Make up products come and go...

Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted a pure text blog post on my blog, so thought I'd surprise you all :)
I'm sure not everyone who's passioned by make up thinks about how long they can keep their favorite product in their make up bag.
It's important to emphasize that all make up products have an expiration date. It's not easy to follow how long you've been using a certain product. Most people keep their goodies until they're dry, don't apply as smooth as they did in the beginning or just keep using it until it's empty. (ow yeah, empties blog posts!)

Enough intro, let's talk business :)

• Foundation

As for liquid foundation it is recommended to keep these stored about a half year to 1 year in your cupboard. Ingredients can dissolve or change causing this not give the same result you had when applied for the very first time.

• Blush

Powder blush can be stored rather long in your make up trolley. 12 to 18 months is a good amount to keep these in your collection. Remember that going in with a blush brush is far better than going in with your fingers, as hands always carry bacteries (yes, even after washing them!).

• Mascara

From all make up products, I think this is the one you should pay attention to the most. This tube gets very close to your eyes, and an eye infection is not cool at all. Mascara's can dry out easily as well form opening and closing it and those who push their brush into the tube constantly makes it dry even faster. If you're doubting whenever the expiry date is and it's dryer than normal or doesn't apply or give the same result, it's no longer good and it is recommended that you throw this away. They stay good for about 3 to 4 months.

• Eyeliner/lip liner

Liners are pretty much the survivors of the entire bunch. They can last up to 18 to 24 months. Yes, almost 2 years! Most liners contain ingredients that make them last longer. For those who only like to wear liners, you're lucky! :)

• Lipstick

Lip stick junkies can keep their items from 1 year to 1,5 year. Most people (not hoarders) can use their lippies up before expiring. It can be more dry than normal, but texture and pigment will remain just as good.

• Nail polish

This one's for all my polish people in the house :) Did you know that you can keep varnishes up to 2 years? I'm sure you've noticed a yellow varnish comes to the top when not used often. Just shake it up upside down and you're good to go. Inspite of some better quality varnishes, some can expiry faster than others. If it's dried out, you can put a drop of thinner and you're good to go again.

A great tip would be sticking a label mentioning the date you opened the product for the very first time. Just add the amount of months/years et voilà :)

Have fun experimenting, just remember to stay hygienic. Think we'd all rather throw way products than having an infection because you kept on using something far too long. Choice is yours... :)

Review Canmake Stay-On Balm Rouge

I'm sure you've all heard of the Revlon lip butters :) Apparently the Koreans have found a dupe for these. I'm talking about Canmake Stay On Balm Rouge.

Canmake Stay On Balm Rouge

Before I get into the product, let's just enjoy the moment and look at the cute little tube of lip balm. Canmake is known for its cute packaging and I have to say that they didn't fail on that department this time. The simple flower background is a subtle way to make it look more appealing to customers. Sneaky marketeers, those Asians!

As the product itself, I have to say that I freak-ing love this lip balm!
Not only has it a good color pay off, but it moisturizes my lips as well. And I have to say that the color stays on for about 4 hours, which isn't bad at all! I had a meal with this lip balm and it didn't come off until I wipes my lips with a tissue. You don't feel like you have anything on, hence the lip balm, but this one is there to stay.

Another thing worth mentioning: SPF protection. This has a UV shield. It doesn't say how much, but just knowing it has one, makes it more easy for me to reach for this one than for a lip balm that doesn't have SPF protection at all.

The little tube is handy to throw in your purse for touch ups during the day. And frankly, it's one of mine cutest lip balms ever.

Here's a swatch of the balm:

I've swatched this twice on my hand so you could see that the color is actually buildable.
On the top I've swatched it only once, but on the bottom you'll see a deeper color because I went over it for about 4 times.
I don't have the balls to wear a bold lip, but these tinted lip balms are a great try out. They're not translucent but the color isn't as in-your-face as lipsticks.
You can easily wear it sheer during daytime, but when the lights go out...BAM, that's when you and your Canmake Stay On come in and make every head turn your way, haha!

I think it's a great lip balm. I've used the Revlon lip butter before, but you have to admit:
Asians rock at packaging. That little effort convinced me on sticking with Canmake lip balms.

