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 think I don't do one of these for a long, long time. Once in a while I think it's okay to do wishlists. (I mean, it's not like we are spending actual money by doing them). The one I have here will probably be the guideline for repurchasing some products that are finishing or for things I want to get later on my Birthday. It's a little misture of everything ( I'm open to other suggestions to be honest ) So here are the items I am currently craving and why: 

Too Faced Born This Way Concealer

I have been a really good girl, because I currently just own one concealer. Yes, just ONE concealer and I really want to have a second option. Although I feel tempted to get a concealer palette someone, I have been thinking about getting another "wand concealer". It's more easier to apply in my opinion. Regarding this one in particular, I have been reading really positive reviews . If I don't get this one, I might get the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid in Pink

With the "colour correcting craze", I have been thinking about getting a more pinkish toned concealer for my under eye area. I tend to prefer liquid concealers so I was really please when I heard that Urban Decay was launching a collection of colour correcting concealers. I know NYX has a similar formula but sadly they don't own the exact shade I want...although I might get instead the Sephora Bright Future Color Corrector in Pink ( which has a similar formula but costs half of the price). 

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette

I have spend a whole year without getting a new eyeshadow palette. Yes, you read it right. And to be honest, there hasn't been any palette really calling for me...but this one has the type of shades that I like - pinks, cranberrys, golds and warm browns. The only downside is that it is a little expensive in Europe when compared to other eyeshadow palettes from other brands. I might be able to snatch a coupon for this one. ( who knows!) 

Too Faced Sketch Marker eyeliner ( both in Black and Brown)

Eyeliner has been a staple in my stash. My clio eyeliner is giving it's goodbye's and although I own a small version of the Kat Von D's eyeliner, I really want to get a full size eyeliner and I want to get a brown one as well ( I'll forever blame Shannon from Shaaanxo for this crave! she did a gorgeous look using pink eyeshadow and brown eyeliner)

Nabla Blossom Blush ( Beloved and Impulse) 

Nabla for those who don't know is an Italian brand that has entered the spotlight around Portugal, Spain and Italy (not sure if also in the UK and France). They have refill eyeshadow pans, lipsticks and recently they released blushes, highlighter and contour powders. I might get the Highlighters later but I really wanted to get these two blushes ( I mean, don't they look pretty?) 

TonyMoly Tomatox Clay Mask 

I am a huge fan of the Korean Beauty and recently Sephora here started to sell TonyMoly - yes you heard it right! They don't have the full range ( mostly because they weren't sure weather it would be a hit or not...which has been) but I don't give too much until they have their makeup here as well. So far they have most of their hit products, including this mask. I've used samples of it twice and I really want it - it's a pickup mask, a light version of the Avéne Cleanance Mask. Crossing fingers that it's back in stock. 

Pixi Glow Tonic

Acid Toning has been a thing in my routine for a while. It was ( among other changes) what made my skin better and breakout free. I have been trying out other toners ( the Missha Time Revolution and the First Aid Beauty Pads) but I really want to get my hands on this baby. Caroline Hirons raves about it and I truly believe in her recommendations. I'm also looking for their Cleansing Balm and their 20% Glycolic Acid Pads. 

NYX Proofit! Eyeshadow Primer 

My Lime Crime Primer is finally giving it's last breath and I won't repurchase it - not only because it is too expensive but also because I cannot support that brand anymore. I was torn between the Too Faced version and the Urban Decay version ( both got reformulated recently) but I heard that this bad boy is the perfect dupe for the Nars primer - which is apparently the best eyshadow primer for oily lids. I might get a high end version, But I want to get my hands on this one for sure. 

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipsticks ( Child Star, Sell Out, Queen B and Bend and Snap) 

I tend to avoid posts like this, but sometimes I just feel like I should do them. After all, this is more or less my personal corner as well. So prepare yourself for a more or less self-introspection type of post. 

Half of the Year has passed by. Like..how even? I feel like Yesterday was the New Year's Eve and I was asking for a good 2016. And so far it has been for the most part, although it also feels like a constant roller coaster. But it was also the year where I found my self clearly and I was able to see how changed I was. 

First of all, I realised that no matter what - no matter how hard it is - I should always stand by what I think it's right. It can be hard, it can be really difficult indeed. But I don't stand for what I believe, no one will do it for myself. 

Second, realising that it's not the number but the quality - specially regarding friends. It's more positive to have just one good true friend than a bunch that probably won't support you or help you where you truly need. I have to admit that I had a bit of an issue adapting to this mind step but...the difference is huge. I'm not saying that you shouldn't meet new people and make friends, not at all. But not all of them need to know everything that you do. Some things should remain to special people and that's it. 

