tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53084730325492010852024-03-13T09:11:23.503-07:00Fresh and Beautykoyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-7441436677000949632014-08-18T09:34:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.903-07:00Garden of Wisdom: natural skincare haul<div style="text-align: center;">I've hauled from an old favourite in skincare: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/gardenofwisdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/gardenofwisdom.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gardenofwisdom.com/different.html"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Garden of Wisdom </b></span></a>is an artisian American webshop that has been selling simple but potent products for skin. They have a mixture of well balanced serums, cleansers, and all types of facial care. You can also purchase some raw ingredients to mix up your own, or to keep it to one simple but potent oil when dealing with oversensitive skin.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2AOuxbV4MHPsMgKhxicAT92WQuYd1iM7iMbCVwi5Xi1yaprg0YtSHemhkmNG842p1T8BoOdqgTK0SzD-BOvmqT59AsV0bUgWNZSo3rmVNqGUxAbzXtX1KwQJGtyTL1su8iq1-e7Y0vn_/s1600/gow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2AOuxbV4MHPsMgKhxicAT92WQuYd1iM7iMbCVwi5Xi1yaprg0YtSHemhkmNG842p1T8BoOdqgTK0SzD-BOvmqT59AsV0bUgWNZSo3rmVNqGUxAbzXtX1KwQJGtyTL1su8iq1-e7Y0vn_/s1600/gow.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been a great fan of them around 2008 when I gotten into late 20s <i>preventing-wrinkles </i>stage. Well-known commercial brands were often too fraganced and too expensive: Garden of Wisdom singles out a couple of power ingredients in a uncomplicated blend that my skin tolerated and loved. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since the organic skincare boom<u> </u>I've stopped buying from them for a while. Until I ran out of my favourite pimple buster: the <a href="http://www.gardenofwisdom.com/catalog/item/4015757/3786861.htm"><b>Manuka Tea trea essential oil</b></a>. Tea trea mixed with a dash of Manuka extract is even more potent and healing when pimples threaten to pop up.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/gardenofw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/gardenofw.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manuka tea trea essential oil, Wine Cabernet mask, Lightening serum, Yarrow healing facemist</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">I added some new serums and a wine mask to make my haul more interesting. How fun do do a Cabernet wine mask while taking care of your inner Cabernet needs as well?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of their skincare is available in dinky sample sizes. You can check them out over <a href="http://www.gardenofwisdom.com/home.html"><u>here</u></a>: their site is artisan <span style="font-size: x-small;">[read: a bit difficult to navigate]</span> but even <a href="http://www.makeupalley.com/product/searching.asp?CategoryID=0&brandname=Garden+of+Wisdom&Brand=1606&title=&submit=Find+Products">Makeupalley</a> agrees there are some real gems out there. Ofcourse, I will keep you updated when I find a personal gem again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-84156096429067320092014-08-17T01:46:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.917-07:00Surf's Up Beachhair Texturizers<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>There is something about the fantasy & the reality version, and beach-hair is probably the best example out there. </b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ53z7aQS3PedE2QgqsdjU4mAWBfEVKwqruLgPej9fCrXXjPB_T0G9YN55sROUgMd7ikD6dIC-olLRTZW6Ktbieal32w0GIEm6IdkH7eQTqAtBo1Rfypc4QNm33kCxrNRPgJf7ZGbf7jKo/s1600/surfsuphairhelps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ53z7aQS3PedE2QgqsdjU4mAWBfEVKwqruLgPej9fCrXXjPB_T0G9YN55sROUgMd7ikD6dIC-olLRTZW6Ktbieal32w0GIEm6IdkH7eQTqAtBo1Rfypc4QNm33kCxrNRPgJf7ZGbf7jKo/s1600/surfsuphairhelps.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Or this version: <span style="font-size: x-small;">note that I think the reality girl is incredibly pretty sans makeup and dreadlocky hair (her blog is <a href="http://teach-english-abroad-blog-thailand.ciee.org/2010/12/beach-head.html">here</a>, she lives such a cool life)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c7faA03Yl7zwHng0g77XgphxblCXZB4ZYRB5fBPH2u96aBnbDI7lXbyjWlx85EzZbQ3EdHHaF-Jd9ulfX0r3c-lbsXnauLO7T2hYsdU2v2ehXmvLebLf1ekhUrucxZaRVXheU2Rp1lqE/s1600/beachhairdreamvsreality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-c7faA03Yl7zwHng0g77XgphxblCXZB4ZYRB5fBPH2u96aBnbDI7lXbyjWlx85EzZbQ3EdHHaF-Jd9ulfX0r3c-lbsXnauLO7T2hYsdU2v2ehXmvLebLf1ekhUrucxZaRVXheU2Rp1lqE/s1600/beachhairdreamvsreality.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fantasy</b>: after dipping in the ocean we will appear with lithe, slim legs, glossy lashes (our waterproof mascara works as a charm) and our wet hair will dry into a wavy substance that looks like it has been glistened by angels.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Reality</b>: we actually don't wanna swim because it will mess up the no-makeup-makeup, when we still do (because the pretty girl over there could pull it off), we choke in some salt water - that comes out of our nose so the nose will look bloated. We avoided the jellyfish waiting to sting us, but we fall into the sand while doing so -> result, we look like a breadcrumbed fish. The waterproof mascara was not that waterproof -> zombie eyes & our hair will turn into a poor Bob Marley version and we need 40 minutes in the shower afterwards to [somewhat] make it comb-able.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But magazines tell us we will look like Doutzen on the left, <i><b>IF</b></i> we do the right things <span style="font-size: x-small;">(buy too much stuff, lotsa time in the bathroom, etc etc)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And some products may help, and not take <i>hours-n-hours-n-hours </i>of effort:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhwxrKGZFRMALmcNc9aI-lJxZXPW91h12D-Z6imRMeNgyMqO0mBKz-WWF0-B59izY1kHTi69qplnzW3udDY-dX7PaY7ZI_1I7rQnnf4GWIBT369iLhXsY2kUsRZcs1-EFO_xVA4zI0cA0/s1600/surfsuphairhelps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhwxrKGZFRMALmcNc9aI-lJxZXPW91h12D-Z6imRMeNgyMqO0mBKz-WWF0-B59izY1kHTi69qplnzW3udDY-dX7PaY7ZI_1I7rQnnf4GWIBT369iLhXsY2kUsRZcs1-EFO_xVA4zI0cA0/s1600/surfsuphairhelps.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So let's discuss the texturizers: </div><div style="text-align: center;">a.<b> Bumble & Bumble Pret-a-Powder dry shampoo:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">All the glossy images around of beach hair...it supposed to be slightly matted. This powder does smell oceanic and gives it the right grip for the next step: waves</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">b. <b>L'Oreal SuperDust</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reviewed <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2013/05/loreal-superdust-cool-girl-hair-in-can.html"><u>here</u></a>: similar as Bumble & Bumble but only with a more matte feeling. It's amazing for volume but I suggest looking at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMB9dUAenJw&list=PLrdySdO07ZTZGu1aHJ1O-lxFOLQS4wB3m"><u>this tutorial</u></a> for making it work (replace her 'Microdust' by 'Superdust' or your dusty volumiser of choice)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">c. <b>Batiste Dry shampoo:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">THE original. I am choosy with dry shampoos and I think most of them, this included, makes the hair too white and are not suitable for everyone that does not have blonde roots <span style="font-size: x-small;">(regrowth girls, brunettes, redheads, black hairs, that's about 98% of all women)</span>. But for texturizing reasons and the idea of the matte beachlook, I use this one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br>d. <b>Tony & Guy Sea-salt Retexturizing spray</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I dislike most saltsprays but this one is actually reasonable. However, I use it in a hairspray kind of way (after curling hairs) because my own hair is as stick-straight as it could be and no salt will make it wavy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">e. <b>Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Awesome for giving hair the plumped up feeling you get from normal beach-activities. You can pair it with other styling products (see above) or keep it on its own.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">F. <b>Unite Blowset lotion</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This gel formulation is perfect for prepping moist hair before blowdrying, and it will give the right kind of hold when creating waves on straight hair.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As for waves, this one looks realistic and takes only a couple of minutes: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/U_tPcBsyYCY?list=PLrdySdO07ZTaenIiU43ouc3k-V0AZgZFA" width="560"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really like Jenny's tutorials because she's quick and no-nonsense on these things: Just replace her 'recommended hairproducts' with the ones that you have.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><b>And how do you like your summer-hair best?</b></i></span></span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-31344034522431386092014-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.930-07:00Marc Jacobs Eyecon Palette 7 in Dreamer<div style="text-align: center;">Last week I showed you my latest palette, only as a teaser. Today I'm gonna swatch my Marc Jacobs Eyecon in Dreamer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBstH3YUwe6cS3p26OXh7NqtbfS03s3JbkVRQvs5Q1042RRmMh5pCGsqbLvUboCldB1HZULZvoJ31n4TWBBEYkvwuMYDHdmjdq4rFFYbM_SntmoIWI_4YsS8IXmUb7MltTWEI0fdZHyryr/s1600/marcjacobsdreamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBstH3YUwe6cS3p26OXh7NqtbfS03s3JbkVRQvs5Q1042RRmMh5pCGsqbLvUboCldB1HZULZvoJ31n4TWBBEYkvwuMYDHdmjdq4rFFYbM_SntmoIWI_4YsS8IXmUb7MltTWEI0fdZHyryr/s1600/marcjacobsdreamer.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Marc Jacobs' Eyecon palettes have gotten some mixed reviews. The case was supposed to be not <i>that</i> luxe, the eyeshadows were not as good as ...[<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>fill in a good name</i></span>]...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I still bought this palette and basically for the gorgeous mix of sunset colours. There was also this mustard-y colour which was still golden enough <i>not</i> to mix with pickles or hotdogs...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh742R51HGGAYPlCCGfMdpEBYEPwJn1hSa9gVUHWCwYCj98DxOxBVZ_F_I6y905DjEqj8WX9UFhjKikibbkldUDWJGPRN0S_Pkyc2Q1TRLujkHnA1_CsBSDJh3PsyuoBt_rwPjnNbxjMy9X/s1600/mrmustard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh742R51HGGAYPlCCGfMdpEBYEPwJn1hSa9gVUHWCwYCj98DxOxBVZ_F_I6y905DjEqj8WX9UFhjKikibbkldUDWJGPRN0S_Pkyc2Q1TRLujkHnA1_CsBSDJh3PsyuoBt_rwPjnNbxjMy9X/s1600/mrmustard.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But before swatching, I'll show you the pleasure of a new palette layout:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n5_UrEJ4o1rZRIbI-oS1bbtnxs5XLt2y3FRkPR0I0kK8X5VWxt4tWVbz8GroSdfdGOwtPNNR-ZTKWX1Whh_-f4EUCPjtm4g3r4WjmN3L621u44em2VNmj0xHBbjdXeoDQ7N_fOYuCqKl/s1600/DSC_1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6n5_UrEJ4o1rZRIbI-oS1bbtnxs5XLt2y3FRkPR0I0kK8X5VWxt4tWVbz8GroSdfdGOwtPNNR-ZTKWX1Whh_-f4EUCPjtm4g3r4WjmN3L621u44em2VNmj0xHBbjdXeoDQ7N_fOYuCqKl/s1600/DSC_1020.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9sDSuXoVQrn9q38GTV0ebhzkKBYT4F9pWcQ9IRBcf3npcavYPFAWkcHQ-2VumkYLefYhh-M4jmDqoVzXI9rg2U06a2Qxug1UaiivaOO1npVylxD3niBku_eNbGC2M9w4cjQuPf23c72B/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9sDSuXoVQrn9q38GTV0ebhzkKBYT4F9pWcQ9IRBcf3npcavYPFAWkcHQ-2VumkYLefYhh-M4jmDqoVzXI9rg2U06a2Qxug1UaiivaOO1npVylxD3niBku_eNbGC2M9w4cjQuPf23c72B/s1600/download.jpg" height="640" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now the joyous experience of feeling 'back to school' has passed a bit, let's check the content:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYl2VfAF1WgXQKRIYwBUfxr4TYXtc02vaGCCkS0lUoPD5PNCPPImcK6ZO9IK4NNammffOs2sRO_z_-SEtv9yJXPVzHB60LKZA6EnyQXnvWDFe64djObV9wZCTXHhuAc9tteog13O4RKay/s1600/mjhalfopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYl2VfAF1WgXQKRIYwBUfxr4TYXtc02vaGCCkS0lUoPD5PNCPPImcK6ZO9IK4NNammffOs2sRO_z_-SEtv9yJXPVzHB60LKZA6EnyQXnvWDFe64djObV9wZCTXHhuAc9tteog13O4RKay/s1600/mjhalfopen.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Earlier reviews told me that there would be a mirror, and no brush. I don't mind the absence of a eyeshadow brush, as I prefer my Suqqu or my Hakuhodo ones anyway. Often the brush with a palette is not that fancy, but there are exceptions, ofcourse.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for the colours inside, MJ has the simplicity of the numbering system. So you can make up your own names like '<i>sizzling sunset</i>', '<i>almost sex at the beach but he had BO</i>' or '<i>I tripped over a coconut' </i> kind of names:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5bUvOkKYu3vpmOtrGjBqNBuJ7EIOWc1aSFb9u8lG7hcjK0q-BDipgUrG8lPVFyzkiiSOEd_Rr39tDoDuXhXPfBg-CaTz8Irx2TJrPCb_IFqM4z2zyH6nmkmBPklKIrrjVepgFCpkMr1T/s1600/jacobsnumberingsystem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5bUvOkKYu3vpmOtrGjBqNBuJ7EIOWc1aSFb9u8lG7hcjK0q-BDipgUrG8lPVFyzkiiSOEd_Rr39tDoDuXhXPfBg-CaTz8Irx2TJrPCb_IFqM4z2zyH6nmkmBPklKIrrjVepgFCpkMr1T/s1600/jacobsnumberingsystem.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For your reading sake, I'll keep to Marc J.'s one to seven:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_4OioIJYZwthni9K1uhOrAobuJLuToxw4TZQo8-2e1eC7IHf_JXkndWKnaBJhj0rDjI8ucEDj3nyi_oLn0eWEsPAeFBtlCMauF2uv7F6OtHwmno8OSvaU0j0lqo-qvEPEDIlEz9OEFdi/s1600/MJpalettefullyopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_4OioIJYZwthni9K1uhOrAobuJLuToxw4TZQo8-2e1eC7IHf_JXkndWKnaBJhj0rDjI8ucEDj3nyi_oLn0eWEsPAeFBtlCMauF2uv7F6OtHwmno8OSvaU0j0lqo-qvEPEDIlEz9OEFdi/s1600/MJpalettefullyopen.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Swatches: shadow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVcd-y3d9XHONPx4xsWu1zsxDPa1dOYwBBsMXzsDuZy7S8cgoeC3nuSFhHew_716-o48JfhrCgEE2w9KIMaDGbkm5jl4JCjpgk43zVfX4M8oE2rjae1X8C3FD2rOBNRpMtxgXDDJ5_26b/s1600/mjdreamsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVcd-y3d9XHONPx4xsWu1zsxDPa1dOYwBBsMXzsDuZy7S8cgoeC3nuSFhHew_716-o48JfhrCgEE2w9KIMaDGbkm5jl4JCjpgk43zVfX4M8oE2rjae1X8C3FD2rOBNRpMtxgXDDJ5_26b/s1600/mjdreamsw.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">This set of swatches has been photographed in sunlight: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdztBrH18kC3KF77kQx9ZsM_-NgE1XZixMCmR3lUmAca9OQPeqBtO6iDI9sgw1gpRHTmFNIfzwQ5s9ugE_qW0exMfsUBiLS-Ro1rf13oqkylGpH3camQqrbHCdhfZogIkwRf8uAfmOOquj/s1600/MJdreamerswatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdztBrH18kC3KF77kQx9ZsM_-NgE1XZixMCmR3lUmAca9OQPeqBtO6iDI9sgw1gpRHTmFNIfzwQ5s9ugE_qW0exMfsUBiLS-Ro1rf13oqkylGpH3camQqrbHCdhfZogIkwRf8uAfmOOquj/s1600/MJdreamerswatch.jpg" height="440" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My base is Kose Addiction Dewy Glow Foundation in 2 Madeleine: it might be that it expired because I think it looks a bit pasty on my arm. In my earlier review (<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2011/12/review-kose-addiction-dewy-glow.html">here</a>) it looked a lot glowier.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I have to describe colours, which is not really my thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. A slightly ashy vanilla with a micro-glow, not entirely matte </div><div style="text-align: center;">2. A neutral to slightly warm gold with a gorgeous lustre</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. This one is more glowy than on my photos: coconut & banana with a lovely glow. Perhaps my latest favourite highlighter colour now I have a bit of a faux-tan</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. A charcoal dark, also with microglow and not entirely matte</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. Peach with milk: it reminds me of Rouge Bunny Rouge Bashful Flamingo</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. Glowy peach, similar to D&G Quad Stromboli (the peach colour)</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. YES, mr Mustard is all I want him to be! So unlike my other mustardy colours. It's a burnished gold with a tiny hint of green. I think it lights up different in different kind of light: see the 2 different swatches.