Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

It is a fact that I'm a sucker for anything gimmicky.

It is also a fact that I mostly buy lip stuff that is proven to be long wearing, because my lips tend to melt away any regular lip product in a few mimutes, leaving me with bare lips.

So, the Revlon Kissables seemed very fascinating to me being gimmicky and long wearing. I started by buying a couple of shades, really liked them, purchased some more, and making a long story short, I currently own 8 of them and I love each and everyone!

Here they are

The reasons I like them so much are:

• They do survive quite a few hours on my lips
• Even when they fade, they leave a nice stain behind
• They have a nice shine
• They feel supple and moisturizing
• They're pigmented
• Easy to apply
• Pretty color selection
• Affordable
• They don't need any sharpening

Shades I own:

001 Honey,

010 Darling,

040 Rendezvous,

025 Sweetheart,

020 Lovesick

045 Romantic

055 Adore

005 Crush

Swatches in the same order

After a rigorous wash with soap and water you can still see the stain.

In comparison to Revlon's famous lip butters:

• the lip butters feel more emollient and rich
• on the other side, my lip butters melted in their tubes last summer. I mean, I still use them but they look a little messed up (lol!)
• Color wise, there are similar shades. For example, the Tutti Frutti lip butter is similar to Rendezvous.

 

 

That's all 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

Serious haul!

In spite of my apparent interest into makeup I hadn't so far tried the high end brands, solely due to pricing. There was of course an exception or two, like my - still going strong - infatuation on the YSL Glossy stains, or the Clarins liquid blushes that I love.

So, last Saturday, Gallery de Beaute had an one day only 40% sale at some high end brands and I thought I wouldn't find a better occasion to try a few popular items without having to give and arm and a leg!

Without further ado, here's a pretttty picturrrre!

First counter: Chanel!

 

The coveted item was the Bronze Universel but, alas, it was out of stock! So, while I stood fuming over the testers, I had an enlightenment and asked to see the Emerveille cream eyeshadow. I was in love with the color, it's a peachy champaign with a very pretty shine. I think it will be beautiful on, with a couple of coats of mascara.

Then, a blush (unheard of, lol!) caught my attention and as soon as I swatched it I knew it was mine! The shade is In Love #55 and it is a silky soft gorgeous peach with fine golden shimmer, blends like a dream!

Before leaving the counter I decided to take a look at the famous glossimers and I was immediately drawn to a transparent warm pink with gold shimmer in the shade Bonbon. It looks very pretty in the tube, almost duo chrome. It doesn't deliver color on the lips but it looks stunning under sunlight, even worn alone.

In Love, Emerveille, Bonbon (LE)

Next stop, Dior!

 

I was set on getting the Aurora LE palette and a lip product.

I swatched the palette and it was exactly what I was expecting it to be but when the SA said that she had to check if there was any left, I started fuming once more. After a couple of minutes of suspence, she told me that she found the last one and I started the happy dance on the spot!

 

Palette secured, I started browsing the lip products but I decided not to get any (I'm considering a mission to the YSL counter next month to get a couple of fall appropriate Glossy Stains...)

 

Before leaving I saw a very cute pink tube and asked the SA what it was. It was a lip balm and after swatching the shades #2 looked lovely. I was contemplating it for a couple of minutes, but, taking in consideration the 40%, it was now or never for me. So I chose now!

I think I will be sporting this a lot, there are many combinations in this palette.

Last counter I planned on visiting was the YSL one but there was not one...bummer! I don't know why there is no YSL counter in this store....

 

On my way to the cashier I passed by the Clarins counter and I remembered a two toned bronzer (I'm turning into a bronzer "collector" BTW!) I had my eye on some time ago. It is the Bronzing Powder Duo SPF 15 in the light shade and the price after the 40% off was unbeattable, so I got it.

The funny thing is that after taking a closer look at all the items back home, I realized that all the shades are complimentary to each other and also that I will get a lot of use no matter the season since the colors are very versatile.

