Estée Lauder bazaar Fall edition!

Since my first visit to the Estée Lauder bazaar last May was very fun and just the opposite of the ordeal I was expecting it to be (you can read all about it here ), I decided to venture a second visit last Saturday.

This time I planned ahead, meaning that I had a list of gifts that I had to get for upcoming anniversaries, name days, etc of female friends and family members and I set a budget for every person.

So, at 13:00 I was there, I got the tickets and after just 10' minutes of waiting me and my friends were inside!

And here's the result, lol!

This time, knowing my way, I rushed through the first alleys with the home cleaning/maintenance/kitchen stuff, carroten sunscreens etc and I went straight ahead to Mac.

No luck there! I got nothing at all because all I could see were some dark foundations and items in general that I was no interested in buying, even at these very low prices. I was intrigued though to see that there were also some lip products, pigments and nailpolishes from the sailor collection (it was launched in stores 2-3 months ago).

Next stop, Estée Lauder. I saw some pretty pretty blushes and I was immediately drawn to them because:

• I have a soft spot for blushes (more like an addiction)
• I don't have any Estée Lauder products so I was interested to get one
• Two out of the three colors are shades that I don't have anything similar
• Ridiculously pigmented but when applied with a duo fibre brush look lovely and dainty on the cheeks
• The pans are HUGE! (7g)
• They were priced 12€ each (!!!)

So, I got two: Siren and Naughty, both satin finish. There was also a bubblegum pink one, it didn't seem anything special to me

Brace yourselves for the swatches! Naughty on the left, Siren on the right

The EL very helpfull assistant told me that these shades came straight from the US and that they were not sold in store here so I just take her word for it, it was of no importance anyway.

After returning home thought I did some online search (to see what opinions were out there for these blushes) and I discovered something very interesting: these shades are from the Summer 2012 launch, limited edition and designed by Tom Pecheux himself!

In case you wonder, Tom Pecheux is the creative makeup director of EL (I didn't know that either until now but I decided to write his name so as to appear a little more savvy, I got you, didn't I!)

Next stop, Bobbi Brown! Very few items, mainly foundations (not any concealers/correctors unfortunately) but I was sooo happy to see that they had pale foundations! I was always interested in a BB foundation but for some reason never got one so far. So I decided to try one and I got the Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation in Warm Ivory 1 and the price tag was 9€!

I haven't opened it and I won't open it for a long time because I must finish the ones I already own but eventually my stash will be consumed, so there's no wrong planning ahead for something so indispensable to me as foundation, especially at this price!

The rest are presents for friends and family.

It goes without saying that I got a little something for my mom, but, she doesn't wear anything apart from lipstick, so I got her a shade that I thought she would like, in the shade Pure Color 14 Curvaceous Coral. Price:7,50€!

Next, I got this pretty palette, Pure Color 04 Wild Violet. I wasn't impressed by the variety, they had a pinkish palette, two with blues/teals and this one and I thought this was the most easily wearable of them all. Price: 15€.

I got two Clinique mini Chubby Sticks sets, each at 12€.

I got a Clinique Eyeshadow Duo in 403 Rose Wine (7€) and also a Clinique mascara (7€) but I think I will keep the mascara for myself for fear of being dried up, it would be totally awkward to gift something that it's not in top condition.

Have you ever purchased a mascara from the bazaar? Was it ok?

For my niece I got this amazing Pupa palette (12€), she is too young to use it but it will be sooo cute as a decoration on her dressing table!

Last item, a pretty and easy going eau de toilette, Bellissima by Blumarine, 15€ for the 30ml.

I didn't get any perfume for myself because this time there was no Jo Malone counter! I was so impressed by the colognes that I purchased there last time and I was set on getting a couple more, but, no. Bummed bummed bummed!

Last items I got on my way to the cashier were the Orzene Frizz Control beer shampoo and conditioner, at 2€ and 1€ each. I already use this brand and I'm quite pleased with it, so I thought to try this variation as well.

I was also impressed by the fact that the shelves were full and there were new boxes stacked up and opened up continuously so I guess there's (and will be) a lot of items still available.

On our way out (about 15:00) there was no waiting line, no tickets and people entered immediately.