What do you prefer: Revlon or Canmake?

FeelUnique haul

Hello there beauties!

About a month ago FeelUnique had their summer sale on, so I went a little bit crazy on the website :)

First off, I ordered everything over a month ago, but it took over 5 weeks to arrive in Belgium. The sites claims it takes about 5 - 10 days to ship within Europe. After waiting for 2 whole weeks I mailed customer service and they kindly asked me to wait 28 days before taking contact with them again. I waited, waited and waited... 4 weeks later I contacted them again to ask why my package hasn't arrived yet. Since it took so long, they said it was considered lost in the postal system. I reordered everything without any costs and one week later ... BAM, I got my package in the mail. It took a long time to get the package to me, but happy ending anyway.
I will continue ordering at FeelUnique, because I think they have good products for reasonable prices. Anyway, this intro has been long enough. Let's have a look at what I bought:

FeelUnique haul

Most part of what I bought isn't available in Belgian stores. Or the ones that are available in Belgium were significantly cheaper online. I worked with what I could find. Let's get started, shall we?

I have quite the oily scalp. It can actually look greasy the next day, and that's the main reason why I'm digging those dry shampoos, my savior! I've tried a lot of shampoo that should fight against oily scalps, but next to Head&Shoulders there's no other shampoo I really like. I've been on the hunt for another shampoo so I could switch my shampoos so that my scalp wouldn't get used to 1 shampoo. After doing some research I decided to get me this one:

Redken Scalp Relief Oil Detox shampoo

If you've been following me for a while, you'd know I like taking my Clarisonic to pamper my skin from time to time. I've had my brush head for quite a while now, so I ordered another brush head. Only this time I got the Deep Pore Cleansing one. In the beginning of my Clarisonic time, I was scared the brush would be too harsh for my sensitive skin, but apparently my skin has been loving the little tool. I truly hope my skin reacts just as well to this head brush :)

Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head: Deep Pore Cleansing

Since I'm still on the hunt for my HG moisturiser I bumped into the following product:

Murad Oil Control Mattifier

Supposedly this should mattify the face like nobodies business AND it contains SPF. It should control the oils on the face, so I'll give this a go and hope for the best.

We have Rimmel in our drugstores, but for some reason they don't carry the Scandaleyes waterproof eye liners. They have the non-waterproof ones, but my watery eyes will turn it into smudge town in seconds. I've heard a lot of good things about these eye liners, so I'm hoping my sensitive eyes will bare with these and make me fall in love with them :)

Rimmal Scandaleyes Waterproof Khol Kajal Eye Liners: black and purple

Being a lip balm hoarder I just had to get me some lip balms.
I got the Burt's Bees tinted lip balm in Hibiscus. I heard so much about this product, I just had to give this goodie a try. It's a lovely tinted old spiced rosy color that's very moisturizing on the lips.

Burt' Bees Tinted Lip Balm: Hibiscus

My second lip balm (because I just can't get enough of those tinted lip balms) is another one by Korres. I already own the lip butter in pomegranate, but since I'm in love with that one, I decided to get myself a second one. This is the mango scented one and looks a little bit orange. I lovely texture that goes on smoothly on the lips.

Korres Lip Butter: mango

If you're into lip stuff, I'm sure you've heard of the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Laquers before. They've been raved about in the beauty community for months and they've caught my attention as well. Unfortunately the price got my fully attention as well, since they're about 5€ cheaper on the website than in the Belgian drugstores.

Rimmel Apocalips Lips Lacquer: Celestial

As for my last item, it's not quite a beauty item. I bought an insect repellent pump spray since I'm on holiday. I saw this popping up when I was about to check out and thought it would be handy to order as well so I wouldn't have to go out and buy it. Pure laziness, I know!

Mosi-guard Natural Insect Reellent Pump Spray

Anyway, that was my haul from FeelUnique. Should you want me to do a review on any of the products, let me know in the comment bar below and I'll get back to you asap :)

Review Essence Glow tinted lip balms

Hi there!

Yes, you can expect another review on some tinted lip balms. And yes, I really am a lip junkie. I bought myself 2 tinted lip balms by the drugstore brand Essence.

