Inside my Make Up Bag

7/25/2016


I think at some point, we all wonder what's inside each other make up bag. Finally I took the time to share what's inside mine. Everyone has different tastes and opinions regarding how their make up bags are - someone people like to take half of the their make up collection, others like to keep it within the minimum. Personally, I like the idea of being prepared for any occasion but not overwhelming my make up bag with items. Things like foundation and primers have no space here for example. I might think about adding a small container of concealer and a travel sized mascara for example. And more blotting paper. But let's see what I actually have inside :

Compact Mirror
This mirror was actually a gift of my brother, which is why I decided to place it here without thinking twice. I might have a mirror on my powder compact but sometimes when I am just retouching my lipstick, it's better to use this once. It means there will be less chances of me breaking ( again) my favourite powder compact.

Clinique Chubby Stick in 14 Curvy Candy
I got this guys from a Sephora Sale last year and I decided it was the perfect for my make up bag. Let's imagine I forget to pack lipstick one day...I'll always have this guy on hand. It's not super pigmented but it is enough. It's also moisturising, which really helps considering that my lips sometimes decide to get chapped. I'm curious about other shades they might have.

Sephora Eyeshadow Jumbo Pencil in Beige
I also got this from the sales section last year. I used to have this shoved inside my drawer but later I decided to have it here. Let's imagine I don't have time in the morning to do my eye make up but I happen to have 5 extra minutes before class. I can easily apply this little guy on my lips and that's it. Eye look done without any type of fuzz or issues.

Sephora waterproof Brown Pencil
I think we can all notice how much I love this pencil. I'm actually on the hunt for a similar pencil. I like to have this little guy for the same reason I like to have my eyeshadow jumbo pencil - I can just line my waterline with this and I'll have a simple make up look done without any issues or problems. I can also do retouches to other make up looks with it. Seriously, having this on hand is a good thing.


O Boticário EGO Woman dolce roll-on Perfume
This is probably one of funnier things I own here. Every time I pull this out people look at me and ask what am I using and how good it smells. I like roll-on perfumes because they are easy to apply and carry. I tend to always apply perfume in the morning time but, some times I like to retouch it and this is just perfect. I might get a new one soon since this one is more than half-way trough.

Essence Powder Brush
This is the cheapest brush I own. It isn't spectacular or anything special but does the job - applying powder and retouch my make up during the day.  And that's all I ask/need to. Although I might switch for a retractable brush one of these days - I used to want one from Too Faced because of how cute it was.

Catrice Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder Waterproof
A staple in my make up bag. This is my favourite powder - it is transparent, super fine and lightweight and takes care of any oiliness or shine from my face without any major issue. It also doesn't leave that powdery/cakey look that some powders tend to do. I once broke the compact of one of these and I was seriously heart broken because of it.

Catrice Beautifying Lip Smoother
If you every wanted to try out the Clarins Lip Perfector but you don't want or can spend that amount of money on a tinted lip balm, check this one! It's the perfect combination of a lip gloss and lip balm. When I am no wearing the clinique chubby stick, I go for this one. I also like to use it on top of lip tints. It's super moisturising and makes my lips look a lot more healthier and good looking.

Lastly but not least, I might also have random lipsticks inside my make up bag - here yo can see cinnamon kiss from Too Faced which was what I had been wearing on the previous day. You might also find NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams and the Sephora Lip Stains here on a daily basics.
I hope you enjoyed this post! Take care.

10 Products Under 10€

7/20/2016


Not everyone has the budget to splurge on Too Faced and Urban Decay and truth to be told, the drugstore ( or high street? ) section has beautiful gems that do a beautiful job - sometimes even better than the one performed by more expensive brands. With that in mind, here are 10 products under 10€ that I believe deserve all the love and attention!

Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer
I think I've already mentioned this concealer at least three times during the past weeks. But this is seriously one of the best concealer I've ever tried - and I'm counting with the 3CE Full Coverage Concealer. It is super to blend, specially when you work it with a Beauty Blender ( or something similar to it). The coverage is really good, but with the pro that it isn't that drying like some high coverage concealers are. It leaves a very natural look to the skin. The only downside it that there are (so far) only two shade available. I hope they get to get a larger colour range and who knows, maybe launch colour correcting concealer in liquid form as well?

Catrice Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder Waterproof
Although the Soap & Glory Powder gain a lovely spot on my heart, I have to say that this bad boy is still rocking. It's my official powder for retouching during the day and travelling - without even thinking twice. This powder is super mild and fine, not leaving any cake look to the face. It controls any oiliness that might decide to appear and it's translucid - it doesn't leave any white cast onto the face. This is my second compact that I'll repurchase it without thinking twice for sure.