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Verdict</b></u>:</div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>the pigment in on the sheer to medium side. A good primer helps to make it vivid let it last for 9 hrs </li><li>I personally love the colour blend and think they are so Summer-adequate </li><li>The charcoal dark is a bit off IMO. I think it would be too stark for shading with the softer other colours.</li><li> The case is sturdy enough without being heavy. I'm sorry to contradict the other reviewers but a lot of so-called stronger cases will have their flaws too and Urban Decay is made from almost carton</li><li>So I think it's a pretty and sleek case so perfect for travelling/around and the 'pencil' protection case is another extra protection that looks elegant.</li><li>It's on the expensive side</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><u>Conclusion:</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> A palette can be a personal hit based on some personal preferences</b>. Or, I'm a happy dreamer...so a husky-voiced tune to conclude:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4nvVDv52gtk" width="560"></iframe></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-56995203870446569002014-08-08T10:50:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.947-07:00Juli's Used Ups<div style="text-align: center;">Let me start with a lippy I consequently used until I reached bottom (or tube): </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ljF4PbQPEzJr7GRjNngf45ktEY0OVPKi3MJNurqzdc0ss1xnmLF5XQQmDZ6DnE-Ytxln_qkX8L6fvzrE9DVwHDeqKfwxFjAcXxWA8EZUxK9HlX7UlrdeBfpW0wb4-DrvPe0wGvKpYEeC/s1600/macslimshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ljF4PbQPEzJr7GRjNngf45ktEY0OVPKi3MJNurqzdc0ss1xnmLF5XQQmDZ6DnE-Ytxln_qkX8L6fvzrE9DVwHDeqKfwxFjAcXxWA8EZUxK9HlX7UlrdeBfpW0wb4-DrvPe0wGvKpYEeC/s1600/macslimshine.jpg" height="606" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Really, this one is from MAC's 2008 collection (see <a href="http://www.temptalia.com/mac-cosmetics-slimshines-2008-review-and-swatches">Temptalia</a>). I have a special storeage for MAC's LE's <span style="font-size: x-small;">(some never used)</span> in a dark, cool place and sometimes I revisit <i>Zeeee</i> Box-<i>e</i> and I find myself something useful or fun. Ofcourse, I'm aware of expiry dates so I use my sniffer, and some good <i>ol</i>' logic to see if it is still fresh. </div><div style="text-align: center;">MAC slimshines are lovely & creamy moisturizing hints of colour for the lips. Funshine is a coraly pink that is lighter than my natural lip colour. I get a wonderful nod to lighter lips with colours like these.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The rest:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbqQZdneZr7uH1aVaHtNp5U3lnQi_29iTlz21QU7OOExiTrUR8Rw7BNEloPaxR6YgetimIbTi-CqvhlKPrGccxIH29yixwNCoD0ShMmJIGnbDXJXKC9C5OHPMQUC-4Mh6Pu9NEBhZjOeg/s1600/usedjuli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbqQZdneZr7uH1aVaHtNp5U3lnQi_29iTlz21QU7OOExiTrUR8Rw7BNEloPaxR6YgetimIbTi-CqvhlKPrGccxIH29yixwNCoD0ShMmJIGnbDXJXKC9C5OHPMQUC-4Mh6Pu9NEBhZjOeg/s1600/usedjuli.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">July has been somewhat unproductive, but I used up some things:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Fairy Drops Mascara Platinum Mascara film type </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, not quite used up but logic and knowledge of mascaras told me it is time to let this one go. I know lots of women love Fairydrops but somehow most of their mascara do not really work for my type of lashes. They do not hold curl that stubbornly as the likes of Majolica Mallorca or Fasio and that is mostly what I need. It's still a good mascara, though, but only with a base.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Nude Nailpolish: <i>Nails Inc <span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Basil Street, Essie Barefoot & OPI </span>Let Them Eat Rice Cake </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">With nailpolish the logic of throwing away is a lot easier, because they are often dried out or separated. I've also finished a bottle of <b>Seche Vite Thinner</b> which can bring some dying nailpolishes alive again. Then again, I have so many nailpolishes that I screen the ones that I really want to thin up again. Or, I need some space and will use some other nudes before possible repurchase. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>3. Tatcha Restoring Eye cream </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(right corner- small sample)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lovely, but also a bit too pasty/thick for summer time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>4.</b> <b>Saniflore Aqua Magnifiqua toner</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(review <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2013/10/saniflore-aqua-magnifiqua.html">here</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Absolutely delicious for congested [summer] skin. I can feel it doing something extra when my skin is congested, but without having that stripping feeling those generic anti-acne potions have. It smells so herbally fresh too: repurchase!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5. Rene Furtherer Naturalia Dry Shampoo</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I gotten into this one thanks to <a href="http://mostlysunnyblog.com/2013/12/19/kerastase-powder-bluff-rene-furterer-naturia/">MostlySunny's rave</a>. AGREED! <b> </b>It's so delightfully thin and mops up the right amount of grease. And, hardly no white residue! For the supermajority that doesn't have blonde roots it is so wonderful to have a spray that doesn't make you look like you have grey hairs. Even blondes will get a slightly greyish look with about most dry shampoos so I have no idea why companies don't make them better like this one. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>6. Vichy Cellu-destock Serum</b> <b>Flash</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6%!</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">-> </div><div style="text-align: center;">for the ones that read my <b><i>neverending stories of battling the ghost of cellulite</i></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (albeit very alive)</span> know that I have a serious <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/01/resolution-14-new-caffeine-habit-with.html">Caffeine habit</a>.<b> </b>This serum has 6% Caffeine in it. I liked it but it also felt like my 1st tube of Cellulite-busting potions from 1993: perhaps the scent or the texture. I didn't feel it was too effective but I've been slightly inconsequent with it. It's also quite expensive per ml so I think I'll try something else next time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>7. </b><b>French Girl Organics <i>Rose Noir Cleansing Oil</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I featured this baby as a part of my <b><i>Organic black bottle collection</i> </b><i>(<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/03/organic-skincare-trend-black-n.html">here</a>)</i><b><i>. </i></b>It's a dense cleansing oil that does not foam: I always expect a foam as I'm used to Asian cleansing oils, but Organics seldom do. It cleanses up heavy duty makeup and/or sunscreen but I do need a sudsy cleanser afterwards for rinsing off the oily feeling. It smells lovely like a soft rose.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>8. REN Radiance Perfection Serum</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This serum is actually meant for younger skins in need of a radiance boost. However, I often serum up twice a day so I really liked this one in the morning: it has some antioxidants (eg: Bitter Orange, Lingonberry) that combat the oxidant effect of sunrays during the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That has been my round-up of July's Used Ups. It has been wonderful to take a step away from my normal lipstick routine by taking up a paler hue like MAC Funshine: it does take some more work with the rest of the face<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (more eyemakeup, etc</span>). For this month I'm thinking to step out of the box again with lipcolour: perhaps a good berry hue for Indian Summer? We'll see</span></i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> ; )</span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-12334146687675811432014-08-06T03:01:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.959-07:00Something New<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Something easy & something new. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, easy might be a big word but easier is more matching for my 2nd Sephora haul: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMTL-ZY0108nRxPMd-9RihCdjZqEFRtCMDJPUuyTQav8I9PceNsOQmSQa_oOgBjEA7jPpMLxtYTXsiqLLV_mSAIH3yyzvYcv27nvErKyrcR95AsOHdGqsOWDXhPAtnqatidGFaiz0I3A1/s1600/newin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMTL-ZY0108nRxPMd-9RihCdjZqEFRtCMDJPUuyTQav8I9PceNsOQmSQa_oOgBjEA7jPpMLxtYTXsiqLLV_mSAIH3yyzvYcv27nvErKyrcR95AsOHdGqsOWDXhPAtnqatidGFaiz0I3A1/s1600/newin.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Despite various bloggers warning me about the quality of <b>Marc Jacobs palette</b>s, I still ordered his latest <b>Dreamer</b>. Truth is, I'm not dissapointed at all...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Koh Gen Do</b> has already wowed me with the Maifanshi foundation: how will the M<b>aifanshi powder </b>perform?<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll elaborate on Marc Jacobs in one of my next posts and will test the Maifanshi powder soon. </span></span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-67182433085899594632014-07-30T00:37:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.971-07:00Show me your Marbles...<div style="text-align: center;">A week ago I received my 1st Sephora haul...Ofcourse, L.O.V.E...Some highly unaccessible brands like <i>Tarte</i> are finally within my reach.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also added the Becca Beachtint in Raspberry, which got me into looking at my other marbles (=marbled blushes).</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somehow, like primary school, it feels like showing your marbles before playing a game. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnte3GzTX0XdaMc60CbIpEapULWgDAjNUh3GwMHCde4dptQR2ScqERiU3xNzp1K7bkSKWRGUdPD29GY-mmPXFvhIni8-hEw4Y7EaNk17qyIp2_mEOUgs6_dr5k8epY8VXtWo5VRLY75xaR/s1600/marbled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnte3GzTX0XdaMc60CbIpEapULWgDAjNUh3GwMHCde4dptQR2ScqERiU3xNzp1K7bkSKWRGUdPD29GY-mmPXFvhIni8-hEw4Y7EaNk17qyIp2_mEOUgs6_dr5k8epY8VXtWo5VRLY75xaR/s1600/marbled.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. <i><b>Clio</b></i> <b>ArtBlusher</b> in Light Brown 3: I purchased some of these minerals in 2009 and forgot about these. </div><div style="text-align: center;">2. <i><b>New Cid Cosmetic</b></i><b> Glow Mini</b> in Sirocco </div><div style="text-align: center;">I received 2 of these Mini's as a GWP. In fact, they're both gorgeous colours, longlasting and travel friendly</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. <i><b>Terra Del Sol</b></i> No 4:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once hunted these down at the German Douglas based on rave reviews. Sometimes the chase is better than the catch because I cannot remember using this one</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. <b><i>Banila C</i>o de la Couture Face blusher</b>:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Korean know how to do BB balms but they also had a good selection of marbled blushers going on.</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. My other <b><i>New Cid Cosmetic</i> Glow mini: </b>in Coral Crush</div><div style="text-align: center;">6.<i><b> Prorance </b></i><b>Finish Water glow</b> in M16:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Korean & from Gmarket</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. <i><b>Stila </b></i><b>Cheek Duo </b>in Pink Glow</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. YES, my newbie <b><i>Becca</i> Beachtint Souffle </b>in Watermelon that spurred on the marble-post.</div><div style="text-align: center;">9. My other <i><b>Clio</b></i><b> Artblush </b>in 2 Pink</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. <i><b>Lioelle </b></i><b>Marbling Blusher: </b>Guess from which country? Yes??</div><div style="text-align: center;">11. <i><b>SkinFood </b></i><b>All over Muffin Cake Finish: </b>The Koreans probably think that girls wanna smear cakemix over their face...but it makes a sweet glow for sure.<b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And, unlike the glassy marbtles of our youth, we can swatch these:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYgTNCTGGoide5nRVcr0UgP92okdrq9HfyHTMFikCqYF38M4dXMNTqzAWkckx4-0h8xNovwgXLQheW1HX3vZza7EsvexbwNnKB4yA7iqSWQyb49CLvS7heABmNo7WjptQDydyfyEDFPX_/s1600/marbled+swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYgTNCTGGoide5nRVcr0UgP92okdrq9HfyHTMFikCqYF38M4dXMNTqzAWkckx4-0h8xNovwgXLQheW1HX3vZza7EsvexbwNnKB4yA7iqSWQyb49CLvS7heABmNo7WjptQDydyfyEDFPX_/s1600/marbled+swatches.jpg" height="284" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. <b><i>Clio</i> ArtBlusher</b> in Light Brown 3: Sometimes Marbles are Matte! And this colour looks like the perfect matte bronzer/shader. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>2. N<i>ew Cid Cosmetic </i>Glow Mini</b> in Sirocco: A glowy highlighter with peach undertones</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 3.<i> <b>Terra Del Sol</b> </i>No 4: Sweet, I </div><div style="text-align: center;"> 4. <i><b>Banila Co</b></i><b> de la Couture Face blusher</b>: A golden peach</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 5.<b> <i>New Cid</i> Cosmetic Glow</b> mini: Sort of NARS Deep Throat dupe without the glitter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s7.photobucket.com/user/fruitycat/media/aae3d73c-c49f-4920-ae79-e2797e469a3f.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo aae3d73c-c49f-4920-ae79-e2797e469a3f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/aae3d73c-c49f-4920-ae79-e2797e469a3f.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 6. <b><i>Prorance </i>Finish Water glow</b> in M16: This colour has a slightly frosty finish in a warmer pink (peachy) glow</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 7. <b><i>Stila</i> Cheek Duo</b> in Pink Glow: Both shades are more traditional blush than mineralized finish. In both cases, they hint towards coolness with the top shade slightly bubblegum & the bottom Raspberry</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 8. <b><i>Becca</i> Beachtint Souffle</b> in Raspberry is both longlasting, well-blending and in that perfect shade of fruity pink that hints towards berry-ness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 9. <b><i>Clio</i> Artblush</b> in 2 Pink: WOWZA, how did I forget about this one. A deeper pink-berry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. <b><i>Lioelle</i> Marbling Blusher</b>: The funny thing about Marbled blush is that you cannot always forsee the outcome being swached. This one is highlighter whitish pink with a slight frost.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 11. <b><i>SkinFood</i> All over Muffin Cake</b> Finish: Slightly warmer/peachier highlighter hue than Lioelle and probably a lovely blush on N 15-20 skin.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://s7.photobucket.com/user/fruitycat/media/64ad2bb1-0553-4317-adbb-06ef77c1d08f.jpg.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 64ad2bb1-0553-4317-adbb-06ef77c1d08f.jpg" border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/64ad2bb1-0553-4317-adbb-06ef77c1d08f.jpg" height="419" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's good to know that I had no dupe for my new Becca Beachtint Souffle (no 8). I'm also happy to rediscovered some <strike>old new</strike> vintage marbles around.</div><div style="text-align: center;">More detailed review of:<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2008/11/shading-favourite-clio-art-blusher-3-in.html"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Clio ARTblusher in 03 Brown</span></b></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So what have you been rediscovering lately?