Go Tropicoral kit by Benefit

Well, many times intentions do not translate to actual actions, at least the way we plan them, especially if you are a Gemini that weights pros and cons and alternatives from day to night, and then decides to improvise, lol!

So, I intended to buy Benefit's Coralista blush (30€).

Instead, I got the Go Tropicoral kit (it includes a mini Coralista) (29€).

High Beam, Cha Cha, Coralista blush and the lipgloss underneath

The reasons I didn't get the blush are:

• I can not see myself hit pan on a blush, so I didn't want to commit to it for a life time.
• I don't like the packaging of Benefit's blushes, I find them bulky and a pain to store.
• I could depot it in a palette but my previous experiment with Bella Bamba didn't go very well, meaning that it cracked a tiny bit. It didn't crack all the way to the bottom, just a chip on the upper right corner but it scared the %#%$£ out of me and I swore, never again!

On the other and, the kit offered me more options for the same money:

• A deluxe sample version of Coralista, that even if I wore it daily it would probably take months to hit pan.
• A deluxe sample o High Beam illuminator
• A deluxe sample of Cha Cha tint
• A deluxe sample of the Coralista lipgloss

The truth is that I was never drawn towards kits. I don't know why, the idea never seemed appealing to me.

So, when I went to Sephora with a 25% coupon off, I went straight to Coralista. A young SA was standing a few meters away and when she saw me lingering over Benefit's stand, asked if she could help.

Most of the times I don't ask for help from SAs because i usually buy stuff on a plan, meaning that I already know what I want and what it does so I don't need somebody to inform me about the product.

This time, I don't know why, (probably because it was early on a Saturday morning and I didn't function on full throttle, lol!) I told her that I wanted Coralsta but I was not so sure anymore. She asked me if I had any more blushes (well, duh!) or if I would solely wear this (do you imagine having to wear Coralista - or an blush for that matter - for months without end? And then I would toss it disgusted in the garbage, and then it would magically reappear on my vanity and then I would call a priest to perform exorcism, and the blush would speak to me in a tiny voice but totally scaring, saying "no, you have to wear only me, with rain or sun, winter or summer, day or night, I'm the only blush you'll wear until there's no more left of me in the pan! )

Are you still reading? If yes, let's get back to the Sephora SA. I told here I have other blushes as well and then she suggested buying the kit instead because it was almost the same price as the blush but I could try more products and if, in the end, I totally loved Coralista I could come back and buy the full product.

It made total sense and at almost 21€ (after the 25% off) it was not that expensive considering that the "deluxe sample" actually contains a considerable amount of product.

So, do I like it?

I love it!

• Coralista blush: I can totally understand why it is so popular. It's a lovely peachy coral shimmery shade (to me it seems like something in between Nars's Orgasm and Benefit's Bella Bamba), very easy to wear and the shimmer actually gives a gorgeous sheen to the cheeks.
• High Beam illuminator: a cult favorite as well and now that I have it I love it too! It's the first liquid highlighter I buy and I find it easier to wear than powders because it melts into the skin and it can be as natural as you want it. The color is lovely as well, it's a pinky white that looks very flattering.
• Cha Cha tint: well, in the past I had some not so happy experience with Benefit's tints. I had purchased a mini version of Benetint but the first times I used it I was left with red blotches on my cheeks, because the product sets in too quickly and I didn't have time to blend it properly. And it goes without saying that i burried it in a drawer and never reached for it again. So, when I saw the deluxe sample of the Cha Cha in the kit I was very intrigued by the lovely color but at the same time I was very sceptical if I could make it work. And I did! What I do is that as soon as I have applied my foundation I put two stripes on my cheek and with a larger brush (like the Real Techniques Multitasking Brush) I pat it on my cheeks. This way, it sort of spreads and mingles seamlessly with my foundation and the result is a beautiful, semi transparent tint on my cheek. If I want it a little more saturated, I repeat the process with a dot or two more and after blending it's flawless. I don't swirl the brush, I just pat pat pat. Also, I do one cheek at a time. And it lasts on my cheeks for hours.
• Coralista lipgloss: it does give a pretty shine and a bit of tint on my lips, but, as most lip products, it does't stay on my lips for more than a few minutes. I keep it in my purse, just in case I want to ump it up a bit.
• I already removed them from the box (I put the blush in my blush palette) and as a bonus I can use the pretty box to store jewelry or other bits and bobs.

