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!

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! 

Use it up!

My love for new and sparkling beauty items is known but at the same time I feel that I neglect my not so new but still sparkling stash.

So, I thought to discipline my self - not that it is that difficult - and use up things that are halfway empty.

I also tried to be realistic so, no eyeshadows, no pan powders, blushes etc because I have not hit pan on anything of the kind.

Well, enough talking, here is my "use it up!" little basket.

Mac Strobe: this is the travel size and I use it mixed with my foundation. I love it because it gives life and luminosity to any foundation, it is also ideal to sheer out a dense base, it's like a moisturiser/highlighter hybrid. I will definitely repurchase, probably the lotion because it is fluid and I assume it will mix with my foundation even better.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua: I purchased it the summer before last and there was a third left. I should probably throw it away but instead I added a hefty dose of the Estee Lauder Maximum Cover in #11 Very Light and quite some Strobe cream and I ended up with a perfect fair shade that matches me perfectly.  I also like the fact that it has one or two metallic balls in the tube so it mixes up perfectly my hand made concoction (lol!). As for the foundation (before the alchemies described above!) is really lovely, natural looking and lightweight

Sonia Kashuk cream bronzer #41 warm tan: I had never tried a cream bronzer before so before committing to a huge and expensive Chanel Tan de Chanel Bronze Universel I decided to try another, more affordable representative of the genre.  I can't say that I liked this one mainly because it doesn't last at all. Maybe my rendezvous with the Chanel one is unavoidable, if I can find it at a 35% off (fingers crossed!)

Jemma Kidd highlighter in #01 Iced Gold: I was reluctant to use it because I love it but the brand does not exist anymore so I wanted to keep it as long as possible. Crazy huh? Thank god reason finally prevailed so I decided to use it up! Lovely beyond words, but sadly not available any more.  

Dior Diorskin Nude in #020: love it, will definitely repurchase, maybe the compact version (although I should probably finish my MSF natural first!)

Clarins instant smooth primer: well, I can't say that this one rocked my world.  It's supposed to smooth skin texture, I didn't see any difference though.  Not repurchasing.

YSL the infamous lot, the loves of my life, can't live without them, you get the grip: they are the first batch i ever bought and they are more than half gone, so my task is easier. They should actually hit the bin but it is above my powers, the don't smell funny (or funnier than normal, lol!), consistency is ok so I will use them up.

#12, #17, #7, #15

Do you have an absolute favorite that at the same time you have to use it up ?

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

5 Products Makeup Tag!

Dear fellow bblogger Tina from All the Vanity has recently done the 5 products makeup tag! and also tagged me to do one.

So, without further ado, here it is!

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Cream: since I'm going for a minimalistic look (with 5 products only it's one way more or less!) I chose a lovely and natural looking base that will enhance my appearance without wiping out my face structure.

Benefit Rockateur Blush: new addition to my mini army of blushes and quite a love at first...application, it is ideal for such difficult missions because it gives a lovely light warmth with a bit of bronzy tint so it adds colour and dimension at the same time. 

I also used it as an eyeshadow all over the lid up to over the crease, blended the edges and it defined the eyes in a polished and understated way.

Benefit They're Real mascara: no matter how many times I "cheat" with other mascaras, I always return to this one. It's the only makeup item that I have a backup, at all times. 'Nough said.

Mac Veluxe Brow Liner: having sparse and light haired brows a product to shape and fill them is indispensable to me and the Mac one is a current favorite. 

Mac Cockney lipstick: this is the jewel of the crown for such a look because it is a pretty, juicy, semi transparent red that gives life to the whole face. 

Benefit Rockateur, Mac Cockney, Mac Strawberry Blonde brow liner.

Thank you Tina for the fun challenge!

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

Dior Hydra Life BB Eye Cream

I 'm definitely becoming a Dior admirer.

That is because I find products that agree with my skin and help me achieve the desired look: polished, youthful, looking done but not quite "done"!

Also, these products do give me a little glimpse on "luxury" and I feel like I'm treating myself with something extra special.

At the same time, with the 35% or more sales that are so often nowdays, I don't have to "brake the bank" in order to get a high end product, especially in comparison to mainstream drugstore products that are quite expensive in Greece.

So, this time I treated myself to the much talked of Dior BB concealer!

