31.1.13

Collective haul

Hey guys,

How are you all today??I am working the afternoon shift today and I thought I should do a post before I get out of bed and start getting ready for work. This morning I visited INGLOT for the first time in a couple of years and I got a some stuff (I was solo good...you'll see). So, after I came back I decided to gather all of the products I have purchased since the New Year and do a small collective haul for you.

This is everything...!!

Some Skincare
Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel
Bioderma Hydralabio Legere Creme
NUXE Reve de Miel lipbalm

My very favourite Chloe Perfume, a present from my mom. 

Nail products
Nfu.of nail lacquer (No 40)
Peggy Sage base/nail hardener
MAVALA white polish (No49)

Make-up
Inglot double palette (107 R on the left and 330 on the right)
Bobbi Brown corrector in Light to Medium Bisque
ELF HD Blush in "Showstopper" 

These were all the products I've bought recently...! I hope you enjoyed this short post.

xoxo
A.

17.1.13

International Beauty Swaps

Hello my lovely readers,

How are you? I am at home this morning since I am working the afternoon shift and since I was home I managed to go pick up some packages that were waiting for me at the post office. The most exciting of all those packages was my very first international beauty swap with Marie-Nicole, a lovely Canadian girl.
Swaps can be tricky. It is easy to be scammed since you don't know the person you are swapping with. They can also be fun, under the "supervision" of a group of swappers with whom you can share experiences and ideas.
A couple of months ago, I became a member of such a group and arranged my very first swap. We set a budget, we discussed things we liked and/or wanted, we went shopping and then sent each other our packages. She received my package before Christmas and I received her's today. I wanted to share this experience with you guys just in case one of you is interested in arranging an International swap.
I , also wanted to give you a peak at all the wonderful stuff I received in this very first swap....


This is how it came packaged
And this is everything

I have also made a collage with all the pictures I took of all the amazing stuff she got for me....
As you can see there is tons of stuff(including some treats, samples and misc items) that I wouldn't have access to if it wasn't for my swap and that is exactly why I love swaps!!
I am not going to get into everything, of course, because that would take a looong time. However I am planning on doing reviews on several of these items so...stay tuned. Also, if you want to arrange a swap let me know and I can point you in the right direction. ;) ;)

xoxo
A. 



13.1.13

Lip Care Mayhem...

Good morning my lovely readers,

How are you this glorious Sunday morning??
I got up this morning, walked the dog, had breakfast, put on some music (Audra Mae's version of "Here I go again") , took a few pics, made myself a hot beverage and decided to write this post for you.
A couple of days ago I was looking through all my products and realised that I am obsessed with lip care products (took me a while huh??!!)
I am a lip care junkie...there...I said it...!! Now with that obsession comes a certain level of expertise as far as lip balms and treatments are concerned. Now, first of all, let's talk about lip scrubs. There aren't all that many lip scrubs in the market however I have tried a bunch and I am happy to report that I only liked one and that is the LUSH lip scrub (I have the "sweet lips" and "pop corn" versions). I also like the one I made myself some time ago. Here is a picture of both of them...
These scrubs are both sugar scrubs and they serve the same purpose. I have a post on how to make your own lip scrub which you can read it HERE
However, if you think this product  is a waste of money and time you can also use your toothbrush. To be honest, though, I find that a little gross. You can also buy a separate toothbrush to use for your lips which ,frankly, is a better idea as far as I am concerned. 

Now, after, you've scrubbed your lips you have to follow up with a product that will moisturise and protect your lips from further chapping and dryness. 
Here are some (yep...some...)of my picks....
On the far left is my current favourite which my friend Kate recommended and it is the NUXE Reve de Miel. This divine lip balm is a tad bit expensive but totally worth it...!
The yellow egg-shaped product is the infamous EOS lipbalm. I like this during the summer time. It is not very moisturising but it is fairly protective.
Then, we have, the Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm which is one of my favourites for spring and summer since it has a minty/ tingly effect on your lips which is very refreshing.
Vaseline lip therapies (The "Rosy Lips" version is shown here) used to be my go-to lip balms when I was at uni. I remember going through them like crazy. I still like them (I have all 5 versions) but I have so many these days that I neglect to use them.
Next, I have the Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine. This is an all-time favourite of mine and it will, forever, have a place in my collection. It is ,especially, good if you want moisture, protection and a bit of colour, at once. 
I also love the Apivita lip Care, lip balms. They are more practical than some of the potted ones and they smell so good. They provide moisture for your lips and they are made with all-natural products.
Last but not least is the Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream. This is a multi-purpose product that I cannot live without. I use it as a treatment for my lips whenever they are very dry or chapped. I also use them for my cuticles to keep them soft, as well as on any dry spots on my face.

That is all for today guys...I hope you liked this post. Please let me know whether there are any lip care products you swear by and you think I should try...!

xoxo
A. 


10.1.13

Empties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys!!! How are you doing today??I was going through my empties box today (yep I actually have one of those :P ) and I realised that it was FULL!!!! I was so excited that I decided to share all my empties with you guys before I get rid of them for good!!
I have two categories of products...one is make-up (mostly lip products and mascaras) and skincare/haircare. Now, I am not going to ramble on any longer....here are my empties...