So, that's my opinion on the Go Tropicoral kit, I'm so pleased with it because they arevlovely products and I got the chance to try more products before committing to a full sized one.

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

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Naked Basics palette by Urban Decay

I know that flowers are blooming, birds are singing, everything gradually becomes saturated with color since spring is almost here, but I feel the need to share with you my thoughts on a very much hyped, relatively new, product that doesn't scream spring.

I 'm always sceptical about products that receive too many raves because, more often than not, I 'm left somewhat dissapointed. Maybe it 's because I have too many expectations when everyone says how great, amazing, formidable the xxx item is and when I actually buy it... well, maybe that's another post.

This one though is really a little gem, purchased on a whim. And I 'm so glad I got it!

The Naked Basics palette by Urban Decay was not on my radar at first. I mean, I read about it, saw it in many bloggers' favorites, but, I was not interested in it at all. It seemed too plain to me, too ordinary, not exciting, not fun.

Until one day when I went to Sephora with a 25% off coupon. I got a couple of things and on my way to the cashier, I spotted it sitting lonely on a stand. I wasn't planning on buying it but I thought a little swatching wouldn't hurt...and I swatched it. And I loved it. On the spot.

I don't know if it was the softness, the creaminess of the texture, the subtle transition from the lightest to the darkest shade, the size of it, but I wanted to take it home with me! The fact is also that the 25% off helped a lot, lol!

Since I got it I use it every single day, either by itself, to achieve a nude look or to tone down, or enhance a more colorful look. Either way it has become indispensable to me and although I do have one or two similar shades, this is the one I constantly reach for.

As for swatches, I would suggest taking a look at Temptalia's post here , although if you're fair the colors will show up more on you.

All in all, I'm very happy I got it and it became an everyday tool in my stash.

 

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

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

First ever Nars haul!

I 've been drooling over Nars stuff for ages, but I was always skeptical mainly because:

• they 're quite expensive,
• narscosmetics.eu charge 24€ for delivery (Nars, really???)
• asos.com does not deliver Nars to Greece
• they 're not available elsewhere, apart from hqhair.com, at least to my knowledge.

So, being pricy and not readily available online were the two reasons that turned me off from buying any Nars product.

That changed when they launched the The Happening" LE palette. As soon as I saw it I wanted it. Desperately. LOL!

So, I checked on narscosmetics.eu but there was no way I was going to pay 24€ shipping fee.

Instead, I just gave my email address in order to be included in their mailing list and waited for a free shipping code or something similar.

And, lo and behold, a couple days later I received an email about free shipping if the order was 50€ or more!

Also, there was a code for a free mini Orgasm illuminator for the first purchase.

It goes without saying that I decided not to wait any longer and rushed to the site to make my order.

While browsing the rest of the stuff, I noticed that the American Dream palette was still available (you can see it in my fall 2012 whishlist, here), and (against any reasonable thinking) I decided to fulfill my Nars appetite with this palette too!

Oh well, it's not a big deal to survive the remaining of the month on pasta and ketchup!!!

My experience on buying from Nars: the only really negative is their shipping fee, so, if you 're interested, make sure to be in their mailing list, this way you 'll receive notifications of new products, free shipping, etc.

The shipping itself took 7 working days, mainly because there was a delay in Italy due to weather conditions.

They also provide full tracking, meaning that you can check the status and the whereabouts of your order.

Packaging: very slim and tight (no bulky boxes), very well padded, everything safe and sound!

Enough said, let's move on tho the haul!

Orgasm mini illuminator:

This is a mini, 8ml deluxe sample. It can be used on the cheekbones etc as a highlighter or mixed with the foundation for a little "afterglow" result (insert naughty laughter).

Being on the pale side I'm a little afraid to use it in the middle of winter, although I think it will be ok mixed with my foundation.

If you have it, please let me know how you use it!

American Dream palette:

For 49€ you get 9 grams of product in 6 eyeshadows, that means almost 8€ for 1,5 grams per eyeshadow. In Mac terms it would cost 90€. Even in pan form, they cost 10€ each (if I'm not mistaken), so the total cost would be 60€. My point is that they 're not that expensive (at least in comparison to Mac eyeshadows).