</span></i></b></span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-85169099806473016702014-07-25T10:34:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.984-07:00Deal to Share: BOGO with Rouge Bunny Rouge sheer Lipstick<div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://en.rougebunnyrouge.com/make-up/lips/lipsticks/sheer-lipstick.html?s=29&utm_source=The+Royal+Herald&utm_campaign=69d6d51840-NL_2014_07_25_EN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ab1db77e03-69d6d51840-73758129&mc_cid=69d6d51840&mc_eid=dfbda94fa6">official Rouge Bunny Rouge website</a> is offering a <i>Buy one- Get one Free</i> deal on their Succulence of Dew Sheer lipsticks:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MYqLDc3xbjfO0FucVXdb8EQtaZg5F3GghyphenhyphenAQbcjFWkOuMB-EIgNomMVxCfdczTDu5J_0fsF7Z6InnZmbpjV3nuLBMp0TpQytBO8GVIPDBprQipCb4p-4YTh4Q-p4p9PSlIMD5PGoCxqc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+7.19.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MYqLDc3xbjfO0FucVXdb8EQtaZg5F3GghyphenhyphenAQbcjFWkOuMB-EIgNomMVxCfdczTDu5J_0fsF7Z6InnZmbpjV3nuLBMp0TpQytBO8GVIPDBprQipCb4p-4YTh4Q-p4p9PSlIMD5PGoCxqc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-25+at+7.19.58+PM.png" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have the '<i>Perfume of his Sight</i>' one: they are indeed moisturizing with the right sheerness on days that you want your lipstick to be subtle. </div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-40986015653206551192014-07-20T04:27:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:42.995-07:00Colour Coordinating Corals<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Summertime! Coral-time!</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">There is something about corals looking better in summer: they have this uncomplicated air that goes as light as your summerdress.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still there's something about summer that gets me into a complicated mode: the ingenious structure of coordinating layering will fall away (like the layers); thus, I colour-coral<i>inate</i>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s7.photobucket.com/user/fruitycat/media/BBBCCC.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo BBBCCC.jpg" border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/BBBCCC.jpg" height="608" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>So let's do the clique-ing.</b>..Summer also means more cliques in groups of friends, etc. I've been grouping up my corals based on compatibility...It's almost like the tables of a summerwedding:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Group 1: <i>the Flushed</i> Corals</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfk8POuH9hbZMkYBDox-J0IGBCDS8kXWWUvyC9oiX9iWHrl4s0oMfow7zZ8bYTQYQBSQdLLQCrHpC0XpF1WFV9snLMUJhQphS99q-DoLv5SODviXDybytv2ew5k03A5-4xIdTRy2_K6nz/s1600/gr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfk8POuH9hbZMkYBDox-J0IGBCDS8kXWWUvyC9oiX9iWHrl4s0oMfow7zZ8bYTQYQBSQdLLQCrHpC0XpF1WFV9snLMUJhQphS99q-DoLv5SODviXDybytv2ew5k03A5-4xIdTRy2_K6nz/s1600/gr1.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The conversation starter is my precious<b><i> Jadilla J My Ball</i> Cubical Face </b>blusher in <b>Shinny Peach 2</b> -> and no, these spelling errors don't come from <cite class="_td">Rosé</cite>-inspired blogwriting but they are adorable <b>Koreanglish</b>. So why do I have to giggle with 'my ball'? This Cheeky fellow is NOBB [NARS Orgasm but Better]. There is the perfect mixture of peach & pink, but the glitterfest has been left out. (<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2008/11/jadilla-j-my-ball-cubical-face-blusher.html">original review here</a>). </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope I've nailed the setting by adding <b>Essie Plaza Sweet</b> to this group. It's slightly a deeper pink than Jadilla but they have the glowy gold sparkle into them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">An eye for detail, <b>MeowCosmetics</b> is a mineral makeup company who're easy to sample: <b>Paddle Pink</b> absolutely matches. I hope it won't be too boring with so much compatibility!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Group 2: the <i>Everything's Peachy</i>'s</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1GAr-esTm12zCJyMMn2M_VXBDQDoMoxw8Ap3485Gbs3E-Mivydsl6ZZ-U9dBhoJPAQPNm7IgxKScEfIftPbZBMTMCRan0lnb_D4dJbdURp328EEuN9hs8v_IOnq5VFa-hfsbnWVXkc0e/s1600/group2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1GAr-esTm12zCJyMMn2M_VXBDQDoMoxw8Ap3485Gbs3E-Mivydsl6ZZ-U9dBhoJPAQPNm7IgxKScEfIftPbZBMTMCRan0lnb_D4dJbdURp328EEuN9hs8v_IOnq5VFa-hfsbnWVXkc0e/s1600/group2.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b>I want to keep it dusky by starting with <b><i>MeowCosmetics</i> Clawset Case</b>: it's the mysterious one...<b><i>Essie</i> Anniversary Gala</b> is the equivalent of the bubbly girl: She is perfect on her own but will add a sparkle to another. My latest rediscovery has been <b>Lunasol Creamy cheeks in ex 4 Tender Pink Glow</b>. It's like a cheekbone filler & <i>glow-i-fying</i> peel in a bottle, with the right hint of tender pink (<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2011/11/review-kanebo-lunasol-coffret-xmas-2011.html">review here).</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Group 3: Dusky Corals</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like to think of this group as the mature ones: but not the mature in the <i>Ikea-kind-of-way</i>...These ones have travelled the world and had a couple of drinks too many. They are a sultry bunch<b> </b>and prefer to spend their money on another holiday than botox...They have stories to tell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10Di2hLg5AYYVPZLcQ27UR2t4OyIonTW8665j7ksaYAlbMAZ44PU_eejtwILH4jqQB1bGuKSQRRnUkLVNUzK8mXsyhIQahFr6a4YhrSy2mw7IqiLHej4mJ-OHMxaxbKA03yjyPk4b-OEh/s1600/group+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg10Di2hLg5AYYVPZLcQ27UR2t4OyIonTW8665j7ksaYAlbMAZ44PU_eejtwILH4jqQB1bGuKSQRRnUkLVNUzK8mXsyhIQahFr6a4YhrSy2mw7IqiLHej4mJ-OHMxaxbKA03yjyPk4b-OEh/s1600/group+3.jpg" height="491" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the way they look, but I like to have a special mention towards <b><i>Julie Hewett</i>'s Thand</b>i lipstick. It's named after Thandi Newton and has a similar subdued beauty & intelligence over it: the right amount of coral without getting too ditzy & a good amount of burning terracotta without venturing on the middle age territory. The <b>Radiance blush </b>is a highlighter, but I love this one when lips and nails get more sultry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. The <i>Young-n-Beautiful</i> Sheers</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroU4FBgVQCXR5IU-0uTCkjk_G24mtGScvSrOlpQD-KIiiBoVJwq9WlddV5TodCyGAJqz95q25Zb7jIzdbiGbxN0P8H3qDBcGqhl5l4_U3BhG45gph6S1CwLgKKM4yuZiYu9seoxVvUxPv/s1600/group+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroU4FBgVQCXR5IU-0uTCkjk_G24mtGScvSrOlpQD-KIiiBoVJwq9WlddV5TodCyGAJqz95q25Zb7jIzdbiGbxN0P8H3qDBcGqhl5l4_U3BhG45gph6S1CwLgKKM4yuZiYu9seoxVvUxPv/s1600/group+4.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have Lana Del Rey in mind...the young & beautiful crowd. Untarnished, hopeful and sheer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Group 5: The Happy Oranges</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaEGZzJlZSVJlUZU6ID-V7rpuv_FixkzvMHDqqh6EE-9uleQbIIXKRITXi6IZj1t3jUm9w4PRt3oebN0qmCCtfZuhqBSvv0xraq8U72LNivW8O9dYiqyAztZaDUSspf3e6lKyWfl4Ssgv/s1600/CSC3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaEGZzJlZSVJlUZU6ID-V7rpuv_FixkzvMHDqqh6EE-9uleQbIIXKRITXi6IZj1t3jUm9w4PRt3oebN0qmCCtfZuhqBSvv0xraq8U72LNivW8O9dYiqyAztZaDUSspf3e6lKyWfl4Ssgv/s1600/CSC3.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's something comic about orange. Perhaps not for the ones who watch '<i>Orange is the new Black</i>' or my fellow comrades from Holland who saw the championship Soccer gone right through their fingers...<i>awwww</i>. <i><b>Burberry Lipglow</b></i> in <b>Coral 22</b> is a colour I got last year (<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2013/02/burberry-ed-orangy-lips.html">see here</a>) and it returned for summer again. The Bourjois is older...no idea how old. But it makes a perfect match for Burberry. As for <b>Tongue in Cheek</b>, how to resist such a name and such a rusty glow to <strike>fake</strike> flaunt a bit of sunburn on a summer night?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And to conclude, these two resisted the cliques and made their own little togetherness:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9peHpZ63JGZn84mI5lA8shUSuEx5Q4WHsw4g7SDIFaAAiLp4Gj2IUhjoNYOdrZhdwaMY1XBirJybR8pjCtgd7rnqLkUuHsnKH4k-EZsI6szLlpDtraM05vyJ-tzRkh688YGiQhNivxFyz/s1600/coral+pants+gets+the+girls+on+the+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9peHpZ63JGZn84mI5lA8shUSuEx5Q4WHsw4g7SDIFaAAiLp4Gj2IUhjoNYOdrZhdwaMY1XBirJybR8pjCtgd7rnqLkUuHsnKH4k-EZsI6szLlpDtraM05vyJ-tzRkh688YGiQhNivxFyz/s1600/coral+pants+gets+the+girls+on+the+fence.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coral pants gets the girls on the fence</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Cuteee!</i></span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-78481646965598109212014-07-13T05:04:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.008-07:00One Sample led to another: Marie-Stella-Maris<div style="text-align: center;">I've been happy to sample up something from a new cosmetic company: <b>Stella-Marie-Maris </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ89Gl_FM7pbqnurYWKz9WVNqKcPLKYdOA7I8LiIgVjTEVZyuaBAwG1U2pXrKbOhY2kohkQG1JWd4VmRhpmaCWKb-vGJV-hKhnyPm_-vPJB7r4UkftPKmphp3wo0qO581ObEKO_K9LUKbo/s1600/potionality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ89Gl_FM7pbqnurYWKz9WVNqKcPLKYdOA7I8LiIgVjTEVZyuaBAwG1U2pXrKbOhY2kohkQG1JWd4VmRhpmaCWKb-vGJV-hKhnyPm_-vPJB7r4UkftPKmphp3wo0qO581ObEKO_K9LUKbo/s1600/potionality.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I fell head over heels on the minimalistic packaging and the French aura it exuded. Especially the heels because the footcream with thyme is bliss for tired, parched feet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Doesn't it look like a <i><b>Saint Laurent</b></i> editorial?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRPZemqZ5otaeFNLHtr56fU0O21xmmn2GXACUfpQKeLhiyLVkz40d7AZJaeLCd2eY9J5BzmqnlpMFpMRmfy2RjlYwh6Cm9QtEjm7CNEJnvSSXBwnk9G0VOhB7BNnIUQtmuX8zRqFjpGpl/s1600/image(36).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRPZemqZ5otaeFNLHtr56fU0O21xmmn2GXACUfpQKeLhiyLVkz40d7AZJaeLCd2eY9J5BzmqnlpMFpMRmfy2RjlYwh6Cm9QtEjm7CNEJnvSSXBwnk9G0VOhB7BNnIUQtmuX8zRqFjpGpl/s1600/image(36).jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I absolutely feel like being invited to a show during fashionweek:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTtHrD-1TvcPhyb5aLC8POYDa9qzMkdx_xSqYmdZL-MYLGP73IFxmAOudVZjnjYEPWC_KvV3sCVAGvVrUlJGrr0zWdmShWhl33e743SLOYOvRqrOl3QFyXV2gjKuONp0LVeIPemeGBIuW/s1600/foto+1%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTtHrD-1TvcPhyb5aLC8POYDa9qzMkdx_xSqYmdZL-MYLGP73IFxmAOudVZjnjYEPWC_KvV3sCVAGvVrUlJGrr0zWdmShWhl33e743SLOYOvRqrOl3QFyXV2gjKuONp0LVeIPemeGBIuW/s1600/foto+1%25283%2529.JPG" height="603" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Now we've gotten the superficial intentions of buying out of the way, don't we all fall for packaging every now and then, it has an inside too:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuISUblScNlk7vP-Nombwtjp3HuKVrJBquob3fotRnfkmvZze1tOY3xFvugZVo9GWnk7RlaCMZblyAL_ZB0ZdhquKe0JKKcw6dY1lzyM1JIqkPgMKKJPg_xZV3KSUM1-t7wNESHzk3hjtQ/s1600/right+foot+forward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuISUblScNlk7vP-Nombwtjp3HuKVrJBquob3fotRnfkmvZze1tOY3xFvugZVo9GWnk7RlaCMZblyAL_ZB0ZdhquKe0JKKcw6dY1lzyM1JIqkPgMKKJPg_xZV3KSUM1-t7wNESHzk3hjtQ/s1600/right+foot+forward.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, besides the ingredients:</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt7qzrqCbM1X17BZTe3yj2pnCTs1DP9VyUIuG_jTpcKAxVtSNcfC0lXb4jycWmiN53TOPCh2fGn2JsAVfWywY-PD7aPXCjpZOAsZfN4gmS9k7s7OFQpZRJY6cEYqqAAEuG1tUq0XmQKq8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-13+at+1.26.16+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt7qzrqCbM1X17BZTe3yj2pnCTs1DP9VyUIuG_jTpcKAxVtSNcfC0lXb4jycWmiN53TOPCh2fGn2JsAVfWywY-PD7aPXCjpZOAsZfN4gmS9k7s7OFQpZRJY6cEYqqAAEuG1tUq0XmQKq8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-07-13+at+1.26.16+PM.jpg" height="473" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marie-stella-maris.com/"><u>Their website</u></a>: I think they 'care for water', or is that just a hunch of mine?</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is also highlighted on their packaging:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6BFMY5z1_zBaD0WqUi5sDvYX8_8kipWxAcst3q5xEGcwFRWTNt6cDk59mq8mYCzT2aIoDkczrVkio5IrX76nh1ZwQ1ak8wts7L1K5LlWOsovrAHlUQnZsN4BQwOwZgMoRsauI_xDipd_/s1600/watercare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6BFMY5z1_zBaD0WqUi5sDvYX8_8kipWxAcst3q5xEGcwFRWTNt6cDk59mq8mYCzT2aIoDkczrVkio5IrX76nh1ZwQ1ak8wts7L1K5LlWOsovrAHlUQnZsN4BQwOwZgMoRsauI_xDipd_/s1600/watercare.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beyond looking through the rose-tinted glasses of nobility towards good causes like water maintainance, I am quite enthousiastic about this footcream. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Feet are somewhat the forgotten child of the beauty industry: only few companies pay attention to them. But how important or annoying can they be when they're not happy or feeling good? A good footcream should be the perfect hybrid between being moisturizing but also fast absorbant: who is actually sleeping with socks in order to get pretty feet? Raise your hands (or feet) if you do!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Besides of absorbing rapidly, they also have this wonderful blend of herbs that give zest to tired feel. A mix of pepper mint, thyme, natural oils and pumice makes them feel cleaner. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">So this specific sample led me to the full size. It's a gorgeous footcream that will revitalize tired (sandal/slippered/heeled or broody sneaker-ed) feet to life again. And I think it will add the right amount of moisture when winter will arrive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps there will be more on the cards with my new set of samples:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o1lxHOd0tx-U465rfshTzhMi8caF1zAbC91Ar_EJaNiR4suKC2XM0xQx0yhh-K8qXoUBAvJ4wiIxNfmZc5bffTRVKY_-j7LrjbClxqgPYIUHEP0tD6jkKVG_5JgEfrSAmV_3T5EEgUk6/s1600/foto+2(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8o1lxHOd0tx-U465rfshTzhMi8caF1zAbC91Ar_EJaNiR4suKC2XM0xQx0yhh-K8qXoUBAvJ4wiIxNfmZc5bffTRVKY_-j7LrjbClxqgPYIUHEP0tD6jkKVG_5JgEfrSAmV_3T5EEgUk6/s1600/foto+2(5).jpg" height="636" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Who knows? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Find them on <a href="http://www.marie-stella-maris.com/">their website</a>, <a href="http://www.skins.nl/catalogsearch/result/?q=marie">skins' website</a> or at their flagstore @ Herengracht in Amsterdam.</div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-61236405306510283622014-07-09T05:15:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.019-07:00Used Up's / June<div style="text-align: center;">Late to the party for a quick round of my most important used up's...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vucQhONGakmMAUPgWCQDX5UYAzw60Qaod4BftZU9Xy_XuCaelRNkafeSEYtiMI0OnpftXKoLWu0zgOqJvCb2mxuk_8qcFtJqzL6ZToz33GbfULEG9e3Kn-DBg4_pgtJ-LkUlF1ynCb7Y/s1600/image(33).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vucQhONGakmMAUPgWCQDX5UYAzw60Qaod4BftZU9Xy_XuCaelRNkafeSEYtiMI0OnpftXKoLWu0zgOqJvCb2mxuk_8qcFtJqzL6ZToz33GbfULEG9e3Kn-DBg4_pgtJ-LkUlF1ynCb7Y/s1600/image(33).jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Hair</i></b>: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/search/label/Less%20is%20More">blogging about sampling</a> up some<b> <i>Less is More</i> </b>hairproducts and I've finished up the <b>Lindengloss conditioner</b>. The 30ml has lasted me quite a while: about 7 times for long hair. I really liked how this organic conditioner performed: soft & silky feel, no heaviness or weird residue and it smells amazing. However, when I had the opportunity to buy full-sized I kind of steeped back from the price. The sample size is a reasonable <span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"> € 6, but a full-size </span> <span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"> € 23. I still have some other quality conditioners to use up so I will consider, but wait before going full-size.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1">*, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"> <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Makeup:</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><i><b>Paul & Joe</b></i>'s <b>finishing powder</b> is from the Sahara collection<i><b> </b></i>from 2010. <i>Long long time ago...