, making it softer, smoother and more supple,
thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkled
and sagging skin. Bio-Oil also moisturizes,
which improves the textu
re, tone and
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dehydrated skin
Bio-Oil helps replenish the skin’s natural oils
that have been stripped away by factors such as:
Frequent bathing/cleansing with harsh soaps
Excessive p
erspiration
Atmospheric conditions including exposure to the sun and wind
Central heating and air conditioning
Poor diet and/or insufficient water intake.

The basis of the main, unique ingredient
of Bio-Oil – 'PurCellin Oil'. This ing
redient works by coating
a thin protective layer over the skins surface aiding
the penetration of the other more common natural oils
that Bio-Oil contains: Lavender, Calendula and
Rosemary Oil.
Bio-Oil contains only
natural herbal ingredients
and
has no preservatives, it is not tested on animals
nor does it contain any animal derived products.
There are also more beneficial ingr
edients to Bio-Oil,
these are included to work in conjunction with
the PurCellin Oil, and these are vitamin A & E -
the vitamins that are required to maintain healthy and supple skin.
It may also be worth noting that I have
very sensitive skin but can use Bio-Oil without
suffering any form of a
reaction.
So, so far, we have a unique combination of essential oils
and vitamins, if that isn't good enough it
even has chamomile extract
to help soothe your skin too.

For all of you who are interested
these are Bio-Oil Ingredients:
Paraffinum Liquidum, Triisononanoin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate,
Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate,
Anthemis Nobilis Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil,
Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil, Calendula Officinalis
Extract,Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil,
BHT, Bisabolol, Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate,
Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal,
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene,
Linalool, Alpha Isomethyl Ionone, CI 26100.



Now, I use it to give my skin some extra boost.
I don't have a problem with scars or
uneven skin toneso I use it under a moisturiser
at night
to prevent dehydrating.
Sometimes I used it on my hands or elbows/knees
(where the skin is su
per dry).
My skin seems plumper and softer the next morning.
I think that if you're interested in reducing scars,
you should remember that this product
needs to be usedtwice a day
for a longer period of time.
It's not the overnight miracle treatment.
I have a combination skin so I can't use it
in the morning.But I have to say that
it doesn't feel heavy,like super oily
when I put it a
t night.
Also
2-3 drops would be enough for the face.

There are 3 sizes:
60ml
125ml
and 200ml.


And in UK they're priced accordingly:
£8.99
£14.99
£19.99.

I'm all about anti-aging now s
o I love it lol
I think it's an awesome winter treatment
and if you're curious about it,
maybe the best thing would be getting the cheapest one
and see how is it workin
g out for you.
And just in case you won't find it effective for your face,
you can always use it for your body:)

Hope this is helpful!
Any opinions on that product?
Love/hate?

Have an awesome weekend!

xoxo

22 January 2010

Friday FOTD



Hello my lovelies!

I know that I look a little surprised on this pic lol
but just wanted to show you how a white colour
in the waterline can change the eyes.
I've been quite busy recently and I managed to sleep
only 4h today and a white liner makes the
eyes look fresh and less tired.
Also, my skin tends to be more pale
when I'm tired so I'm super white today lol




FACE

bareMinerals foundation, concealer and mineral veil

Make Up Forever Cream Palette N°1
(extra concealer for under eye area)

victoria jackson bronzer in sunkissed

peachy blush from Sephora palette

mac iridescent powder in belightful


EYES

UDPP
benefit lust duster in nugget
victoria jackson eyeshadow stick in white
l'oreal double extension renewal serum mascara in black

LIPS

Dior Addict Ultra Shine in 750


Hope you all have
a wonderful Friday!


xoxo

20 January 2010

Estee Lauder Day WearPlus Multi Protection Cream review

Lovely beauty blogger Kasia
requested that review and I am more
than happy to help:)



First of I'd like to share with you the information
that I found on the Estée Lauder web site.

Day WearPlus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant
SPF 15 Cream is available in 2 versions: for dry skin
and normal/combination skin.

This protective moisturiser actively shields skin to help
prevent lines before they appear —
so your skin looks smoother and healthier, longer.

Helps protect skin from the multiple assaults of the environment:

Anti-Oxidant Protection
An ultra potent blend of anti-oxidants includes rare
South African Red Tea, Grape Seed,
and a supercharged combination of Vitamins C and E.
Re-energises skin's own defenses with
White Birch Extract and Eukarion.

UV Protection

Helps turn away the sun's damaging rays
with a skin-friendly, ultra gentle SPF 15 sunscreen.

Moisture Protection

Dual moisture system keeps skin feeling hydrated and healthy.
A special moisture magnet provides
an instant burst of hydration.
Our nourishing Tri-Lipid Blend boosts skin's own
moisture barrier so internal moisture is conserved.
Normal/Combination Skin creme is lightweight and refreshing.
Glides over skin with a fresh, cooling sensation.
Balanced hydrators keep skin feeling soft and supple.
Dry Skin creme is rich, creamy and wonderfully emollient.
Intensively nourishing moisturisers leave skin
cushioned, comfortable. Also ideal for colder, drier climates.
Both have a fresh cucumber scent

HOW TO USE

Apply every AM and PM after Repair Serum.

FORMULA FACTS

Dermatologist-tested Non-acnegenic

WHY DOES YOUR SKIN NEED DAYWEAR PLUS?

Every day, your skin is under attack from environmental
factors that can lead to visible ageing, including:
UV rays Dehydration Free radicals
— those damaging molecules
that can lead to the appearance of premature lines.
Skin has its own natural defenses against
free radicals and other types of environmental damage.