So, all in all, I have to say that I am extremely happy that I decided to go because I found great items at incredible prices and all it took was 10' minutes waiting (and a little delicate shoving and pushing in front of the Estée Lauder counter, lol!)

In case you're debating whether you should go or not, I would definitely recommend you to go!

Even If you don't want any beauty items, there are also household products and personal care as well at very low prices.

It will last until Sunday 14/10 and it's open 11:00-20:00 on work days and 11:00-19:00 on weekends.

Update: my mom was so intrigued by the low prices that we made a flash visit there this evening and she got two more lipsticks and some household items.

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Caudalie mini haul

It all started with a foaming cleanser. Seriously.

I have almost finished the cleanser I have been using for the past months so I started searching online for a new one, preferably "natural" meaning without sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, etc.

So, I came across the Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Instant Foam Cleanser.

I was anyways interested to explore this much talked of brand, because, besides offering products without parabens, mineral oils, sls, animal ingredients, phalates etc, it is based on the vine and its extracts:

• grape polyphenols that are supposed to be powerfull anti-oxidants, meaning that they block free radicals and they also help to preserve the skin's hyaluronic acid that is responsible for keeping the skin youthful and plump.
• viniferine that's supposed to reduce dark spots, prevents their reappearance and gives radiance to the skin
• resveratrol-oleyl that's supposed to stimulate collagen production and to increase the thickness of the epidermis
• organic grape water that's supposed to boost hydration and reduce skin sensitivity
• grape seed oil that contains omega 6 and vitamin E in high concentration which have nourishing and regenerating properties and
• vinolevure that's supossed to help retaining the skin's moisture

Obviously I've done my homework (lol!) but I have stopped buying skincare stuff haphazardly and I really wanted to know what the brand was about. It definitely sounds very good, time and use will show me if there's any truth or if it's just plain old marketing blabber

So, I decided to get the cleanser and it's suitable for all skin types and it is gentle enough so as to cleanse without stripping the skin.

Next step was to find the cheapest price online and to my surprise I found it in a greek online pharmacy! To give you an idea, lookfantastic.com sells the 150ml €20,15 and I found the same item €10,43 at the online greek pharmacy!

In fact, all Caudalie items were on sale, so I decided to browse a little more.

I also found the famous Vinoperfect Radiance Serum at €32,46 and I thought that I couldn't find a better chance to try it. I haven't used any serums so far but, being fall and all, I decided to get this in order to treat my skin a little more intensively. It is supposed to correct dark spots/discolorations and to prevent them from reappearing, so that the complexion appears more radiant and the skin color more uniform.

Last but not least, I got the 100ml Beauty Elixir at €23,19 whille at feelunique.com it is sold at €37,44 and €35 at my local pharmacy.

I had already tried the - talk of the town - Beauty Elixir, and to tell you the truth at first I was appalled by the scent which is very strong for a skincare product. I was also afraid to carry it (30ml) in my handbag because of the glass bottle, so it stayed forgotten in the fridge.

After reading so much about it, I decided to actually use it and the best use I found was as a toner lotion, after I clean my face and before moisturizer.

So by the by I became accustomed to the scent and to the product in general and this is why I decided to get the 100ml bottle For those that don't know what it is, it is a face mist that's supposed to smooth the features, boost radiance and tighten pores. I haven't noticed any difference to be honest, but it feels very refreshing and pampering and as long as I use it reasonably, it will last me at least until spring.

Here's some photos.

This is the packaging of the serum.

As for the online pharmacy itself (pharmeden.gr) I hadn't ever heard of it but I was surprised not only by the prices but also by the speedy delivery (ordered on Saturday and received the parcel on Tuesday) and also by the cute and thoughtfull packaging. I also got free delivery because the order was over €60.

They also included a few samples.

That's my haul, if I'm pleased with them, next time I will try a moisturizer and an eye cream.

Have you tried the brand? If yes do you have any recommendations?

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

The Body Shop BBloggers event!

I was invited once more by the lovely Dimitra Kaldi, along with other fellow beauty bloggers, to a Body Shop event, this time at Nea Smyrni. I call these events infotainment evenings, because we learn a lot of interesting new things while we're having fun socializing!

Here's my experience from the previous event.

