Guess who is finally trying to get some blog work done? I am currently on vacation but I thought this would be the perfect timing to work around a few posts. With that in mind, I'll be sharing a few things I've got during the last couple of months. A few of these ( specially what concerns skin care) are replacements of things that had previously run out or thought it was time to switch. I also had to grab sun protection since the summer time kicked with full force (and still I wasn't able of saving myself from getting a sunburn on my shoulders....)

As for the make up, the only really expandable thing here are the lip stains (aka matte liquid lipsticks) because I was really in need of the rest. Except the highlighters but those were a gift to myself for surviving my degree without getting insane. (hurray!) 

So I was invited to spend a week at my aunt's house - which is really close to the beach and would allow me to tan a little bit. I obviously too my laptop with me - I mean...I have shows to watch, photos to edit and I've been using my free time to write posts and prepare them to the blog. This time I want to have things more prepared and under control for when Uni starts again. While there, I had a really great time and as you can imagine I obviously took a few items of make up with me. Who am I kidding...I probably took way too much considering I spent my time trying to tan and having fun with my family. But I like to be prepared to any occasion...we never know what might appear. I could be there catching the sun and be invited to an important event. And even with that in mind I tried to not pack too much.
If you are wondering about what I took in terms of skin care, I went to my sample box and took the great majority of them with me. I don't own travel sized skin care and pouring stuff into other containers wasn't in my mind either. And as for brushes I can say that I'm really proud of myself. With the exception of basic eyeshadow brushes, I only too the necessary - I might do a brush related post regarding that later. But let's check in detail what I took with me and why.

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.

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!

I remember when the liquid-lipstick craze started, these were the one of the first affordable options to apear. I really appreciated it, since Sephora is quite affordable here and they often do promotions and discounts on their own brand. That's how I actually got most of these colours : with promotions or coupon discounts. But, can I be blamed? We all look forward to spend less money whenever we can.

Money issues aside, I can say that I really like these. I've been obsessed with matte lips during this entire season and these are true beauties. They are really opaque and really easy to apply and they don't turn into those really uncomfortable lipsticks that you can't use for too long because they just hurt your lips. You just need to be careful - your lips need to be moisturised and exfoliated, other wise those dry patches will be shown ( and that's not really pretty).

( from left to right : 02 Classic Beige ; 13 Marvelous Mauve ; 09 Forever Fuchsia ; 03 Strawberry Kissed ; 01 Always Red )

I wasn't able to wait for these to dry out completely and I apologise for that. Either way, it is possible to see the power and pigmentation of these lipsticks.

Classic Beige is a really gorgeous matte Brown, which kinda reminds me of really polished and posh looks with pink shades and cranberry shades. I don't know, there's just something classy about it. I used to be super afraid of using it since it looked too much - yes, I thought this guy was too much. Me, the girl who uses bright pinks and everything all the time. Eventually I understood that it was quite okay to were this on a daily basics. All I needed to do was to pair it with the right outfit and make up and everything would set into place.

Marvelous Mauve is a probably my favourite shade from all of these. I don't know, I like how it's a nude shade with a touch of pink in it, plus a little hint of lilac as well. When I don't know what to wear, I often end up using this one for college days whenever I want something soft and polished and yet with a edgy feel. And to think I almost didn't get this one!

Forever Fuchsia is probably the brightest shade from the group and it screams Spring like no other. I also almost didn't got it at the time, but...I kinda changed my taste and now that I find myself using more bright shades everyday. I'll be using it during the Spring and Summer for sure. This is probably the only shade that it isn't completely matte - it does have a hint of sparkles but nothing major.

Strawberry Kissed is a lovely Candy-Apple Red that reminds me of Snow White that looks lovely with any type of look, specially if you pretend a more polished look but you don't want a true red. 

Always Red is a true red that reminds me of classic ladies and Red Riding Hood's story ( it would be a lovely option of a Halloween look for example). With this bad boy I would probably only do a simple eye look, add eyeliner and let all the attention go to it. 

Seriously, if you can be sure to give these guys a try. You won't regret it - specially if you like in the USA where the shade range is bigger than the one we have in Europe. 

Thank you for reading, take care! 

I really to do this. There was no way I could just pass the opportunity of talking about the products I use and loved the most during 2013. Today's Edition is about Make Up, but I'll also do one about Skin Care and Hair Care (I know that I don't really about my hair, but maybe I should just start doing that this year?)