Now, Dior is presenting this product more as an eye treatment than an actual makeup item. According to the brand, it's supposed to eliminate dark circles and puffiness, while illuminating the skin and offering SPF protection. It says a lot more on the Dior website but I 'm plain lazy and I 'll let you find out for yourselves, lol!

I solely purchased it for concealing the moderate under eye darkness but with something more emollient so it won't find and emphasize any little under eye line and imperfection I have. 

Now, in store at first I was not pleasantly surprised because the lightest shade 01 Lumious Beige is not that much light at all but it has a strong salmon/peach tint. I was ready to walk away when I had an enlightment and did something that I never do: I used a tiny bit on the lower part of the under eye area, as far from the actual eyeball as possible, I was on my way home anyways so it wouldn't stay that long on my face.

Before I tell you what my first impression was let me just say that my face is notorious of letting makeup slide off, especially concealer, more so after 10 hours out and about. So, it was an evening that I looked a bit like a road kill, but it didn't hinder me from going into a beauty store and stand the looks of a couple SAs that didn't approve (between us I don't give a %#$).

So, I put it on and I actually liked it very much. I was not struck by a lighting, I did not feel like Columbus when he discovered America. It was more like a toned down, introvert, Archimedean Eureka!

In one swipe it managed to erase the under eye fatigue and grayness without adding substance on the area, without looking like I had pilled some more stuff on. It looked like skin but better, more hydrated, plump and rested.

As for the color it really was a perfect match, you couldn't tell that I had something on.

It's been almost over a month now and it has become indispensable to me. 

Is there any flaw? Well, it doesn't last more than 5 hours on me but it's so easy to touch up that I don't mind carrying it around in my makeup purse.

It comes with a doe foot applicator and the cap locks in place with a click so it's very quick to use and there 's no danger of unintentional opening in my purse and messing things up.

Also, no matter what I already have put on the area, when I apply this over it never looks cakey or too much, it just looks perfect.

It also comes with a 20SPF that is a great plus.

Here 's a little comparison swatch to the MUFE Full Coverage Concealer shade #4 (on the left)

And here's the box

In a few words, I totally recommend it if you're looking for a concealer that pampers the delicate under eye area, looks fresh and one with your skin and gives a rested, pretty look.

It's not for you if you need a high coverage concealer with a punch that will erase everything.

As for the price, with the 35% off I think it was about the 30€ price point.

That's all for now, I hope you 're all well an thriving!

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Cream

BB creams are the most ambiguous beauty products by far. 

I 'm not going to tell you what a BB cream is because I 'm sure you know all about it. In case you don't, here's a relevant wiki article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BB_cream .

The brands try to impress us by showering their BB products with all and every possible benefits: they improve skin, protect it from aggravating external factors, give a healthy glow, etc...

The problem is that - at least to my experience - these are just promises that stay promises. 

Anyhow, it is quite far fetched to believe that a beauty product can make any significant difference to your skin, especially since we 're not talking about a skincare item.

So, bottom line is that I don't expect anything miraculous from a BB cream but still I do expect a few things: 

- Comfort: I don't want a mattifying product nor an oil leak on my face.

- Moisture: being on the dehydrated side, I do need all the moisture I can get

- Weight: I want something light, that I forget I have it on

- Skinlike: I want something to literally melt in my skin, to become one with it

- Freshness: I want something to boost up the appearance of my skin, some extra notches in freshness and youthfulness (who doesn't?)

- Coverage : I 'm not talking about a full on, geisha style face, but I do need something to even out some discolorations and flaws.

I don't look for SPF in a BB cream. Let me explain myself:

Being quite fair and not so very young anymore, it is a fact that over the years sun damage has left a few traces behind. So, it 's been a few years now that I religiously use a separate sunblock, every day, year around, and I find that SPF included in moisturizers, BB creams etc is not that effective, even if it 's quite high (30 and above).

A very important factor for me in a BB cream is the shade as well and that is because most BB creams are quite dark. The only one I had found that was light enough was Missha M in shade #13, but I never quite liked it because on me it looked ashen, flat, lifeless. Apart from that it's quite good, with a very good coverage. I also used to have a Skin79 BB cream but it looked even more like the dead are amongst us, lol!

So, when I read all the raves about the Dior one I was not interested at all.

