Favourites: October 12

October has been a good month, I turned 22 (uh oh), Halloween is coming up and the holidays are almost here! Wooo :) I thought I'd include some of my fashion favourites this month to change it up a bit. Let me know if you like it or rather see strictly beauty stuff :)

Ever since i got an iPhone I started buying cases like a mad woman! This month I specially love these two from SwitchEasy. The rose flower case was a gift from a good friend of mine, I don't know if she'll read this but thank you Liz! :) And the Melt case, that I've been wanting to get forever and they sent me the wrong colour and I had to ask for a replacement! It took ages because they ship them from China. But I finally got it and I love it :) And of course, Nylon Magazine is a favourite of mine every single month!

Next are my Mouse Ballerina Flats from Marc by Marc Jacobs which were a present from my lovely mom, I just love them! They're super comfortable and cute. I've been using them quite a lot with dresses, leggings and jeans. 

On to the beauty stuff, the Clinique All About Eyes Rich has been an overnight savior when I'm feeling super tired. It really de puffs and diminishes black circles. I rediscovered two things recently: the Sephora Bronzer Brush (similar here) and the Mac Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass and I've been using both a lot. I never really used the brush cause I don't wear a lot of bronzer, instead I'm using it to apply foundation and it works great! I don't know if it's the bristles, the shape or size but my foundation looks flawless when applied with this brush. My favourite blush at the moment is the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Blissful, you can see review and swatches here. Another lip product I've been loving is the Dior Addict lipstick in colour 566 - Taffetas, it's quite sheer but it gives my lips the prettiest colour and shine! Lastly there's the Urban Decay Vintage Eyeshadow in Midnight Cowboy (a cult fave!) and a L'occitane wood comb I got as a gift. I love the little things I get as gifts because they always end up being my favourites!

Left to right: Mac Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass and Dior Addict Lipstick in 566.

What are your October favourites?

Swatch: Mac Marilyn Monroe Preferred Blonde Eyeshadow

Mac Preferred Blonde Large Eyeshadow ($.21.00) is a sheer white-champagne with a frosted finish. It reminds me of Crystal Avalanche on the skin, on the pan it looks a lot more champagne. I find it perfect for under the eyebrow as a highlighter and for the inner corner of the eye to make eyes appear awake. The texture is velvety but nothing special, this collection didn't wowed me slightly, I feel like Marilyn Monroe deserved unique colours and something extra special but that's just me. Three of four eyeshadows look very similar (How to Marry, Preferred Blonde and Silver Screen) and colour payoff could have been better.

Have you tried this eyeshadow or anything else from the collection?

Skip this! Vol. 1 - Mascaras

Sometimes, beauty products let us down, it happens. Not that often though. This is my first negative review, and I'm calling it "Skip this!" so you'll know which products aren't working out for me. I hope it's helpful! I gathered 4 mascaras that in my experience, aren't worth it. Neither they hype or the $$$. 
1. Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ($.8.99):  I know a lot of bloggers absolutely adore this mascara, but I just genuinely dislike it. I've tried to work with it so many times and always end up with flakes under my eyes. The brush is great, because it lengthens lashes, but the formula is really disappointing. It flakes all over the place and my lashes don't look defined, they look clumpy and strange. Sort of like hairy bug legs, haha. That's the only way I can describe it. I love Revlon but this mascara just doesn't work for me! 2. Mac Haute & Naughty Too Black Mascara ($.20.00): I think this mascara isn't bad, but it doesn't have the best formula/application. I really enjoy using the purple cap cause it defines my lashes very well. But there's nothing special about it (except the 2 in 1 applicators). I would have skipped it but I really like the original version. 3. Mac Zoom Fast Black Lash ($.16.00): This mascara has a carbon black pigment with a velvety formula that intensifies your every day look, sounds amazing. The problem is the brush, oh! this brush troubles me. If you're going for a Mac mascara I'd totally recommend going for the Zoom Lash instead. 4. Cover Girl LashBlast Fusion Water Resistant Mascara ($.7.99): I find it strange that I love the Lash Blast Volume Mascara (orange packaging) and dislike this one. I think I have a problem with water resistant formulas because they're always flaking on me. The applicator for this mascara is amazing, but the product itself doesn't do anything else than to define lashes. Even after 2-3 coats it won't add volume nor thickness. 
Have you tried any of these mascaras? Agree or disagree?