H&M Pure Radiance Powder Blusher
So far I only own Cameo Pink but since I am considering getting another shades I think this little guy deserves to be mentioned. In terms of the product itself it isn't a powdery blush - props for that. It applies beautifully to the skin and blends without any major issue. The only downside might be the fact that the compact is a little fragile and doesn't carry a mirror. leaving that aside, the H&M blushes deserve a try.

H&M Pure Velvet Cream Blusher
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I like this one more than my bourjois cream blushes ( not that I don't like them any more! I still do!). This is so easy to blend and holds in such a beautiful way to the skin that sometimes I foget that this is a budget friendly product and not a high end one. The only downside again is that it doesn't have a mirror and the packaging is quite weak. That aside, I can't wait to get more shades from this range.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
I already wrote a whole post talking about how much I love these little guys. I can't wait to get my hands on their Lingerie brothers. These are super comfortable to the lips and really easy to apply. I've been using Zurich and San Paulo a lot lately and sometimes I even like to mixture them with other liquid lipsticks - like the Sephora Lip Stains. Their colour range is amazing and has an option for every taste - from a light pink to a deep burgundy and even dark blue!



Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Pretty much a more friendly version of the Beauty Blender. I have this guy for a year and to far I have to say that I am in love! My foundation always look amazing whenever I apply it with this and my under eye concealer looks so much natural when I use this - not it doesn't with a concealer brush, but the effort is completely different. I am seriously thinking about getting another one or two, specially since I started to get into the "baking craze" and I need at least a spare brush always on reach. The same of this sponge isn't completely like the beauty blender but I like how it is designed. I really like the flat part to blend in concealer or to apply powder under my eye area.

Argent Makeup 201 Blending Brush
Another item I can't stop raving about. Seriously, you guys need to try out this! It has the perfect shape and bristles to give you a perfect blending to your eye look. It doesn't matter if you are working with creams or with regular powder eyeshadows , this guy will work it without any major issue. Everyone needs to have one of these in their arsenal.

The Body Shop Lip Butter
Since I lost my dearest Nuxe Rive the Miel back in February - yes I'm morning it since that time. I've been using this little guys. At first went for it because It was something I already had with me...not I can't stop using it. I'll for sure repurchase the Nuxe Lip Balm for the Winter Time ( and keep it inside a vault and implement a GPS tracking system next time I decided to take it with me on a trip....) but now that it's super hot this guy has been saving my life. I wear tones of Matte Lipsticks and with the infernal heat, you guys can imagine how my lips end up...this little guy had been taking care of that and making my lips look amazing and super pretty.

Inglot Individual Shadows
Shame on me for not reaching for these more often and for not finishing this palette! I went to an event the other day and I decided to make a summer look with the orange and red shade from this palette and I can't explain how easy it is to work with these! Their shade selection is also really remarkable. My 2017 makeup goal will be finishing the rest of this palette and love these eyeshadows more!

Gosh Forever Eyeshadow Stick
These are true gems hidden at the drugstore!! I got two of these just " to try it out" and now I hooked to them. It doesn't matter if I wear them as a base, alone or just highlighting my inner corner - they will stay put and look amazing. Considering I have a huge oil production on my eye lids, it is amazing. Their shade selection could be a little bigger - I wish they had a pink and a cranberry shade - but I can't wait to get the brown and the purple one. If you can, snatch one of these and try them yourself!

I hope you guys liked this post. Obviously there are more products that could be mentioned here - like the Essie Nail polishes, H&M nail Polishes and many other goods. I might do a similar post but regarding more expensive brands - but probably with less products. Do you guys have any recommendation regarding any product? Thank you very much for reading this! Take care.

COLAB Dry Shampoo | Review

7/16/2016

As someone with oily and really fine hair, dry shampoo is something I like to have with me. A small can can always be found on my bad and during my travelling.
I remember the huge rave that stroke YouTube and Blogs in the UK when this collection was released. Everyone said this was the best dry shampoo - it would give volume, work and was invisible. I have brown hair so I used to struggle with the white cast that would sit on my roots when I used my old dry shampoo...this seemed to be a miracle. Because I was curious and I didn't wanted to settle for something in particular, I decided to get the Travel set from Feelunique - when they weren't shipping from the UK mainland and my package got this huge tax issue ( which is why I probably won't be ordering from them...I'de rather order from LookFantastic, HQhair or BeautyBay since they all ship from the UK and I don't have issues...at least until the UK leaves the EU - which is something I shouldn't talk about here...but to be honest I don't know how that is going to end).
Anyway, they had this really nice travel sized pack with 5 different dry shampoos ( and a bag, which is lost in the Island of travel Bags that I have). They pretty much do the same thing - give volume, they don't give a white cast, they are really refreshing to my scalp and they smell nice. Some better than others - My favourites are Paris, Rio and New York. London and Tokyo aren't bad, but they aren't my thing to be honest.
They pretty much have all the same effect on me. For starters they all leave this really wonderful fresh feel to my scalp, which is something really nice. They don't leave that horrible white cast filter on my roots like some dry shampoos do and they give a really nice boost of volume. But don't get to excited to the "boost of volume" - it isn't that much and it will fade  out during the day.
To be honest, I don't see my self repurchasing these any time soon. Not only because they don't hold de volume/fresh look to it, but because I actually tried out something else that it is cheaper and that I can get easily without any extra tax or customs issues. But if you don't have a really, really oily hair and a more thicker hair than mine, this will probably work out better for you. Specially because they still have the winning point of being invisible and with a nice smell.