When I swatched these, I was quite surprised by the pigmentation. If you know me, you know I like natural looks and even though I choose pigmented lip balms I still prefer them to be quite natural looking and no too overpowering.

Let's have a look at them:

Essence Glow tinted lip balms

The packaging is simple, but I like the simplicity of it. They're small, so very convenient to throw on your purse and the twist lip balm is great for hygienic reasons. The color of the packaging show what color it is, which is good for those lazy people like me :)

The first thing that I noticed when I opened it was the scent. It has a sweet candy scent to it, which doesn't bother me because I have a sweet tooth (not that I'll be eating it, but at least I don't mind it).

As you can see I own 2 shades:

Essence Glow tinted lip balm: 01 Light Up!

Essence Glow tinted lip balm: 02 Glam Up!

They're both more hydrating than I thought they would be and the color pigmentation is greater than I expected. The creamy texture to it makes is easy to glide on the lips.

As for longevity, they last about 3 to 4 hours. It will come off when you drank or ate something. So don't expect any magic to happen.

Here below you'll find some swatches to check out the color:

left: 01 Light Up! - right: 02 Glam Up!

Light Up! is a red tinted lip balm, although you shouldn't expect a deep red from it. remember they're lip balms and apply sheer on the lips.

Glam Up! is a coral lip balm which is a very subtle pretty color on the lips. It gives you the natural look.



If you look closely you'll notice a subtle difference, but from a distant Light Up! looks almost the same as Glam Up!





Whenever buying drugstore products, I try to withhold my excitement until I get to swatch them. I have to say that some of the drugstore brands really have stepped up their game.

I've always seen Catrice and Essence together. Both brands have significantly grown packaging and quality wise. Although you only pay a few euros as a matter of speaking, some products are actually very good. It's quite obvious if you look at the price ranging: you just can't expect the best of the best from a drugstore brand.
I think Catrice and Essence are great brands for those who just got into make up and are looking for very affordable make up items.

I can only say: experiment, experiment, experiment. There are times when I even think that some drugstore brands can beat higher end products. Don't judge a book by its cover. You may be finding your HG in the drugstore section :)

Top 5 lip balms

For those who know me, you had to see this top 5 coming :)
As for the newbies to my blog out there, I'm a lip balm junkie. I will buy pretty much every lip balm out there just to give it a try. I'm afraid of counting how many I have, because I think even I will be flabbergasted. So, let skip the count and jump right into my top 5!

5. Kiehl's lip balm #1
This lip balm has put its brand on the beauty map. I'm going to be honest, this is purely vaseline. But, I like to put this on my lips before going to sleep to hydrate my lips whenever they're chapped. I received this lip balm in my Deauty box a long time ago, and it's still one of my favorite products I've received from them. Not a bad product at all Kiehl's :)

Kiehl's lip balm #1

4. Maybelline Baby Lips
People have been raving about these Baby Lips in The States and in Asia like crazy. So, I can't not blame them for me wanting to try them, right? :) I've noticed that The States release other lip balms than in Asia. On my last trip to Hong Kong I grabbed about 6 Baby Lips (yes, 6!). If all those beauty guru's like it, I must like it! And yes, I'm weak like that :D

I must say, this is one of my favorite lip balms which are twistable and where you don't need to put your finger in it to get some of the product out. Plus, they smell goooood! I've seen that Maybelline's has released new Baby Lips and my hands are itching not to buy them online...

Maybelline Baby Lips:
left: Cherry
right: Berry

3. Nivea lip butter
I've never really liked Nivea, because they were always too greasy for me. The face cream was too thick and too oily, the body lotion just didn't do much for me. But since my lips can always use some moisture, I thought this time Nivea would be good for my lips. And I'm glad I was right :) These lip butters feel like butter (literally!). I usually slap this on my lips before going to bed so when I wake up my lips feel supersoft and moisturized. Nivea, you have done my lips proud!

Nivea lip butter: Vanilla & Macadamia

2. Smith's Rosebud Salve

Never did I expect to fall in love with a product as much as I did with this one. A few years ago I saw this on the counter one day and I was probably in the mood for 'I want to buy something to make myself feel better (don't tell me I'm the only one out there girls!). As soon as I used it for the very first time, I couldn't get enough of it. 2 years later, I have made a nice dent in my lip balm, but I still have a good amount of product. I got the strawberry scent since I'm a sucker for sweet scents. But honestly, a great investment!