Comparison: Mac Haute & Naughty Mascaras

I recenlty got the Mac Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara ($.20.00) which is basically a two in one mascara that has two finishes; the natural finish and the dramatic finish. I personally never really been a big fan of Mac mascaras because I don't find them as good and the brushes are always disappointing. However, when I first tried the Haute & Naughty Lash (original) I really liked how innovative it was that it came with "2 brushes" and the formula was good, never flaked. With this new version, I'm not so convinced.


The Mac Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash has an intense pigmentation, which is supposed to be the blackest black. The formula is silky soft and it contains ingredients that prevent dryness. What I really like about both of these mascaras is that you get different looks with one mascara alone. The tube comes with two caps, one is tinier so it cleans the brush and leaves it with less product which leads to a more natural looking lash. The other cap lets more product on the applicator so you get a more voluminous lash. But it can get a little tricky, if you're not careful your lashes can end up looking clumpy. The formula is great, because it delivers really deep colour and makes the eyes pop out, it's not drying and doesn't flake or smudge.

The original Mac Haute & Naughty is indeed black but is not as deep as the new version. Both applicators are the exact same for both mascaras. The smaller opening cap is great for lower lashes and to really define the upper lashes. It doesn't thicken the lashes but it defines and curls them really well. The larger opening cap allows more mascara on the applicator which thickens but doesn't voluminizes the lashes. I find the Haute & Naughty Too Black delivers too much product on the brush and it can make the lashes clumpy and undefined. Overall, I would recommend the original version because the larger opening cap on it doesn't clump as much as the Haute & Naughty Too Black mascara. However, the pigmentation and formula is really good.

Please note the Haute & Naught Black mascara has been in use for a longer period of time.

Have you tried these mascaras?

Wants:

I've always been a big supporter of brands who are against animal testing and I wish all of the brands were cruelty-free and vegan. But due to some regulations, it isn't possible. It saddens me that countries like China have animal testing as a requirement, and I don't support that. However, there are brands that don't test on animals and others contain vegan ingredients only. I know, you'll be thinking "but she uses Estee Lauder brands". Yes, I do. I can't help to like some of the non-vegan brands, too. But I'd really like to change that, I'm a vegetarian and have been for about 2 and a half years now. But anyway, I would LOVE to use only cruelty-free brands from now on. Yeah, this means no more Mac and such popular and great brands too! But I rather use brands I know haven't tortured innocent and helpless animals, it's too sad. If you're interested to know which brands DO TEST and DON'T TEST on animals, click here. 

1. Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator ($.39.00): Suited for most skin conditions, an effective yet gentle facial exfoliator. Enriched with avocado oil, calendula oil and jojoba beads. The skin is cleared and revitalized by carrot deed extract and essential oils of cedarwood and sweet orange.

2. Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten ($.20.00): Gel eyeliner/shadow. I really like Benefit's creaseless eyeshadows and I think the formula might be similar, not sure why I haven't tried these Smudge Pots before.

3. Tarte Fantastic Foursome Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush Enthusiast Set ($.35.00): Having tried the famous clay blushes, I'm hooked. And oh my, aren't these lovely? Universally flattering shades. Limited edition.

4. Lush Imperialis Cream ($.24.95): I've been looking for a new moisturizer, and this one is made out of lavender to balance the skin's sebum production and orange blossom water to brighten up dull looking areas. Who doesn't love Lush?

5. Ahava Purifying Mud Mask ($.31.00): A deep cleansing mask that purifies and restores skin to reveal a brighter, even toned, radiant complexion. It contains jojoba oil ans antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. OCC Lip Tar in Hush ($.16.00): Now these include a mini lip brush, how cute is it? The colour is described as an antique bridal pink. I think it's a perfect shade for me, at first I really wanted Nylon but now I'm really into this one. 

7. Stila One Step Correct ($.36.00): A triple-swirled serum that instantly corrects, brightens and covers skin imperfections. The green tone neutralizes redness and conceals blemishes. The lavender tone counteracts sallow undertones and the peach tone brightens, illuminates and helps diminish the appearance of sun spots.

What's on your wishlist?

