Products I ♥

We all have beauty products, we find ourselves coming back to time after time. The reasons for each of us are different, having to do with our various wants and needs.

Following are the top products of my choice, that I couldn't live without, after discovering them.

Hair Products

Schwarzkopf GLISS Ultimate Repair

I've been using and loving Schwarzkopf's GLISS line for quite some time and there are many products of it, that I still use today.

My favorite one of them is the GLISS Ultimate Repair Shampoo (and Conditioner). It leaves my hair soft, full and healthy looking, even though it's been damaged after many years of coloring.

You might not "need" it, if your hair is not in great need of moisturizing and strengthening, but it doesn't grease the hair or cause any other discomfort, even if it's in perfect condition already.
So there's no hit or miss with this shampoo, it's always hit!

Price: 4,90 €
ml: 400

AVON Advanced Techniques Moroccan Argan Oil

This shampoo leaves my hair in the softest state possible. It also provides a lot of volume and movement.
I wouldn't use it as my everyday shampoo, but it's the best choice when I want to take a little break from the GLISS Ultimate Repair one, I normally use.

It's really affordable, especially due to the many monthly deals and offers AVON always has. It's actual price is 6,00 € (400 ml), but from time to time you could find it for down to 1,50 €.

Body Products

Gillette Simply Venus2

This is a product that shocked me. The only reason I first bought the Gillette Simply Venus2 razor set was because it was very cheap and I just needed a pack of razors for a trip a was about to take.
But then came the surprise.. Even though these razors look really simple (solid plastic frame and just two blades), which usually means "not-that-good", they cut with ease and leave the skin feeling soft and not at all irritated, however short the hairs are.

Since then I've left all other "advanced" types of razors behind and I only use these babies.

Price: 3,95 €

Amount: 8 (4+4 Deal)

The Body Shop (Strawberry) Puree Body Lotion

The whole line of Puree Body Lotions from The Body Shop is amazing. Their consistency is thinner, than the one of the usual body moisturizers, so it gets absorbed a lot faster from the skin, leaving it soft but not at all greasy. A small amount goes a long way with this product, because it spreads easily on the skin due to it's fine consistency.

This type of body lotion is perfect to use especially during spring and summer, because it gives the feeling of a slight breeze once applied on the skin, which is very refreshing.

Price: 12,00 €
ml: 250

Face Products

NIVEA Eye Makeup Remover

Waterproof makeup is great to wear but almost impossible to remove! This NIVEA Eye Makeup Remover does the job without any fuss.

I'm sure there are a few good makeup removers in the market, but this one, being one of them, is also a cheap choice. It's around 6,00 € and with 125 ml it will last you at least one or two months, depending on how often you'll be needing to use it.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Blemish Gel

There are a lot of products out there, claiming to be able to "remove" the occasional pimple, but only some actually do. This Blemish Gel from The Body Shop is one of the best one's.

It's from the Tea Tree Oil skincare line, which is perfect for oily skin with blemishes, but this specific product can be used on any type of skin.

Whenever I see a random pimple appearing, I apply some of this gel on it and -no kidding- a couple of hours later it's almost completely gone or on it's way there. However this is not a product to be used for long term and more prominent conditions like acne.

Price: 6,00 €
ml: 2,5

Makeup Products

AVON Super Shock Gel Eyeliner

 This Eyeliner is the "blackest" black I've ever seen. Because it's a gel eyeliner pencil it's soft and glides easily on the eyelid, leaving a lot of color behind.
It's a liner, that can be smudged very easily, when you apply it, but once it sticks it stays on it's place.

Another plus for this product is it's price, which starts at 7,00 €  but can go down to 1,00 €, depending on the various offers that AVON usually has.

L'oreal Lumi Magique Highlighting Pen

Concealers and Highlighters are the No1 priority products for me, since I have really pale skin and the slightest discoloration or dark spot is very noticeable.
This L'oreal Highlighting Pen has been my favorite find for a few months now and still remains the top product to repurchase on my list.
It's very soft and moisturizing but not heavy or greasy. It last almost all day long, providing a fresh and tireless look.
It comes in three or four different shades for different skin colors.

Price: 10,00 €

Nail Products

H&M Nail Polishes

The last couple of years I've ended up really appreciating H&M, for it's clothes, accessories and also beauty products. The quality of all it's products is a lot better than expected for its' extremely low prices.
A nail polish from H&M costs 3,95 € (9 ml) and there's a vast color variety to select from. The consistency of these nail polishes is great and allows you to paint your nails easier and faster. They also have great pigmentation , so that there's rarely need to do a second coat, which saves time and money at the same time.
The only thing, that might not be preferred by everybody, is the fact that these nail polishes have very thin brushes. For me this only makes them seem even better, because I have small hands and nails.

Spring 2013 Makeup & Hair Trends!

We've gone through the fashion and accessories trends for this spring season and now it's time to talk beauty.
Below are some of the most dominant makeup and hairstyle trends for Spring 2013!