Have you tried any other dry shampoo ? I'm always open to recommendations. I had an issue with one from Bumble&Bumble because it didn't do a thing and with another one from Syoss that would leave this horrible white cast on my roots. So far I am thinking about getting Batiste - specially because they now also sell at primark, which makes my life a lot easier. I'm also curious about one from Tigi,
I hope you enjoyed this post! I'm trying ( in the middle of a heat wave) to work around more posts and content to the blog, since now I finally have more free time to do it properly. Take care, have a nice day!

10 Things that make me Happy

7/13/2016



In more recent days, I've realised that we should pay attention to the simple things in life. I mean...I don't need a new lipstick or a new blush to make me happy. Simpler things can turn a gloomy day into something exciting and good. As Dumbledore days : 
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” 
So here are 10 things that make me happy and why.
1. Hanging out with my Friends.
This one sounds like a cliché I know but it is true. There are two people in my life that make my days brighter everyday. It doesn't matter if there's a whole storm on the other side, they will just take out the clouds and make me see the Sun and the Blue sky that lies on the other side.
2. Sunny Days.
It may seem as something stupid, but I tend to have a better mood if it's sunny instead than clouds or rain. Rain tends to make want to stay at home, which isn't bad but something isn't really the ideal situation. When it's sunny I like to walk around in the nature and be active. Still sounds silly, but is indeed one of the things that makes me happy.





3. Walking Around.
It doesn't matter if it is through Lisbon, through my hometown or through parks and nature, walking tends to help me. Whenever I have free time I just enjoy walking. Even the other day, instead of just looking to nothing I decided to took a walk around the Gulbenkian Garden and it was the best thing I could do. Walking is pretty much the closest thing I have to meditation - I also organize my thoughts and ideas while walking around. I really intend to keep doing it, more and more!
4. Watching Disney Movies
This one is really silly, but it is quite true. Whenever I am more unhappy, there's nothing like watching a Disney movie - have you watched Zootopia? It's really cute and amazing! I totally recommend it!!. Something we need to go back in order to move further in a better way. But hey, the past stays in the past, otherwise Rafiki might show up a little angry at some point. ( I guess I'm worse than Grey Worm from Game of Thrones at making jokes, ain't I? )
5.Reading on Underground/Subway
Reading while walking around inside the lines of the Underground/Subway. I don't really know why but it's just something I like to do. I also like to read while travelling with my family - some people say that I shouldn't do this because I'll get dizzy...But I never did...
The only downside of this is when I am laughing my lungs out of some really funny part - like Dumbledore saying that his scar looks like the Underground Map? - and having people looking at me and thinking "that girl must have a problem". But it's worth it!
6. Music
Music has been something that helps me with having a more positive look to life and days. For example, whenever I am stressed with something or I really need to focus on work, I tend to listen to the Ori and the Blind Forest Soundtrack. It's one of the most relaxing things I can do and I truly recommend it to any one.
But there are other genres that can also lift my mood. Kpop has been a staple for years in my playing - lately I've been listening to BTS and Red Velvet a lot. Also, I had a really funny moment while Skyping with friends - I was listening to the English Version of ONE OK ROCK's and let's say...I really enjoyed Mighty Long Fall a little too much. (I'm not ashamed, it's my favourite song and I was happy, that's all that matters)
 

 




7. The Sound and Smell of the Sea.
If you follow my instagram you know I love to visit the seaside. It's somehow relaxing and helps reflect and have a positive perspective on things. Nowadays I try to go there at least once a month and I don't regret it. It's the best thing I have done. Seriously, if you can, go to the beach/seaside. Sit near ( but safely) the Ocean and breath that amazing air. It's pure Heaven.

So, what makes you happy? I hope you guys enjoyed this post. It feels nice to write something different here, once in a while. Life isn't just made of skin care and lipsticks. Take care, have a nice day!