I won't talk again about the values of TBS because I regard them as common knowledge but I will share with you what happened that evening.

We were informed of the new products in three separate presentations:

• Skincare
• Fragrance
• Makeup

So, skincare was our first stop where a very helpful sales assistant (that also answered patiently all our questions) explained to us the benefits of the new products, in particular:

• Drops of Youth by the Nutriganics line. This product is focusing on dealing with the first signs of ageing by making the skin look fresher, healthier and smoother.
• Tea Tree Pore minimizer by the Tea Tree line. It minimizes the appearance of pores, matifies and smoothes the skin and also acts perfectly as a face primer.
• Aloe Soothing Cream by the Aloe line. Well, aloe is pretty much self explanatory but I've never thought to use it as an after sun product although it makes perfect sense, due to the calming and soothing properties.
• Vitamin C Face Mist by the Vitamin C line. I love to spritz it on my face in the morning, its scent wakes me up instantly, lol! I also spritz it on my face when I return home after work because I feel it brings back life to it.

Next stop, fragrance. Here, a lovely and very stylish SA informed us of the Scents of the World eaux de toilette and the various accompying products. There are five scents:

• Amazonian Wild Lily: if you like "green" scents you will love this!
• Madagascar Island Vanilla: vanilla with an oriental twist
• Indian Night Jasmine: jasmine with woody base
• Atlas Mountain Rose: rose with musky and oriental elements
• Japanese Cherry Blossom: my favorite by far, floral but not boring or overpowering, with some woody base, really pretty and easy to wear, even for work.

For each of the five fragrances there are accompying products (shower gel, body lotion, body mist, perfume oil) and I think that I will treat myself of a Japanese Cherry Blossom set! Also, I find that the perfume oil offers the best longevity of scent, although the body mists and eaux de toilette can be easily combined, even with different scents, thus creating your own fragrance!

Last stop, makeup!

The new BB cream was the item we were all very excited about and its application is very impressive because it changes color from white to pink and then to skintone!

It offers hydration, an even and undetectable finish with light to medium coverage and it feels very nice. I did find one flaw though and that is the color range: although it is supposed to match your skin tone, the lightest shade 01 was dark for me, the only time I could probably wear it is when I'm tanned. So, fair skinned ladies, that's bad news for us!

We also received a bag of goodies and we were super excited because it included:

• the Tea Tree Pore Minimizer,
• the LE Peach body butter that smells totally yummy,
• the BB cream
• the Japanese Cherry Blossom perfum oil
• a sample of the Nutriganics Drops of Youth and
• the Foundation lip butter. The profit from the sale of this item goes to one cause of three selected ones and you get to chose the cause your money will go to. How cool is that! I also purchased one as a gift.

All in all it was a fun evening, we got a chance to chat, talk about the products, see each other, we couldn't ask for anything more!

Thank you TBS!

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Basic tools: Affordable and effective

In order to achieve the best looks, tools are mandatory. Fortunately there's an abundance of brushes out there, in various prices, so that everyone can buy the tools of choice at the desired price.

But do we need every brush that's available on the market? The answer in no, and I will explain why.

Buying a more affordable brush, does it mean that we have to compromise on quality and effectiveness? The answer is no again!

So, let's get started!

Face. We have foundation brushes, powder brushes, bronzer brushes, blush brushes, highlight brushes etc etc. I have in my collection such brushes because I thought they were indispensable. I don't say that I don't like each and everyone, just that if I knew more back then I would skip a few of them.

And to take it to extremes, if I had to choose one brush (shocking!) to do a whole face makeup (foundation, powder, bronzer, blush, highlight) it would be without a second thought the Elf Powder brush at 4,50€ !

The reason is that it's large enough, dense enough, soft enough, doesn't shed like crazy and it's multitasking.

As for application, the best way to achieve a flawless result without wasting excess product on the brush is to work the foundation on my skin with my fingers first and then use the brush to buff it in. Perfect!

Another result of this application is that the bristles stay relatively clean and product free, so it only takes a couple of swipes on a paper towel in order to proceed with powder, bronzer, blush. If you are concerned with product transfer between different type of products, a couple of swipes in between on a paper towel is all that is needed. As for highlight, I use the edge of the brush and it positions highlight just where I want it to.