</i>I had a darker colour (002) so I only use it in summer when having [faux] tan. It is really good, though: a micro-thin quality that doesn't alter the foundation underneath, and can also be used on a good skinday alone without foundation. I would gladly repurchase. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1">*</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><i><b>Mask</b></i></span><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><i><b>:</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2013/11/osmia-organics-detox-exfoliating-mask.html"><i><b>Osmia </b></i></a><b>Detox Mask </b>has gotten quite the hype among organic and concious bloggers, and from that field it gotten known among everyone that wants a good, detoxing mask <span style="font-size: x-small;">(like me, see <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2013/11/osmia-organics-detox-exfoliating-mask.html"><u>here</u></a>).</span> <i><b> </b></i>I really liked it when living in the Mediterranean: my skin gotten weirdly oily and pimply-> heat & polluted air. A good claymask helped to remove remaining sunblock, some oiliness etc etc. However, I liked it but it has not been the complete miracle worker. I'm somewhat convinced that there are cheaper clay-mask options out there, but the mix of ingredients are quite good.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">* </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lash</b></i><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><i><b>:</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1">I'm on my 3rd tube of <b><i>YSL</i> shocking mascara</b>. It's not the complete HG but it has some excellent varieties of colours around. People with chameleon eyes like myself can have a cute effect by changing a hint around the colour of the eyes. E.G, a blue, burgundy or a purple can change my colour into a more green or blue, depending of what I like. YSL Shocking doesn't do dreadful 80s colours, only a slight hint. And the formula is delightfully thick and glossy without going clumpy. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"># </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><i><b>RapidLash,</b></i> I've finished my 2nd tube and I get a longer result every time I use it. I never get irritations from it either. In fact, I'm on the more expensive Revitalash right now, but I feel it irritates my eyes. I think I will just repurchase Rapidlash instead.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">*</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><i><b>Oil:</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><b><i>Caudalie</i> </b>has done an excellent job in creating their <b>Polyphenol </b></span><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><b><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> C15 </span></b>line. This sample has been feeling both detoxing and youth-i-fying for my skin, and I've only been trying it for 2 nights! I will go for the bigger bottle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"> *</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><i><b>Serum:</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1">I took the full plunge by buying a full size of <i><b>Caudalie </b></i><b>Polyphenol </b></span><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"><b><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> C15 antiwrinkle defense </span>Serum</b>. I've been using it superconsistently (morning/evenings) for one and a half month and I absolutely was stunned about the plumping effect. Moreover, the price was under </span> <span class="ShowProduct_OrgPrice" id="OrgPrice1"></span> <span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"> €40 so not that ridiculously expensive price some companies ask for their serums. I'm not sure if it will be HG material if my skin gets sensitive (thinking winter) because the amount of fragance is somewhat present, but for the moment I really like this one.</span><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"></span><span class="ShowProduct_Price" id="Price1"> </span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-13268679008163064502014-07-02T08:19:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.030-07:00Cute Brushing: Rock & Ruddle Hairbrush<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Puppies, Kittens & Great Hair !!!</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuE1k3QhuMZEy0z1a9jzncDPQ0HtQykIY4N1p_gyjx-5D9pVU9Mcx5gzDu7YQTACZmPyABj6uRiA2RsWszc8KdjA8fbTHGwkv1teFLn_olnd0LS4iGshrUgk7SRdtK4fLC6WeGmIYPa2Y/s1600/brushie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuE1k3QhuMZEy0z1a9jzncDPQ0HtQykIY4N1p_gyjx-5D9pVU9Mcx5gzDu7YQTACZmPyABj6uRiA2RsWszc8KdjA8fbTHGwkv1teFLn_olnd0LS4iGshrUgk7SRdtK4fLC6WeGmIYPa2Y/s1600/brushie.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, I'm not summing up the most googled items by women: I'm just describing my new Rock & Ruddle hairbrush.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEIWQkoe-dbqF_bP3SM4OHKL5iT6fLU16_zstBDlSJlleQma0h7dbhftOUki6YblHO0TbZKXLuIimDccW-6PydfR36y6raRsI1S-1Phxck-JqfLo87KsxRst42MbaSGXiFY1ps_QHdDHe/s1600/IMG_3178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEIWQkoe-dbqF_bP3SM4OHKL5iT6fLU16_zstBDlSJlleQma0h7dbhftOUki6YblHO0TbZKXLuIimDccW-6PydfR36y6raRsI1S-1Phxck-JqfLo87KsxRst42MbaSGXiFY1ps_QHdDHe/s1600/IMG_3178.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(R&R vs the Maison Pearson boar/plastic childrens size):</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">First, the hairs are similar as the elite Maison Pearson Hairbrush composed of polishing boar bristles with plastic for detangling:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxmO8ezfbJ8IPDi282P27-SLC3tXRBenQA8YIWfKgsGs2b221WaNUAdL9Al6JLUTLEn5aEHJx5tcCqiUGUSAjGqUGeX3FYMfa-wQTf1jnIxPS7-1E46kIa_KMfxsBHKhvqMDjO_R8clcY/s1600/IMG_3181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxmO8ezfbJ8IPDi282P27-SLC3tXRBenQA8YIWfKgsGs2b221WaNUAdL9Al6JLUTLEn5aEHJx5tcCqiUGUSAjGqUGeX3FYMfa-wQTf1jnIxPS7-1E46kIa_KMfxsBHKhvqMDjO_R8clcY/s1600/IMG_3181.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really like my new brush. It's a good, polishing brush in a cute design other than black, but the same effect as my beloved Maison Pearson. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also they retail from <span class="regular-price" id="product-price-4349"> <span class="price">€ 32,50</span> whereas the childsize Maison Pearson starts off at </span><span class="regular-price" id="product-price-4349"><span class="price">€50. Find more of their designs at <a href="http://www.rockandruddle.co.uk/">their site</a> or find them at <a href="http://www.skins.nl/haarverzorging/haarverzorging-toolsaccessoires">Skins.nl</a></span> </span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-54113604804475878972014-06-29T01:05:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.040-07:00such a Beach...<div style="text-align: center;">I like the word 'beach' pronounced by some non-native English speakers. Especially with a Spanish dialect, which sounds more like the assertive woman-type equivalent. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseUW8LkgE4RdDOn0hN3FfihC3VW0dLPQ2cHTTIzHLL0NdA0GIn5El9DyMJZ5WOipemZyJQ9SLJupGFZxaspZJA-qexInNiTSwuSgddpf2dhkWBx_6Mvuy8nJckm6AmBTXONnYHfJkNQ6s/s1600/I'm+such+a+beach.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseUW8LkgE4RdDOn0hN3FfihC3VW0dLPQ2cHTTIzHLL0NdA0GIn5El9DyMJZ5WOipemZyJQ9SLJupGFZxaspZJA-qexInNiTSwuSgddpf2dhkWBx_6Mvuy8nJckm6AmBTXONnYHfJkNQ6s/s1600/I'm+such+a+beach.png" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I can write a whole post-feminist story why it isn't such a bad thing to speak up to people, being the so-called b#tch, and how people value assertiveness differently when it's a guy (assertive) than when it's a girl (bitchy). But I'll leave that to the frequent feminist bloggers. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this case, I'll keep it up with the sandy talk and the sea-salted<i>ness </i>of the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I have been trying out some new things. The<b> Coola (mineral) sunscreen </b>above was not a favourite. It has a SPF 30 factor but I returned quite tanned from 2 hours of lounging in the sun. I have been used to the meticulously functionable Japanese sunblocks in the past, so this was not the result I was after. The tan was nice, though, but certainly not anticipated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>More Beachi-ness:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9FORUtbGsH15cVaKXpyPqk2OFWgPvut0LqNWoWNuVDNgf2PjBJOUURmKl3yjJxzVqj1wCQKAKuPefJ-LSk4RDJoYjia76H2zttuMEkG1eDd42DACcV-Cz5PiVsDvMy5paIdG79LXKG5w/s1600/beachy+stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9FORUtbGsH15cVaKXpyPqk2OFWgPvut0LqNWoWNuVDNgf2PjBJOUURmKl3yjJxzVqj1wCQKAKuPefJ-LSk4RDJoYjia76H2zttuMEkG1eDd42DACcV-Cz5PiVsDvMy5paIdG79LXKG5w/s1600/beachy+stuff.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I have been loving the Ambre Solaire (Same as the <b>Garnier</b>) <b>Sunscreen</b> line a lot in the pump-spray form. It is delightfully watery and thin and leaves no greasiness behind: perfect when you get into contact with sand, water or almost everything. The aerosol spray might not be the most environmental construction but at least I can go to the beach alone without asking strangers to rub in my back...EEEK, I've never done that, btw! I had this method of misting my suntan lotion on a round can and trying to roll it on my back -> not handy and it will give you pityful stares of coupled, familied or befriended people.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Short story: excellent protection for the body and the aerosol is single-girl friendly too. And so thin you can't hardly tell you put it on, which will not give you backne either.</div><div style="text-align: center;">*</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>KIKO stick</b> in <b>SPF 50 </b>is so nice because the formula is like a dry-stick. I've been suffering from oily skin in a different climate so anything greasy felt and looked quite wrong. It protects quite good: I've used it for shading my nose (SPF 30 on face and a thin line of KIKO SPF 50 on the bridge of the nose) and I had a lighter result: <i>tadaaah, </i><b><i>photoshop by sunscreening.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>KIKO</b> also has this line of <b>peeling</b> <b>tissues</b> in a purple packaging. They are plasticy bobbly on one side and cloth-textured on the other side. The plastic side is too harsh for me and the liquid on the cloth-side would be too hash normally as well. But as I said: the skin had his neo-teenage moment and I loved these for removing sunscreen after the beach.</div><div style="text-align: center;">*</div><div style="text-align: center;">I swim! People tell me I shouldn't swim with my hair but I just love it too much. I have been telling my colourists to keep that in mind when doing my hair. Still, I protect the hair before: normally with L'oreal Mythic Oil. I will upgrade to a hairlotion with sunscreen for the next beachy encounter. Post swim I rinse my hair with water quite fast, and scrunch in some <b>Aveda Damage Remedy leave in treatment</b>: most showers at the beach have cold water so I prefer not to spend too much time under them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Sunnies are from & Other Stories. I have designer Shades (hi Celine), but for that beachy stuff I'll just like to minimise the damage upon the Expensive and go for the Scandinavian cheaper but still stylish variety. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have some more beach-i-ness to share but for the time being I just like to discuss the Iphony bunch of it...I'm gonna look closer upon Marie Veronique Organics (MVO Organics) Sunscreen SPF 30 soon and why it's such a breeze when having oily skin. Next time, less I Phony-ness, more quality photos.</div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-25221937077332219222014-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.049-07:00Es Paradis: Addiction by Ayako Cheekstick in Behind the Veil #16<div style="text-align: center;">A month ago I received this newbie from Addiction by Ayako (Kose):</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5F9Hiz9144m6b9FTFOTap5Ti70Yk090n78PV_JAqf6OffaZX2TxHHB94H-E16p_O-VditeATfALdgj346xWc-4mB5wrnQCrw43BAgSShwbVpf_NZFqEEg4HOLTJZEGfD5lPzVBRGo11m/s1600/addiction16behind+the+veil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5F9Hiz9144m6b9FTFOTap5Ti70Yk090n78PV_JAqf6OffaZX2TxHHB94H-E16p_O-VditeATfALdgj346xWc-4mB5wrnQCrw43BAgSShwbVpf_NZFqEEg4HOLTJZEGfD5lPzVBRGo11m/s1600/addiction16behind+the+veil.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I've totally been lacking on my sharing and reviewing abilities. Not just because I felt lukewarm about this one <span style="font-size: x-small;">(more about it later)</span>, but I've been living somewhere else with a tablet. I love my tablets when it comes to chocolate, but I seem to be incomprehensibly unmatched with computer tablets.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRsPWybVIn0Mipfn9h7XURjzOohTpeeSrbjGi0Hu0LR3oRFbfnnGaZo6POVL2avcZhKTxk9RndmX0MjqL3ku4O6naP1IPociwMlcZbx5t846Yo3bdJTdBRigPrVp55eB1D_r9PAn0LznK/s1600/tablety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRsPWybVIn0Mipfn9h7XURjzOohTpeeSrbjGi0Hu0LR3oRFbfnnGaZo6POVL2avcZhKTxk9RndmX0MjqL3ku4O6naP1IPociwMlcZbx5t846Yo3bdJTdBRigPrVp55eB1D_r9PAn0LznK/s1600/tablety.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Back to my <i>typetypetypetype</i> laptop, my fingers are getting the workout again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was really anticipating the launch of Addiction by Ayako Cheeksticks for their Summer '14 Es Paradis line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-GRbWNBElLwt7rZcqIRr9j0Ta9mPLIL5aBdAq5406fGdfSvWUSi82IJvnoSSup07F60JPiTg7_SDWqM1EP5CI0XZqaDtON-6NlYzwCSNvu8FGL2NcYTUQO-u3SjL9d2YHPJb0bIGjutY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-21+at+6.24.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-GRbWNBElLwt7rZcqIRr9j0Ta9mPLIL5aBdAq5406fGdfSvWUSi82IJvnoSSup07F60JPiTg7_SDWqM1EP5CI0XZqaDtON-6NlYzwCSNvu8FGL2NcYTUQO-u3SjL9d2YHPJb0bIGjutY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-21+at+6.24.16+PM.png" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is not the official promotion photo, but I love to show it from an angle as you can see the cheekbones, a better colour disposition of the eyeshadows with her eyes, and the cheekstick doing it's magic.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdlv9sg9TeSlsNJeFJHIBNRUzIbbMmaowK1er68mZHmc7LsfT1xHDkE24h81MmS4f-TzJJPGSdV8GG9KNRgsstViL5bixvzDYXnAwRpbPqrOdAvY2kroSZ4roAzLniySyRJ2N0oXjzdcO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-21+at+6.23.42+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdlv9sg9TeSlsNJeFJHIBNRUzIbbMmaowK1er68mZHmc7LsfT1xHDkE24h81MmS4f-TzJJPGSdV8GG9KNRgsstViL5bixvzDYXnAwRpbPqrOdAvY2kroSZ4roAzLniySyRJ2N0oXjzdcO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-21+at+6.23.42+PM.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the<a href="http://addiction-beauty.com/special/1404_esparadis/#/movie"> promo video</a>, fingertapping is not just for laptops, for cheeks too</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I basically picked the only colour <i>not</i> featured on the model: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhEjG5pyVlTsi3fVjMi0sbqfNyrOxRZ9WpHlI9k35kBDNhIvwXE7r3xkBQ5DAmheruU7eIsbAEXyAEm4IkN_T7LGchs0gQHFwWDhx1NMj8s-Xt2BetYHRhrJ9Bg8naPSIOjsjQmlp3yjT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-21+at+7.14.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhEjG5pyVlTsi3fVjMi0sbqfNyrOxRZ9WpHlI9k35kBDNhIvwXE7r3xkBQ5DAmheruU7eIsbAEXyAEm4IkN_T7LGchs0gQHFwWDhx1NMj8s-Xt2BetYHRhrJ9Bg8naPSIOjsjQmlp3yjT/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-21+at+7.14.24+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'More' looked too much like a terracotta orange that wouldn't match my cool undertones. 'Ibiza Sunset' like <i>yet another</i> bronzer shade. I was interested in <b>Behind the Veil</b>, a peachy shimmery type of colour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At first sight, it does look like 'everything's peachy':</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZZIGQ0Auu0ejAaTYro8BhO1Of-cXfxQnNyCq-fJFuTPJZO0_In59fT3Tf_yxqXPPyx0QjDucXpJNi2cwH3DBGJM0secDe6Kfb-l7dQhRrGTu0H_E5p_InHxddz4nBBETZeJhdZwx7UcT/s1600/CSC_0899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZZIGQ0Auu0ejAaTYro8BhO1Of-cXfxQnNyCq-fJFuTPJZO0_In59fT3Tf_yxqXPPyx0QjDucXpJNi2cwH3DBGJM0secDe6Kfb-l7dQhRrGTu0H_E5p_InHxddz4nBBETZeJhdZwx7UcT/s1600/CSC_0899.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike the previous cheeksticks, this one has<b> flecks/shimmer inside.