Black Eyeliner

This is a look that has never gone out of style. It's also my personal favorite.

You can either go really dark and bold with large amounts of liner and noticeable edges, or really simple and just line your waterline for some definition.

Either way keep the rest of your face nude for a more youthful look.

Red Lips

This trend remains through the fall/winter season to spring. 

If you want to bring focus to your lips, apply a bright red shade of lipstick, that suits your skin tone best.

Avoid a glossy finish for an even more stylish result. Matte lip colors look more natural.

Keep the rest of your makeup minimal.

Full Brows

Natural, untamed brows have been "worshiped" on the runways for a long time now. But this year the trend has gone to another level.

Stop plucking your eyebrows thin. Let them find their natural shape and just clean, line and fill around that.

Blue Eyes

This trend is new and daring. It's also the only one that wonders away from the natural feel of this season's makeup.

If you want to follow this trend, but are not comfortable enough, just add a light blue eyeliner, on your waterline. This will brighten your eyes and provide enough color to make them pop.
Other colors that were seen a lot on the runways are green and yellow.

Loose Waves

Following the youthful and natural makeup pattern of this season, one of the biggest hair trends are messy natural waves.
It's a very refreshing hairstyle that will rejuvenate your hair, since there's no need for heat to create it.
After showering, once your hair is dump, catch it in a messy top bun. When your hair dries, you can free it from the messy bun, style it a little - if needed - and your fashionable waves are ready.

Messy Up-dos

Still on the same pattern, up-dos this spring are on the messy side too.
Don't worry about your hairstyles being perfect. Just keep them simple, natural and youthful.

Some hair up-dos that were especially honored on the runways, are

Loose Ponytails

and

Knot Buns

Spring 2013 Accessories Trends!

Accessories are the items that complete an outfit. They give it the finishing touch it needs to become unique.

This season most accessories trends are over the top and very different than usual. They're definitely going to provide a great "pop" of fashion to any look.

Statement

Statement accessories this year have been taken to another level. There's a collision of different colors, patterns and texture.

Try to pair accessories like that with simple outfits (casual or dressy). That way they won't clash with your outfit and will be the center of attention.

Clear materials

Clear clutches and heals were a main attraction on the runway this spring. Accessories like that give a very simplistic and futuristic vibe to an outfit.

If you want to follow this trend, try to not mix many items on the same look. Just choose one piece that you like and rock it!

Fringe

Fringe is back this season. It's everywhere - on necklaces, heals, purses, earrings etc.

Pair fringed accessories with an outfit, to give it a boho-chick touch.

Chains

Gold and silver chain necklaces and earrings are the main jewellery pieces for this spring season. But it doesn't stop there. You can find chains on any type of accessories, like heals.

I love pairing big gold chain necklaces with a total black outfit, for an elegant rock look.

Gold

If you like shine and sparkle on your accessories, you're gonna love this trend. Everything is gold!

Match your favorite gold earrings or bracelets with a great pair of gold heals or a nice gold clutch.
Also don't be afraid to mix gold with silver, especially with dainty necklaces or rings.

Pastels

Pastel colors are always a huge part of spring fashion. This year they're sweet as ever, on floral patterns or paired with a lot of sparkly gems.

An all pastel colored outfit is a staple look for me. It's really "springy" and calming to the eyes.

Statement Sunglasses

With spring finally comes sunshine, so you have to protect your eyes.
Like all other accessories this year, sunglasses are taken over the top with geometric structures, cat eyes, many gems, patterns and other unusual shapes.
If you don't feel safe to follow this trend on it's full extend, just choose a bright colored pair of sunglasses.

Chunky Heals

You can finally take a break from the constant suffering of walking on thin high heals. This year chunky heals are the main thing, when it comes to shoes.

Choose any high or short pair of chunky heals and enjoy painless walking.

Elaborate Clutches

If you like carrying your whole life around with you, like me, this trend is going to be difficult for you to follow.

Clutches this season are as small as it gets, but because of the crazy shapes and the extreme gems and patterns, they're hard to say no to.

Totes

From the tiny clutches, we go to the opposite side to find totes.

Tote bags were all over the runways this spring.

You can choose any color you like - from simple black or nude to popping loud colors- and pair them with your everyday outfits.

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends!

Spring is finally here! It's my favorite season, because we can hide all the dark colors and heavy fabrics and bring out the soft and colorful spring clothes.

This year the spring fashion trends are quite unexpected, for the most part. There's a lot of colors, patterns and fabrics, that one wouldn't necessarily think to use for spring fashion.
But let's take a look at some of the most dominant trends, one by one.



Total White and Black & White

White was the leading color on the runways this season, from clothes and accessories to the decor.
The total white look is one of the hottest trends, especially with an androgynous outfit.

 

It's a very refreshing trend and really easy to recreate. Just mix and match white items and stay away from any color.
A great look would be a nice pleated mini dress with a tux blazer and a pair of white ballet flats or heals.

  

But white isn't only a trend on it's own. Black & White outfits are really popular this spring season too.

