Christmas Nails

I know, I know. It's been awhile. My classes kicked my butt!! English I had 5 papers due in an 8 week class period. Then I took German and had two papers due that weren't as bad as the English ones. I loved the professor, he was a sweetheart and made class very fun and entertaining but the book was broken up ridiculously; didn't make any sense but I'll take German 102 in late spring. Needless to say I was busy.

I received this mini OPI in my Oktober Glossybox. I believe but I threw out the card and didn't get the name! Ugh!

                                          I wore this for Christmas and received many compliments! It's a true holiday                    colour and will probably wear it again soon.

If you know the name of this colour please tell me!!

Next update will be where I was for New Years and a haul and the December Glossybox. I have to make it up to you girls!! Ciao!

Small Rossmann Haul

I went to Rossmann a few days ago to pick up some essentials and picked up two more items and just thought I'd share.

From L-R

Polish # 122 'Chic Reloaded', #128 'let's get lost', Pure Skin Anti-Spot Gel, Pure Skin Anti-Spot Wash Gel

Essence re-launched there nail polish colours; some old some new. I love the new shape of the bottles instead of 1,25 euros the new price is 1,55. Also you have more product, old bottle was 5ml while the new one is 8ml.

The Anti-Spot gel is a favourite of mine, it fades dark spots and fights existing spots. The face wash is great at stopping new spots from forming and minimizing pores and blackheads. Its very gentle and recommend it to everyone.

Next post will be the July Glossybox (DE)

Ciao!

Birthday Presents!!

Even though my birthday was last Thursday I didn't get my gifts until this week. So far this is what I got:

Sony Tablet S...I love this so much!! I can't begin to tell you how much!!

Dolly Wink #01 (Dolly Sweet)and Rilakkuma Eyelash Case

I had these on my Amazon wishlist for so long, forgot about them and then, BAM! they came in the mail.

That's not all I received, E.L.F. had a 50% on everything so I got some stuff from there some of the things that I wanted were out of stock and are still out of stock so that sucks! I ordered about a week or two ago; It'll be another 2-3 weeks before I get my E.L.F order since I live in Germany and shipping takes FOREVER!!! So if you order from them and you live in the states or Canada (for me and others that live over here) don't complain that you get your box in 7-10 days; it takes us 4-6 weeks!!!!

That is all!

Ciao bellas!!

London Mini-Haul

I recently went to London for the Wireless Festival. It was three days of music on three different stages, you could pick individual day(s) or the weekend pass. The hubby and I went all three days. It was amazing!!!

I would have like to picked up more make up but my hubby wanted to see London. I got a nice small haul though; probably need to contact some gal in the UK for a make up swap. There's so many brands, it was hard to choose. I did have MUA, Sleek and Collection 2000 on my mind. Sadly, I couldn't find the Collection 2000 concealer in my shade and I went to 3 different Superdrug stores!!

On to the haul:

(L-R)

Lipstick Barry M 53-Coral, MUA 'Out There' Lipgloss in Candy Pink, Barry M Nail Paint 310-Mushroom, Barry M Nail Paint 3-Retro Red, Natural Collection-Topaz, Natural Collection-Antique Coral, Natural Collection-Lunar Haze, Natural Collection Lip Gloss-Sherbet Fizz

All MUA palettes the one on the left is squared

This is the "Going for Gold' limited edition...in honour of England hosting the Olympics this year. The pigmentation on this palette is amazing. All of the palettes that I bought are. MUA eyeshadows feel creamy and smooth with no fall out. I say that now because I've only swatched them with my hands haven't dipped a brush in there yet.

                                             

Glamour Days Palette

This has nice soft spring/summer colours. I needed more variety in my shadow shades, since I stick to neutrals but this jumped at me. None of the Superdrugs that I went to had the 'Undressed' palette which I originally wanted; but none the less the palette is gorgeous!

Heaven and Earth

As stated before I can't resist neutrals, loving this palette!

Oh So Special!

I picked up two Sleek palettes. My exchange sister has been raving about them for awhile. Two years ago, I wasn't interested in makeup like I am now. She was spot on about these shadows; very pigmented.

Without the plastic

Storm Palette

Yes, more neutrals...my true weakness. lol. Actually, plan on creating a lot of smokey eye looks with black shade, since I've never owned a matte black shadow.

That's the end of my haul wanted to buy and discover more, but we were pressed for time. Ciao bellas!