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's compare it to Rose Bar:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyqL50JEKBqMptwENV82xXyy0x0YE_S80N8QoXRnGSH6gZVgvJu_sMASj1HzD-jn7rBdqESsD88Ly5PWwVmnKcm7aZ9Zu-IaMn9Mrlr7ODLkXYUDS2Hq8JtMKvix4jy3UI9AqPUrX3dS5/s1600/DSC_0896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyqL50JEKBqMptwENV82xXyy0x0YE_S80N8QoXRnGSH6gZVgvJu_sMASj1HzD-jn7rBdqESsD88Ly5PWwVmnKcm7aZ9Zu-IaMn9Mrlr7ODLkXYUDS2Hq8JtMKvix4jy3UI9AqPUrX3dS5/s1600/DSC_0896.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My first thought was: <b>NARS multiple in Orgasm</b>. I was intending to <strike>steal</strike> borrow a tiny chunk from the Sephora shop, but morality kicked in so you just have to take my word for it: they are almost dupes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Swatches:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHU574IYSBInpw8uNUhVa3lig4dkXj0ZHCTW6-tig1llY_V4hVCYVVMQWQx98TkIKWblA0_3P2eMkT8F4b6tRPtp-2X33ylMh4VZhlWjLr1bmAllSHAzoWkrCD3CYIhxpHKXn1ApBShGs/s1600/addictionBehindtheVeilvsRosebar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHU574IYSBInpw8uNUhVa3lig4dkXj0ZHCTW6-tig1llY_V4hVCYVVMQWQx98TkIKWblA0_3P2eMkT8F4b6tRPtp-2X33ylMh4VZhlWjLr1bmAllSHAzoWkrCD3CYIhxpHKXn1ApBShGs/s1600/addictionBehindtheVeilvsRosebar.jpg" height="498" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So before you will give me the "<i>what's the deal-it's so pretty</i>?" do have to agree upon that; it's pretty and shimmery and that NARS Orgasm kinda glow that is the most cultish colour ever. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Then again...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Rosebar definitely looks more opaque than Behind the Veil. </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Also, it's a matter of personal taste. I've lived in a warmer, smog-infested city for a while which turned my skin into <i>neo</i>-teenage oiliness. Anything glimmerish that enhanced my pores has been a total no-go for that time being. So timing was a bit off with this cheekstick. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've also never been a fan of NARS Orgasm for similar reasons. I take my glitter quite sparingly and even though think one is subdued, it's still present when your pores do not resemble total tiny flawless<i>ness</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back to Holland, I have to try it again! The climate is starting to turn my skin into a slightly dryer and less oilier surface so I am quite sure it can work a bit better for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It looks gorgeous on lips too. Delightful velvety glow and the texture of the Addiction cheeksticks cannot be beaten for hybrid application (eyes too).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Conclusion</b></u>: a sweet, sheer hybrid but take care if you are glimmer-shy</div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-23364633622880585182014-05-21T22:02:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.059-07:00Sisterhood of Travelling Spas: Alqvimia Barcelona<div style="text-align: center;">Spa-ing, is it actually a verb? I think it should be... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l05nSuvS9vIL-DWXVDVg34GX6Z24LrdpfN__uSPX7ZMw5nCppRvJJ-hBSOKny2DmxCs8_TOSvnxZuq00uIyd9Z80myBC1PPRQUL1_cS3J0c85l7I9DRGWkoIb7hdIGvVhou_Q-aeYunq/s1600/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l05nSuvS9vIL-DWXVDVg34GX6Z24LrdpfN__uSPX7ZMw5nCppRvJJ-hBSOKny2DmxCs8_TOSvnxZuq00uIyd9Z80myBC1PPRQUL1_cS3J0c85l7I9DRGWkoIb7hdIGvVhou_Q-aeYunq/s1600/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+4" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In my case it has been a while since I had a relaxing treatment so I decided to make it a verb again. Also, in the beginning of 2014 I made a couple of resolutions that included to try out more french products. Now, <b>Alqvimia </b>is as Spanish as you can find, or a gorgeous brand that sells divinely, aromatherapeutically infused products for face and body. But the idea was there and going to it's spa would combine a couple of elements:</div><ul><li>getting familiar with their brand without buying the full monthy (bottle)</li><li style="text-align: left;">Time out being in a hectic city like Barcelona</li><li>mmm, soothing massages and masks that will draw out city impurities</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNhdNmxto5jyPkF68Sj-vA89O4ySpkWx5rZU8DFtKCCc-ZcUfKChf1bPDuq1sdjCvZ1HXkNr04lcr2eqpnCZa6nKKnZna4oOVBe3HPaHLduxfl1cxfaxhgxD933rYCs1pQ1ZvxdglgH0x/s1600/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVNhdNmxto5jyPkF68Sj-vA89O4ySpkWx5rZU8DFtKCCc-ZcUfKChf1bPDuq1sdjCvZ1HXkNr04lcr2eqpnCZa6nKKnZna4oOVBe3HPaHLduxfl1cxfaxhgxD933rYCs1pQ1ZvxdglgH0x/s1600/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+1" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to go for the <b>Facial Absolute Beauty Express</b>. It is one of their facial treatments in a relatively shorter timespan. I like long treatments but as it had been my 1st time I wanted to know if the therapists would be really skilled. I think a longer treatment with someone who isn't really skilled, dedicated or not really connected is often ackward and not really relaxing. In this case, I could have spend hours with her because her way of bringing relaxation was total bliss. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tHZgplbRWMn-Iutjrff17bGqtBtFd-a_KxlTC2rcPxLJmI71jNvUYbnop0pyaAos7aqleXIEiu_BjLTOKUMp1cLV98PcMb9YPTcDANl2PwmuSNij7VQFK_RrxeefOkcZsADMi0s3-uti/s1600/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tHZgplbRWMn-Iutjrff17bGqtBtFd-a_KxlTC2rcPxLJmI71jNvUYbnop0pyaAos7aqleXIEiu_BjLTOKUMp1cLV98PcMb9YPTcDANl2PwmuSNij7VQFK_RrxeefOkcZsADMi0s3-uti/s320/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+3" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">40 minutes is often not enough to experience that spa-drownsiness that you can get in good hands. But Beatrice quickly got me into a lulling state of being with the exotic music, synchronising massage, the aromatherapeutic blend of the rose water mist, and later some other divine mixtures personalised for my skin. Their slogan '<i style="font-weight: bold;">total relaxation is paradise</i>' never been more fitting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6xh9nHk7CTkaz7LBcMJs2NQ_Jc8fUaEL7MKvCmMdq64URhoK010Jxw2Kmnd5k_to0fioR9jcb4rMvCs52yErVpPr8IYasdzJvyubnv7RtnWswtR7zVJbB8CXEZq3PBGGI1joDOSrvEY6/s1600/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6xh9nHk7CTkaz7LBcMJs2NQ_Jc8fUaEL7MKvCmMdq64URhoK010Jxw2Kmnd5k_to0fioR9jcb4rMvCs52yErVpPr8IYasdzJvyubnv7RtnWswtR7zVJbB8CXEZq3PBGGI1joDOSrvEY6/s320/alqvimia+Spa+Barcelona++-+2" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Some other quirky elements from the treatment:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>Massage and scrub is elaborate, a fabulous plumping method when done right</li><li>the mask is a custom made blend</li><li>the mask covers eyes and ( if not too claustophobic/ having a cold) lips as well </li><li>The spa is in the centre of Barcelona, just 2 minutes from Placa de Catalunya</li><li>a lovely tea-infusion afterwards</li></ul>I really liked this introduction to Spanish brand Alqvimia: the shorter treatment totally gets you zoned out.<br /><br />And results, ofcourse we want them too! I left the place without a smidge of makeup and felt totally confident about the radiance of my skin: that happens so seldom I cannot even remember (a woman who prioritizes her compact makeup before the mobile).<br /><br />I think it's a gorgeous perk up being on a hectic citytrip or when working in Barcelona without much time on hands. I'd like to have a longer treatment in the future that includes both body and face.<br /><br />The Alqvimia spa is situated on Ramblas Catalunya 24 in Barcelona and you can read about them over <a href="mailto:https://alqvimia.com/europe/en/alqvimia-news?id=c991d5db560a3315a3270e07e09944ef">here.</a></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-45162684388232995342014-05-08T03:00:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.069-07:00Flower to the People: Mad Hippy Antioxidant Facial Oil<div style="text-align: center;">This one got me by it's name. I just really like original hippies. I could never be a real one myself and due to <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/04/pit-stop-schmidts-natural-deodorant-in.html">my previous deodorant adventure into organics,</a> my armpits neither, but I kinda love them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kSO6N_2d7pNaMOxetSy5EyJjnq10un5_qtN7DGtaU3g2QjAIRMcKywKLt9S9yOmIssF9G59Ex_EDGQknG_eR2WgQfgIZIA7brnUIa5-bp78lv2bmHsdzpCX-7G1xrd3F_q21_rgU7VPf/s1600/image(27).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kSO6N_2d7pNaMOxetSy5EyJjnq10un5_qtN7DGtaU3g2QjAIRMcKywKLt9S9yOmIssF9G59Ex_EDGQknG_eR2WgQfgIZIA7brnUIa5-bp78lv2bmHsdzpCX-7G1xrd3F_q21_rgU7VPf/s1600/image(27).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I think it involves a certain level of healthy madness to be a real hippy <i>en pleine forme. </i>I'm not talking about the Bohemian crowd visiting Ibiza, Goa, Tulum, etc who have floaty dresses, yoga the shizzle out of their body, but would scream day & night if you would take away their mobile: that's some nice <i>faux</i>-hippiness. Nothing wrong with that as I like to get regular showers too and don't take me away from my materialist amount of facecare either.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_a1X7QDxCGIvEnGvzTq6RSkLzwwHfcIGFPjh7tkE6tm0NF9G2bYoQwd7fUlPp6FRfL2GKNBRosMhRChH068If-MdxY12L_G8TNvDYkVcsSk3GjqTDtuAaHfXjlNreO7XMnEniEK1UX0D/s1600/madhippyoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_a1X7QDxCGIvEnGvzTq6RSkLzwwHfcIGFPjh7tkE6tm0NF9G2bYoQwd7fUlPp6FRfL2GKNBRosMhRChH068If-MdxY12L_G8TNvDYkVcsSk3GjqTDtuAaHfXjlNreO7XMnEniEK1UX0D/s1600/madhippyoil.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">boxed and beflowered </td></tr></tbody></table>Facecare and materialism: hence another faceoil from <a href="http://www.madhippie.com/about-us/">a label</a> that seems to be doing face-oils before it gotten too popular. Also, it's still has a white, flowery label which is something different from the <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/03/organic-skincare-trend-black-n.html">darker labels lately</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What differs from Mad Hippy is that it's on the cheaper side, hence real-hippy affordable. It aims to be anti-oxidant and has <b>Camu Camu</b> as it's *wonder* ingredient: It's packed with 30x more <b>vitamin C</b> than an orange. <br /><br /> Now I love fancy ingredients, especially from Rainforest areas. However, I'm somewhat aware that the carbon footprint of shipping out exotic ingredients around the world is not that environmentally friendly. Not that I'm such a saint, because I'm kinda glad this oil is infused with such gorgeously potent ingredients:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMySpL4TSIkc5n_fzy9hILrbGjSlSFlRfQF4Q-P0475VUEqn8NqYIldy87PMi7eiePmlTKWcezHKsK0LXbNRwY73ViOuK8an7L32RjbJAdFn5OvDYXruP6Bp54Um8cW6TQ95azNCCksIt/s1600/ingr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMySpL4TSIkc5n_fzy9hILrbGjSlSFlRfQF4Q-P0475VUEqn8NqYIldy87PMi7eiePmlTKWcezHKsK0LXbNRwY73ViOuK8an7L32RjbJAdFn5OvDYXruP6Bp54Um8cW6TQ95azNCCksIt/s1600/ingr.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: #f6b26b;">Argan oil</span> (argania spinosa), pomegranate seed oil (punica granatum), sunflower seed oil (helianthus annuus), cranberry fruit extract (vaccinium macrocarpon), pomegranate extract (punica granatum), blueberry extract (vaccinium angustifolium), strawberry fruit extract (fragaria vesca), kiwi extract (actinidia chinensis), watermelon fruit extract (citrullus vulgaris), grape seed extract (vitis vinifera), raspberry seed extract (rubus idaeus), <span style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">camu camu fruit extract</span> (myrciaria dubia), <span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">acai fruit</span> extract (euterpe oleracea), <span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">goji</span> extract (lycium barbarum), sea buckthorn berry extract (hippophae rhamnoides), hemp seed extract (cannabis sativa), <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">broccoli</span> extract (brassica oleracea italica), sweet orange oil (citrus sinensis), <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">vitamin E</span> (tocopherol). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />It almost sounds like my morning smoothie.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And indeed, "More Actives, More Results":<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg647_3qrZNYjDAobEV_czzMrWG5zQdv1oDGDsDaHONmHSrLDH_Om1FqkEpoJPn7tw3IU3odaDHnGIDgpISk0zwujtZliU_XiyNwleXg9w8v1eZD1Omn1AhAKif3qe6oDG7OQmPd8x_j2jV/s1600/CSC_0799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg647_3qrZNYjDAobEV_czzMrWG5zQdv1oDGDsDaHONmHSrLDH_Om1FqkEpoJPn7tw3IU3odaDHnGIDgpISk0zwujtZliU_XiyNwleXg9w8v1eZD1Omn1AhAKif3qe6oDG7OQmPd8x_j2jV/s1600/CSC_0799.jpg" height="539" width="640" /></a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Right now I like this blend of oils. Springtime is the perfect time to boost your skin to life. Antioxidants are excellent for recovering the skin from the stronger sunrays of late spring/beginning summer. It's a thicker oil so I prefer it for nighttime. It smells like a fruity smoothie with a hint of real Argan oil scent. People knowing their real argan that it's a bit herbally strong, almost like a certain form of meat. But it's only faintly present. I'm glad they used the unfiltered argan, as it's often more potent than the filtered versions <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>cough</i> Josie Maran)</span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of all, the price: it's a <a href="http://www.iherb.com/Mad-Hippie-Skin-Care-Products-Antioxidant-Facial-Oil-1-02-fl-oz-30-ml/49190">mere $19.99</a> for a good amount of 30 ml.<br /><br />Now If I just find some good organic deodorant and cycle to Spain for holidays....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-16694974018015583282014-05-01T12:27:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.081-07:00April's Empties<div style="text-align: center;">This month has been a normal empties month:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDy1AxGOu3h1ZOZ83eJJsmfmvnI_oSHHRsgWCWG5qMEtt9VqizvjnsxDvt4BZKb8bTg4vX0Mu_UNHBc1QGdVriDjyDeODxYVIqNN2V3mSQW_2X-7b6qmGXjhja_d_eApUF1EYKGxM8VCq/s1600/image(30).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDy1AxGOu3h1ZOZ83eJJsmfmvnI_oSHHRsgWCWG5qMEtt9VqizvjnsxDvt4BZKb8bTg4vX0Mu_UNHBc1QGdVriDjyDeODxYVIqNN2V3mSQW_2X-7b6qmGXjhja_d_eApUF1EYKGxM8VCq/s1600/image(30).jpeg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ul><li>Pai daycream in Macademia & Rose has not been finished yet, but it reached the expiry date. I quite like the neutral texture but I opened it too late </li></ul></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ul><li> De Mamiel Spring oil is nice, but I'm not too fond of it's lemony, home-cleansing scent. I added some neroli & geranium to perk it up: that worked </li></ul></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ul><li> Nourish Revital-eye made it to my <b>Best of 2013 </b>List. I've emptied my 2nd tube & keep on loving its effect on my eyes.</li></ul></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ul><li>Avene eau Thermale had been on my wishlist for a while. I got the samplesize and like it, but I cannot really distinguish between this one and La Roche Posay: I just like both types.</li><li> Ren Evercalm cleanser is lovely, but these days I'm more partial to either cleansing oils or micellar waters. But it's nice to try </li><li>Kris dAmour makes some lovely oils. The soothing faceoil, is everything it promises, delightfully soo</li><li>Estelle & Child lifting Eyecream was a bit of a miss for me. It gave me an irritation: the saleswoman told me it was because the eyec re am contained too many actives but I don, t have yhis promblem with either Pai Echium nor Nourish Revital-Eyes. It's just not working for me.</li></ul></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yRiuLblSHvSb9V8JlTvyGEO0am6Lr8jT8VDBNyUFZ6NmckWIAY8dSyn751sIE2n_KJN7UExyCwdcE-AxdcqUtEdWgtHkH5iWFpe6BJ-2e4IoGJh5zkv05cNqBLUA9u7RjBv2qf-lhGu8/s1600/image(28).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yRiuLblSHvSb9V8JlTvyGEO0am6Lr8jT8VDBNyUFZ6NmckWIAY8dSyn751sIE2n_KJN7UExyCwdcE-AxdcqUtEdWgtHkH5iWFpe6BJ-2e4IoGJh5zkv05cNqBLUA9u7RjBv2qf-lhGu8/s1600/image(28).jpeg" height="425" width="640" /></a></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;">Both of my pot eyeliners dried out. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really liked RMS Unpowder which explained why I finished in 4 months</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdkzXUnVi3cUb1uNfbLL-4ar73sezIqY4I8mUCk-vPkrASF6P_m5FFiPlN3KfW0xH56BNfrpPsdl51oEHIKE3YGi8k_1W63uIghFXAkkPxP6Ks-NuI87iJIrGIJszQakQnGKCwBrNnJxC/s1600/image(29).