Rosebud Salve lip balm

1. Korres lip butter
I haven't been into the beauty world that long, but one of the most talked about lip balms is the Korres lip butter. I just had to know what the hype was all about and I caved in to buy myself one. Man oh man... Let me tell you... this baby has changed my view on lip balms since I got this in my hands. No lip balm can beat this lip butter. It gives your lips a silky feeling, for those who don't like the greasy feeling on the lips. This does give your lips a little hint of color, but don't expect anything too bedazzling. Admitting that these aren't cheap, but let me tell you that they are worth the buzz in the beauty community.

Korres lip butter: Pomegranate

I don't mind if I feel the lip butters sitting on my lips, it makes me feel like they're actually doing something to them. The only thing I don't like about my top 3 is that you have to dip your finger into the little pots. It's quite unhygienic and you have to wipe off your finger afterwards (as in: wipe it off on someone you dislike, mwoehaha!). But frankly, in spite of the pots I still really like the formula of the top 3 lip balms. I guess you can use a lip pencil for every time you want to slap on some butter on those lips of yours, or you can have some wet towelettes on you to clean your hands with. Up to you!

Review Bourjois Color Boost

Yes, you're right. I'm back again with another post on lip blabber :)

As you all know I'm always on the hunt for a good lippy, and this month I discovered a Bourjois lip balm, but not just any, no no ... it's a lipstick that comes in one of those crayon forms. You know that a lot of brands have come out with their tinted lip balms such as Clinique's Chubby Sticks and Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. Well, Bourjois has come out with their version of it. They're called the Bourjois Color Boost and they've launched 4 colors: 01 Red Sunrise, 02 Fuchsia Libre, 03 Orange Punch and 04 Peach on the Beach.
Red Sunrise is a watermelon color which is a pinkish red. Perfect for those who are afraid of using a bright red on their lips. This is a great color to start your way to a red lipstick.
Fuchsia Libre is a cool toned pink. I don't think this color would suit me since I have a yellow undertone, but I'm sure this color would suit those with a more pinkish undertone.
Orange Punch is a color that appeals to me. Don't let the name fool you, it's not a true orange lipstick, it's more of a peachy pink color.
And then we have Peach on the Beach, a coral color that's very light and wearable. I think this is a great color because it's noticeable that you're wearing color on your lips, but it's not too much color.

Below you'll find 3 of the 4 colors: Red Sunrise, Orange Punch and Peach on the Beach:

Bourjois Color Boost: 01 Red Sunrise, 03 Orange Punch, 04 Peach on the Beach

Top down swatches 01, 03, 04

They're very easy to apply thanks to their creamy texture. It has a good enough pigmentation and it leaves a glossy finish on the lips. A plus? The crayon makes it more fun for you to draw it onto the lips since it's just a big, fat pencil :)

There aren't really downsides, but I do have to contradict what they claim.
It says to stay for 10h. I've eaten and drank with this lip balm and the glossy finish goes away like most lipsticks do. I'd say this will stay on the lips for about 5h.
It also says on the crayon to be a lipstick. I think it's more of a crossing of a lip balm and a lip stain. It applies as smooth as a lip balm and after half a day you can still see a hint of color on your lips.

Honestly I only have good thing to say about this collection:

• they have cute colors
• they're cheap
• they're creamy and don't dry out your lips
• they have SPF 15

The Clinique Chubby sticks are quite expensive, the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains aren't easy accessible in Belgium, so I'm a very happy lad to say that these drugstore lippies are one of my favorite products this summer. Great crayons to add to my make up collection I'd say! :)

Hits & misses Jan-Jun 2013

Well hello there everyone and welcome back to my blog.

Today I'd like to share my hits & misses of the former month. I recall putting up a favorites of the month post last year for June 2012. I can't believe it's already been a year since I posted my favorites. Talked about consistency...woopsie!

Anyway, last month there were products I liked, but there were products I didn't like as well, so I decided to put a blog post on my hits&misses.

