Sunday 9 February 2014

Collective Haul!

Oops I did it again (my inner Britney tosses her hair) and I have been using most of them for the past month or so, so it will be first impressions as well (bonus track)!

Cherry culture haul



Nyx jumbo eye pencils in Iced Mocha Milk and Yogurt: since my lids are not especially oily I thought that I could use them alone but they do crease and fade...so, not very happy.  I used them as an eyeshadow base, they fade nonetheless.  For a couple of hours they will stay put though.


Nyx Felt Tip Liner in Jet Black and Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Hip

I hardly ever wear black liner (let alone a glitter one!) but I really wanted to try something outside of my comfort zone. The liner is ok but I feel that the tip will dry out in a few weeks and the glitter is transparent so I can use it on top of any eyeshadow, when I want something special (=sparkly).



Red and Taupe blushes: I've been wanting to try Taupe for contouring for the longest time and it really is excellent for this purpose if used with a light hand and thoroughly blended. It is a cool toned brown/grey, perfect for a night out, if you want sky high cheekbones. I also use it as an eyeshadow, on the crease or allover the lid.


Red blush was purchased on a whim and it is ideal for snow white cheeks. It does look scary in the pan but if used extremely lightly it is beautiful.


Another blush I got, this one from Asos, is the Illamasqua Zygomatic and it has a barely there, dusty pink color. It is ideal for smokey eyes or in general when I want my cheeks to be there but subdued.


Nyx Red, Taupe and Illamasqua Zygomatic


All Cosmetics Wholesale haul: Nars is a brand that I really like but I find them rather expensive, so when ACW had a 30% off sales items, I got these Multiples in Luxor (a pinky champaign shimmery highlight) and Laguna (a shimmery light bronze shade). I really like these but again I have to constrain myself or else I will glow but not in a good way (more like, I fell head over heels in a shimmer tub).



Dior Constellation palette: love. If you like smokey, fumée tones you'll definitely enjoy this one. 



Ebay haul: I wanted to try the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Lotion for ages and I finally got the mini size.  It definitely feels emollient and when I put my moisturiser on top my skin feels supple and well fed, even when it's really cold or windy. I 'll probably purchase the full bottle.


Cure Natural Aqua Gel: this is a mild exfoliating gel/lotion and I had tried a couple of samples beforehand and I really liked it. It seems natural enough, no nasties from what I can tell and it will probably last me quite some time.


That's it for now, I hope you are all well and thriving!

Sunday 2 February 2014

Winter favorites!

Happy February friends and since we just got really winter-y here in Greece, here are my winter favorites!

First stop skincare because I obviously need all the hydration I can find!


Apivita Aloe Vera mask: recent purchase but I really like it, I'm buying the tube as soon as I finish the sachets.

Apivita Grape mask: I had tried the sachets before and really like the cooling and tightening sensation.

Clarins Hydraquench mask: this tube is almost empty but I 'll probably repurchase, love the fact that I can slap it on allover my face and around eyes and sleep with it on!

Cure Natural Aqua exfoliating Gel: some time ago I purchased a couple of samples on ebay and I recently found the last one in my skincare drawer, tried it again and remember that I really liked it so I got a bottle, on ebay as well. It's effective, gentle and easy to use, full review coming soon!

Now let's get to makeup!

Brows


Mac Veluxe Brow Liner in Strawberry Blonde: staple item in my stash and it fills in gaps beautifully, the pencil also lasts a very long time, unlike my other favorite, Fling, that runs out quickly. I will repurchase unless I find a matching shade in Anastasia brand that everyone raves about!

Benefit Gimme Brow: another staple, I just wish it was not so tiny. I use it over the pencil and makes my brows polished but natural looking.

Eyes


Benefit eyebright: I use it on the waterline when I feel sleepy, it makes me look more awake and perky. It's soft and glides on effortlessly, I just wish it lasted longer...

Benefit They're Real: I won't bore you to death with repeating once more why I love it but, surprise, it's almost empty and I don't have a backup because I have a little sample stash that I must work through first. Shocked, aren't you?

Nyx Bohemian Rhapsody palette: I had quite forgotten this little gem (probably the oldest palette i own, i think i got it back in 2011) but I found it again while I was looking for a pencil in my eye makeup drawer and fallen in love allover again. Easy going, basic shades, mattes and shimmery, highlight, crease and midtone shades, it's all I use in the mornings because it has everything I need.

Dior Constellation palette: the newest gem in my collection and it is ravishing! I can achieve sultry or more natural, fumée looks. LE but still available here,  review coming up!

Face


Nyx Taupe blush: I finally got it and it is as good as everyone says about contouring. It must be used with a light hand though, especially in daytime or else I look like an undead, lol!

Illamasqua Zygomatic blush: first ever Illamasqua purchase and I love it! On me it is a light, cool pink-with a hint of taupey brown - shade that compliments perfectly my winter looks with heavier, smokey eyes and it is a perfect match for the dior palette.

Guerlain Crazy Meteorites Poudre Eclat: you saw this coming, didn't you? I actually prefer this one than the perles version, I'll probably do a review comparing the two if you're interested because I think it's still available here.

Clarins Bronzing Duo in Light: I 'm in perpetual fear of the orange stripped cheeks and this bronzer is my safeguard because it is so subtle and light that I can not over do it, lol!

Mac BB cream: I use it alone when I 'll be out for a few hours or under makeup on working days. It has decent coverage and I see it as a skincare barrier between my skin and my makeup.  I don't know if I 'll repurchase thought because there are a few others I would like to try as well.

Lips


YSL Glossy Stains: #3 & #4

No favorites post of mine is complete without a tube or two of these heaven sent lippies. I will just say that these shades match perfectly my winter face, lol!


Mac Cockney lipstick: when I need something more vibrant I automatically reach for this one because it is sheer yet apparent. If you're timid of the red lip, give it a try.

Clarins Éclat Minute lip balm: no, it's not the most moisturising lipbalm I've ever used but I feel extra posh when I apply it on! Is anyone else weird like that or is it just me? It's very good nonetheless and a handbag staple.

So, these are my current favorites and here's a group photo!


What's your most favorite item this winter, something you reach for constantly?

That's all for now, I hope you are all well and thriving! 
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