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdkzXUnVi3cUb1uNfbLL-4ar73sezIqY4I8mUCk-vPkrASF6P_m5FFiPlN3KfW0xH56BNfrpPsdl51oEHIKE3YGi8k_1W63uIghFXAkkPxP6Ks-NuI87iJIrGIJszQakQnGKCwBrNnJxC/s1600/image(29).jpeg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSvmenz7cSCmVn_zpZ2Rk1rJW99CufIQtiL6fvhrod49pCiUKDY_yAgqDotCldFlebyGw54ck7sDu2K23y6DO_hPhrj6rhJ-XXFoZ_DXnMf2Abf45gXpxyyZfYiqA9jkHt8zh29hdSdrX/s1600/image(31).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSvmenz7cSCmVn_zpZ2Rk1rJW99CufIQtiL6fvhrod49pCiUKDY_yAgqDotCldFlebyGw54ck7sDu2K23y6DO_hPhrj6rhJ-XXFoZ_DXnMf2Abf45gXpxyyZfYiqA9jkHt8zh29hdSdrX/s1600/image(31).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><ul><li>Nexxus Emergencee changed into Polymedic: the formula is still similarly brilliant and givesmhair a good dose of protein.</li><li>Trilogy Refresh and Shine is an excellent, organic conditioner with light but effective detangling properties</li><li>Less is MORE Lindengloss shampoo smells amazing and cleanses light but effectively. I want themfull size now!</li><li>Ila Nourish body lotion is light and has that hwrbal scent. Lovely, but the full size would be a tad too pricy for me</li><li>Last but not least has been Timothy Dunn Mille Fleurs candle: so good that it should become a perfume.</li></ul>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-67528877426095601592014-04-25T02:57:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.092-07:00Newbies Time...<div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Newbies I've gotten this month:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU6oAY_li3qz08wX3WZjYM3us15xC7fx2RSv-SPq9L3-SfjTkvPDw7eoaLm-Uflxhrv-4UgIF0VJ9rY_4rWbF4eoSpejz4PmoWPCqc6uC4lvfaprJ4MR3zyo8QkxvwrdRNjpeYurfKJEv/s1600/image(26).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU6oAY_li3qz08wX3WZjYM3us15xC7fx2RSv-SPq9L3-SfjTkvPDw7eoaLm-Uflxhrv-4UgIF0VJ9rY_4rWbF4eoSpejz4PmoWPCqc6uC4lvfaprJ4MR3zyo8QkxvwrdRNjpeYurfKJEv/s1600/image(26).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The <b>Eyeko eyelash curler </b>is a freebie with Instyle UK of this month</div><div style="text-align: center;">* </div><div style="text-align: center;">The <b>Givenchy ActiMine Primer in Mango</b>: I had been eyeing this one up for a while but I hesitated between this slightly older primer or the latest Clarins Eclat Minute Base Illuminatrice de Teint in Rose. I think the opacity of this one is higher and I love the colour-correcting properties of the mango-orangy colour: it's perfect to mask some darker undereye circles and it gives a lovely boost to lacklustre skin. Thus, it's a CC before everyone was all about calling everything a CC.</div><div style="text-align: center;">*</div><div style="text-align: center;">I bought a new Bobbi Brown Eyeliner because my older one had become half-empty and slightly dry</div><div style="text-align: center;">* </div><div style="text-align: center;">A cute rose-gold necklace from etsyseller <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183044328/32x3mm-nameplate-necklacerose-gold?ref=shop_home_active_23">DelikatNY </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">*</div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, the NARS Gaiety. I hesitated for almost a year but have it now. It's wonderful as a highlighter without shimmer but a lot of freshness</div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-57046467204474786132014-04-22T22:12:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.104-07:00Pit-Stop: Schmidt's Natural Deodorant in Bergamot & Lime<div style="text-align: center;">My evolution into more organic method of living:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>healthy -healthier - ehm...pitstop</i> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-> ironically it stops at the pits:</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU6-qNsWIeLTabsCyR2giBM455qp7mVjSfhw9BMXFgEohC1WwFxlwVpFa8CWgsaCh_gj9efYR4IezB394msd7DLYmeXiw4xIpzAN78LapvazKksT-LyrgnS5K77k2JZnWt4VCdXr6fWlw/s1600/foto(219).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU6-qNsWIeLTabsCyR2giBM455qp7mVjSfhw9BMXFgEohC1WwFxlwVpFa8CWgsaCh_gj9efYR4IezB394msd7DLYmeXiw4xIpzAN78LapvazKksT-LyrgnS5K77k2JZnWt4VCdXr6fWlw/s1600/foto(219).JPG" height="381" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my little lime had forgotten his sunscreen, which explains the tan on his back</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">There is such a thing that is called <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/orthorexia"><i><b>orthorexia</b></i></a> which is taking the healthy into excess: thank [<span style="font-size: x-small;">..fill in your deity...]</span> I have never took it so far as I would pass gladly on anything that flushes me from a <i>side-that-doesn't-like-to-be-flushed</i>. But I've been a lot healthier and gotten into the buzz of adding new superfood powders to my smoothie every time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Something as bland but necessary as deodorant has been <b><i>claimed</i></b> to be one of the key 'poisoners' <span style="font-size: x-small;">(take 'poison' lightly)</span> of human bodies due to aluminium & other ingredients (<a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jat.899/abstract;jsessionid=833D404DD824461DA62CA040D6F4E0E5.f02t02?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false">here</a>, <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427405002407">here</a> & one <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691500001186">here</a>). And to every study there are the ones that prove that the opposite...etc etc. They are still being sold, so I guess it's not a thing like transfat<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (yet??)</span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To be sure, I wanted to "go clean" and go for a natural deodorant. Schmidt's had gotten some raves online: it is also available in Holland so I could pick it up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/such-free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/such-free.jpg" height="339" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">such free-<i>dom</i>, this deodorant</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Free of this, Free of that: I took another step into organic-<i>dom</i>!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But the difficulties start with application.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ05bGdvDCkoeq38xi6ZT2DsOw66yCG1gnnOSN94yJbtzrfe7TIVghmWI93dn8scITJMd6ukvoPh0EPthhooHYpIFDSo4ZadvBE4yB52xHG_Ts0k96Bcix-aHZcuKlz9sHdfj2QIwRMUK/s1600/image(23).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ05bGdvDCkoeq38xi6ZT2DsOw66yCG1gnnOSN94yJbtzrfe7TIVghmWI93dn8scITJMd6ukvoPh0EPthhooHYpIFDSo4ZadvBE4yB52xHG_Ts0k96Bcix-aHZcuKlz9sHdfj2QIwRMUK/s1600/image(23).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So there's actually a spatula for scooping out the deodorant...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Which brings me to the <b>texture = rockhard!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfFhUXUz4jbtk2XzfuoN6yo6UAAvnfwMOB-4v1MYE-iIi3NAMsvap1hBJeNzm5kVyvJl5aaq1wqTy8042nj2BXbAOJbT8JSUxggcecLYtX58xyIE7rH0XkIlzxgbuhpRwUDoYWAl_oU6p/s1600/image(24).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfFhUXUz4jbtk2XzfuoN6yo6UAAvnfwMOB-4v1MYE-iIi3NAMsvap1hBJeNzm5kVyvJl5aaq1wqTy8042nj2BXbAOJbT8JSUxggcecLYtX58xyIE7rH0XkIlzxgbuhpRwUDoYWAl_oU6p/s1600/image(24).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It rubs in as a sorta coconut oil: it melts after a bit of fingerrubbing and pit-pressing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can overlook a bit of extra work but as <b>performance: not too impressed</b>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not that stinky when I wear no deodorant if I have normal activities (or, I think I'm not). So I'd compare the no-deo first: I <b>loved how it smelled</b> on 1st application, a zesty citrusblend. After 5 hours I put my nose under my arms and "<i>what the fruga-organic</i>-Gwynneth-Uncoupling-<i>esque</i>?": a slight sweaty scent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Ohoh</i>, it seems like it actually activated my pits after a while. Some light chemical deodorants can do that too: blocking or masking for a while and after some time: <i>sniff-pongy!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I brought it to a high-impact workout <span style="font-size: x-small;">(standing at the other side of the room, just in case)</span> and I had normal stinky level like at times I would forgot to deo or anti-transpirant at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Such a shame, look at some of the beautiful ingredients:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Bpt526EtqiVzELUicQTRFsLIELQsnrjJEF4JplwfJdF4f1vaBCm8hS2NxOxuPDxsBrojiUYfkfyfBcNLW8RscjKoKQomFlcmLcPOdMs0TfB1-JnYd5UnluZJ81Nlu5nlfwgy35-mgteQ/s1600/image(25).jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Bpt526EtqiVzELUicQTRFsLIELQsnrjJEF4JplwfJdF4f1vaBCm8hS2NxOxuPDxsBrojiUYfkfyfBcNLW8RscjKoKQomFlcmLcPOdMs0TfB1-JnYd5UnluZJ81Nlu5nlfwgy35-mgteQ/s1600/image(25).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients (Bergamot + Lime): Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Citrus bergamia (bergamot) essential oil, Citrus aurantifolia (lime) essential oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Humulus lupulus (hop) extract</span></div><b> </b><b> </b><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I can conclude that it doesn't really work for me. There are some reviews out there that love it (<a href="http://thegreenproductjunkie.blogspot.nl/2013/07/a-perfect-natural-deodorant-that-smells.html">here</a>, <a href="http://compassandquill.com/green-beauty-review-schmidts-natural-deodorant/">here</a> & <a href="http://www.organicbeautytalk.com/schmidts-natural-deodorant-review-giveaway/">here</a>). I personally won't go to all lenghts for being healthy so I'll keep the pits slightly chemical until I find my organic match.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>So how far would you go for being healthy?</b></i></span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-83778814966832758652014-04-20T05:59:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.117-07:00The Cheapskate Way to Expensive Makeup <div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy Easter! </b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have been into makeup for a couple of years and have both access to cheaper and some more expensive brands. I love to compare both, see if the niche is <i>aaaalways </i>better (or not), and want to share some tips of how to do <i>The Cheapskate Way to Expensive Makeup</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Fast Technology and family </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObl_c2lJ9-c5viC4HFOr_-kO0zDlIsb9ia0z6kh8KZETSuHulEqq-s3iTWIrY2BegFEvVFtKgEDCqk1kmm20k4KIFlkWuDaTZoFFp5KMnrsgj_p_T6ZST6ErBDZjZVM8IDrLtBYaE-EV-/s1600/image(18).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObl_c2lJ9-c5viC4HFOr_-kO0zDlIsb9ia0z6kh8KZETSuHulEqq-s3iTWIrY2BegFEvVFtKgEDCqk1kmm20k4KIFlkWuDaTZoFFp5KMnrsgj_p_T6ZST6ErBDZjZVM8IDrLtBYaE-EV-/s1600/image(18).jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><b> </b><i>Huh</i>?<b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fast technology</b>, think how brilliant Armani Fusion Makeup foundation has been since 2012 and how L'oreal made a clone-tastic variety in 2013 by Nude Magique Eau de Teint (review <a href="http://lifesentropy.com/2013/07/giorgio-armani-maestro-fusion-makeup-exact-dupe.html">here</a> , <a href="https://annarempel.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/beauty-wars-series-giorgio-armani-vs-loreal/comment-page-1/">here</a> & <a href="http://www.materialisticmusings.com/2013/06/loreal-magic-nude-foundation-vs-giorgio.html">here</a>). Another one, how revolutionary was Kerastase Elixir Ultime and how fast it has been replicated by the zillions of other hairoils?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Family</b>, brands like L'oreal often have<a href="http://www.loreal.com/Brands.aspx?topcode=CorpTopic_Brand"> a zillion subbrands</a> that sell someting similar under a diffferent name & cheaper pricecard. For example the beautiful Kerastase - I think that the<a href="http://lorealprofessionnel.co.uk/"> L'oreal Professionel line</a> can be just as good or even more expertised. They often have the same technologies and laboratories as Kerastase but are in slightly less polished bottles. They are often used abundantly by hairdressers and they know their stuff. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i><b>2. <i>Sample, Sampling Samplinged!</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/image19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/image19.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div></div><div>Buy your things at places that are often generous, <strike>bug</strike> ask the Sales Assistent what would suit your skin most: and add <i>"your skin is sensitive so if she would have a sample to try out"</i>...etc etc. Find online places that sell samples instead of full-sized. How often do you really empty a full eyeshadow palette or a perfume? Not that much, right? Samping gives a good way of experimenting.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://theperfumedcourt.com/">The Perfumed Court</a> - niche perfume Samples</div><div><a href="http://www.thebodyneeds2.com/">The Body Needs</a> - Mac pigment samples<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (I'm so passed MAC but I used to love them when my something in thirtysomething wasn't that much yet)</span></div><div>Various mineral Makeup shops have dupes of the popular stuff, and often they are less chemical/friendlier for skin: eg <a href="http://www.alimapure.com/pages/store-locations">Alima</a> , <a href="http://host.silknaturals.com/creb/index.php">Silknaturals</a>, <a href="http://meowcosmetics.com/">MeowCosmetics</a>, <a href="http://www.lucyminerals.com/">lucyminerals</a>, or find even more at <a href="http://www.phyrra.net/">Phyrra's blog</a>.</div><div>For organics head over to <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/samples.cfm">naturisimo.com</a> as you can take 5 samples per order, or the <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/skincare/try-me--travel-sets/sample-service--terms-apply.htm">sample service of beingcontent.com.</a> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3.<b> Pretty face & a pretty wallet = good enough</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeGnMv6um2QFioXbXKzHzET0a0bevBKtuaif019V1cXMRqBJUvU-YlENdmujIiBkYCfhoz26t_51FCiUBKPZ7Lxr3dxh7foztniG37UFPpQy_yAiD9RMSkhk2FSWUeJFVRKe_-bTNyf9K/s1600/image(17).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeGnMv6um2QFioXbXKzHzET0a0bevBKtuaif019V1cXMRqBJUvU-YlENdmujIiBkYCfhoz26t_51FCiUBKPZ7Lxr3dxh7foztniG37UFPpQy_yAiD9RMSkhk2FSWUeJFVRKe_-bTNyf9K/s1600/image(17).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br /> You don't always have buy the pretty box! Various brands sell refills that you can easily use without ever have bought the original packaging. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4. <b>You can't always get what you want, but know what you need!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROaz7rE1LsvsjNP4tny8cNWXRtkI8acbHxgxFN99Ph-8BISESfkcd_Bcj3ISMUR3AQWu4Mz0iZ758lZj9hWymjdP4qIdFsEW0URSR9b9Tf3ScXpcXGCr5eXRLXPk3z_zq6ADI0r5uA02V/s1600/makeupbaggonechaotic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROaz7rE1LsvsjNP4tny8cNWXRtkI8acbHxgxFN99Ph-8BISESfkcd_Bcj3ISMUR3AQWu4Mz0iZ758lZj9hWymjdP4qIdFsEW0URSR9b9Tf3ScXpcXGCr5eXRLXPk3z_zq6ADI0r5uA02V/s1600/makeupbaggonechaotic.jpg" /></a></div>Enabling of bloggers often might make you think you <i>reaaaallly</i> gonna need the $100 eyeshadow brush they recommend, and about a 100 more of the same line/expensive range! But you might not even be into an intricate eye with 8 different eyeshadows. So a couple of brushes is enough. Or perhaps you enjoy your Dolce & Gabanna perfume just as much or even more than the $200 Byredo/Killian/Ineke varieties out there. There's a reason the drugstore perfumes are more popular so don't feel enabled into going niche because Ms. X does. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ps: I do love the eyeshadow brush posts from bloggers like <a href="http://sweetmakeuptemptations.com/">sweetmakeuptemptations</a>. It's like beautyblogger's porn: something you would never do yourself but still looks so lovely if you would have so many brushes with all the skills and perhaps the right canvas (face) as well.