April Glossybox (DE)

Sorry about the tardiness of this post, but here is the April Glossybox, which we didn't receive until the begin of May, I forgot the reason now. I received two full sized products a Cosline kohl eyeliner and an Illamasqua lipgloss; my first Illamasqua product and I jumped for joy!

Cosline eyeliner is an eggplant colour, I think it would be great for the fall. BM Blusher is a light pink with small gold undertone, I've been using it one top of my E.L.F. blusher for a nice pop. The red Illamasqua lipgloss, I adore. I've never owned a red lipgloss before but I'm loving this.

Eubos - Prevent premature skin aging caused by UV radiation, prior to hyaluronic Repair & Protect SPF 20 by EUBOS. The Hyaluronic acid strengthens skin texture, vitamin C creates an even complexion and Q10 protects against free radicals. Through selectedconditioning oils can spread the cream is absorbed quickly and easily.


Illamasqua - The trend product from London: The sheer lip gloss gives your lips from Illamasqua-unique luster. This sensual, highly pigmented colors to emphasize the lips and transform it into a seductive pout. From nude on pink to bright pink lip gloss sheer light can inspire many wonderful nuances. He is listed in various colors in the Glossybo.


BM Beauty (Blusher) - Bring your complexion to shine - with the blusher, BM Beauty. The 100% natural, mineral formula gives wonderfully opaque color - without clogging pores - so that the skin can breathe. The blusher is free of parabens and synthetic dyes and fragrances. In addition,BM Beauty deliberately avoided in the manufacture of animal experiments. The productis suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The blusher is in the varieties "Peachy Glow" and "Velvet Dawn"


Cosline 'Kajal Pencil' - The eyeliner in the color of COSLINE "No. 29 Eggplant is "the perfect eyeliner every day.The subtle, dark hue is softer than black and fits nicely with all eye colors. The very soft consistency of the Kajal makes a gentle, easy application. It is smudge and water resistant - it is about the eyeliner throughout the day guaranteed! The best part: Due to  swivel it is no longer necessary to have an eye pencil sharpner.


Dr. Scheller (Hand Balm) - Give your hands especially rich treatment - with the Sea Buckthorn Hand Balm by Dr.Scheller. Valuable extracts of sea buckthorn and marigold penetrate deep into the skin and have a protective effect. The hands are also calms and with high quality oils such as soybean and sunflower seed oil smooth.


Thomas Sabo 'Kiss Charm' Perfume - Who does not know it: the feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you're newly in love? Precisely such moments highlights Kiss Charm by Thomas Sabo. The eau de parfum smells sweet and sensual for fresh strawberries, champagne and dark chocolate. Are complemented by the spring-like shades currant, raspberry, jasmine, violet, sandalwood and Madagascar vanilla. Who can resist this fruity-floral fragrance?


Thoughts: I like all the products I received, my only peeve is the perfume sample; if I'm paying 15 euros for a beauty box having one of the five samples being a perfume sample that I can easily get at Douglas (German Cosmetic store) with any purchase, they throw at least 3 samples no matter how much the purchase is; of course buying more gets you more. I've had the Thomas Sabo sample before (courtesy of Douglas) and I like but it's just something I wouldn't want in my beauty box.


*All product descriptions from Glossybox.de website, I roughly translated them some help from a friend. ^_^                                                            Ciao!

Nail Colour: E.L.F. Coral (10413)

I've been falling behind on my nail posts. I was going through my photos and realized, I never posted these and I don't know why, laziness perhaps since I haven't put on any polish in about 2 or 3 weeks. I bought this polish in January/February and didn't get to wear it until March because it broke in shipment and took even longer for the replacement.

For $2, the colour pay off is amazing!! I had more compliments on this polish versus my Peridot Chanel!!

Gorgeous colour!! Will definitely be wearing this throughout Spring and Summer. Don't you love getting compliments and telling people the brand or cost and they are absolutely amazed?

Ciao!

Nail Colour: Barry M-304 Mint Green

You all know how much I love my nail polishes. My co-worker is from London and she went to visit her parents last month, so I had asked her to get some products (drugstore) that I've been eyeing. The last time I was in the UK was when I was an exchange student in year 8, so I know all about Barry M nail varnishes. The only thing she could get were the varnishes.

Flash

Natural light

I love this colour, such a spring time colour. Glad to have this as a part of my growing nail collection.

Ciao!