 

That's my haul, and, although I do buy a couple of items now and then, last time I splurged like this was last October (Mac Make Me Over collection). I have to admit it felt good..

 

Hope you're all well and thriving!

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Revlon Colorburst lip balms

Lots of talk and rave about the Revlon Colorburst lipbalms, so, I couldn't resist the temptation to order a few. Since I couldn't find them on an online store, I decided to get them on eBay. I usually purchase drugstore items on eBay, I was never dissapointed.

The shades I chose are:

001 Pink Truffle
015 Tutti Frutti
070 Cherry Tart

Here they are swatched on my hand, it the same order

On my lips, Pink Truffle is a medium berry pink, Tutti Frutti is a very wearable, discreet orange (if you're afraid of orange but want to try it, this is an option) and Cherry Tart is a pink red.
Do I like them? Yes, very much. The reasons are:

-they do feel very moisturizing, rich and luscious, it's quite difficult to describe the sensation.
-the shades that I chose are really pigmented, but, being a lip balm, they are not harsh or too intense, in the way a lipstick can be. I would call them a soft focus kind of pigment, meaning that it is apparent but not screaming in your face. Be aware though that not all of the shades are pigmented, I looked at a lot of swatches before deciding to buy these three.
-I like their packaging a lot, because I can see at a glance the color I'm looking for, since the caps are color matched to each shade. Do you hear Mac?

Would I buy them again? Yes, there are 1-2 more shades that I'm interested in (Candy Apple for sure since I' m becoming a red lip maniac, LOL!!!)

Do I find them indispensable? No, I think a clear lip balm and a lipstick will give you similar results.

The only thing that hinders me from getting more is that I don't know how they will react to the hot Greek summer. I'd hate to buy a bunch of them only to discover that they melt in my makeup purse!

That was it for now, please once again excuse the crappy photos, I hope that at some point I'll get a thingy to connect my camera to the iPad.

Hope you're all well and thriving!

November Favorites: Part 2

Roc night cream with Retin-Ox. 

The truth is that I wanted to try a cream with retinol because I've heard a lot about the beneficiary characteristics of retinol (it improves the skin by removing the dead cells at a faster pace), and I was determined to buy the Avene Retrinal but I discovered that it's not available here, so I got the Roc one instead. 

I started using this every other night for the first week because I didn't know how my skin would respond to it and after that I use it every night. It became my favorite because it really helped my skin to become brighter, it improved discolorations, sun spots, etc. I can't tell about the "wrinkle correction" part because I don't have real wrinkles as yet but I think that it faded a bit the minor expression lines I have on the sides of my mouth. 

If you want a more drastic approach, you could ask your dermatologist for a Retin-A cream, it's a medicine you can only get with a doctor's prescription and I heard it does wonder to the skin (retinol creams on the other hand contain a minor dose of retin-a and can be purchased at a cosmetics store). 

Embryolisse moisturiser - 75ml - €34 on ebay (shipping included).

It has been patiently waiting for two months in my drawer because I first wanted to finish the Korres Thyme Honey cream (smells wonderfully but too heavy and thick for me). The Embryolisse is a really great moisturising cream because it really does what it's supposed to but at the same time it is light and when it gets absorbed into the skin I can feel it supple and baby soft without being sticky to the touch. It also takes only a half pea size of it to cover my face and neck, so the tube will probably last me for ever!

I use it in the morning and also at night, after the Roc cream.

Korres and Eos lip balms

I love Korres lip butters, this is the Purple one. I also prefer them in the tube than in the pot, the idea of sticking my finger in it seems not very appealing to me, or sanitary. As for the color, it's not really purple on the lips, but it does give a little color, like a deep muted raspberry tint.

The Eos one is the Strawberry Sorbet, I got it out of pure curiosity. I can't say that I understand all the craze, but it's a nice lip balm nevertheless, it really smells like strawberry, it is cute to look at (it stands on my bed stand). I don't think that I would repurchase though.