After I 'm done with face makeup I'll always spot clean it on a paper towel. The brush cleanser that I find works best with this type of Elf bristles is absolute alcohol (70% or higher) and the bristles get clean very easily and quickly. This way, apart from the obvious hygienic results, the brush is in perfect condition for next time because a dirty brush is not only unsanitary but will compromise the result of makeup application.

A more pricy alternative than the Elf one but still quite affordable is the Sigma F80 at $16. I don't have this one but I do have the F82 and the F84 from the same line and they are my most favorite face brushes.

As for concealer, a fine pointed one is perfect for precise application on spots etc. Look no further than the Elf Angled Eyeliner brush at 4,50€. It doesn't have to be angled, it's just the one I have, any type of fine pointed brush will do.

For applying concealer under eyes, I pat in on the under eye area with my finger and then buff it in with the Mac 217 brush. Sigma also makes a similar one, the E25 Blending brush at $9.

Eyes. Here as well, the diversity of the available brushes is insane, but you definitely don't need many of them in order to achieve the desired eye look.

I 've come to the conclusion that the best way to choose a brush is the size of the area above the eyes (small or big) and the preferred way of eyeshadow application (packed or diffused).

• For small eyelids I would suggest the Sigma E45 Small Tapered brush at $9. I have a similar one from Mac, the 226 and can be used:
• sideways to pack color on the lid,
• just the tip to do a smokey outer v or apply eyeshadow on the lash line and
• it is also perfect for the crease and
• applying highlight on the inner corner

• For more eyelid space I think the Sigma E25 is a good option.

For eyeliner, if you use gel eyeliners you can use the Elf Angled Eyeliner brush I mentioned above (yes, it can work for spot concealing and eyeliner at the same time as long as you thoroughly spot clean between different products).

Another option is the Sigma E75 Angled Brow at $11, it's thin enough to be used as an eyeliner brush although the line will not be as fine as with a designated eyeliner brush. Of course it can also be used for eyebrows.

Mac 208 which is a similar brush is my favorite not only for eyebrows but for eyeliner as well because it offers more control than an eyeliner brush with a fine tip.

 

So, the most affordable and efficient way I've found in order to do a whole face makeup is with these brushes:

• Elf Powder brush for foundation/powder/bronzer/blush/highlight
• Elf Angled Eyeliner brush for spot concealing
  
• Sigma E25 Blending brush for under eye concealer

And for the eyes:

• Sigma E25 Blending brush or Sigma E45 Small Tapered brush for smaller eyelids
  
• Sigma E75 Angled Brow brush for eyeliner and eyebrows

Here's my interpretation of the above list, obviously I have included the Mac ones I own instead of the alternatives I've suggested. If I knew then what I know now my wallet would be fuller, lol!

Extras!

If you have very pigmented blushes/bronzers and you have difficulty in using them, a duo fibre brush will help a lot because with it you can achieve a lightweight application. You can also use it with foundation when you're going for a more lightweight and transparent result.

I have the Mac 187 but also Sigma makes one, the F50 Duo Fibre at $18

Elf makes one as well, the Stipple brush at 4,50€.

If you want to do a detailed eyeshadow work, a pencil brush will be very handy, like the Sigma E30 Pencil brush at $9. Elf has also a couple of small brushes, like the Small Precision brush or the Small Smudge brush.

 

If you prefer to apply eyeshadow in a wash of color instead of packing it on, a large fluffy brush is ideal and it can also be used for blending. Sigma makes the E40 Tapered Blending brush at $11 and the one I use is the Inglot 6SS.

 

Finally, an extra that to me is a staple tool is a lash curler. I had the Elf one but it pinched my eyelids and the most affordable and effective that I've found and use for a few months now is the Mister Mascara lash curler from beautybay.com

 

What's your most effective and affordable makeup tool?

 

I'm not affiliated or sponsored by any of the mentioned brands, I just added the links so that it would be easier for you to see the brushes!

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

Fall wish list!

Well, I'm sooo over summer, I mean, this heat has gotten on my nerves. I'm looking forward to cool evenings, a few (or more!) raindrops on my windshield, a chance to wear a light jacket or sweater and so on....