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5. Read, Read, Read, & take the best</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">You already stumbled upon my blog so I guess you read beautyblogs. <b> Take the best of a brand! </b>Most brands have something they really excel in. Some have a kick-ass eyeliner or the most amazing lipstick. Just take the <i>cream of the Crop</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>6. Go Global</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlRhN7cnW9QLNx55UATmYpUd4gBPnPOGF9C4Uow4x_koHgNoWjg5hl3qHqFpz3es5U0qW668AfNhjpaIK0sSZ2q-Z1n4pDw2qwg03OSTJ8BbWB_uGAC3uRkqr7LpSy008X8op11QBipcS/s1600/image%252820%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlRhN7cnW9QLNx55UATmYpUd4gBPnPOGF9C4Uow4x_koHgNoWjg5hl3qHqFpz3es5U0qW668AfNhjpaIK0sSZ2q-Z1n4pDw2qwg03OSTJ8BbWB_uGAC3uRkqr7LpSy008X8op11QBipcS/s1600/image%252820%2529.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautystandards are (still) different from place to place, and so does each countries' expertise on the '<b><i>beauty-goal'</i></b><i>.</i> Japan is being innovative in brightening skincare. On the other side of the spectrum, the UK loves their bronzed godesses so you'll find a high expertise and selection of selftanners. "<i>French women don't get Fat</i>"? Thanks to their zillions of anti-cellulite creams. And for makeup the US is absolutely present. So more choice, more competition, more expertise & lower prices by each country on their 'beauty-goal'.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think there are a lot of other ways to look good for not that much cash, so I might do a follow up on this one. Please comment if you have some fab advices on going cheaper with the same <i>'expensive face'</i>-look.<br /><br />Ps: have an amazing day and please enjoy your naughty food too: I adore chocolate and it's actually a superfood (without the sugar, but hey, can't have it all...)</div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-31289422883119719772014-04-16T03:56:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.128-07:00T is for Toner: Natural Being Manuka Toning Gel<div style="text-align: center;">I have a confession: I like toners, but I can ignore them easily as well: sometimes I believe my basic cleansing is enough. But unlike some opinions, I think they really can do something for the skin, or even your mood. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QP6mhPXBnIN5Qkt4of3GdO1NYFMnfnBBiHwaauxbg_uHUDXjgADM-u9gfU-l-5R1J0VxR0ZgXgWnsic3NAqzERTLpIEUCHwnYYhxpqVeGlIxJv2Ncj3KuWzCDgFSgDixuU39jRYoO_zu/s1600/image11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QP6mhPXBnIN5Qkt4of3GdO1NYFMnfnBBiHwaauxbg_uHUDXjgADM-u9gfU-l-5R1J0VxR0ZgXgWnsic3NAqzERTLpIEUCHwnYYhxpqVeGlIxJv2Ncj3KuWzCDgFSgDixuU39jRYoO_zu/s1600/image11.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Gel-toners are fairly new to me. I think they are a bit like the Japanese Emulsion steps: not a real water but thin enough to pass as an <i>in between </i>real cleansing and serum/daycream. So when I saw a natural variety with Manuka in it: I got it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/image12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/image12.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I've been going more natural/organic lately for specific reasons. I love the planet and think even one person can make a change, but foremost it has been vanity and sensitivity. But let's check out the sustainability of the product first: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnlZEntAx9l610m_Dma0zCxm-OhPjc2Iq3ak6dTDkJaG_1fdkzzm0iZ-PJp4_4UvGU6ntuDMWZdjX9hBHz6gyMd6slHWPU7iPNx_5QQzDpR82ZIB5rb-Gl8oQzCRQEw1ul_a9yMCqtY_W/s1600/image(13).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnlZEntAx9l610m_Dma0zCxm-OhPjc2Iq3ak6dTDkJaG_1fdkzzm0iZ-PJp4_4UvGU6ntuDMWZdjX9hBHz6gyMd6slHWPU7iPNx_5QQzDpR82ZIB5rb-Gl8oQzCRQEw1ul_a9yMCqtY_W/s1600/image(13).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSsp2z__4su_arvAAAWSwlz2-LNxhfzzDFxEsLakyjUIcAxxXh3eHlCdej6ihuQDh9LSaU4xc4bQAPSehqJQMGI6SaMt7yIflDuDeQQ9Ej-Twq3A9PGj9V9I8sB_XF0qUSioGZQB80sNn/s1600/image(14).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSsp2z__4su_arvAAAWSwlz2-LNxhfzzDFxEsLakyjUIcAxxXh3eHlCdej6ihuQDh9LSaU4xc4bQAPSehqJQMGI6SaMt7yIflDuDeQQ9Ej-Twq3A9PGj9V9I8sB_XF0qUSioGZQB80sNn/s1600/image(14).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I went in easy #hashtag mode to sum up the benefits: #<b>truebeautyfromwithin</b> but #<b>greatskincarehelps</b>. Also #<b>respect4Nature</b> & #<b>Nicetobunniesetc</b>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1996.tb00540.x/abstract">#<b>antimicrobial</b> function</a> is also perfect for acne-prone skin. Manuka is an absolute powerhouse on this function and the native Australians even put it on their wounds. I've once layered it over Pixel-lasered skin (gone quite wrong) and it really calmed & healed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/image15.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/fruitycat/image15.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><b>Review</b></u>: </div><ul><li style="text-align: center;">the <b>gel-form </b>feels <b>soothing</b> on the skin</li><li style="text-align: center;">adding the <b>manuka</b> adds to <b>calming</b> down</li><li style="text-align: center;">the gel-texture helps in <b>removing everything</b> the previous cleanser did not remove</li><li style="text-align: center;">without stripping skin from natural/protecting oils</li><li style="text-align: center;">the rest of the gel will dry: <i>aka</i> <b>similar as most Japanese Emulsion steps</b>.</li><li style="text-align: center;">Mid-range price</li><li style="text-align: center;">smells light like a hint of honey and a tad of something zesty (probably the geranium)</li><li><div style="text-align: center;">Good ingredient-list:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxU5eg_xQp9W_PqX4OWJRkh6NPjxWshmj8ebxr26jjuj_PG9iRtXzPVEFzwX9mQamRVBcVDIhCzJEHRmYn4CShbG_6TxXpb3zBZtt_vlTVEawxpzyiWMq-QKLYfsCbDTIxzzV12cRWBrv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-14+at+3.32.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxU5eg_xQp9W_PqX4OWJRkh6NPjxWshmj8ebxr26jjuj_PG9iRtXzPVEFzwX9mQamRVBcVDIhCzJEHRmYn4CShbG_6TxXpb3zBZtt_vlTVEawxpzyiWMq-QKLYfsCbDTIxzzV12cRWBrv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-14+at+3.32.05+PM.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Conclusion:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used it when my skin had been really sensitive and it really made a difference in toning it down. And after it has done that, I kinda forgot about it (like I said in the beginning about toners). Which in a way means that it does work, because I will not need it as often. However, I think I should be more consistent about using this as it will only strengthen my skin in the long run and will help into getting less sensitive too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Availability:<br />You can get it <a href="http://www.naturalbeingskincare.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=4">straight from their website </a>and read more about their philosophies too.</div></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-58618030622550717112014-04-12T22:55:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.139-07:00Korean Soap *star* Allure<div style="text-align: center;">I jumped on the Korean Soap-wagon and gotten myself the Innisfree no 6 Maple Burgundy lippy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9xDseuj6U_XrKMn2pBpfzgbWfl9dfa4uSKgUyWU_KtaFjVDy-73e9yOzuWEUqfcWisgaStA5qm9pbddcrPnkrvv_-qNFuA6GG088v85s1o7jCsqty8GIVBAhltF45mC4P7NTfenLVAxS/s1600/Innisfree+glossylaquerMaple+Burgundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9xDseuj6U_XrKMn2pBpfzgbWfl9dfa4uSKgUyWU_KtaFjVDy-73e9yOzuWEUqfcWisgaStA5qm9pbddcrPnkrvv_-qNFuA6GG088v85s1o7jCsqty8GIVBAhltF45mC4P7NTfenLVAxS/s1600/Innisfree+glossylaquerMaple+Burgundy.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Actually, it's the lip Laquer instead of the lipstick but let me explain further: Korean Soap? For washing?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nope, Koreans have been quite the comedians for a couple of years. I really adored <i>My Sassy Girl</i> and <b><i>Miss Korea</i></b> is the most anti-botox in facial expressions:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjmvgJjBNDj1FeFDwd7X1zWEjUGmKX3WWfCDpq39XwtyeAzvxJXCO-Upec-sC1puwlrUJ5z_KP7hMwhyMbFqdpPkNFOU-zo-m3oUcMRcrWo7ld3dKHsRmGr0ObfLKwaTUdt9OvbwkV6IH/s1600/misskorea1-poutispower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjmvgJjBNDj1FeFDwd7X1zWEjUGmKX3WWfCDpq39XwtyeAzvxJXCO-Upec-sC1puwlrUJ5z_KP7hMwhyMbFqdpPkNFOU-zo-m3oUcMRcrWo7ld3dKHsRmGr0ObfLKwaTUdt9OvbwkV6IH/s1600/misskorea1-poutispower.jpg" /></a></div><br />And the way the main character, Oh Ji-yeong, slightly dominates her male opposers by her gestures, demeanor, etc:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtiQdxRXPUZ1pimsktuqfNCUgdCI8e4DU1eMrVsdbWVxBb7Fondk1CZ5-XP03OhCskaorpY0k8Fg56mZkXFGwzBqlcKS-pGcX6yShALjx54ssFQewTA9MVQUrvj5-AgbTIk5osh_6IloW/s1600/misskorea2-00128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtiQdxRXPUZ1pimsktuqfNCUgdCI8e4DU1eMrVsdbWVxBb7Fondk1CZ5-XP03OhCskaorpY0k8Fg56mZkXFGwzBqlcKS-pGcX6yShALjx54ssFQewTA9MVQUrvj5-AgbTIk5osh_6IloW/s1600/misskorea2-00128.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">All underlined by her fierce lipstick(s). Which proves, you can be as chaotic/human/imperfect as Oh Ji-yeong, as long as the lipstick looks fierce. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">BTW, DrivellerKate has a a fab image of her not being so immaculately lipsticked <a href="http://drivelaboutfrivol.blogspot.nl/2014/01/sunday-sundries-miss-korea.html">so head over to hers</a> for the real goop on the show.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, a review on the Innisfree Glossy LipLaquer: I actually think it is quite watery. It doesn't stay on as long as my last generations of liplaquer-<i>ish</i> products (see here [<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/02/gosh-lip-laquer-in-funky-lips-dangerous.html">Gosh</a>] & these [<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/03/carroussel-of-newbies.html">YSL</a>]). But the colour is cute in an Autumn kind of way so it's a nice addition. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I did love the webshop I bought it from:<a href="http://cosmetic.jolse.com/innisfree-glossy-lip-laquer-4.8ml-10-colors-pick-one.html"> Jolse.com</a>. They've given me 3 freebies when I only got the lipgloss. I used to be such a fan of Korean webstore <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/search/label/gmarket">Gmarket</a> but ordering from them could be such a hassle for one or two things. This webshop is less complicated.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll leave you with a fragment of the older <i><b>My Sassy Girl</b></i> to show you the bizarre/funny type of humour:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5PsWLj97NVw" width="420"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>And have a fantastic sunday!</b></i></span></span></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-19032006688165547092014-04-11T02:30:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.151-07:00Review: Kahina Brightening Serum<div style="text-align: center;">A couple of weeks ago I blogged about the <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/03/organic-skincare-trend-black-n.html">'black bottle trend' </a>in organic skincare. I haven't been idle on using <b>Kahina's </b><i>[Giving Beauty]</i><b> Brightening serum,</b> and I happily will review this one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj_EbCS6hBNqcWXt1Uve_RjPRBLTnmnKWtptubYP9e5RS1i-3C6O-3TTwwV_WniAV58estQbL9h0PbFnL4vd6cpt49J19pzoqAIIIePcro6-u53GdU-KriiSKsJW_MHu9zk4_Gcagzeez/s1600/image(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj_EbCS6hBNqcWXt1Uve_RjPRBLTnmnKWtptubYP9e5RS1i-3C6O-3TTwwV_WniAV58estQbL9h0PbFnL4vd6cpt49J19pzoqAIIIePcro6-u53GdU-KriiSKsJW_MHu9zk4_Gcagzeez/s1600/image(8).jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of the <b>signs of ageing</b> is not so far the start of wrinkles or perhaps a bit of vertical challenge <span style="font-size: x-small;">(read: sagging)</span> of your skin: often it's also <b>uneven pigmentation</b>. Popular Western skincare brands have overlooked this for some time but are starting to address this issue as well. Sidenote, the Asian beautymarket has been on the forefront of lightening/brightening and I've happily used those type of skincare in my early thirties to give me luminiscent and less pigmented skin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So the organics, or the naturals? I believe nature should not be overlooked as one of the most potent 'mixer' of skincare potions. Often when older communities are found (<span style="font-size: x-small;">with plenty of centenarians= 100 year olds)</span>, there has been some secret like eating plenty organic olive oil, or some fermented rice wine. Don't quote me on this but it's often not high-stressed lifestyle, L'Oreal and neither McDonalds food <span style="font-size: x-small;">(it might be in a 100 years but that has to be proven yet) </span>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My personal 1st semi-organic lightener has been<b> <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/search/label/jurlique">Jurlique Purely Bright Nightcream</a></b>. Amazing long term effect! It basically wiped out caused by a sunny holiday & the notorious pigmentation due to Diana 35 anticonception pill. It has been infused with Liqorice and since then I believe in the <b>*power of liquorice*</b> for brightening skin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kahina Brightening Serum is infused with <b>liquorice</b>, and you can even smell a hint of it during application:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rV7HDmANlK3jiB8rOF3t296QZZwtOM9_Hm_H5NgB71vOXWusLYzZ8F0DuzOBNoBDSslqK86Qr6Qdkgqlkh5YJu0B1AiLF8wx4b-NpnN9evd1VTW17G8sNQ1aiR2OTdhrz9hjoGpuBgv0/s1600/image(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rV7HDmANlK3jiB8rOF3t296QZZwtOM9_Hm_H5NgB71vOXWusLYzZ8F0DuzOBNoBDSslqK86Qr6Qdkgqlkh5YJu0B1AiLF8wx4b-NpnN9evd1VTW17G8sNQ1aiR2OTdhrz9hjoGpuBgv0/s1600/image(9).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That brings me to the <b><u>benefits</u></b>:</div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li><b>brightening</b>? <i>Yes</i></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">I didn't have major issues with pigmentation as I had in 2012, but a bit of evening/brightening does help into looking younger. It has a slight effect but still visible IMO</div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li><b>Calming</b>? <i>That too</i></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">Kahina Brightening Serum does not market itself as being a calming serum but liquorice is known as being anti-inflamatory (read <a href="http://www.oskiaskincare.com/living/liquorice/">here</a> & <a href="http://www.bulkactives.com/dipotassiumglycyrrhizinate.htm">here</a>). There's just a tiny hint of scent, from liquorice, and I actually find that more calming on my sensitive skin than the so-called bland neutral.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><b>Easy Absorption</b></li></ul>30 seconds and you can either layer on another serum (anti-ageing/anti-acne/ect) or go for your daycream. It's actually moisturizing enough to use as a thin moisturizer if your skin is normal to combination.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li><div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">Ethically and sustainably sourced </div> <b>Ethically Amazing/Sustainably perfect</b></li></ul>Just a tad of exaggeration but Kahina doesn't only replant an Argan tree by every sold bottle, but they're "giving back" to the Berber women in Morocco by providing them a positive working atmosphere<i> etc etc (</i>read their story <a href="http://kahina-givingbeauty.com/sustainability/">here</a>).</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">Ethically and sustainably sourced </div><b> </b><br /><div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">Ethically and sustainably sourced </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The negatives might be that it is quite expensive for <span class="latoBold14pt">£65.00</span>: I got a bottle of their full-sized Argan oil as a freebie on <a href="http://www.naturisimo.com/index.cfm?nme=kah">naturisimo</a> so that got me into buying it in the first place <span style="font-size: x-small;">(still works when you add KAHINA as the code)</span>. Also, it is <i>just</i> a brightener and a calming serum: some people like their serums to be total powerhouses and do <i>everything-and-their-laundry.