Moroccanoil Light - 100ml - €30 on ebay (shipping included).

This product was a revelation for my dry, light and thin hair! 

I've never used an oil hair treatment before, so I can't really say if it is this specific product or this kind of product in general, but my hair is soooo happy! I use it on wet hair because it untangles like a breeze but I also use it on dry hair when I feel like I need a little more moisture. It also gives my hair a nice shine. 

I chose the Light version because I think it suits better my type of hair, but there is also the standard one, I imagine it will be a little heavier and more dense.

After I finish this, I might try the Kerastase Elixir Ultime, I've heard so many good things about this one as well.

Kings & Queens Cinnamon Orange set

I always saw them everywhere (supermarket, cosmetics stores, etc) but I was never intrigued by them, until, one day I saw an offer (buy one - get one free). So, I started smelling these and this one instantly caught my attention (I think that November was the cinnamon month to me, you'll see why). I LOVE this scent, I even wash my hand with this, I was never that crazy about a body product. 

I also got the body cream on the same deal, it smells awesome too, the only drawback is that the cream is a (very) shimmering one. I use it but not on my arms because I still wear a lot of short sleeved clothes and I don't want to look like the disco queen of winter (LOL!).

Humanity Leather Bracelet Wrap - Serenity Prayer - Grey - €17 on ebay

I came accross this type of bracelets on Youtube, I saw Michele1218 (I really like her videos) wearing one of these and after some online search I got this one. It's in antique grey color, with studs and the Serenity Prayer line has in silver letters the "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." I don't know where it's from but I really like the meaning of it. I love this bracelet soo much that I wear it every day since I got it, I will definitely get another one, there are all sorts of colors and messages. I've actually seen a tan one that will be mine at some point!

Bath & Body Works - Scentportable - ebay

I wanted to try Bath & Body Works products for ages because everybody is raving about their scents, but, most of them (especially candles) are very heavy and the shipping cost is prohibiting for me. I was also looking for a car scent for ages, because I was dissapointed by the majority of the scented products sold here.

So, when I saw that B&BW had:

• portable devices (that you can put in the car, closet, drawer, shoe rack, etc)
• in great variety of colors, shapes, etc
• working in combination with scented inserts (refills)
• which scented refills also come in a great variety
• they require no heat or electricity
• the scent lasts a long time but it's not overwhelming 

I was thrilled! The only disadvantage is that you can't smell them prior to purchase, but, I think that the scent descriptions on the B&BW site are quite accurate. I just wish that someday there will be a B&BW store in Athens!

So, I got two devices, the cutyyyy little Frosted Cupcake (for my closet) and the cutyyyy little Pink Penguin (it's in my car) and a few refills (they come in two per package) in Cinnamon Clove Buds and Leaves. Each device had one insert inside as well, Carribean Escape and Frosted Cupcake.

I think that with 6 refills I'm good until February/March (they're supposed to last 4-6 weeks each).

The best part ? I LOVE the scents! I now have the Cinnamon Clove Buds in my car and in my closet, I'm talking about complete cinnamon takeover! The other scents are really yummy as well.

Now, how pretty is this???

 

Yankee Candle in Christmas Cookie - €22 - Omonoia square (only) Hondos Center

In my search for a home scent (I don't know what possesed me - LOL - this month, it's the first time I got intersted in home fragrances) and given the impossibility to order them from abroad because of the too high shipping costs, I heard that the Hondos Center at Omonoia square had Yankee candles.

So, one day that I was close by I decided to take a look and I found that they do have - a few -and after sniffing each and every one of them (the sales assistant was giving me weird looks) I decided to get this one. It certainly smells like sweetend dough, kind of bisquit, very heart warming and sweet (not overly sweet, I can't stand too sweet scents). It's not cheap but it will last me probably until Christmas (I don't burn it for many hours).

Do I love it? You bet! (How many cups of coffee did I drink today????)

What were your November favorites?