But in today's world, these defenses can simply be overwhelmed.
To stay looking younger longer, your skin needs help.

ACTIVE RESPONSE SYSTEM
The potent anti-oxidants in DayWear Plus
are part of a unique encapsulation system.
When free radicals attack, these tiny beads
instantly burst—releasing a wave of anti-oxidant protection.

This "active response" system cleverly helps
neutralise skin-ageing free radicals.


Now, it is an investement as the price
of 50ml is £33.
I was lucky to get mine for Xmas.
I have the one for normal/combination skin.
It feels luxorious and moisturising.
A little goes a long way.
This is a seriously nice moisturizer
pleasant scent (almost a bit cucumber-ish),
not greasy, provides moderate protection (SPF 15)
without looking chalky and
it goes well under makeup.
I works really well for my skin.
And I like the fact that it has SPF 15.

Also I found that on www.totalbeauty.com
it got 9.2 out of 10 points.

Skincare is a rather individual case.
Something that works well for one person,
doesnt have to be great for another.
Probably the best way would be to get a sample
and try it out before spending £30 for nothing.

Hope this review is helpful!
Any experience with this cream?

xoxo

face of the day












FACE:
Smashbox Photofinish primer
Chanel Mat Lumiere foundation in 05
ELF Clarifying Pressed Powder
ELF Mineral Blush in Plum
victoria jackson bronzer in sunkissed
MAC Iridescent Powder in Belightful


EYES:
UDPP
UD Book of shadows vol II:
-Flipside
-Jinx
-Homegrown
The Body Shop Eye definer in black
L'oreal Double Extension
(Renewal)Serum Mascara in Black

LIPS:
The Body Shop Lip Butter 'yes yes yes'


xoxo

19 January 2010

my make up bag





Seriously
how much junk
can a woman carry with her
on daily basis?! lol

Yeah, that's my make up bag that
I usually have with me.
I'm one of those girls
who enjoys having all her life
carried around with her.

This clutch is from The Body Shop that I got
as a freebie
(one of those 'spend £15
and get this one for free' kind of bag).

And inside I have:
- a comb
- a mini Batiste dry shampoo
-Lush solid perfumes
-Yves Rocher hand sanitiser
-The Body Shop hand cream
- a mirror
-Sephora face powder
-pain killers
-a plaster
-tampons
-hair grips
- a ring (Primark)
- some perfume samples
- candy
- a plastic giraffe lol

I usually don't do any touch ups
to my eye make up so I don't
carry any shadows or liners.
Sometimes if I need to,
I just pop something
extra into the bag.





I was amazed how many lip products I found there:

-The Body Shop lip butter
-Dior Kiss lipgloss 008 sorbet meringue
-Smashbox O-Gloss
-Jemma Kidd lipgloss
(got it for free with Bodyform sanitary towels)
-Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker in Candy Gloss
-The Body Shop Colourglide lipstick 42
- Gosh Darling



That's a lot of stuff.
But it makes me feel ready for any situation.
It gives me comfort lol

Do you carry so much around?
Or maybe I'm the only lunatic here;)

xoxo


18 January 2010

INs and OUTs




INs:

1. bareMinerals foundation!
That stuff is great.
Doesn't feel like wearing makeup
and has a great coverage.
Plus makes the skin look glowy!


2. Twitter.
I know, I know.
But its such an amazing way
to connect with people!

3. Watching Sesame Street
to cheer yourself up.
It reminds me how uncomplicated
the world is when you're a child.





4. Cute accessorises.





5. Essential oils.
My whole flat smells
with lavender.




6.BioOil
It's a blessing in winter!




7. Lost
The final season starts in February.
mmm Josh Holloway..



8. Green Tea
It is my constant IN.



OUTs

1. Fake tan.
Let's face it:
my skin will never look natural
with a layer a fake tanner.
Never.






2. Lush mania
Don't get me wrong: I love Lush products!
But it got so popular recently.
Plenty of blog posts and You Tube videos
filled with reviews, how to and hauls..
I kind of liked it when people were going like:
'Lush?! What's that?'
I guess that was inevitable.
Still gonna shop there. Defo.



3. Lily Allen and Karl Lagerfeld

Dear Karl,
WHY when you could have
any model, artist,
or singer in the world… why Lily?
Is it her pink hair or her catchy
commercial pop melodies?
It’s hard to say exactly
why this duo is out
when we are still very unclear
about why it was ever in!




4. Skinny jeans
I like them so much
but I have to be honest:
I will never look like Kate Moss

wearing them
and it's time to let them go.


Yay for curvy shapes!



Agree/ Disagree?


Hope that you had
a lovely beginning of the week!

xoxo

16 January 2010

I love Saturdays




I love lazy Saturday mornings
A cup of coffee and a fab magazine.
Could I ask for more?



Yesterday my Bf came back from Paris
and he surprised me with this beautiful bottle of perfumes.





I found this description on ninaricci.com:

'This fresh and timeless fragrance
is a unique combination of contrasts.
The legendary accord of spicy carnation
and gardenia is subtly tinged with rose
and jasmine from Grasse and caressed with
sandalwoodand iris for even more sensuality.
A fragrance of emotion, L’Air du Temps exudes
a mysterious power of seduction.
Its fragrance blends into
the personality of each woman
to bring out her sensual charm and refinement.'


Maybe my Bf wants to suggest me something? LOL
And who says that women tend to overthink or overanalyse stuff:)




I hope that everybody's weekend started at least as well as mine:)

xoxo