Review: L'Occitane Aromachologie Soothing Concentrated Mask

L'occitane Hair Concentrated Mask for Sensitive Scalp ($.26.00) is a relief for sensitive/ itchy scalp. I've experienced itchy scalp and itchy bumps recently and I started using baby shampoo which temporarily stopped the itching. Soon after I discovered this amazing mask, it's enriched with L'occitane famous essential oils and soothing extracts that immediately relieves itching and tautness. I stopped washing my hair everyday too, like some of you lovely ladies recommended. I use this mask twice a week and feel my scalp is hydrated and healthier. After shampoo I part my hair into sections and apply it directly to my scalp, it comes with a very convenient applicator. I leave it for 2-5 minutes and apply conditioner on the lengths at the same time. The itchiness is gone after application and through the day, and my hair condition has also improved since I started using this product. It smells like lemongrass with a hint of citrus scent, I love it and it lasts all day long. If you suffer from sensitive/itchy scalp like me, I absolutely recommend you give this mask a try! 

Have you tried this soothing mask? Do you suffer from sensitive scalp?

Swatch: Mac Cremeblend Blush in Something Special

Mac Cremeblend Blush in Something Special ($.20.00)*  is a light coral with a creme formula. I find cream blushes to be great for summer but also for winter time, as they hydrate my cheeks and last longer. Something Special is a shade I instantly fell in love with as I tend to use peach and coral shades all the time. I find these shades enhance my natural skin tone and give me a healthy look. The cremeblend formula has a medium coverage and leaves a dewy finish on the skin. This particular shade is very soft but it can be buildable and I find it great for fair and medium skin tones. 

Have you tried Something Special? Do you enjoy using cream blushes?
*Gift

Picks: Top 5 Foot Care Products

As of late I've taken care of my feet more than ever. It's probably because my high heels have been rough on me. These are my most used nail & foot care products:
1. Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter ($.16.95): Made to soften dry/cracked cuticles and to nourish nails. This buttery cream is made out of fresh lemons, honeybee wax, avocado oil and other yummy ingredients that truly soften the skin. I also use this on my elbows, heels, knees and hands.

2. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream ($.5.99): Also lemon-based, this thick cream helps nourish weak nails and soften dry cuticles. I use it both on my nails and toes, it works wonderful and smells delicious!

3. L'occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream ($.10.00): I know, I know I'm addicted to L'occitane. But they make good stuff, what can I do? The cream formula contains antiseptic AOP lavender essential oil to purify and anti-inflammatory arnica extract to help reduce redness and irritation. It's also enriched with 15% shea butter. My feet feel comfortable and refreshed after use.

4. Alessandro Pedix Feet Heel Rescue Balm: Originally introduced to the brand by Glossybox. It's now one of my fav foot care products. It's enriched with Marina Vital complex, which helps prevent build-up of hard skin with long lasting results. It's very soothing and leaves my feet soft and supple.

Julep The Best Pedi Creme Ever! ($.22.00): Well, it isn't exactly the best ever, but it works well. It's very refreshing and it exfoliates and hydrates at the same time. It's enriched with coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E. It claims it delivers results in just 1-2 uses and I did noticed a difference. 
What are your favourite foot creams?

Review: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Blissful

After lusting over Tarte blushes, I finally got one! It was a birthday present from my best friend. It's the Tarte Amazonian 12-hour Clay Blush ($25.00)* and the shade is Blissful. One I had my eye on in one of my many Wishlists. The blush is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfatte.  The shade is just gorgeous, it's described as a warm peach but i find it more as an intense peachy-pink. On my skin tone it looks very pink, however still very natural. I think it would work great on all skin tones as it's very buildable, if you have fair skin I'd recommend using a light hand. The texture is the only thing I had trouble with, when I was trying to swatch it, it wouldn't come off with a lot of pigmentation as I thought it would be, but when picked with a blush brush it's different. The wear is great, I'm not sure if it lasted me 12 hours, but at least 6-8 hours are enough for what I need and I don't mind re applying if I have to. The packaging is really pretty too, it's so different from what I already have and it's very convenient when looking for a colour instead of looking for names in classic black packaging. Overall, I really do like this blush a lot and I can't wait to get myself the Fantastic Foursome Enthusiast Set that recently came out!

