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Review
Carry On | A Book Review and more
3/25/2019
I've been thinking about writing about this blog for quite some time. But after this week's revelation (I'll talk about it later) I thought "okay...it's now or never". I got this book last year for my birthday and I committed a small sin: I read this before reading Fangirl. But let me tell you: it was worth it. Like really worth it!
So in case you don't know, Carry On is written by Rainbow Rowell (from Fangirl, Elanor & Park, Landline and she is also currently working on a comic book series with Marvel as well I believe!) and is a follow up book to Fangirl. In Fangirl we are introduced to the world of Simon Snow and Baz, where they appear as altered version of the Harry Potter series (I'll get back to that). After the success of her previous book, Rowell apparently couldn't let go of Simon Snow and ended up writing this marvellous book. (In case you are wondering how we know it, it is stated at the end of the book. At least in my version)
The summary, via goodreads is as it follows
Simon Snow just wants to relax and savour his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he'll be safe. Simon can't even enjoy the fact that his room-mate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can't stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you're the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savour anything.
Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters.
Okay, before I start my breakdown on the book I have to say: I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did. Seriously, it was one of the best books I've read this year (probably only surpassed by Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series) without much thought. And I am so HAPPY that Rowell will be launching another volume about Simon Snow at the end of this year. (It's meant to be launched in September...my birthday month!! I guess we all know what that means...)
The world building
One of the things I really expected was to see this world as wild version of the Harry Potter series. To my delight, it is not. The world of Mages has his own rules, pace and scenario. They work with technology and they do depend on people without magic to keep their magic well - that was really interesting in my opinion. I could see how Rowell wanted to created another fantastic world instead of just mirroring one that was already existing.
The character development
Simon needs love. I can't explain how I felt every time he or someone else would mention how his Summer was and thin he would appear at school - I wanted to punch the Mage at least 50 times because of that. Simon didn't had the same support system Harry had (no Weasley's here...). I felt like he was pushed into doing things he never wanted to - hi Penelope, looking at you.
Speaking of Penelope...I still don't know how I feel about her. She came across really pushy way to many times. There was a particular scene were she got angry because Simon did not tell her someone she did not need to know, since it wasn't really related to her but to Baz, ans I hated her reaction. I don't fully dislike her but....I don't like her either.
Baz was the revelation to be honest. Once his POV started to appear I wouldn't stop reading the book. From the end of chapter 32 I had to read the rest of the book due to my excitement.
Overall, I gave this book a 5 starts rating at goodreads and I can't wait to get the second volume with me (which I'll have to get as a hardcover, otherwise my OCD is going nuts...oops). It was a really fun reading and colides both contemporary YA with a bit of Fantasy YA.
What have you been reading lately?
My First Colourpop Haul
11/20/2018
Colourpop is no stranger to beauty lovers. I've been dying to try out this products for the longest time and this year, with the help of a friend, I finally place my first order on their website. Spoiler alert: Everything is so nice!
Fenty Foundation Review & Thoughts
11/11/2018
As the end of the year approaches and Festivities start - Christmas parties, New Years Eve and such - if there's something that much be on point is foundation. Fenty Beauty was finally released here at Sephora by the end of August and I was lucky enough to get it right away. After much thought and use, I'll be sharing my thoughts on it.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid | A Review
10/26/2018
This post took a while to come out. But I guess it is better later than ever, specially when the topic is affordable skin care!
My Favourite Foundation Brushes
8/17/2018
In a world everyone uses Beauty blender, I still tend to go for foundation brushes. Nothing against Beauty blender ( I am yet to try it out) or sponges in general, but I tend to go for brushes on a daily basics, perhaps because I never have to wet them. Today I want to shade my 3 favourite foundation brushes and why I love each one of them.
I have to admit, I was a bit scared of writing this post, mostly because I feel that this might come across as a unpopular opinion. But after trying to feel what everyone was feeling, I had to give in and admit that the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer might not work with me like it works for other people.
I believe everyone has heard about the Sephora Lip Stains - now in both Matte and Metallic finishes - and how amazing they are. I have mentioned them before on the blog, but I got new shades and ultimately new favourites. Today I'll be sharing what I think about them and how much I love them.
Huda Desert Dusk Palette
6/15/2018
When the desert meets the eye
At this point, I believe almost everyone knows who Huda. Or knows her brand. I have to sat, it look me a while to get into the hype. Having her released at Sephora was for sure he impulse I needed in order to buy and try out products from her brand. This the story of how I decided to adventure myself into the ultra-hyped Desert Dusk Eyeshadow Palette.
Soph x Revolution Eyeshadow Palette
4/15/2018
From Neutral to Bold, One palette for all.
I already shared my unconditional love for Soph and for her highlighter palette. And now here I am to share my opinion on her eyeshadow palette. Which is a very venturous thing for me, since I tend to stick with 12-eyeshadow type of palettes. I guess there's something specially about this one, right?
The Body Shop Vitamin E Toner
2/19/2018
Etude House Any Cushion Cream Filter
2/13/2018
As I grew older, I started to enjoy more natural and fuzz-free bases. BB Cushions are a must-have for this! Although tried many, I tend to go for Etude House - and not, it's not just because of their really cute packaging.
Skin Care love from Korea
2/11/2018
I am a believer that we should take care of ourselves. Yet, I am guilty of not doing that as often as I should - long work schedules, too much work at the University, too tired, and so on. And yet, one of my main goals for 2018 is to love myself more. not only accepting myself as I am, but also making sure that I am nurturing myself and giving an occasional treat.