Let's cut the chit chat and jump right into it, shall we?

Hits

This month my lips have been dry as ever! It even dried out to the point that my corners started to crack which hurt like heck whenever I tried to open my mouth. I decided to put some Nivea lip butter on the lips so my lips could suck up all the moisture. It's not completely healed yet, but I'm getting there... As the name doesn't gives it away already, the formula is like butter, it's very creamy lip balm. Plus, it tastes so good, haha!

 

Nivea lip butter - vanilla & macadamia

Recently I caved in and bought some Embyolisse products. I'm still on the fence about the lait-crème on which I'll do a review soon, but I have been liking the hydra-mat emulsion.
It's a gel for normal and mixed skin which leaves the skin soft and matte.
It supposedly to leave the skin matte because it contains a natural derivative of corn starch which will absorb excess sebum and will reduce the shininess on your face. The apricot oil will tone and boost the skin and it contains the antioxidant vitamin E as well.

I've been liking it so far, although it doesn't keep my face matte ALL day long. I'm one happy chappy for this product keeping me matte for half the day!

Embyrolisse hydra-mat émulsion

If you've read my last year's favorites, you know by now I've been using the Clarisonic for almost a year now, and yes, I'm still a huge fan of this tool. It takes the dead skin cells off for me to look fab, hahaha! And I still like to combine my Clarisonic with my Bioré Acne gentle care oil control facial foam.

I've been treating my skin with love, but no product can keep those hormonal breakouts away. Here's when the Vichy Normaderm comes in, on which I've already done a review.
This baby dries out the imperfection so you can swing by life zit free, hahaha!

Vichy NormaDerm

Next to skin care products I do have a make up item to mention as well. I don't often think a product is wow-this-knocks-my-socks-off-like-nothing! But, I'd like to take the time to praise the one who made the Jealousness waterproof gel eyeliner (my review on it can be found here). This is the only eyeliner that will stay put on my waterline. As soon as you've put this into your waterline, it will not budge or whatsoever.

You probably know by now I have very oily eyelids and this causes for any eye product to give me panda eyes as the day goes by. Luckily this Jealousness eyepencil does NOT go anywhere unless you've want differently :)

I got mine in BK (black), but there are 6 other shades as well. And don't worry, one swipe of this eyepencil and you'll have a very pigmented waterline already.

Frankly, this is by far the best eyeliner I've ever used. For those who would like to give this baby a try, check out this website to get a hold of this eyeliner (Disclaimer: I'm not being sponsored for doing this blog post. All opinions are my own.)

Jealousness waterproof gel eyeliner - BK (black)

As I'm going from the top down, let's talk about nails :)
I've been ob-sessed with pastel colours recently. I still like to wear bold colours, but for some reason I always go back to my pastels.

Recently I've been rocking Diorlisse by Dior like crazy. It's a beautiful pastel pink colour which looks classy and put together, and will match with pretty much every outfit you wear.

And if I'm feeling like going crazy, I'll go pastel purple with Essie's Go Ginza! ;) It's a gorgeous lila that give your nails that hint of colour but still doens't look overdone.

As for my last hit of the month, let me just take a minute (and spray on some more, haha!). I'm talking about the Victor&Rolf's perfume called Flowerbomb.

Victor&Rolf - Flowerbomb

I accidentally picked up this bottle, smelled, sprayed and fell in love.

I never heard about this perfume before when I reached for this perfume bottle. As soon as I sprayed it, a magic of scents spread all over me and made me fall head over heels with this perfume.

As I suck at describing scents I looked it up and apparently it contains the following:
Notes: Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia, Patchouli.
Style: Oriental. Gourmand. Floral.

It starts off quite sweet and dries down to a sweet, slightly vanillic dessert of amber and patchouli. The name Flowerbomb is suite misleading, as I don't smell a strong flower scent. Be assured that you don't have to like flowers to likes this perfume. If you're a lover of slightly sweet perfumes, this will be right up your alley.

Since every up has its down:

• quite expensive
• unfortunately the scent doesn't last very long on you

Nevertheless, this won't stop me from loving this perfume. Flowerbomb is the BOMB!