(It's so nice to have natural light. I'm going to take tones and tones of photos, so I can have work material for the winter and sunny-less days that are coming back)

It was quite hard to do this picks. I've found some really nice products during the last months of the year, but I decided to stick with the ones I knew the longest. Starting with something that has enough products for a complete look, The Bronze of Champions kit from Benefit was an amazing purchase.First, I would never find how amazing the Hoola Bronzer and the What's Up Highlighter are without this. When I looked to them on their full-size form I would think "I don't really need that" or "it's nothing special". I couldn't be more wrong. Hoola is really good for contouring or for warming up my cheeks.It doesn't melt with the warm temperature and doesn't look muddy or orange on my completion. What's Up is for sure the prettiest highlighter I ever saw. I have a soft spot for Golden Highlighters, but I always thought that I should wear powder ones instead of creamy ones. I won't stop  searching for nice powder version, but I really need to get the full-size of this ASAP. It's a really big shame what I initially thought about this. Another product that stand out from this kit was the Creassless Cream eyeshadow. I actually already bought a full-size version of this (but in another colour) because it's worth the money. It's creamy, easy to wear and blend and doesn't crease too much (or at least too fast). The only products that haven't gain my total confidence are the  Longwear Powder Shadow and the mini They're Real Mascara. The Longwear Powder Shadow isn't really pigmented...my 6 euros Inglot eyeshadows are way more pigmented than this.The colour is really pretty, but it's hard to use it (which is why I didn't got the world of neutrals palette and went straight ahead to a full-size cream eyeshadow). Now the mascara...I've tried a full-size version once and it was way better than this. I heard people complaining how the travel version isn't 100% equal to the full-size one...maybe get and try out and see how it works. 

The Painterly Paint Pot from MAC is the perfect base colour for me. It covers my discolouration and veins and helps with keep my eyehsadows in place. I actually thought about getting another one, but like I stated before, I ended up getting another from Benefit. This is a really nice investment. I got this a year ago on Christmas and I still have product for another...2, 3 years?  I don't regret getting this and it had to be included on my favourite products for 2013 for sure.

Nars Seduction Blush was a Giveaway prize  from  Lina's Beauty Diary (who sadly deleted her blog! I'll miss her lovely posts!). At first I was really afraid of this colour. I was usued to the really light colours, since I thought that I would look bad with something like this. How wrong I was..this actually looks really good on me. Among other things, I'm not afraid of this type of colours, the key is using less and build up - which can be hard, takin in consideration how pigmented this is. Also, this blush doesn't fade. I've worn it for 10 hours and it didn't move a bit...It's just perfect and I really want to get my hands on more of these precious treasures. 

This one isn't a big surprise. Although I'm currently playing around with the Naked 3 Palette, the original Naked Palette from Urban Decay is for sure the palette I wore the most during 2013.My favourite combination is Sin and Toasted, although Half Baked and Smog got a big of use as well. I might be interested in getting more neutral palettes, but this one will always have a soft spot in my heart. 

Last, but not least...

From my nail stach, I had to pick these two. Sally Hansen's (from their Salon collection) in 220 Café Au Lait is a really pretty nude that looks really amazing on my completion. For those times where I want something on my nails, but anything too extreme, it's perfect. Orly's Angel Rain is a true star. I really like to play around with this nail polish, specially pairing him with other colours as bases. He gives a really amazing dual-chrome effect.

In therms of eyeliner, there are two fellows who need to be mentioned.Catrice Made to Stay Inside Eye Highlighter pen in 010 In the Mood for Nude could win the prize for the biggest name, but also could win the "best water line pencil" award. Brightens my eyes, doesn't fade too much and it's super affordable and easy to find. And my Sephora Flashy Eye Liner (Waterproof version) in 16 Flashy Ultra Brown was my eyeliner of choice. I got this on sale two years ago (they did a repackage ans re-name the collection) and I think that this needs a bit of love. Their quality is amazing, I dare to say that they are a really good rival for the pencils from Urban Decay.