In the meantime I have gathered here a few items that I'm really looking forward to this fall. Let's get started!

No 1 YSL Pure Chromatics in Harmony #10.

I don't know if it will suit my eyes (what do you think, will this work for hazel eyes?) but I'm obsessed with this little treasure! Of course I'll have to swatch it in real life before deciding, but it looks lovely. Also, it still has the YSL logo on it (I've read that they're going to change the logo to SL or something like this, sacrilege!) so, In case I'm actually liking the colors, I'll definitely get it for this reason as well.

Photo by Beautezine

No 2 Nars American Dream eyeshadow palette.

I don't have any Nars products so I thought this palette is a good start. The color I'm most intrigued about is the dark brown shade but I find the other colors interesting as well.

Photo by thebeautylookbook

No 3 Chanel Rose Initialed blush

I 've been on the hunt for quite sometime now for a dupe of Stunner blush by Mac (I love it so much that I won't use it for fear to hit pan!) and I think that this might be it. Again, I'll swatch it IRL before deciding, but it looks quite close.

Photo by Temptalia

No 4 Mac Supercontinental blush

Well, you couldn't think for a moment that I would omit a Mac product (lol!). It's from the Styleseeker collection. Again, I have to see it IRL, but it looks very pretty.

Photo by Temptalia

No 5 Penny Talk by Essie Mirror Metallics collection

I've been disliking metallic nail polishes for ever but now I'm starting to like them. I don't have any Essie nailpolishes but this one seems quite interesting.

Photo by thepolishaholic

No 6 DS Indulgence by OPI

I'm really liking this color, and the description (berry red with gold shimmer) sounds exactly like what I 'm looking for for fall.

Photo by thepolishaholic

No 7 Schnapps out of it by OPI Germany collection

Obviously I'm into reds lately and this one seems very interesting.

Photo by thepolishaholic

No 8 Aroma Vaillance Enrichie by Nuxe

I've used a couple of samples of it and I really liked it! It's extremely moisturizing and I think that I saw a difference, my skin looked more plump and luminous, so I have to get the actual product.

Photo by Nuxe

As for non beauty related items, I 'm searching for a pair of grey casual shoes and this one by Asos caught my attention. The reason is that (apart from being cute!) there's a 7 cm hidden wedge! How cool is that?

Photo by Asos

This is my wish list, what are you looking forward to this fall?

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

What's in my makeup bag!

As of late I keep two makeup bags, in different sizes: a tiny one, for my small purses and a medium one for the rest of my handbags. This is the most convenient way for me because I don't have to bother with removing or adding things, I just put them in and go.

Here they are!

Tiny makeup bag.

The little zippered pouch is from H&M and i find the seethrough material very practical. Inside it I keep the following objects:

• Mirror
• Blotting paper
• Mini nail file
• Blush. This little thing deserves some elaboration, because it has three colors that to me are perfect for touch ups year-round: a peach, a pinky rose and a deeper, plummy color that can be used even for contouring. It also has its own little brush inside. BTW, it's 021 Summer Fever by Rimmel London
• Blush brush (from a Benefit blush), its shape is ideal to use the shades of the blush separately.
• Concealer sample
• Band aid
• Wet tissue paper

I also keep separately a small Mac fix+ and a lip product.

Medium makeup bag.

This one is a raspberry pink pouch from Tosca Blu, I love it because it is spacious without being bulky, well constructed, durable, easy to clean and prettttyyyy above all! In here I keep:

• A 30ml Caudalie face mist that I'm currently trying
• An Ecotools retractable kabuki brush (I just realized that I must remove it, I don't use it in the summer anyways because I don't touch up with powder, I use blotting paper instead)
• A cute, old Mac palette, I removed the original eyeshadows and placed three others that I use as blush (what can I say, I like to have options!). It also has a mirror
• Blotting paper
• Concealer
• A few lipglosses, I keep them always in this bag just in case, plus they don't melt during the hot as hell greek summer
• Mascara sample
• Small nail file
• Hand cream
• Mini perfume
• Band aid
• Wet tissue paper

I also have a third one that I permanently keep in my office at work, not strictly makeup oriented but more of pure necessities but that's another post!

Here's an older version of what's in my makeup bag.