Isn't it prrrreeeeettttyyyyy?

I think that apart from the lovely colors, this is a well thought of palette because you get your highlights, midtones and dark colors, as well as a matte, perfect for the crease. So, with this little tool you can accomplish quite a few different looks.

I love them all with Galapagos (the dark brown on the low left corner) being the most favorite, because of the gold shimmer.

There 's actually nothing not to like about them as far as pigmentation, blendability and texture are concerned.

The only issue I have is with Silk Road (the pink on the top right corner) because it has a few chunky particles, but it is a gorgeous color nonetheless.

The swatches are on bare skin, no primer underneath them.

Bellissima, Alhambra, Silk Road

Galapagos, Bali, Tzarine

The Happening Eyes and Cheeks palette:

It includes two iconic Nars products (Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer) and for this reason alone I think this is not an item for the Nars loyal fans, but, on the other hand I think this is the ideal introduction to a Nars "virgin", like myself!

 

Orgasm blush is a pretty peach/coral shade with a gorgeous gold shimmer duo chrome, better suited for spring and summer.

 

Laguna is a lovely bronzer with fine shimmer, ideal for fair and light skin tones.

 

It also includes four eyeshadows: Night Star, Gstaad, Kuala Lumpur and Coconut Grove. I don't find them to be unique or outstanding in any way, but they do compliment beautifully the color scheme of the palette.

 

I think that it is the perfect travel companion because of its small size, it fits perfectly even into my purse.

Swatches on bare hand (with no primer underneath).

Orgasm in comparison to Benefit's Bella Bamba, Mac's Flower Fantasy and Mac's Legendary

Laguna in comparison to Nude on Board, Lush-Light Bronze, Equillibrium and Pressed Amber (all by Mac).

Here are some photos to give you an idea of the size.

In comparison to a Mac palette

In comparison to UD Naked 2 palette

In comparison to an Inglot palette

Have you tried a Nars product? Any recommendations?

 

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

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

12 Hits for 2012!

During 2012 I discovered quite a few beauty gems, mainly because:

• cosmetic companies have improved their products, and
• I purchase stuff after I've been thoroughly informed of, thanks to reviews by the lovely online beauty community.

So, it was a hard task to limit myself to just twelve items but I was a good girl and conformed to the rules (actually, maybe I cheated with a few honorable mentions at the end!)

A few are recent purchases but have already won a special place in my heart and I will post full reviews in the near future (hopefully before summer, lol!) and the others are products that I use constantly since I got them because they deliver with flying colors.

On another note, 2012 was the year I started trying a few "high end" items and you'll see the ones that really impressed me as well as drugstore products with stellar performance.

Enough said, let's get started!

1. Guerlain Meteorites

The famous fairy dust is something I've been lusting for for a looong time now and I recently decided to get it. I simply can't imagine makeup without it now that I tried it. If you haven't tried it run to your local beauty store and just do it. You'll thank me later (I'm such a tease, I know!).


Full review will follow on a separate post.

2. Dior Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Powder Foundation (Dior, really? It's easier to remember Maria Juana Chiquita De Los Angeles Toreador Est Mort).

Apart from the name it's a gawgeousss foundation, especially for dry or mature skin because it's incredibly fine and silky and gives my - otherwise dull complexion - an (almost...) ethereal freshness and glow.

Full review will follow on a separate post as well.

3. YSL Vernis a Levres (Glossy Stains)

If you read my posts you probably saw it coming (and it's a surprise even to me that these came third place!) but these are the only lip products that I've come close to actually finish a tube, that's how much I love them. The reason is that these are the only lip products that manage to stay on my lips for hours, without drying them at the same time.

Here is a full review. I hear that L'Oreal has a similar product on the launch, woohoo!

4. Color Tattoo by Maybelline

These little pots of color have been almost constantly on my eyes, either as a base under other eyeshadows or worn alone.

Here you can see why I love them do much!