Mid Year Makeup Favourites

7/08/2016



I haven't write a post regarding monthly favourites for a long, long time. Mostly because of how busy my life has been. And to be honest, I wouldn't see any major change in terms of my routine that would be worth mentioning. favourites take a while to be favourites I guess. Because of that I took the decision to only write about favourites whenever I would felt like it. Now that the first 6 months of the year have passed - say what? - It feels like the proper time to do so. With no further due, here are my mid-year make up favourites (I'll probably do a post regarding my currently skin care routine later on) 

Zoeva 227 Luxe Soft Definer 
Most people dream about MAC's 217. And then there's me - who is very happy with Zoeva's version. Seriously, every time I  use this brush, I consider getting another spare brush (I already own another 227). This brush is perfect for those frantic mornings where I want to do something close to a proper eyeshadow look but I can't bother too much with blending because I am late for Uni (or colege if you live in the USA). This brush is amazing to do the typical "wash of colour" on the eye lid. I also like it to regular blending, specially when I indeed have time to do proper eyeshadow looks. 

Argent Makeup Brush in 201 
Let me start by saying that I need to get two spares of this bad boy. I am yet to find a blending brush that does the same good job as this brush. Zoeva's are good - don't get me wrong - but because of the shape and bristles of this brush, I am able to do blending at whole new level. The shape is just perfect for my eyes - some blending brushes tend do be too big, making a hot mess instead of a beautiful blending.  If you can, don't think twice about trying out this brush. You won't regret it. 

Argent Makeup Brush in 102 
What can I say? I love blush, it's something I love applying. And to do that I like to use soft brushes. This one is so, but soo soft, I can't even explain it. The shade is also really amazing, considering how the apple os my cheeks look like. I also like to use it for bronzer and contour sometimes - it blends it without any major issues.  



Catrice Liquid Camouflage Concealer
No one will believe me, but I only own one concealer at this point. Yes, you read it right. One concealer. But it is probably one of the best concealers I have used. In the past I had some issues with Catrice concealers because they would be a little hard to blend, but this one - probably because of the liquid formula - it's just a dream. It has amazing coverage, making my dark circles vanish ( although it's hard because they are really bad). And it is super affordable and super easy to apply. I'm planing on getting another concealer in the future, but this one will always be an option. 

Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation 
Liquid hasn't been really option to me. Mostly because I've been enjoying a more natural look to the skin. This Powder foundation has been my staple because of that - it takes away the redness around my nose but lets my skin look like skin. And to think I used to call this " the good smelling powder". Nowadays I am considering getting this again once it hits pan without thinking twice. 



Clinique Cheek Pop in 03 Berry Pop 
I never though I would love this blush as much as I do. The texture of this blush is quite funny - at first seems like a cream, but is indeed a powder blush. I only need a tiny bit of this and my cheeks look all healthy and good looking. It also stays in place for...8 to 10 hours without moving? Impressive indeed, specially when I get ready in the morning and only get home after 10 hours - which include running to the bus, pollution, air conditioning and that kind of lovely stuff. I choose this shade in particular because it has become my go-to shade, no matter the occasion. 

H&M Beauty Department Blush in Cameo Pink 
Another staple in my collection. Whenever I want a neutral blush, this is the first thing grab - another option the Benefit's Rockateur - because it just looks amazing. It is fairly inexpensive and the quality is quite impressive. It isn't powdery or anything like that and blends beautifully. I should be rewarded for not getting my drawer full of these guys. 

Sephora Lip Cream Stain in Marvelous Mauve
Liquid Lipsticks have been a staple in my makeup routines lately. Alone or in a combination - I'll blame NikkieTutorials for my recent obsession regarding matte-gradient lips ( not the same as the Asian gradient lips, which I actually enjoy for the Summer time. I've been using this shade almost as a MLBB shade. And to think that I almost didn't get it. I have a friend who is always complementing me whenever I use this and is currently thinking about getting one for herself. I really want to get more shades like this one (if you read my previous post regarding my wish list you'll notice that).
If you are looking for a Mauve-nude liquid lipsticks, be sure to try this one. You won't regret it.

NYX Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick in Zurich
I don't know why, but it seems that NYX is currently everywhere - youtube, blogs, instagram. I believe it's due to their repackaging and kind of "rebranding". I don't know, I used to not pay attention to this brand but recently their releases have been indeed really good. I am a real fan of their liquid lipsticks and I can't wait to try out their Lingerie Liquid Lipstick line (along side with other goodies). I picked Zurich because it's the perfect nude shade. I tend to wear this either alone or combining it with other liquid lipsticks. And to think I almost didn't got it!

Here are my mid-year makeup favourites! I already have a few posts prepared to write and launch. I might also do some "lifestyle" posts and some "tourist" posts regarding some of the Summer trips I might do. After all, I am finally and officially on Summer Vacation! It was a crazy year, but more craziness and hard work is about to come. Bring it on I guess! Thank you very much for reading and take care!
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