 

Misses

I have some dark spots on my face and when I saw these products I was too weak to pass it off. They're Garnier products which will treat dark spots, yeah right...

Garnier Dark Spot Corrector Daily Illuminating Moisturizer - Garnier Anti-Dark Spot Renovator Night

I'm not going to say that I expected immediate results, but these products just didn't do ANYTHING for my skin. The left one left my skin quite oily and the right product was just some gel I put on my skin before going to sleep. No no no, I won't be using these anymore.


Let's stick to the face and talk about another moisturizer. Yes, I did experiment quite a bit with moisturizers. I like to bring up the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel on which I've already done a review.

I've heard so many people raving about this product. People who have combination to oily skin. I know by now that most gels work better for oily skins, but this was a bit too harsh for my skin.

Whenever putting this on, it moisturized my cheek area, but it dried out my chin area after 5 minutes. This forced me to put another layer of this gel or to put another moisturizer on the drier sides of the face.

I'm aware that some people use 2 different moisturizers for their face, but I like to use just one.

Besides, this gel had a rather chemically smell to it when applying. Luckily this disappears after the gel has soaked into your skin.

I'm not a fan of this Clinique product and has actually left me quite disappointed.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

A few years ago I used the pore strips from Bioré. Apparently they changed their packaging, but I like to stick to products I know that work (normally...). I've been using the nose strips a few times and I'm not sure whether my little box is a bad one, but it just ... sucks! The date says it hasn't expired yet, so I'm hoping that mine is just a fault box.

Every time I use this, the white serum keeps sticking to my nose and when pulling the strip from my nose, the strip doesn't come off as one. The sticky side stays on my nose causing me to wash it off instead of tearing it off. It just didn't work at all. I can't do anything to help the product to come off more easily, because the strip is just too weak to be torn off.

A very big disappointment after being ecstatic for years about this product.

Bioré Pore pack

Last but not least, let's talk make up!
Who doesn't know CoverGirl? They're known for their Lashblasts and their red lipstick that Taylor raves so much about (for money, but still).

When I saw this eyeliner, I just had to pick it up, because who knows this is another great CG product. Well, it's not.

CoverGirl Perfect Point Plus eye pencil - 205 charcoal

I hoped this would be a dupe for my Benefit BADgal liner waterproof eye pencil, but unfortunately this smudged after wearing it for 2 minutes! No lie: I put it on my waterline, put the eye pencil in my bag, checked my phone for messages, looked into the mirror and saw a panda looking right back at me!

Luckily Taylor Swift isn't promoting this eye pencil, unless she's a panda look lover :)


These were my hits and misses for the first half of this year. What are your favorite products and what products do you really dislike and wouldn't recommend to anyone?

Review: Love Therapy Labello

To labello or not to labello? That's the question!

If you've read my blog for some time now, you probably know I have a slight lip balm addiction (as in I'd inject myself some lip balm to have baby smooth lips...just kidding!)

Up: Rasperry Dream - Down: Diabolo Dream

Recently I received 2 limited editions on the Love Therapy collection from Labello (thank you my lovelies).

They're the Diabolo Mint and the Raspberry Dream.

Top: Raspberry Dream - Below: Diabolo Dream

Raspberry dream:

• a nice raspberry scent which is not too overpowering
• pretty sheen (this gives a slight pink sheen)

Diabolo mint:

• a minty scent which can gives your lips a tingly feeling
• very light sheen (barely noticeable)

Conclusion, I prefer the raspberry version.
I'm the kind of girl who prefers sweet scents, especially over minty products, unless when it comes down to my teeth hygiene.

I like shiny lip balms, especially if they have a sweet scent and a very subtle pink sheen to them.

Next to how they perform, let me mention the packaging.
As you can see on the first picture, there's a little dwarf drawn on each labello which makes it very loveable and cute to carry around.

I can't hide my love for Labello's, they'll forever be my first love when it comes to lip balms. Labello, wo ai ni :)

My daily make up routine

Hi make up lovers!
Today I wanted to share my everyday make up routine. Just for your information, in spite of my obsession for make up and beauty tools, I actually don't wear make up that often, or at least not tons of make up.

I have a preference for the natural look, but I have experimented with some more for evening outings.