For brushes, there where two brands that made a stand out for me - Real Techniques and Argent Makeup. I decided to mention my favourite brushes from both brands. From Real Techniques, the Expert Face Brush is pure heaven. Not only blends my foundation perfectly, it's also really easy to clean - not like F82 for example. Argent Makeup 201 Brush is my favourite bleeding and crease brush. It has a perfect shape and the bristols are really soft. I can't wait to get more brushes from both this brands. 

With Love,

Diana.

Yes, another Favourites post! 

I managed, between school work and packing for a weekend trip (I'll take photos and share a bit of that later next week!) I was able to get this post written (so yeah, this is a pre-done post, sorry!). 

Anyway, let's get into it!

Argent Makeup 102 - It's a multi-task brush - perfect for contouring, blush and powder. I got it three weeks ago at InBeauty in Lisbon (along with the ORLY nail polishes) and it's a major favourite. I love to apply blush with him.Contouring  is also quite easier with him. And Powder? A true wonder. I seriously need to review all the Argent Makeup Brushes!

Sephora Flashy Liner in Flashy Brown -  My favourite eyeliner pencil. Cheap and amazing, what else can I want? I specially loved to do a Smokey eye with him early this week. If this ever runs out, I'll be sure to get another one from Sephora! This pencils need more attention! (Maybe I should include them on my next "Budget beauty? )

OPI Malaga Wine Nail Polish - Because of him I was able to have the best dual-chrome purple nail polish this month. I had to include him!

ORLY Angel Rain - the OPI nail polish couldn't work alone you know? This on top of any opaque nail polish gives the best dual-chrome effect. I'm happy I got it and I need to keep experimenting with him!

ORLY Top2Bottom - Amazing.The best Top&Base coat I ever got. I want to try their instant dry top coat because of this! My nails didn't chip like crazy. Yes, a true favourite.

Kate by Rimmel London in 03 - The perfect nude. I haven't been crazy with my lipstick lately, specially because of school. It's a really pretty colour, super moisturiser and easy to apply. I think I need more lipsticks like this in my life. 

And these are all my October favourites. 

Please take care everyone!Have a nice day!*

With Love, 

Diana. 

Hello dears!

I want to share a little haul, that it's going to include some products I got from my grandparents (because of my birthday). Anyway, I want to say that I don't buy this type of makeup all the time, I just usually use my birthday and Christmas money to get specially more high end makeup products (specially palettes). So please don't get mad! (And yes, you might see more products later because my aunt and my dad have yet to give me their presents)

Sarting with products that have nothing to do with a From Bourjois, I finally....but FINALLY got myself a cream blush from Bourjois. I spent all my Spring and Summer reading British bloggers raving about them. When they finally hit our stores I saved some money and I got one for myself.It's really amazing! I want to buy all of them (in time, in time!)

From Catrice (if you are familiar with Essence, Catrice is like a "big sister" to Essence. Their products have a more "solid" packaging, are a bit (like 1 or 2 euros, depending on the product) more expensive but their quality is amazing. They launch their own version of the chubby sticks and I'm really happy with them. For 5.69 they are really amazing. I want to (in time) get more colours. 

And now the fun part. I got all of these items with money that my grandparents gave me. Otherwise, I wouldn't nothing (with the exception of the Mini-Sephora palette that was a gift from...Sephora.). But that have to say that I'm quite happy with what I got.

You guys are probably wondering why did I get this and not the Nude'Tude palette. Well...Nude'Tude isn't a limited edition or a "new season" product. It's something I can get any time during the year, while Pretty Rebel from Too Faced is a fall palette. I knew this palette from other reviews and promotion photos. I'm really glad that I was able to get this baby. The quality of this shades (and even the palette material) is amazing. I really need to invest a bit more on Too Faced products!

My favourite shades are (of course) the more nude shades, but the pink one is just heave, along with her neighbour. Anyway, I'll be working making a nice review during October (I may take a while...I'll announce why soon!)




I've been haunting this kit for ages! (pretty much since it was launched). I'm happy that I finally was able to get it. The only product that I'm quite unsure is the Benetint...I though it would be a bit more pigmented? Maybe I'm using a wrong nude lipstick with it. Anyway, I'll be looking more into it before making any review. I like to be really sure about products before talking about them.
I've swatched the blush (It was applied on me during a Brow Session on Benefit's BrowBar, which is why I got it) and it's pigmented and beautiful! If I ever finish this, I want to get a full-size version!

I'm looking forward into getting also TropiCoral and Felling'Dandy.