</i>... I kinda believe in multitasking, but I like some focus as well: so I love a specific serum for one or two targets alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>CONCLUSION</b></u>: </div><div style="text-align: center;">Kahina Brighening Serum shows that liquorice is not just candy but can give you a *<i>sweet</i>* brighter & more even complexion.</div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-61252962578655780692014-04-07T23:11:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.162-07:00Leave Me In! Fast Conditioning with Aveda, Wunderbar, Unite & Less is More<div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I watched an old episode of <i>Sex and the City</i>. The theme was about getting into the most desired restaurant, so the '<i>let me in</i>' kinda got mixed up with the '<i>leave-[me]-in</i>' conditioners: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CggM70hmrCo1Gm5mr_mP2E3Lm00DEXxd-Ta1poZc1PhPxQQpem4kAL_1StJe7cfnT2Cj-KwGV6uFbRtdmI_WQP5c38i7vz6BxliEgiPEUuHJqha9TLICDTG1s3tZBCJQAvN_7Nf7zKXr/s1600/image(7).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0CggM70hmrCo1Gm5mr_mP2E3Lm00DEXxd-Ta1poZc1PhPxQQpem4kAL_1StJe7cfnT2Cj-KwGV6uFbRtdmI_WQP5c38i7vz6BxliEgiPEUuHJqha9TLICDTG1s3tZBCJQAvN_7Nf7zKXr/s1600/image(7).jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not gonna talk about the <i>hippy-hair-gone-normal-long</i> story about mine, but maintainance has been easier: I'm often permitted to go '<i>fast-n-go'</i> with a good leave in conditioner. I'm still about quality, and my stylist, recommendations of other bloggers, own curiosity has led me to these.</div><ol style="text-align: center;"><li><b>Wunderbar Moisture Leave in Treatment</b>: This brand is <a href="http://www.wunderbarhair.com/nl/product.php?productId=21">quite new</a>. It smells chemically fresh but has a refreshing low amount of ingredients including poweroil Argan Oil:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXuoWMscsuNtO6W_jGiAioEwW6z0wq2h3POwGnt61XJpO-6zjEMTNl8KqZ_rLAlzSMsqBneDf8KsTsn9hh0-Dd4ZGcNqZa1JWDFxwiiI8HFoXd3uXKAeXKv49hemqE8WhLsq3BZSUWGVR/s1600/foto(217).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXuoWMscsuNtO6W_jGiAioEwW6z0wq2h3POwGnt61XJpO-6zjEMTNl8KqZ_rLAlzSMsqBneDf8KsTsn9hh0-Dd4ZGcNqZa1JWDFxwiiI8HFoXd3uXKAeXKv49hemqE8WhLsq3BZSUWGVR/s1600/foto(217).jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Aqua, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyquaternium-37, Quaternium-87, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Quaternium-80, <b>Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil</b>,hydrolised Adansonia Digitata Extract, Propylene Glycol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Polysorbate 20, Disodium Edta, Dmdm Hydatoin, Carbomer, Fragance, Limonene, Lanalool, Geranol.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Most of all, it's actually good and it doesn't irritate my scalp nor the skin of my face. Affordable! This travel sample is €1 for a reasonable 50 ml. </li><li><b>Unite 7 Seconds</b> is a typical blogger's recommendation <span style="font-size: x-small;">(various <a href="https://www.google.nl/search?tbm=blg&hl=nl&source=hp&biw=&bih=&q=unite+7+seconds&gbv=2&oq=unite+7+seconds&gs_l=blog-hp.3..0l5j0i22i30l5.1175.4891.0.5100.15.9.0.6.6.0.74.585.9.9.0....0...1ac.1.34.blog-hp..0.15.617.0ZHmdNx8K-g"><u>here</u></a>)</span>: I've noticed a lot of [bleached] blondes use it as their hair needs volume & <i>oh-so-much care</i> as well. The spray-formula is light and easy. It conditions well but it's not my favourite: this for being too chemical as my skin doesn't like it when it gets into contact with my hair.</li><li><b>Less is More Lavendel Smooth Balm</b> is not a listed Leave-in Conditioner but more of a pre-blowdry moisturizer. Meh, <i>different-label-same-construction</i> to me. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxlKhPOKktq_9T8W971W-iJPWQNaU10q6srYTH32U_2-We4LP-tzzA7hOBkBJKxU-I2SEZUqZJbqNji-Ls5T6ggEBmHh3xFUOfTmD1DQL6mu6D6jwdhsNgkn25Y1eh0bDturES0xLLj0X/s1600/lim+ingredients.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMxlKhPOKktq_9T8W971W-iJPWQNaU10q6srYTH32U_2-We4LP-tzzA7hOBkBJKxU-I2SEZUqZJbqNji-Ls5T6ggEBmHh3xFUOfTmD1DQL6mu6D6jwdhsNgkn25Y1eh0bDturES0xLLj0X/s1600/lim+ingredients.png" height="290" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balmy, my hair absorbs it better than this flower</td></tr></tbody></table>It's lovingly balmy and shockful of good ingredients<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (more <a href="http://www.beingcontent.com/hair/advanced-haircare/lavender-smooth-balm-.htm"><u>here</u></a>)</span>. It smells like authentic lavendel: not everybody would be into this scent but I think it's soothing and reminds me of the South of France, nice.</li><li><b>Aveda Damage Leave in Treatment</b> is infused with Quinoa: really! I think it's the strongest and most conditioning one of the pack.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2FOln9jqJ9xhY5o6pZQ2qErT0nSu0u6Lr8YCan2UB6sygKld_NrzePcXx0xwHcV01u5o5UFU7nOly2PxLeIbZPVHoe5ir8kG9LIZXD_sf4CIjcnTZvUa2B70nWMxMlbaLSyIx_d8GVLH/s1600/aveda+daily+repair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2FOln9jqJ9xhY5o6pZQ2qErT0nSu0u6Lr8YCan2UB6sygKld_NrzePcXx0xwHcV01u5o5UFU7nOly2PxLeIbZPVHoe5ir8kG9LIZXD_sf4CIjcnTZvUa2B70nWMxMlbaLSyIx_d8GVLH/s1600/aveda+daily+repair.png" height="373" width="400" /></a></div>It really functions as a deep-conditioning mask only in the leave-in form. I love it's Aveda-<i>ish</i> scent. On some days it can be too moisturizing so I actually use it like I would use a wash-out mask; every now and then for that extra boost.</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Comparing ingredients:</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EN8mEw74V7JExCZCKD_qoW7Qcbb-Eym1IMv88GEsNTF3fLDjuVI441hRo-UdhdaFhbH9vq8H8Mo-AGdkj2hxYFkf4V1ar67jjrbiDJqrp0YI-DbpWrDJS0RDP6F3ntb62Lw3YQYHbeHU/s1600/ingr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EN8mEw74V7JExCZCKD_qoW7Qcbb-Eym1IMv88GEsNTF3fLDjuVI441hRo-UdhdaFhbH9vq8H8Mo-AGdkj2hxYFkf4V1ar67jjrbiDJqrp0YI-DbpWrDJS0RDP6F3ntb62Lw3YQYHbeHU/s1600/ingr.png" height="276" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> It is surprising how the naturals can have either a long list (Aveda) as a shorter list (Less is More). Aveda is actually not as natural as it claims to be (eg <a href="http://eco-chick.com/2008/11/1645/are-aveda-products-as-safe-and-natural-as-they-claim/">here</a> & <a href="http://www.thekathleenshow.com/2010/11/23/naturally-good-product-picks-aveda-didnt-make-the-list/">here</a>) but they have been around for a longer time bringing quite good quality in a more natural way, so I give them credit for that. And how to resist power-superfood Quinoa in haircare?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was already surprised Wunderbar has a short ingredients list and other chemical partner Unite has a longer one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really like all of them for specific reasons. Unite is the fastest on the go, but I still believe in combing through the liquid. The rest are to be rubbed in and are wonderful in protecting it from blowdry & other styling tools.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You absolutely do not need as many as I have but I've been sampling them by chance, curiosity and for different kind of needs. I'm glad to see the leave-ins gotten more sophisticated and effective throughout the years. They used to be a gooey 'residence-<i>left-over</i>' potion that couldn't really compare with the rinse-out's, but now they equal the effect you might need for your hair.</div><ol style="text-align: center;"></ol>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-47673555742722198812014-04-05T10:43:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.174-07:00Cell-ing Out! How did my Vichy Cellu Destox Expert preform?<div style="text-align: center;">Another one from my Resolutions '14 list has been rolling around, or <b>cell-ing out </b>the fat-cells of my legs and other feminine curves. (see <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/01/resolution-14-new-caffeine-habit-with.html"><u>here</u></a>)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOdyChFMC_iOB3gv1UsxQckaj2kfOLtMjfT9yBXQVcq65FDuOhO-slMt8g_UL6-SmDCcUyiYDVwVOjlVP5HgXlAn2ndFeUIQ49TYAy7QK7yWdcwNXZClHHL01xH7XG31tQ7tQUr45F6ax/s1600/image(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOdyChFMC_iOB3gv1UsxQckaj2kfOLtMjfT9yBXQVcq65FDuOhO-slMt8g_UL6-SmDCcUyiYDVwVOjlVP5HgXlAn2ndFeUIQ49TYAy7QK7yWdcwNXZClHHL01xH7XG31tQ7tQUr45F6ax/s1600/image(6).jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> I'm sporadically on anti-cellulite potions: not because they work the wonders they claim to do, but just to get it <b>a bit tighter</b> and <b>to speed up your post-workout circulation</b> and it's <b>detoxing flow</b>.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I just finished it after 3 months so I haven't been too consistent in using it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />For honest reasons:</div><ol><li>no boycrush: call me a hypocrite but somehow the prospect of getting toned for someone else is a bit more motivating than for <i>yer-own-mirror-reflexion</i>. And other girls? Ack, we all know we have<i> lumps-n-bumps</i> so that's about it.</li><li>No bikini-opportunity: Ok, that's the time I <i>DO</i> work out for other women as well, because there's always that bit of competition on the beach and I do not want to be the flabbiest one around in my teeny. As for men, they are often happy to see woman under a certain age in a bikini: so for the random guy being the voyeur, neither the effort worthy ;)</li><li>For the blog/research: <i>oh heck</i>, you guys prefer to read about more exiting eyeshadows than <i>yer-old-boring-cellulite-lotion</i>, right?</li></ol><div style="text-align: center;">Then again, <b>I've been using it consistently for 2 weeks and I did have some results into getting bits a bit more toned.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reasons:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1. the Roller-ball thingy</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwjzZqFNnwcImUwKV98_YLjw8VAstx2964BceZ9ZTjETsCjNDV0r5a4v-e68SM-ZsTxZU5oNirFAwcycJ04UMRKo7tcE9uxiizeGnENykSa4XwZzq7gf3kgdHX7daEEeNNBOIJdtmRNaC/s1600/vichyrollerballs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwjzZqFNnwcImUwKV98_YLjw8VAstx2964BceZ9ZTjETsCjNDV0r5a4v-e68SM-ZsTxZU5oNirFAwcycJ04UMRKo7tcE9uxiizeGnENykSa4XwZzq7gf3kgdHX7daEEeNNBOIJdtmRNaC/s1600/vichyrollerballs.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, you can have your vigorous roller-action when you cannot be bothered working your hands around too much. <i>Ehm, that sounds somewhat like another device too?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Effective Caffeine 5%</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps not as potent as my previous 10% Llerac (<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2013/11/lierac-body-slim-firming-serum-for-my.html"><u>here</u></a>), but strong enough to get those fat-cells celling out a bit easier...aka detox a bit faster.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>3. Extraterrestal Blobs:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiUuXlsZsabo2nXLbkzPZXXYtgpRaqQr6Q5bXfemYEIIQ2g6EwllbAs9mkyudKI3je9yI9DYQ1PGYnTNn9PN19ajBuHSuUszH6ELLh3C6jxBdSNVl0SU62E5QjLxEQ740boUBPXrYFnSP/s1600/CSC_0299.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiUuXlsZsabo2nXLbkzPZXXYtgpRaqQr6Q5bXfemYEIIQ2g6EwllbAs9mkyudKI3je9yI9DYQ1PGYnTNn9PN19ajBuHSuUszH6ELLh3C6jxBdSNVl0SU62E5QjLxEQ740boUBPXrYFnSP/s1600/CSC_0299.png" height="327" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Read the<a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/01/resolution-14-new-caffeine-habit-with.html"> full story </a>why...<span style="font-size: x-small;">[ok, just kidding]</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Conclusion:</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b> </b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">I really liked this anti-cellulite lotion: The rollerball effect helps to get a more effective massage that aids the formula, and feels kinda nice after you've been working out. I'm gonna repurchase if I'm not too curious for other anti-cellulite creams.</div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308473032549201085.post-12629799218187356872014-04-01T04:46:00.000-07:002014-08-19T02:06:43.187-07:00Alexis Smart Beauty Formula no. 8: a Post-Resolutions Update<div style="text-align: center;">Remember my delirious set of <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/search/label/resolutions">resolutions in '14</a>? I thought it's time to give an update on these after the first 3 months have been 'resolution'-nised into 2014.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I just finished my Alexis Smart Beauty Potion no. 8: I blogged about it <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/01/resolution-14-focus-on-inner-beauty.html"><u>here</u></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdHeUQz8Ie1dK2TpoOn6q_aO_cucrNnGPOJWGiVxc5vzj8dheGbIPpexZ6mxESrjleOBYFpy8CNqTiTY6FyUZwFiaye6JRf_gpy6DAdtjbQM249HQjJbp8YS4gjHlvvSyLGG9z0_vivOV/s1600/CSC_0725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdHeUQz8Ie1dK2TpoOn6q_aO_cucrNnGPOJWGiVxc5vzj8dheGbIPpexZ6mxESrjleOBYFpy8CNqTiTY6FyUZwFiaye6JRf_gpy6DAdtjbQM249HQjJbp8YS4gjHlvvSyLGG9z0_vivOV/s1600/CSC_0725.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Alexis Smart remedies are a type of Bach-remedies sort of drops that you can use according to your 'lack' or 'what's missing'. I intentionally placed these words into brackets as Flower Remedies do not believe too much into 'lacks' and 'negative', only into strenghtening the postive aspects of a person (read more in <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/01/resolution-14-focus-on-inner-beauty.html"><b>my previous article</b></a>).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now,<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> did it work</b></span>? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, the aspect of thinking of buying a 'beauty potion' and especially in the mystical sounding 'no 8' is that you might expect<i> Beeaaauuutttyyy</i>. Never mind my sarcasm because as a beautyblogger I won't strive for unpretty-ness, but I'm not one to be in the Oscar Wilde type-of-thinking that "b<i>eauty for beauty's sake</i>" is enough. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Neither is the standpoint of this formula, as it focusses on inner-beauty and relaxation, that will help your outer features be more of "your radiant self".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In that aspect: <b>It worked!</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been using the drops religiously every 4 times a day for a month, and felt more relaxed after that month. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had lapsed into a certain beauty-obession before the formula. For example: working out! I frequently went to a High Intensity Training to trim away my *hardly there* cellulite and I wasn't having that much fun with it anymore. Moreover, I didn't loose any fatty tissue, I started to gain again!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not so unlogical as the H.I.T training made me really tired so afterwards I sank into the couch with food and didn't come out for a while.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Then it figured: I used to have a better body when I did my Zumba classes: they are not so high intensity, but I had heaps of energy and a zest for life afterwards. I wouldn't sink into the couch but had energy to walk frequently, cycle, etc. Basically, a lower intensity training but still with tons of fun has a better result on my body and food patterns.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is just a body example but I have had a similar epiphany with my superfoods: I blended every powder, think spirulina, wheatgrass, barley, MSM, Acai, Baobab into my morning smoothie. Then at 10 am I felt I missed something nice tasting so I drank lots of sugary coffee. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">OVERCOMPENSATION!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still not completely there of being obsessed: see my last <a href="http://birkinbagbeauty.blogspot.nl/2014/03/march-empties.html">hairstory-trauma</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Funnily, because I'm less obessed I will not repurchase an expensive bottle of drops. I do love her fomulas and am on another one I might blog about it soon. She recommends taking one formula at the time and that one is a bit more important right now. See, it works!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>koyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13698180556844260974noreply@blogger.com