 

5. Mac Fix+

Many people mistake this for a spray that fixes you makeup (the name itself is deceiving) but it's not. It actually lightly moisturizers your skin, even over foundation, powder etc and it can really help if you 've used a bit too much of powder or if you're feeling your skin tight. I have a full bottle at home and a mini one in my purse at all times.

 

6. Mac Cleanse Off Oil

I can't think myself using anything else to take my makeup off because it feels so gentle and luxurious, like a mini face spa session! It's also very potent, meaning that it takes off even waterproof maskara easily and thoroughly. I just put a pump (or two for more heavy duty products) on my palms, massage gently on my eyelids and face and then lather up and rinse with water. Perfect!

 

7. Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Although I have not tried that many eye primers, I always have a backup of this one because not only does it keep the eyeshadow in place all day but can also be worn under eyes and specifically under concealer, keeping it in place all day! If you find that by midday your concealer has disappeared you will really appreciate this primer.

 

8. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

They feel lightly moisturizing, they stay on for a long time (although not as long as the YSL Glossy Stains), they're affordable and the color range is very pretty (I actually just ordered a couple more shades!).

Here you can see these two swatched.

 

9. Benefit They're Real mascara

I confess. I'm lazy. Especially while doing my makeup in the morning. So I need a mascara that can give me full on lashes without having to work half an hour with it in order to achieve the desired result. That's why I don't see any other (and I've tried an army of them) replacing this one any time soon.

 

10. Dior Dior Addict Lip Balm

This one was purchased on a whim, at a 40% off sales and I'm so glad I did! Not only it's a very posh tube (I know I'm vain but who isn't, more or less?) but it feels amazing on my lips. It also manages to stay on quite a long time and to me that's very impressive (because I have to staple down any lip products I use, appart from the YSL stains, lollll!)

 

11. La Roche Posay 50+ Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme

This summer I found a sunscreen that doesn't look or feel like a white toothpaste smeared all over my face. Although it's extremely thin and lightweight it manages to successfully shield my skin against the bad bad sun rays. I wear it year round although I won't repurchased the tinted one because it's dark for my skin tone (never trust SAs that say " no, it will not be dark on you, it will blend into your skin" my a@#%)!

 

12. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

This one is my choice when I want a blush that will not clash with the colors I've used on my eyes, lips, clothes, whatever. It manages to compliment any look, gives a "healthy glow" and lasts all day. What more can I ask?

Here you can find swatches of this one and of Blissful as well.

 

 

Wait (or in greek Annabel stasou, mygdala!) that's not all!

 

Here are a few honorable mentions.

 

Clarins Instant Light Blush

Although I'm not a fan of liquid or cream blushes due to longevity issues, these two really impressed me not only because they last on my cheeks even during the hot greek summer but also because they're like a light colored dewy film that looks very natural and pretty.

Here you can see them swatched. Unfortunately they are are part of the 2012 summer LE launch but maybe you can still find them in case you're interested.

Inglot Eyeshadows

Well, in 2012 the first Inglot store opened in Athens and it was a major event because we've heard so much of Inglot cosmetics and now we could see them up close and personal! Of all the products I'm mostly impressed with the eyeshadows because they're soft and silky, pigmented and very affordable.

Here you can see them swatched.

 

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

This one is my second Chanel lipstick but my first in the Coco Shine formula and the reason I love it is because it feels amazing on my lips, soft, moisturizing and pampering. It is in the shade 67 Dauville.

 

Mac Blushes in Flower Fantasy and Sunday Afternoon

I'm very surprised that I've not hit pan on these two beauties because I've been using them to death all spring, summer and autumn, I actually stopped using them about a month ago mostly because I was ignoring all my other blushes! I love them not only because of the pretty colors but also because there is a coordinating highlight in every pan, so I don't have to open a myriad pots in order to complete my makeup.

 

 

Well, these were my 2012 beauty finalists, hopefully 2013 will be even better beautywise!

 

That's all for now, I hope you're all well and thriving and may 2013 bring you all you wish for, in every aspect!

 

See you next year ;-)

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Small collective haul!

It's a fact that I've cut down my makeup purchases and I only buy stuff after serious consideration!

Of course I still buy a few items but only if I find them at a "bargain", like a 35% (or more) off sales, or if it is a very good (for me at least) and affordable product. Also I didn't buy these items all together but during the last couple of months.