I mostly wear make make up when I have to work, or when I go out with friends. During the weekends I'm going au naturel to let my skin breath :)

Anyways, enough chit chat, let's jump right into it!

I like to work from the top down:

1. eyebrows
   

   

   Lioele auto eyebrow pencil - gray black

   
   

• I used to neglect my eyebrows. Frankly, I didn't care!
  Until beauty gurus started to tell more about eyebrows, I started to pluck my eyebrows in the shape I prefer and started to fill them in where needed.
• The Lioele auto eyebrow pencil has a gray black pencil on one side and a spooley on the other side.
2. lashes
   

   

   Shu Uemura eye lash curler

   
   

• Shu Uemura eye lash curler. Do I need to say more if I tell you I have typical asian eye lashes? They're short and stick straight. I NEED my eye lash curler to give that umph to my lashes.
  

  

  Fairy Drops Platinum waterproof mascara
  Maybelline Illegal Length non-waterproof mascara

  
  

• Afterwards I go over with some black mascara. Some of you know my HG is the Fairy Drops Platinum waterproof mascara. But I do like to experiment with non-waterproof mascara's as well. I have to admit, there not a lot of non-waterproof mascara's I like, but I have found one that is ... ok. It doesn't smudge too easily (but still does, especially I've been wearing it the entire day), and keep my lashes curled after putting on a coat of mascara. I present to you the Maybelline Illegal Length Fibre Extensions mascara. 
• The tube looks quite feminine. A slightly curved, long mascara with pink writing on it. 
• The thing which sold me? The fibres. I noticed there are fibres in it, but it doesn't contain as much fibres as the Fairy Drops does. 
• I have noticed that this mascara is rather wet. And although I prefer drier mascara's, this one is ... ok :)
3. concealer
   

   

   Essence coverstick - 05 matt beige

• I'm like any other young woman who has their occasional rush of hormones, and yes, I have break outs as well. I used to have a lot of acne, but never to the point that I had to see a dermatologist. No, I just dealt with it, because I know there are people with severe acne problems. I was lucky enough to not have that problem.
• Back then I never heard of the existence of concealer or foundation. Although I still don't wear foundation, concealer has become my best friend :)
• I've used high end concealers and drugstore concealers. I do have my favorites in high end and drugstore, but in the end, I'm not rich and I don't have sponsors who are kind enough to send me products. No, I'm not affiliated with any company and I buy everything with my own money. 
• I'm currently using a drugstore concealer, namely a coverstick from a drugstore brand Essence in 05 matt beige.
• On the little box it says the formula contains allantoin. For those who don't know what allantoin is, it's moisturizing, causes keratin to soften the skin and it heals the skin more quickly.
• It covers up my redness and blemishes, it turns out matt (great for my oily skin!) and I paid around 2€...SCORE!
4. lip balm
   

   

   Kiehl's lip balm

   
   

• If you know me, you'd know I'm super duper, over the top, totally ob-sessed with lip balms. I have tons of lip balms lying around in every room of the house. I cannot live without them...
• I like to slap on some of my Kiehl's lip balm #1, which I got with my Deauty box. Is it really that good as people claim it to be? I guess it's ok. Would I repurchase it? No. Why? Because it doesn't do miracles to my lips. Yes, it leaves it moisturized for the first hour I've put it on, but in the end I'm reaching for my other lip balms during the day anyway. I'm just trying to use it up.
• The biggest downside to this lip balm is probably that this does contain parabens. No thank you :)

Here it was, my daily make up routine!
Leave a comment if you liked this post and tell me what your essentials of the day are.

Have a wonderful day beauties!

Products I've used up May '13

Hi everyone!

I'm back with another blog post. Today I'd like to talk to you beauties about the product I've used up, aka empties post :)

Let's work from the top down:

• Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur hair repair anti-klit spray

This is a spray which prevents knots in your hair and makes your hair silky smooth. It says it adds shine, I don't really notice any difference when spraying this in my hair, but it does makes it easier for me to brush through my hair after putting this in my damp hair.

You'll notice there's a little bit of a white solutions lying on top of the pink solutions. Just don't forget to give it a good shake before usage.