March Glossybox: Anniversary Box

This is the anniversary Glossybox of Germany (DE). On the website, it told us that there were suprise items that would be going into the March box; and the names and prices of the suprise items wouldn't be reveiled until April. Here's what I got:

It came in this pretty wrapping paper, tie and card.

Card symbolizing DE's Glossybox first anniversary.

Starting with the OPI to the Peeling Grommage (L-R).

All product translations are taken from Glossybox.de:

OPI in Malaga Wine (1/4th size)-"The most beautiful nails you get the best nail polish in the world - from OPI. With high-quality color pigments and its splinter, he brings solid formulation for radiation and keeps the nails very long. The new "Pro Wide Brush" Brush ensures a streak free application. All of OPI nail polishes are free of formaldehyde and toluene. The Nail Lacquer is included in the colors "Lincoln Park After Dark", "Malaga Wine" and "Strawberry Margherita" in the GLOSSYBOX Beauty."

 JANE IREDALE Lip Plumper Tokyo (1/4th size)-"Give your lips fullness and color - with the lip plumper jane iredale Tokyo. Peppermint, spearmint oils and ginger root extract, stimulate blood circulation. The lips look a firmer and fuller. Also to be removed with essential oils of lemon and mandarin dry skin cells. Avocado, shea butter and sunflower oil maintain silky smooth. A hint of color makes the beautiful lips finally perfect."

Kryolan Eyebrow Powder (Full size)-"Velvety formulation particularly for use on the eyebrows. The powder spreads easily and is distinguished by its extraordinary adhesiveness. Eyebrow Powder is in the color "medium" contained in the GLOSSYBOX".

The Extremely Gentle Cleanser by Avene (1/4th size)-"is suited for the cleaning of sensitive skin. The lotion contains only specially selected ingredients, including 96% healing Avene thermal spring water. In addition to clarifying its action soothes the irritated skin product, it refreshes and does not leave a pleasant feeling of tension. Especially gentle surfactants maintain the face during cleansing. Extremely Gentle Cleanser is free of fragrances, dyes and parabens."

???-"Avocado and pomegranate extracts, vitamin E, antioxidants - sounds like a good mix and that's what it is! This brand new, mysterious peeling is not yet on the shelves, but it has already gone in the GLOSSYBOX. The balanced blend of effective cleansing and skin-friendly ingredients to the skin and makes it shine and fresh look."

Overall: I've tried the Kryolan and I love it! My shade is medium. I can't wait to try out the Avene cleanser and the mystery item. I love skincare so I was syked that I got to skincare products one full sized. Mid-April they will tell us what brand the mystery items are and how much they cost. All of my Glossybox have been over 10 Euros and I've got 2-3 full sized products. I think beauty boxes are a great idea, especially if you like getting things in the post. Its nice to get a small treat once a month. Will review most Glossybox products in a later post.

Ciao, ciao!!

 

**Update. The "???" product is a new Clearasil face product that will be on the shelves early this month. I'm very happy that I received something that wasn't on the market. I will be doing a post on items reviewed from previous Glossyboxes.**

Sally Hansen Salon Effects: 140 Teal with It

I've been eyeing this product for awhile, the designs and plain colours are gorgeous. I just couldn't justify spending $7.99 for a one time application nail polish. $7.99 can get you a full bottle of O.P.I. The exchange marked them down to $4.07, so I decided to give it a shot. The Salon Effects says it lasts it up to 10 days.

This is more accurate to the colour than the second picture.

The nail strips were pretty long. I had a co-worker that bought the pink and after she was done she used the other halves on her daughter. That is what I consider, stretching your dollar.

The instructions on the side.

I think they should change #3 the picture shows the strip easily being filed. I had molded/rounded at the end of my nails and slowly peeled it off then used the soft side of the file to smoothly file just in case.

Overall, I really liked this product. I love painting my nails but these will be going in the emergency nail kit. It does last 10 days, on the 10th day, I began to see small cracks but is only noticeable close up.  Going to pick up some more colours, but I'm going to wait awhile to see if they drop the price again.

Ciao, ciao. 

Skincare Routine and Products

Your routine and products go hand in hand; if you have great products and no routine, results will take awhile to achieve. My routine for example:  daily face wash, astringent/toner, pore strips, masks, exfoliate, face wash specifically for make-up removal

Sunday-daily face wash
masks
 
Monday-daily face wash
astringent/toner

Tuesday-daily face wash
pore strips

Wednesday-daily face wash
 astringent/toner

Thursday-daily face wash
exfoliate

Friday-daily face wash
astringent/toner or masks

Saturday-daily face wash
and face wash for make-up removal

*Daily face wash should be a soft face wash preferably a soap free wash. Face wash for make-up removal should be used when cleaning up a full face of make-up this should be oil free and/or sulfate free.