Another important thing that I learned was that no matter how hard it is, we need to let people go. But go for good. There isn't any point in keeping people in our lives just for the sake of it. A friend once told me that not everyone is meant to stay in our life forever or for long periods of time and we should accept it. But with this said, we should also realise that some people are indeed meant to be in our lives - the ones that no matter how far apart we are from each other, we always find a way of meeting and coming back into each others life.  We just need to realise who is meant to stay and who is meant to leave and work things around it. It isn't "easy peasy", but it is something that needs to be done. 

Also, don't let yourself go with other people's issues. That was something I learned in the hard way...Seriously, being neutral sometimes is the best option. Specially when dealing with someone who is prone to create confusion without thinking about the consequences first. And if that person is selfish, things can get even more darker than what you would expect. So be careful. 

But I also learned that no matter how dark things are, there is always light. You know when Dumbledore says that we just need to turn it on? He wasn't joking around. Also, there are always special people around us to help us to become a better version of ourselves. We just need to look with precision and carefully. 

I know this post probably is looking quite strange by now. But my year was strange too. Whenever I thought things couldn't get worse I would be surprised...and then I would see that I could get through it, even when I thought I didn't have the strength to it. I grew more spiritually than even too. 

I learned that some time we should just back from confusion and conflicts. That it's okay to be assertive and say " no is no". That we really need some time alone to think by ourselves and reevaluate situations - because in the end, we are the ones who possess the answers we need. 

One of the best things I did this year was to visit the gardens from "Quinta da Regaleira", located in Sintra ( which is part of the District of Lisbon). It was one of the most peaceful journeys I had. I was able to find myself and realise I still had a major path ahead of me. That it is true when they say that we are on the right track when I get to many bumps while walking our road. That happens because it is the right one. When things come too easily, they go to easily as well. That we get those bumps to push us to our limits and realise our true potencial. 

With this said, I'm looking forward to the other half of the year. I know there have been too many bad things happening in the world - I mean...Donald Trump for example? - but we should stay positive. We can be the positive change we need in our lives. And there is a J.K.Rowling quote that always spoke to my heart : 

And that is in fact true. All we have to do is believe in ourselves and work harder. It can be tough but later, when you finally get there you'll realise that it was worth it. You'll value it with all of your heart and spirit. So be Brave, be Bright and most importantly, be the Light of your own live. 

(from Left to Right : Benefit Sugarbomb; Benefit Coralista ; Soap and Glory Peach Party ; Aritaum  Sugarball Velvet in 03 ; Aritaum Sugarball Velvet in 04 ; Bourjois Cream Blush in 02 ) 

( from left to right : Nars Orgasm ; Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop ; Soap and Glory Love at First Blush ; Bourjois Cream Blush in 03 Tea Rose)

Considering the more pink side, I see I can get more ( actually I shouldn't...but hoarding blushes is such a interesting thing...). Anyway, the first option had obviously to be the cult-favourite Nars Orgasm - seriously, it is indeed a gorgeous blush. It is one of those that looks pretty with any type of look. 

But to be honest, one of my favourite options had been the Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop, which makes me think why Cliniques doesn't release these babies in my country. The formula is just beautiful - it looks creamy but it isn't. And looks amazing on the skin, holding itself for more than 8 hours (which is a win). 

The Soap and Glory Love at First Blush is the pink brother of the Peach Party I talked previously. I like to wear this little guy on it's own or on top of a matte blush as an highlighter. If you are looking for an affordable version of the cult-favourite Shimmer Bricks, this is an option to consider. 

Lastly but not least at all, the Bourjois Cream Blush in Tea Rose was the first blush I got from the range - it's a gorgeous everyday pink that gives a really healthy glow to the cheeks. Again, the cream-to-powder formula is amazing and totally worth to check. 

And these are my blush options for the Summer. I might not do this type of post for eyeshadows because I tend to gravitate to the same shades - neutrals and pinks. But I might do one regarding nail polishes (mostly essie since it is what my collection has the most right now). 

I'm also thinking about doing some book-related posts and more lifestyle related posts...would you guys like that idea? 

Thank you very much for reading! And if you have blush recommendations feel free to share them! 

I have been wondering about the right time to talk about these guys, mostly because I'm planing on getting some of the nude and pink shades in the future ( not in the nearest to be honest). With the craze surrounding liquid lipsticks, it wouldn't take too much time until to Korean brands release their own version. Etude House had already launched a version - tints that could be worn as lipsticks if we wanted, the Color Lips-Fit - but after a while they just launched the Color in Liquid Lips range with a enormous shade range and multiple seasonal and limited edition shades from time to time ( they have a green version for the spring time for example!!!). 