 To incorporate this trend to your style, mix black and white items with different patterns. Stripes, chess squares and other geometrical shapes give this look a great structured feeling.



Fluo

 

It wouldn't be spring without a touch of color. This year the trend is going overboard with intense fluo colors.

Mix contrasting colors together for a great eye catching result.



Stripes

 

Striped shirts, blazers, pants, dresses.. Stripes are a huge part of this seasons fashion. The most worn colors for this trend are black, white and red, but you could choose any color you like best.

Go subtle with just one striped piece on your outfit, or bold with an all striped look.




Patterns from Around the World

 

If you were anxious of what was going to happen to the tribal pieces, you loved last summer, stop worrying. The ethnic look is back and bigger than ever, with patterns from all around the world.

Tribal patterned maxi dresses are my favorite pieces, when it comes to this trend. They would look great with a messy braid, a long flowy cardigan and a comfortable pair of flats.



Leather

 

An unexpected fabric choice for spring this year is leather. It's everywhere and in any color you could think of.

Leather skirts and shorts are the most popular leather pieces. Pair them with casual tops, heeled ankle boots and gold accessories for a rocker chic look.



Bomber Jackets

 

The most seen item on the runway this season was the bomber (or bowling) jacket. You can find it in a variety of different colors and fabrics, providing a completely different look every time.

My choice of a bomber jacket would be a leather one, because it would be more versatile and wearable with many types of outfits.



Pencil Skirts

 

Another very popular piece for spring are pencil skirts. You can choose any color and fabric that fits you best.

Pencil skirts this season are seen mostly in a knee-level length. Pair them with high heeled sandals, to elongate your legs.



Airy Pants

 

Forget the skinny jeans and skin tight leggings for a while and invest in a loose fitting, comfortable pair of pants. They' re a big trend this season.

For a casual look, choose cotton fabrics and match them with a nice pair of sneakers.
If you want a dressy outfit, choose a silky fabric and a pair of high heeled sandals.


Enjoy mixing the different trends together and creating fun and beautiful outfits.
Don't ever forget to put your own styling twist on any look, to make it unique and personalized.

My go-to makeup look

I tend to run late. That's why I try to save time, when it comes to getting ready to leave the house. In that attempt, I decided on a fast and easy makeup look, that would be perfect for both daytime and nighttime. I do that look whenever I have limited time to get ready and when I feel uninspired or bored to do something different.
It's very simple and natural, appropriate for any occasion and with a few alterations here and there, it can meet everyone's standards.
Let me take you through it step by step..


The first thing I do is apply my BB cream. I use a brush for the application instead of a sponge or my fingers, because it gives a finer finish.
If you prefer more coverage, you could use a full coverage foundation.

Maybelline BB Cream
The brush is from Sephora

The next step is concealer. I use one for any blemishes and redness and one to highlight the under eye area. I use my fingers to blend it in.
You could also use a sponge for that, but if you use your fingers, don't rub the concealer on to blend it. Just do a light tapping motion.

Avon Colortrend Concealer

L'oreal Lumi Magique Highlighter

After that, the base is ready.
I skip contouring, because I feel it's unnecessary, especially when I'm in a rush. If it's an important step for you, then contour away.

Filling in my brows on the other hand is a must for me. I feel that my face is lacking a certain spark, without filled in eyebrows.
I use a matte brown eyeshadow with an angled brush for that step, because I feel that it gives a more natural look, than that a liner would. Also the angled brush is very helpful, when it comes to the thin corners of the eyebrows.
If you don't mind filling in your brows, you can skip that step and save even more time.

 Sephora Eyeshadow Palette in "Almost nude"
The brush is from the Body Shop

 

After my eyebrows are ready, I apply a nude eyeshadow on my lids and on the outer corner under my brows. The eyeshadow I use, just highlights the areas I apply it on.
For a nighttime look, you could also use a shimmer shadow for your lids.

Sephora Eyeshadow in "Porcelain"

 

The next thing I do, is a delicate cat eye, with a black liquid eyeliner.
If you want to go for a bolder look, you could definitely "enhance" the cat eye.

Sephora Long-lasting Liquid Eyeliner

 

To finish with the eyes, I just curl my lashes and apply some mascara.
For a day look I always apply just one coat of a "subtle" mascara, but for nighttime I usually do two to three coats of a volumizing and lengthening mascara.

Rilken Extra Volume Mascara

The next step is blush. I use one in a tone that seems natural on my skin and compliments it.
I never leave the house without a touch of blush, because I'm very pale. But if you don't feel like you need it, skip that step entirely.

Estee Lauder Tender Blush in "Peach Nuance"

 

The final step is doing the lips. I have two options for that step, depending on my mood and where I'm heading.
The first one is a (literally) nude lip, with just some sheer lip balm, to keep my lips moisturised.

Korres Mandarin Lip Butter

The second option is a pink lip stain.
Depending on the occasion, you can just apply a thin layer to give some extra color to your lips, or build it up to a bold lip.

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in No06

 

And voila!