What is the most necessary thing, the one you always have in your on the go makeup bag?

 

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy

July favorites!

Most of my favorites for July can be seen in the June favorites post, but here are a few more things that I really enjoyed using this month!

Garnier new BB cream: I was contemplating whether I should buy a darker foundation, being a little tanned and all, but i couldn't justify the expense for a product I will use for a month or so. Meanwhile, I had seen online swatches of the Garnier BB cream and I thought it had a decent opacity, so when I saw it at the supermarket, with a price tag of €7, I decided to buy this instead of a foundation.

At first try I got scared because of the slight orange tint and I also did't like the fact that it oxidized on me. So I buried it in a drawer but after a few days I thought to mix it with my Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation. I'm happy to say that the combination is perfect colorwise and it lasts a long time without oxidizing.

Inglot 4SS brush: some time ago I purchased its little sister, the 6SS and it has become my favorite brush for applying highlights and sheer wash of color on my lids. So, I thought to get the bigger one solely for applying highlight on the cheekbones etc and it works like a dream.

Inglot blotting paper: I had never tried blotting papers before because my skin is not oily but in the summer I sweat on the face, so I though that blotting paper would be the answer and it is because it does the job without affecting my makeup. Now I never leave the house without this little packet in my purse!

Clarins Instant Light blush in Coral Tonic: love it. It spent all month in my purse for touch ups on the go because it doesn't require a brush, just my fingertips!

Mac blush in Flower Fantasy: I used quite a bit this one not only because of the lovely color but also because it has a coordinating highlight in the pan. The only downside, as with a few other Mac powders, is that it is so fine that it can acquire a film on top that makes the product useless. I tried sweeping it with a paper towel and I even scraped the surface a bit but nothing worked out until one day that I thought to use a Korres face brush that is a little coarse and it worked!

Mac blush in Sunbasque: this blush scream summer to me! I had neglected it for a while but it was well loved all month.

Clarins Coral Tonic, Mac Flower Fantasy, Mac Sunbasque

Maybelline Color Tatoo in On and On Bronze: a swipe on each eyelid, blending out the edges, ready and bronze-y in a minute!

Wet 'n Wild Shadow Pencil in Pixie: lovely color with poor durability but it's a perfect shimmering and brightening base for the lids, under powder eyeshadow.

Mac Prunella eye kohl: I used this one a lot on my tightline because it's not harsh like black but it's a bit more intense than brown.

Inglot brow pencil: again in the hunt for the perfect brow product, I decided to try this one by Inglot. I've used it all month and I really like it because the color is light so the result is natural and it also comes with a handy little brush.

On and On Bronze, Pixie, Prunella, Inglot brow pencil

Inglot #181 nail polish: I hadn't worn metallics in a long while and I really enjoyed this coppery-pink, bronze shade by Inglot.

Orly Rage: love it! It's pink and cool golden and a little beige, precious in a word!

L'Oreal #208 So Chic Pink: it's a bold and beautiful, vibrant coral red. It lived on my toes almost all month!

These are my favorites but there are a couple of things that disappointed me.

Bourjois 2step Volumizer mascara: so far I don't remember having a mascara that flacked, but this one is like I've worked in a coal mine! At midday, my under eye area and the tops of my cheeks become "adorned" with itsy tiny little bits of mascara. I really like the color though...

While preparing the shoot I discovered that the bigger wand broke and got stuck inside the tube, that's a first too...lol!

Givenchy Phenomen' Eyes in #5, Vintage Bronze: this one was another experiment in the quest for the perfect brown mascara. I saw it in a local outlet, I had read all the raves about the brush and the name of the shade "Vintage Bronze" was very alluring. Now, the wand is not bad at all, it's just that it takes a looot of time to coat my lashes because it's small, think of an eternity and a day, lol!

The main problem is that the color is not bronze, at all. In fact it is a charcoal grey/black. Well, as a color description maybe it doesn't sound that bad but on the eyes, it's like I've applied a grey eyeshadow while the mascara is still wet and it catches the fallout on the lashes. It 's so weird that I'm really considering to toss it in the garbage.

So, these are my July favorites spiced up with a couple of misses.

I hope you're all well and thriving!

Δημοσιεύτηκε με το Blogsy