Have you tried Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blushes? Which one is your favourite and what shade should I try next?
*Gift

Shopping Tips for Fall: My Picks

Shopping for Fall clothes is quite easy and fun. But you have to be wise when you make your choices as you might end up with clothes you'll never use again and spend a lot of money. For starters, before purchasing anything it's important to wonder if you'll be able to use the clothes and accessories on other seasons. Most likely on winter time. I've made a small guideline about how to pick garments and accessories you can use during fall and soon after!
Always pick neutral colours. This meaning black, white, beige, ivory, grey and taupe. Neutral colours combine with everything, this is why it's so easy to wear them. And basic colours like black and white combined look effortlessly elegant and sophisticated.
Include different textures and prints on your tops, this will add a personal style (as you'll be choosing the print/texture you like) to your outfit and will be easier to then choose pants, skirts or jeans. 
Choose one-size or over-sized tops, as you can wear these with leggings, as a dress or with jeans. Plus, oversized tops are extremely comfortable and you'll always look fashionable in them!
Look for unique jewelry, like the lipstick ring picture above. If you're wearing a plain beige sweater you'll need to add pieces that will complement you outfit.
Designer pieces and popular brand clothing sold at Department Stores can get a bit expensive, especially for women and on season-change. This doesn't mean you have to look for the cheapest alternative that could mean poor quality. There are always a lot of websites, like ClothingLoves.com where you can get high quality wholesale prices with offer discounts. So why not choose Wholesale Women's Clothing when searching for new high-quality clothing for fall? 
Every piece on my Fall Picks can be found at ClothingLoves.com

Review: L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Soap

Soap Bars are quite unusual in most girl's skin care routine, as we're always using liquid soap, exfoliators masques and such. After using Lush Fresh Farmacy, I thought why not give soap bars a chance? And by the way, Fresh Farmacy is one of the best cleansers I've ever used! But more on that later. L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Soap ($.10.00) is made with it's signature Shea Butter and a soft vegetal cleansing base.

I have sensitive/combination skin at the same time and find this soap perfect for both. It cleanses the skin without drying it and it's very gentle. My skin feels comfortable, soft, fresh and clean after use. I haven't noticed any bad reaction and my skin has actually improved, I've been using it for about 2 weeks now every day in the AM and PM. For the price I think it's a great product and has a great size, it smells really good and I already see improvements. My skin is clear and I haven't had mayor breakouts since I started using it, the creamy lather is very soothing and gives my face a lift in the morning! It's made for all skin types.

Have you tried Soap Bars? Which one is your favourite?

Picks: Top 6 Fall Lipsticks

I selected 6 lip products to use during fall/autumn. First it's CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain in the shade 420/Sassy Mauve it's a cool toned mauve with a matte finish, these lipstains have great pigmentation and precise application. But the applicator gets in bad shape after a few uses. I love the colour but I wouldn't repurchase this lipstain. Next is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in the shade Black Cherry. A deep red that I reviewed a while back, click here to see my review. Now, the famous Revlon Lip Butters, I picked three of my favourite colours: Fig Jam, Red Velvet and Pink Truffle. The most flattering for me, would be Pink Truffle. It's the type my lips but better! And lastly there's CoverGirl Lip Perfection in 380/Dazzle which is a dark mauve with a blue undertone, the shade is a little tricky, it has a certain sheen that makes it look more purple in different lighting. The Lip Perfection lipsticks have a creamy texture and are moisturizing.

From left to right: Cover Girl Lipstain 420,  Revlon Black Cherry, Fig Jam, Red Velvet, Pink Truffle and Cover Girl Dazzle.

 

What are your lipstick picks for Fall?

Review: L'occitane Aromachologie Radiance & Colour Care Shampoo

You see, I used to dye my hair a lot in my teenage years. Black, red, pink, purple and even blonde highlights! It was fun but now that I think about it, maybe it was a bit of a mistake. Though my hair hasn't been dyed for about a year now, you can still catch the colours. As a result of dying my hair so many colours now I have natural red highlights. I wonder if that's possible or it's just how my hair always been. The point is, I've always tried taking proper care of it. And even now that my hair is growing into it's natural colour from the roots I take care of the ends. I recently re-discovered L'occitane Aromachologie Radiance and Colour Care line (Shampoo $.22 for 8.4 fl oz.). All products have natural origin ingredients, which could seem like you need more product because you don't see enough foam in your hands. But really, you only need a bit to wash your whole scalp and hair (even if it's long like mine!). Having tried the Repairing Shampoo before, I thought these magical 5 essential oils would be a good idea. And it was.