Good to know: I've used mine for about 2 years before using it all up, uhu!

• Clinique anti-blemish solutions clarifying lotion 

I think most of you know what this is. This is the step 2 from the Clinique 3 steps line for handling blemishes. I don't use this on a daily basis, because I think it would be to harsh for my skin should I use it every single day. In the end, it does dry out my skin, and I don't like that tucked feeling on my face.

I just put some on a cotton pad and sweep it all over my face. It makes sure to clear all dead surface cells and reduces excess oil that can cause unclogged pores (be gone impurities!).

You'll notice white powder on the bottom of the bottle, shake it until it dissolves into the lotion. The white powder is actually a medicine to treat acne. Good stuff? Hell yeah!

Good to know: Reduce usage if dry patches occur.

• Bioderma solution for sensitive skin

This has been a huge hit in Hong Kong before coming over to Belgium and the States.

I use this as my daily toner, if I need a more abrasive toner I'll use the Clinique one. But, this one is very gentle on the skin. It cleanses and removes my non-waterproof make up.
It's like putting water on your skin, only bottled in a fancy packaging :)

Put some on a cotton ball and sweep it over your face, as simple as that.

Good to know: this does NOT remove waterproof make up

• Biotherm Aquasource gel for normal to combination skin

This has been my HG for a few years.

It gives enough moisture but didn't make my face feel greasy, thanks to the gel formula. 

A very good moisturizer for the summer, not so much during the colder months.

Since I'm using another moisturizer for the moment, I won't be able to buy this immediately for the summer time!

• Fairy Drops Platinum mascara in waterproof formula

Holy moly guacemole, my HG mascara!

Honestly, this mascara makes my stubborn short lashes look like I'm wearing false eye lashes!

You'll notice that the brush has a curvy wand, this lifts my eye lashes to make them even more curly.

It gives volume, lengthens them thanks to the fibers in it, but still gives a very natural look to the eye...A-MA-ZING!

I use the one in waterproof formula because if I don't use waterproof I'll end up with raccoon eyes. Sexy, I know!

• Lancôme bi-facil double action eye makeup remover 

Bi-Facil is one of the most known eye make up removers in the beauty industry. Notice that there are 2 different parts in the bottle: a more deep blue (oil) and a light blue (toner). You should shake the bottle to let the 2 mix and then put it on a cotton pad before pressing it against your eye. 

People say this doesn't leave any greasy film on the eyes, but I do notice that it does when you reach the end of the bottle. It may be normal, but I don't think this (rather expensive) eye make up remover.

I must admit that it does a good job, but it's not like that this is the only one eye make up remover that works. I've had cheaper versions that do the job as well.

Good to know: Get eye make up removers with both oil and toner, it makes the taking off your waterproof make up much easier!

• Colgate Max White One

Who doesn't want whiter teeth? I thought so...

I gave this Colgate tooth paste a try, but unfortunately this has let me down. Not only didn't I notice any difference in my teeth shade but sometimes it left my mouth not as fresh as I would like it to be.

I will not be repurchasing this one fore sure, which is a shame because I do like the other plain Colgate tooth pastes.

• EOS organic lip balm smooth sphere in pomegranate raspberry 

 

I learned about the EOS products thanks to make up vids on Youtube. These are probably one the most cute lip balms ever. Are they that good? Not really. It's not very moisturizing, but I'm a sucker for packaging and as soon as I smelled the scent, I was sold!

These come on different scents and yes, I have them all...

• EOS hand lotion in berry blossom

Another product from the same line; the EOS hand lotion. As you can see on the picture it says: paraben- free. Yay for anything which is free of parabens.

You have to admit that this hand lotion looks quite adorable, but man oh man, wait until you get a sniff of this hand lotion. It smells heavenly! And it doesn't only smell good, no no, it makes your hand soft as a baby's bottom!

It doesn't leave any greasy film on your hand and it moisturizes as hell. Hands down, one of the best hand lotions I've ever used.




I'm sorry I didn't put pictures up that I've taken myself, but I've thrown most of the products out the door before realizing I could write a blog post about it.

I'll try to collect them from now on makes it more personal :)

Comment below if you liked this post and tell me what empties would you repurchase?