*Astringent or Toner basically contain the same ingredients. Astringent is more suitable for oily or combination skin. They are either chemical or alcohol based. Toner is more suitable for dry or sensitive types of skin. They aren't chemical or alcohol based, but they could leave the skin dry and chapped. When introducing skin to an astringent or toner, its best to go slow and with less start out using this once or twice a week for up to 2-3 weeks before deciding to use more frequently.

*Masks/pore strips should be used once or twice a week. Using masks in a routine because they suck out impurities that are embedded in the skin throughout the week.

*Exfoliate is important to have. An exfoliate removes dead skin cells, its good to have one for your face and body. Our skin fluffs off skin cells everyday that rise to the top or outer most layer of our skin; which in turn will make skin appear rough and dull. An exfoliate is really really important to have.

**Moisturizer. Now, I didn't mention it because it would seem redundant. I suggest having a moisture. I use it everyday. It hydrates and repairs skin, basically its skin food.


Products

These products are in my routine unless stated otherwise.

Daily face wash-I have two besides the one for make-up removal.

Essence Soft Gel is soap free and very gentle on the skin. Lime and cucumber scent is lightly scented, I don't like overly perfumed products.

My second daily wash, used once or twice a week or when I see a small breakout happening. It has small micro beads that are gentle, I don't classify this as an exfoliate.

Make-up removal facial wash

Biore Steam Activated Cleanser with SteamActiv beads. After I've used a make-up remover wipe, I wash my face while taking a shower (end of day) this wash uses the steam of the shower to open pores and gently cleans them. Its oil-free, sulfate-free and hypo-allergenic.

Astringent or Toner

I used this in high school for whenever a breakout occurred. For astringent and toners use cotton ball and use a thin amount, like stated above.

Currently using this Essence Anti-spot toner and powder. This combo absorbs oil, deep cleans and reduces blackheads. It mattifies the skin but doesn't make it dull or dry looking. I will be repurchasing.

Masks and Pore strips

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque dries up pimples, rinses away blackheads and shrinks pores. It tightens/hardens and draws out the impurities from your skin. Skin will be silky smooth, love everything about this masque. I've been using it since high school.

Peel off masks are one of my favourites. It peels away impurities leaves skin smooth. I use this before the mint julep masque for a deeper clean. Also, loved peeling off Elmer's glue from my fingers as a kid, this is the adult equivalent. Ha!

Strips perform the same tasks as a mask but in a specific location. The two I use the rid your skin of blackheads and other impurities.

I use my strips once a week. Biore is about $7 over here. Buy the time I use up a box, new coupons are out. Essence strips are 1.99 Euro which is about $3-4.

Exfoliate

I used St. Ives Sensitive Apricot scrub until I discovered Origins Modern Friction. The cost of St. Ives is around $4. Origins is my splurge item the cost is around $30.

  

Moisturizers

After cleansing, moisturizers should be applied. I have a day and a night moisturizer.

Essence anti-spot moisturizer is a light moisturizer that I like to apply for daytime wear. It fights spots and is a great make-up base for liquid foundation.

Vitamin E moisturizer is made for all skin types. This is a bit of a splurge, cost is around $11.

After I'm done with my current jar, I'll repurchase and also buy the night time moisturizer. This is technically a daytime cream.

**Out of all my products my "holy grail" items are:

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Biore Pore Strips

Origins Modern Friction

Vitamin E Moisture Cream

**Tips

-Wait 3-5 minutes before moving on to the next step of your routine. For example: after washing my face I wait 3-5 minutes before applying toner after toner wait another 3-5 etc., this gives your skin time to adjust and for the product to sink in.

-When washing or applying moisturizer, use the middle and ring fingers and work the product in small circular motions. The middle and ring fingers are the weakest and facial skin is thin and sensitive especially the skin around the eyes; it shouldn't be handled roughly

I do love all the products I have mentioned in this post but the holy grail items are my loved loves.  I hope this post helped. It takes time to work in a routine and find the right products.

I don't know everything about skincare but love skincare products. Visit E-how and About.com to get more in depth about skincare.

Most jpeg's were found off Google Image.