I suffer from itchy scalp sometimes, and I haven't discovered what it is that causes it. But when I use sulfate-free and moisturizing shampoos this doesn't happen. So I'm guessing it's dryness. This shampoo is amazing, it smells so good! I'd say floral because of all the essential oils (geranium, palmarosa, bergamot, rosemary and cedar). My hair and scalp feel so fresh and clean when I use this, and the lovely scent stays all day long. The best part? It can be used every single day! (Yes, I wash my hair everyday!). My hair shines and has a nice volume to it which is nice because I have naturally straight hair. Sometimes I wish I had curly hair, but don't curly haired gals want straight hair too? I got a few samples of the conditioner and the masque and all three work wonderful together! If you're looking for a colour care shampoo for your dyed hair look no further cause this is it! 
Have you tried this shampoo? Do you colour your hair? If so, how do you take care of it?

Review: Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Stay Put Primer for concealer and eyeshadow ($.26.00) is a primer I've been using for quite a while, at first I didn't liked it much because it has one or two packaging-related problems. For starters, the pump delivers way too much product. Still, it's something that doesn't bothers me as much because the primer itself works wonderful. Stay don't Stray is creamy in texture and it has a light beige colour. On my lids it dries semi matte but I can still catch a hint of colour. Compared to Urban Decay's Primer Potion, this one doesn't dries clear, which in a way is good cause it brightens up lids and dark circles. I always apply primer on my eyelids as these tend to enhance the eyeshadow colours and reduce creasing, smudging and fading. 

As a primer for concealer it works well too, but I prefer to use concealer alone. Plus, in my opinion the best way to avoid concealer to crease is to pick the right formula and seal it with loose powder. I don't know how this primer would work on darker complexions, as it has a soft beige undertone. The packaging is okay, I like the fact it has a pump and it stands on it's own, but it delivers too much product with just one pump. Also, it's necessary to shake before use. The formula can get watery over time and it kind of separates in two parts. Maybe I've had mine for too long, but a little goes a long way! (It's still not expired, don't worry!).

The pictures above show how the primer enhance the colour of the
eyeshadow and how it adheres to it even after trying to remove it.

Have you tried Stay Don't Stray? What is your go-to primer for eyeshadows/concealer?

How to: Pick the Right Lipstick

From left to right: Watch Me Simmer, Goes and Goes, Dear Diary, Prolong, Can't Get Enough,
Up the Amp, Viva Glam Gaga 2, Morange, Lady Danger, Viva Glam Gaga, Gem of Roses, Creme Cup. All MAC.

Finding a perfect shade for your lips can be a little hard at first. You know you have found the right one when it enhances your skin tone and it can even give you a face lift! It's important to know that the skin tone isn't the most important thing you should be paying attention to. Some women have fair skin but medium or dark lips and viceversa. There is a guide line you can follow if you're finding trouble finding a shade that suits you.
Depending on you natural lip colour, there are different shades you can try:
Pale lips: coral, pale pink (blue toned), beige, pale rose, beige pinks and bright red. If you're colour shy, you can always try first with the soft toned lipsticks. Pastel colours are also a good pick for pale lips. However if you still want to try a deeper colour it's recommended you apply it with a very light hand.  Medium lips: rose, pink, orange, warm red and brown. I consider myself to have medium lips, and found rose and pink colours suit me best. I try finding lipsticks with the same undertone as my natural lip colour as they look flattering. It's sort of "my lips but better". Dark lips: deep red, plum, chocolate, blackberry and dark brown are great for dark lips. For both fair and darker complexions. Light and pale pinks are not recommend, but I've seen ladies wearing these shades and completely pulling it off!
Keep in mind you don't necessarily have to use only the colours mentioned, you can experiment with bright, pale or very deep colours! Mixing colours is also a great way to find the perfect shade.
What is your skin tone and which lipstick suits you best?

Swatches: Urban Decay Vintage Eyeshadows

I got three Urban Decay Vintage Eyeshadows  ($.6.00 each) as you may already know, the single eyeshadows have changed packaging and formula so UD is having a sale on these. Nonetheless, these have great pigmentation and are long lasting. I haven't tried the new single eyeshadows and the new formula so I can't really compare. Still, im very happy I got the Vintage ones for a great price! (3 for the price of 1!) The colours I chose were: Last Call, Midnight Cowboy and ABC Gum.
Last Call is a metallic sugar plum with a shimmery finish, it's highly pigmented and contains no glitter in it. It has a silky texture that is very easy to blend in. Midnight Cowboy is a pink champagne with silver sparkle. The glitter falls out a lot, though it's really pretty when you get it to stay on your lid. ABC Gum is a matte pale peach with no trace of sheen, shimmer or glitter. This is perfect for highlight under the brow or all over the lid.

Did you got anything from the SALE going on Urban Decay's website?