The packaging is like most of the products from Etude House a true dream to watch. Every detail is thought - it is appealing and user friendly because I want find what colour I am choosing very easily since it is shown. Yes it is plastic. Just like 85% of the packaging that other liquid lipsticks own, And even the boxes are cute!! I always have issues with this because I always feel compelled to order them inside a drawer I have. I just think it is too bad to trash out something so pretty like this. 

They aren't matte completely matte. In my opinion they held a satin finish - something like the amplified finish some MAC lipsticks have. Still, it is comfortable to the lips and really easy to apply. 

When you live in a country were 70% of days consist of sunshine you tend to think  little about it. Although I shall mention that people should be careful with the UV radiation, no matter where they live and how much sun there it. Did you know that fog does not protect you from getting a sun burn?

But still, I had a terrible love-hate relationship with Sunblocks. They would be either too white, too gressy or they wouldn't work with make up no matter what I would do. I mean, it's quite frustrating to be honest because in the end, I want to protect my self but also be able to look the best I want. 

With that in mind I decided it would be a good idea to research for the perfect sunblock. A friend of mine that also is in love with Korean and Japanese beauty talked with me about the Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunblock and let me tell you...it is one of the best purchases I have done in my life. 

This Sunblock has SPF50+  with PA++++ which is probably one of the strongest you can get. I have fair complexion so I need to use something high...unless I want to be the long-lost cousin of Mr.Krabs...which I really don't want to. I once got a terrible sunburn on my back and scalp and I swore I would never get something like that. In terms of  texture this product is just pure perfection. It has a watery, kind-of gellish , texture which is super easy to blend into the skin. It does not leave a white cast on the fast or a greasy feel to the skin.
Because this contains Hyaluronic Acid, it also helps with keeping my skin hydrated. What does this means? It means I don't get oily around my T-Zone as easily as normally would. ( I have dehydrated skin so, anything that has Hyaluronic Acid is my best friend).

Overall, this is probably the holy grail of holy grail sunblocks. But if you can't get this for some reason, I would recommend you trying out Missha's new Sunblock line (with those really cute animals on it), Etude House's Sunprise line or Bioderma's Photoderm Line which isn't too greasy. Khiel's also has a very kick-ass sunblock that doesn't mess up the make up or feels too greasy. Bottom line is : protect yourself. Skin Cancer isn't something we would take on a light weight.
Do you guys have any recommendation for a good Sunblock for me to try out? This one will probably run out before the Summer time so, I'm already checking for a replacement.
Thank for reading and take care! Protection is a must-do!  

Spring dear Spring, please bring the warm and sun. But leave the pollens and allergies. ( anyone who suffers from them will understand my plea ). 

If during the winter time I have a thing for Reds and deep Burgundy shades, sometimes purples and other dark colours - during the Spring and Summer I tend to gravitate towards the opposite. I don't know why but I always had a things for pink-coral lipsticks. It's unconscious I have to say. But thankfully I never committed the shameful mistake of getting a lipstick that it is equal to other I might had - they all differ in therms of they are more pink or more coral , texture and finish. 

With all of this in mind, I decided to share my picks and kind-of collection of pink-coral lipsticks. I'm quite proud because there are options for all budgets - from High End, passing through Korean Beauty and finally Budget Beauty. There are two shades that are part of limited collections but I believe that their brands eventually released this same shade but in another collections. 

I might also do a similar post but about blushes and eyeshadows...but now let's embrace the lipsticks. 

( from left to right : Etude House OR202 ; Etude House PK001 ; Etude House PK023 ; Too Faced Juicy Melons ; MAC Sunny Seoul ; KIKO 32 ; Catrice 210 Pinkadilly Circus ) 