Until one day, I saw a video/demo on YouTube and it looked quite decent. So, when Hondos had a 35% off I decided to give it a try.

And guess what? It's all I wear every day, I love it so much that the tube is already half empty.

Why I love it? Because it ticks all the above boxes and especially shade #1 is a beautiful fair color with a pink tint that perks up my otherwise sallow complexion.

When I put it on my skin looks fresh, youthful, radiant, more plump and flawless. It looks good and it also feels good. Also, it has a beautiful consistency, not runny nor thick and it glides on like a dream.

Here 's a comparison to the Missha M #13 (on the left).

Last but not least, when I need a little extra coverage I mix it with my foundation and it works like a charm every time.

I even wear under foundation when I want a really flawless result.

So, this is a very dear product to me and I'm definitely repurchasing. 

In case you 're interested ask for a sample prior to purchase. You can even bring a little pot or vial to the counter and ask the SA to put some in.

There is also a BB Dior concealer and it goes without saying that as soon as there is a 35% off out there, I 'm grabbing one!

In general I quite like the whole Nude Dior line, here 's my review of the powder makeup http://scrapgalgrlovesblush.blogspot.gr/2013/01/dior-diorskin-nude-natural-glow-fresh.html

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

Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup

My experience with powders is more or less limited because I haven't been using them for a long time, nor have I tried many brands. My skin is dry so I was skeptical about how such a product would work on me.

The only reason I started using powder was for setting liquid foundations, mainly to prolong their longevity.

So far I was somewhat successful, either with the Mac MSF natural or with the Laura Geller Balance 'n Brighten powder. The main drawback though was the powdery look but it was nothing that my Mac Fix+ couldn't fix.

It goes without saying that I've been searching for a better product and I have been lusting for a long time over the Laura Mercier mineral powder foundation that everyone has been raving about. The truth is that I was very reluctant to pay 40-50 euros for a product that seemed not suited for my skin type.

Until one day, when I watched this review of the Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup from pinkiecharm and it was the first time I heard about this powder foundation. Afterwards I did some more search online and I read only good stuff about it.

Coincidentally there was a 35% off sales at some store so I decided to give it a try and I got it in the lightest shade available here, that is #20 Light Beige.

The packaging didn't rock my world because the size of it is quite small so it's hard to use a standard powder brush, it loads only partially with the product.

Also, the shifter doesn't have the rotating cover that allows you to reveal just a few of the holes. Instead, there is an internal transparent removable lid that keeps the powder from going everywhere.

This lid is also indispensable because it helps retain the quality of the product intact.

As for the shifter itself, I removed the sealing tape only partially in order to contain as much of the powder inside it.

And these are the only negatives I could find of this product. The rest of it simply perfect!

Company description: This loose powder foundation contains 20% water and offers the skin the sensation of freshness upon application. Water acts as a veritable moisturizing and energizing coctail for the skin. The complexion glows with radiance and with daily use the skin becomes more and more luminous. Apply after fluid foundation or alone for a silky and transparent finish.

It comes in 7 shades but I believe that the lightest one, #10 Ivory is not available here.

What I think it is: Dior's next level interpretation of a mineral powder foundation

I love it because:

• It's the finest milled, silkiest powder I've ever tried
• It feels like nothing on my face
• It doesn't cake or set into fine lines, even if i apply a little heavily, not even after many hours
• It gives a gorgeous flawless and fresh finish that looks like skin instead of something on my skin.
• It doesn't oxidize on me (hooray!)
• It doesn't dissolve midday, it just stays put (hooray again!)
• Worn alone it gives a decent coverage.
• Used moderately on top of a liquid foundation, it can provide almost full coverage without the mask effect.
• Although it does contain Bismuth Oxychloride in its ingredients, for some reason it doesn't itch at all. I have had this problem with the first mineral powder I tried, from ELF.

How I use it:

Because it is so fine and lightweight I just pour some into the internal lid and then gently pick up some on my brush. Then I tap it all over my face and then I buff it in.

I have used the Sigma Sigmax F82 brush and the Elf Studio Powder Brush to buff it in and they both work fine.

All in all, to me this is a HG status product.

 

As always, if you're interested in it, go to a store and try it on prior to purchase. What works for one person may not work for another.

 

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

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