So, let's get started!

I have been reading about the Revlon Kissable Balm Stains for a loooong time now but I was restraining from trying these because my last Revlon purchases (the Colorburst lip butters) were somewhat of a failure. The reason is that they almost melted (put the blame on the hot greek summer) and it was an unpleasant surprise since I didn't carry them in my purse constantly, I just carried with me the shade I was wearing that day and in the evening I put it back in my drawer. They are still usable but I can't carry them with me because they look weird and not so attractive, lol!

Now, the main reason I wanted to try the Kissables was not only because the colors where lovely but also because everyone raved that they are longwearing and moisturizing at the same time. And to me, that's a very appealing combination!

So, instead of splurging on my favorites YSL Glossy Stains (I had my eye on one or two vampy shades), I decided to try a much more affordable "alternative" and I chose a couple of Revlon Kissable deeper shades, perfect for fall/winter, in particular Crush and Adore.

• Crush is a deep berry red. After the loss of the initial shine, a very pretty stain is left behind.
• Adore is a warm red. This one is also a lovely shade and it also leaves a noticeable stain on the lips.

So far I really like them because they do feel balmy and they last quite some time on my lips (and it's a big deal because almost nothing lasts on my lips!). I steered away from the light shades because I wanted maximum pigmentation, but in the future I may try a couple more shades (Honey for sure).

I was also curious to see how they compare to the YSL Glossy Stains but they are not at all similar mainly because each YSL offers three different intensities in the same color, depending on how many layers I use , starting from one layer where a sheer film of color is applied and ending in three layers if I really want my lips to be the center of attention. On the other side, three Kissables cost almost as one Glossy Stain, so...math wins right now!

Crush on the left, Adore on the right

Next, my favorite cream eyeshadows, Color Tattoo by Maybelline. I had seen some new shades (here you can see the first four I purchased last winter) and I was very intrigued.

Well, in store swatches were exactly what I was hoping these eyeshadows would be and I did get the

• #65 - Pink Gold as I planned, and it's not your average pink, it's a trully remarkable pink shade and I definitely reccomend you to at least swatch it next time you see a tester. It can bee worn as a base for powder eyeshadows but it is very pretty worn alone. I also got the
• 70 - Metallic Pomegranate and it's a perplex burgundy with pink shimmer. Another outstanding eyeshadow and it's a perfect pair with the #65 Pink Gold. It also makes green/hazel eyes really pop!

YSL Pure Chromatics Harmony #10

This item was in my fall wishlst and I decided to splurge because I didn't have any similar shades as well as because I wanted to try an YSL quad.

Well, at first I couldn't say that this product rocked my world, mainly because I was expecting them more buterry and pigmented (my Inglot eyeshadows have spoiled me, lol!). Maybe my expectations were quite high.

Also, the packaging feels flimsy, lightweight and a magnet for fingertip smudges, not very impressed. I think they could do much better, see Dior.

All these "fails" fade nevertheless as soon as I apply the eyeshadows because these colors suit remarkably my hazel eyes. The result is very chic and polished and because they are not hyper pigmented they do not require many blending. Also, when used wet the pigmentation is impeccable but when used dry the result is a lovely wash of color and I actually prefer it this way. As for the sparkly silver shade, I mainly use it by tapping it lightly only on the center of my lid.

Top swatches applied wet, bottom dry

Now, don't laugh but since it doesn't come with a protective pouch (Dior wins again) I made one myself by cutting an old sock. It's not fancy but it does protect it from scratches etc.

And since you saw my old sock, I think I will call it a night and go to sleep (lol!).

Before I go, here are four - fall appropriate - nailpolishes I got.

• Inglot #138, a metallic midtone green, little khaki, little olive, with fine silver particles
• Inglot #851, it's a very complex dark nailpolish, looks like deep brown/khaki with mostly gold shimmer.
• OPI Wooden Shoe Like to Know? (these names are very funny!) is a chocolate brown with a splash of purple and fine golden shimmer.
• OPI It's My Year is a sheer purple with fine golden shimmer, ideal for topping other nailpolishes or worn alone in 2-3 layers.

Ok, now I really will go to sleep!

What's your most favorite fall purchase or fall wishlst item?

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy