NOTW: You Don't Know Jacques!

For those OPI lovers out there, this is a staple to have in your polish collection. (or you probably already own it)

OPI - You Don't Know Jacques!

This is a brown color with taupe hints to it.
Like most OPI polishes, they apply with maximum 2 coats.

It's a HG from many beauty guru's, but since I'm not really into brown polishes, I rather pass on this.

It was in 'The Culture of Color' collection by OPI. This contains 4 mini OPI's and this polish was the main reason why bought it. In all honesty, I've never finished a big bottle of polish, so I thought these mini varnishes were a great buy for me to try out.

NOTW: Cappuccino

Barry M - 341 Cappuccino

Hi guys!

I'm back with another NOTW: since the weather is quite sad here in Belgium (rain, snow, hail, ...), I decided to match my nails to the typical Belgian weather: gloomy and dark!

I bought myself a Barry M nail polish a few months ago, but I was never in the mood for a dark polish as soon as it ended up in my mail (typical, right?).


Orgasm is to Nars as Rage is to Orly as Cappuccino is to Barry M.
Point made clear I believe? :)



It's a taupe color that is a true winter color, but since it feels like winter the entire year in Belgium, I thought I just couldn't go wrong with this goodie.

It looks like a greyish/brownish purple that needs 2 layers of polish, because it doesn't apply completely opaque from the first time on. It's just one of those colors that are being called pugly (a pretty ugly) very easily because of its muddy color. But hey, it makes your hands look clean and polished. Yay for posh looking polishes!

To be quite honest, I stayed away from dark colors for quite some while, because I was in need of bright, fun colors. But this color...dang!


For those who are a bit afraid of really dark colors such as dark colors or simply black, give this one a go. It's a nice transition to go from something colorful to something darker. Just see it as a 'light' dark :)






Is there any other Barry M polish you think I should try?
What is your favorite nail polish one?

Review eye shadow: Catrice vs Shu Uemura

A while back I bought a taupe color from Shu Uemura. Color? Great! Pigmentation? Good color pay off! Cheap? Not really...

Now I'm always on the hunt for drugstore products that are quite similar to the high end products. And recently I walked by the Catrice eye shadow section, and a certain packaging caught my eye.

Catrice taupe - Shu Uemura taupe

First thing first: I do realize these aren't similar colors. But let's review these anyway, shall we? :)

Packaging:
They both have similar packaging, a plastic square with the eye shadow in it and with the name mentioned below. I know you can depot the eye shadows from Shu, but I haven't given Catrice's a try, simply cause I don't want to ruin it :D

Price:
Catrice is way cheaper than the Shu one. I'm pretty sure you can buy 5 to 6 Catrices or buy 1 Shu.

Color pay off:
Catrice has a good color pay off, it's way better pigmented than I expected. Shu, though, is a good light color wash off. Here's a swatch:

left: Catrice - right: Shu Uemura

The lighting isn't very good, but if you look closely, it's clear that the Catrice shows up better. If I'll repurchase one of these goodies, I'm sure I'll go for the Catrice one. Goooooooo Catrice!! :)

Shu Uemura MINI-haul

Hi beauties! It's been a while since I posted something. It doesn't mean I haven't purchased anything meanwhile, I just haven't found the time to write a decent post blog.

Anyways... I went shopping at Shu Uemura yesterday and may I just say: yay for the nice salesman! He was very friendly, I felt he was honest, gave good advise, answered all my questions and he gave me a free made up face to start the shopping day! :)




I only bought 2 items at Shu Uemura, because I got an eyelash curler and concealer when I was in HK before. I did get a sample of cleansing oil for me to try.







First thing I got was a blush. I've been looking for an everyday blush, and I instantly fell in love as soon as the sales guy put it on me! I've read pretty good reviews on the Glow On blushes, so I was eager to try it. The Pink 30 is a matte peachy pink blush. It's a subtle, everyday blush and has a good color pay off. I'm always quite hesitant to try a pink blush, but I must say that this blush complements my yellow undertones very well.

All good and well, but there is one downside to this product: it's quite pricey! You get 5g, but I'm someone who doesn't use blush every single day, so I can see it as a little investment. Normally I can use this goodie for about 2 years, if not longer!

Glow On blush: Pink 30

Then we have our second Shu goodie: our eyeshadow. It's a taupe eyeshadow which I can use all over my eyelids or put it in my eye socket. A simple eyeshadow, but again.. since I don't use make up on a daily basis, I'm sure I can use this eyeshadow for a VERY long time.

M Beige 835

Since I only got these items yesterday, I haven't gotten the chance to properly use the cleansing oil. As soon as I've tried it a couple of times, I'll be posting a review on it here.

I don't own a lot from Shu Uemura: I own an eyelash curler, Pro concealers, blush and an eyeshadow. I have to admit I really like their products. Yes, they are on the pricey side, but the quality is definitely there. I'm not someone who buys these high end items every month. The Shu Uemura goodies are my only expensive products. Next to these I mostly own drugstore goodies.