Soap and Blotting
2/01/2018
Hello Hello!
I was meant to have this up on Monday...but work and a few bits and bobs related with my Masters degree happened and I had to hold on. But better later than never right?
Soap&Glory has been a cult brand for me ever since I heard bloggers like Zoella mention it. That made me curious and sparked interest. A while ago my mother sent a package that contained these two beauties from the "One Heck of a Blot" range and I could not be more excited!
The tale of High End Liquid Lipsticks
1/15/2018
Liquid Lipsticks have been a staple in my life.
Seriously, there is no other way of describing them. It doesn't matter how hectic my life is, liquid lipstick is always put in place. But until now, my liquid lipsticks have been mostly from the drugstore or budget friendly (like NYX, Sephora's own collection) I wanted to try a couple High End Liquid Lipsticks. Not only because I was seriously curious to compare them with more affordable brands, but also because there were specific shades in the High End spectrum that I couldn't find within other brands.
PIXI Glow Tonic | Review
10/03/2017
AHA and BHA Toner are more available than ever. More and more brands started to launch their own - even really affordable ones like The Ordinary. But today I am planning to talk with you about the one that spiked my curiosity and my latest skin care obsession. Meet Pixi Glow Tonic, my new go to toner.
Glow on the Go with Becca
9/27/2017
Highlighter is nowadays a staple for a lot of people, specially people who work in the beauty community, celebrities....you name it! Although I had a few highlighters in my collection, I never paid too much attention to them and to the art of highlight. Until now.
On a trip to Sephora, I found out that they were carrying this Becca kit . Which is funny considering that it is the only product that Sephora carries from Becca. (yes I am wondering about it as well. Maybe they will start to carry more products? who knows!)
Glowrious Duo | Soap and Glory
8/01/2017
Soap and Glory has been a British brand that always sparked my interest. Their packaging and marketing are unique and they are really raved around the British Blogging Community. So when I had the opportunity I asked my mum if she could get me something from the brand.
The first essence getting attention in the beauty-world was the SK-II Essence, with Galactomyces - which is pretty much fermented wheat - that helps with most of the problems I've mentioned before. The down-side with this product is it's price - 165$ for a bottle with 150ml.
But like most beauty products, it didn't take long until brands started to release dupes and their own version of a essence. The most notorious one was obviously Missha's The First Treatment Essence, which actually contained better ingredients than the SK-II version.Personally, Missha's version was still a little on the expensive side of my pocket, especially considering I was really on defence regarding if I should or not get this type of product. After some research, I found out about Secret Key's version.
I think I could say that the Secret Key Essence is somehow the dupe of the dupe, since to me it looks more similar to Missha's version than to SK-II version ( if you check the ingredient list you'll see how the formulas differ between each other).
This bottle of 155 ml of product cost me around 16€ ( at the time, but I also had to pay extra taxes due to customs...). The bottle is made of glass - which makes me a little scared of using it around, since I can be quite clumsy sometimes. Also it means that it isn't travel friendly...when I went on Holiday I had to make the decision of not taking it with me because I knew it would break for sure.
In terms of application, I usually pore three or four drops on hand and pat it onto my face and let it dry and sink in. After that I usually apply my serum and/or my night moisturiser. And yes, I use this after applying my tonic/acid toners.
And regarding results, I can say that I am really happy about getting this. My skin always feels a lot softer whenever I use it and I've also noticed that old scaring has been fading away or disappearing completely. My pores also look less clogged around my nose area.
I also need to mention that this product doesn't contain any alcohol or perfume, making it quite friendly of those with more sensitive skin. Whenever my skin is in a nay-mode - specially during that time of the month - this helps my skin calm down. And you are wondering - would I buy this again? Yes I would. I'm also curious about the western version The Body Shop has launched from their Vitamin E range. I'll probably get it for the really cold Winter time.
You can easily find this product in places like Jolse.com or around good sellers from ebay.
I hope you enjoyed this review, any doubts or questions feel free to ask. Take care everyone, have a nice day!
I think I could say that the Secret Key Essence is somehow the dupe of the dupe, since to me it looks more similar to Missha's version than to SK-II version ( if you check the ingredient list you'll see how the formulas differ between each other).
This bottle of 155 ml of product cost me around 16€ ( at the time, but I also had to pay extra taxes due to customs...). The bottle is made of glass - which makes me a little scared of using it around, since I can be quite clumsy sometimes. Also it means that it isn't travel friendly...when I went on Holiday I had to make the decision of not taking it with me because I knew it would break for sure.
In terms of application, I usually pore three or four drops on hand and pat it onto my face and let it dry and sink in. After that I usually apply my serum and/or my night moisturiser. And yes, I use this after applying my tonic/acid toners.
I also need to mention that this product doesn't contain any alcohol or perfume, making it quite friendly of those with more sensitive skin. Whenever my skin is in a nay-mode - specially during that time of the month - this helps my skin calm down. And you are wondering - would I buy this again? Yes I would. I'm also curious about the western version The Body Shop has launched from their Vitamin E range. I'll probably get it for the really cold Winter time.
You can easily find this product in places like Jolse.com or around good sellers from ebay.
I hope you enjoyed this review, any doubts or questions feel free to ask. Take care everyone, have a nice day!
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