Firstly let me apologise for the lighting in this photo but my phone just decided to be spontaneously weird and problematic...anyway....... :P


Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in "Peach Petal" : This is a legendary lipgloss. I really liked it even though it is a tad bit too sticky for my liking.
17 Mirror Shine Lipstick in "Peace": AMAZING lipstick. I have mentioned this in past posts. It is moisturising, glossy, pigmented and affordable. I always have a back-up of this product in my collection.
Rimmel "Sexy Curves" Mascara: Great bottom lash mascara.
YSL "Faux Cils" Mascara : My all-time favourite mascara. Can't say enough good things about it.
Rimmel " Scandal Eyes" Mascara : Not wowed by this product. Rimmel makes some good mascaras but this one is not one of them, in my opinion.
Clinique Vit.C Lip Smoothie in "Pink me up": I was excited to get rid of this. I got it in a bundle of Clinique stuff and I did not like it at all. 
Lancome Lipgloss in "308": I was so bummed when this finished because Lancome has discontinued this colour. If anyone has any ideas about where I could get it then please let me know. 


Clarins "Pure Melt" Cleansing Gel : I am a huge, huge fan of this product. I am currently going through my second bottle.
Simple Soothing Toner: Very decent product for the price you pay. I would definately recommend it if you are looking for a nice, fuss-free toner.
Santangelica Idroadapt moisturizer: Love this product. I will definately re-purchase this.
Simple "Oil Balancing" Facial Scrub: I will miss having this product. I use it a facial wash in the morning and I love what it does for my skin.
Tresemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo: This dry shampoo is my all-time favourite. It is easy to use, it smells great and it does the job...enough said. If you can get your hands on it, I highly recommend you give it a try.
John Frieda "Brilliant Brunette" Shampoo: I like this but I don't love it. I am kind of happy I managed to use it up and I am looking forward to trying something new. 
Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner: I love, love, love this!!I have a back-up which is ready to be used and loved. I only use a very small amount of conditioner and I have been using this every day. It smells great and does the job. 

Those were my empties from September until December (early January). And since I have used up so many products I might have to reward myself with the purchase of one product and one product, only. What do you think?? Any recommendations? I hope you liked this post. Let me know if you finished any products lately...
xoxo
A. 

5.1.13

Top 12 of 2012...!!!

Let me start by saying....HAPPY 2013 my lovely, lovely readers!!!!!! I hope this years brings you everything 2012 didn't...!I hope you are happy, healthy and lucky this year!!
It took me a while to do this post but with the holidays and work I was overwhelmed and had close to no time.
I had a fab Christmas and an amazing New Year with my family and friends and , against all odds, I feel very optimistic about 2013.
Now in the frivolous spirit I am in today, I thought I should share with you my top 12 make-up products of 2012...!And, as always, I will add a couple of nail and skincare products as a bonus!!
Let's get started with...
                                                               Make-up 

1. Naked Palette (2nd year in a row)
2. Garnier BB Creams (I am counting these as 1 product since I use them interchangeably)
3. YSL Faux Cils Mascara
4. YSL Rouge Pur Couture No6
5.Chanel Rouge Coco Shine "Boy" 
6. MAC "What Joy" Lipstick
7. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua
8. Real Techniques Blush Brush
9. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
10. Korres Lip Butter "Jasmine"
11. MAC Mineralize Blush "Fresh Honey" 
12. NARS  "Madly" Blush

Nails

Peggy Sage Nail Hardener (best base EVER)
OPI Dutch 'Ya Just Love OPI
ESSIE Sand Tropez
ESSIE Bahama Mama
OPI Rainbow Connection

Skin Care

Rituals "Magic Touch"Whipped Body Cream (If you ever come across Rituals, pick this up...no questions asked...)
OPI Coconut Melon Hand & Body Lotion 
LUSH Ocean Salt
Clarins "Pure Melt Cleansing Gel"
Apivita Creamy Face and Eye Foam Cleanser (olive&lavender)
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream 
LUSH Sweet Lips lip scrub
VICHY anti-perspirant (I have been using this for over 4 years now and I cannot live without it).

That was it from me on the yearly favourites front...!
What were your top products of 2012?Let me know in the comments...

xoxo
A. 

3.1.13

Stylish and affordable glasses...

Hey guys,

I have a review/introduction for you today. I was contacted by the company Firmoo, a couple of months ago. After reading some reviews on their products and visiting their website, I decided to accept a pair of glasses from them. I got to pick the pair I wanted so I decided on something I NEEDED instead. I went for a pair of prescription sunglasses that would dupe as seeing glasses for my short-sightedness :P
I needed a pair like these to use when I'm driving during the day-time since I stopped wearing contacts a little over a year ago.
If you've been a reader of mine for some time you will know that I very rarely feature "free"products. However I was pretty excited to share this with you since the company offers a pretty wide range of very affordable glasses. I have been wearing glasses for a good 15 years now and I've spent a large amount of money on prescription sunglasses over the years so I was very happy to see that there are companies out there who offer affordable and stylish options. You can check out their site HERE where you can also take a look at their "First Pair Free" program which is very interesting especially if you're in need of a pair of glasses.
Now, here are the glassed I picked out...what do you think??







As always....let me know what you think..!!
xoxo
A.