Etude House Dear My Wish Lips Talk in 0R202  - I have already declared my love for this line from Etude House in a previous post. This shade in particular is probably the only orange I dare to wear. But it indeed screams Spring and Summer to me. In terms of texture is probably the creamiest of the bunch and the one (along side with the other shade I'll mention from this line) that stains the most and holds the colour.
Etude House Dear My Wish Lips Talk in PK001 - This is a bright pink and although you can't see on the swatch, it does contain more orange - while in the swatch appears to contain more blue and pink. It is probably my favourite shade of the selection, since it is the one that screams happiness, light and brightness to me. I don't know, It just feels like a positive shade.
Etude House Dreaming Swan Dear my Blooming  Lips Talk in PK023 - I have to admit that I have a love-hate relationship with this lipstick. It is more dry than the other lipsticks I own from the brand and tends to sometimes emphasize any dry patch or lines that I might have on a particular bad day. But on good days this just looks super gorgeous on my lips. I guess I'll have to learn how to work with it during the season.
Too Face La Créme in Juicy Melons - In terms of High End formulas Too Faced is probably my favourite so far. This was the first lipstick I tried from the brand to this day I have not regret the decision. It is super creamy and pigmented, comfortable and the shade is totally my ally.
MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Sunny Seoul - This is a very sentimental lipstick for me. Let me introduce you to my first purchase from MAC. At the time I was still quite afraid of getting bold colour so getting a cremesheen lipsticks seemed the best option at the time. Today I like to wear this one on days I have a more detailed eye look and I want a pop of colour on my lips but nothing major.
KIKO Ace of Diamond Lipstick in 32  - This lipstick was part of a limited collection KIKO had two years ago if I am not mistaken. At this point you already realized that I truly like coral lipsticks and that it isn't much of a surprise that I got this shade...But I have to say that I wish they would release more lipsticks with this formula since the lipstick dries matte but stays comfortable and lasts for hours without any major issue.
Catrice Ultimate Colour in 210 Pinkadilly Circus - I had to mention another budget option, since the previous was discontinued/part of a limited collection. I got this lipstick during a trip where I was able to forget all of my lipsticks at home (#NoLipstickNoMakeupLook)... It is probably the one I wear the least I'm not a huge fan of the waxy formula but comparing it to other option I believe it's something worthy to be mention and to tried.

As you can see, there are options for every budget and preference. I'll do eventually a similar post about Pink and Coral blushes ( I'm trying to find courage to swatch all of those babies on my arm...)

Do you guys have any recommendation for Coral Lipsticks?
Thank you very much for reading and take care!!

Keeping up with my interest for liquid lipsticks - specially those with matte finishes, today I'll be addressing the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams. I have to admit that I was never into NYX but ever since they were bought by L'Oreal they started to suffer changes in therms of packaging and presentation that left me quite pleased. And that's what made me purchase these little guys. I started with two shades - San Paulo and Milan - which where shades of pink I didn't own at all ( surprise, surprise!) and after loving them so much I decided to get my hands into another two shades - Zurich as a everyday nude and Prage as the statement shade. 

Overall I found these lip creams to be really comfortable to the lips. Yes they dry to a matte finish but I don't find them uncomfortable at all - but be sure to know that I am already used to play with matte finishes because of my Sephora Lip Stains . They are easy to apply on my lips since the formula is quite creamy and non-patchy. They might start to fade away after 4 hours of wear around the corners of your mouth. I'm not sure if this changes with the use of a Lip Pencil or not, but it might help out - nothing that reapplication won't resolve.  

( from left to right :Zurich ; Milan ; San Paulo ; Prague)

The  colour matches with the packaging ( except for Milan which looks less dark than what truly is) - which is sleek and easy to store and carry ( I actually tend to have it inside my coat's pocket in order to reapply it faster. The doe-foot applicator is really good and allows me to apply the product on my lips without any dramatic issue and I am allowed to control the application even in places like the corners of my mouth. 

Zurich is a pretty brownish nude that on me tend to look like a " my lips but better" type of shade. I like to wear whenever I decide to wear a more dark or worked eye-look it's my go-to lipstick. If you want a beige type of nude lipstick this is a lovely option. 

Milan is a shade that might look more calm on the container than what it is in the real-life. I really like to wear it as a daily-go-to shade. It has a hint of purple but nothing to extravagant that makes me cringe or so. 

San Paulo has been my go-to shade for whenever I am playing with pinks and I want a good pink shade to go with it. I find it to have more red than Milan. 

Prague is the typical statement shade. It's a deep purple with a red undertone that makes it wearable and amazing. Whenever I want to look polished and fun without too much fuzz I just grab this. It's also a really good transition shade : still dark to be considered a Winter shade but bright enough to be worn in the Spring time. 

Overall I am really happy with these. I wanted to get more shades but I might do it after trying out their new brothers - the NYX lingerie Lipsticks which is a range full of nude liquid lipsticks. Let's say they have a nude for everyone. (this would be a nice time to insert that famous meme of Oprah saying " you get a nude, everyone gets a nude" don't you think? ) 

Thank you very much for reading and what's your favourite shade from Liquid Lipsticks? I'm on the hunt for Lolita and Lolita II and I right now...sadly color pop isn't available in Europe...
Take care everyone!