My 2013 Skin and Hair Care Picks
1/15/2014
Finally I'm able to share this!With no further due, here are my Skin and Hair Care 2013 picks.
From La Roche-Posay, both the Effaclar Duo and the Hydreane Legere had to be mentioned. The first is a treatment gel, which helped me a lot with Clog Pores and Acne Scars. The Second is the best moisturiser I ever use, since it's water-base, doesn't have any oil and leaves my skin smooth and hydrated.
Next, Lierac Dioptigel survived his big test during the winter time. I usually get my under eyes really dry during this time - with my skin cracking and hurting a lot..not good at all - but this gel totally stops that.My under eyes look good and less dark! I'll probably repurchase this during 2014! (Although I want to try out one from Bioderma)
The Body Shop's Tea Tree Scrub was a really good surprise. I was really disappointed with their old formula, but this new one is just perfect. I only need a really small bit of this for my face, doesn't irritate my skin or anything. Although I wanted to try something else, I'll probably stick with his one for a while.
For my hair, I discovered from TRESemmé their Heat Protector Spray and their Ends Repair Cream. I always blow-dry my hair (specially during the winter time) and I want to protect my hair. As for my ends...they always get quite dry, but this is helping me with that and as a plus, helps me a lot with de-tangling my hair.
Next, the Avène Thermal Water was a Summer saviour! Specially during the really hot nights - I would refresh my face with this, which would make me be able to have some proper sleeping. And during the day it would help with some extra hydration.
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm is a recent discovery, I got it with 50% during a promotion and I'm really glad for that. This takes all of my make up - specially waterproof mascara and eyeliner - without problems. Also, a little pea-size is what I, which means that this will last a lot.
On the other had, Bioderma's Cleansing Water is another great favourite. When I'm not using the cleansing balm, I'm using this bad boy. It removes make up residues and doesn't cause any breakouts or anything like that.
Balea's Hand Cream was a gift from a German friend and I'm so happy for getting this. The smell is amazing and it's the perfect hand cream, since it isn't greasy at all and absorbs really fast.
Lastly but not least, my beloved Tangle Teezer. Why didn't I got this earlier? This is the best hair-Brush I every tried out. Doesn't break my hair and de-tangles my hair without paint. I'm actually thinking about offering one to my cousin.
Next, the Avène Thermal Water was a Summer saviour! Specially during the really hot nights - I would refresh my face with this, which would make me be able to have some proper sleeping. And during the day it would help with some extra hydration.
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm is a recent discovery, I got it with 50% during a promotion and I'm really glad for that. This takes all of my make up - specially waterproof mascara and eyeliner - without problems. Also, a little pea-size is what I, which means that this will last a lot.
On the other had, Bioderma's Cleansing Water is another great favourite. When I'm not using the cleansing balm, I'm using this bad boy. It removes make up residues and doesn't cause any breakouts or anything like that.
Balea's Hand Cream was a gift from a German friend and I'm so happy for getting this. The smell is amazing and it's the perfect hand cream, since it isn't greasy at all and absorbs really fast.
Lastly but not least, my beloved Tangle Teezer. Why didn't I got this earlier? This is the best hair-Brush I every tried out. Doesn't break my hair and de-tangles my hair without paint. I'm actually thinking about offering one to my cousin.
And that's it. I'll be working around some review's and other ideas. I'm planning to talk a bit more about hair and brushes during this year.
Take Care Everyone!
With Love,
Diana.
My 2013 Make Up Picks
1/10/2014
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.
The Casual Vacancy | Book Review
1/08/2014
Many might be like "a book review? really?"
Yes, I love to read. During Christmas time, where I totally left the computer and my cellphone aside, reading was my company. I finally got time (and will power) to finish this amazing book. I'm not sure why it took so much...
A Casual Vacancy is the first book for adults ( not like 50 Shades of Grey or anything like that!)written by J.K.Rowling - the amazing writer of the Harry Potter series and recently the writer of The Cuckoo's Calling (under a pseudonym ).
This wasn't a really loved book. First, I think that people where still very attach to the Potter writing, where she would be very careful with language and graphic scenes (it's a book for children after all!). Here we see the really strong language (not in everything sentence! but some characters get to swear more than other. and their swearing isn't a "bloody-something" like Ron Weasley).They were also really attached to magic and strange events. Here, there is no such thing.
This wasn't a really loved book. First, I think that people where still very attach to the Potter writing, where she would be very careful with language and graphic scenes (it's a book for children after all!). Here we see the really strong language (not in everything sentence! but some characters get to swear more than other. and their swearing isn't a "bloody-something" like Ron Weasley).They were also really attached to magic and strange events. Here, there is no such thing.
Now the deep problem is the heavy truth that this book has. The book talks about a small town called Pagford and how a group of people want to remove Fields (a social neighbourhood, with many economical and social problems) from their responsibility. They look to those people as if they are worthless and are not worthy of anything. But J.K.Rowling shows more than what we know and see. For instance, let's not forget that she lived under Governmental assistance when went back from Portugal after leaving her husband , so she knows this reality quite well. She knows how hard it can be. She shows the struggles from both sides - everyone has problems, no matte how much money you have on your bank account- but she also does something else.
She doesn't just show some problems that high middle-class households have. She actually jokes about some of them (I think that's one of the main reasons for some people not liking this book, it kinda shows them the harsh truth about themselves). She wants to compare the problems and addictions that the poorest and the richest have. There is actually a really magnificent part where one of the characters actually talks about it (actually it's not real talking, but that just a "small" detail).
Now, Character wise, she nailed it again. They are quite complex, they aren't 100% good or 100% bad. Others are so mean that could even compete with Dolores Umbridge (there is one of them that actually, should have a ending like hers... actually, being dragged and beaten up by centaurs would be too good for that character). We can feel their problems, we feel sorry for them, we get angry with them and sometimes we get really relived because they get to learn something. Sometimes we get sad because we knew how good their intentions where, but how they got cut because of other persons choices. It's not easy. Also, we get to know the same character from different point of views. Everyone has an opinion, and believe me, they are all pretty different.
Also, some people didn't loved the ending, because it was quite "opened" and felt that it had a void. I think that she actually made that on purpose. Like, we are the ones who should close the void in real life by helping some of this people and not being so judgemental, when we ourselves have deep problems. I also saw some complains about how the book "speed up" in the end. But, that just like live. Some days everything is slow like if the time doesn't pass by. But when something has to happen, it's with full speed. I think she wanted to hit the reader with what was happening. Like "here take it! It's done and you can't do anything about it".
Still, I heavily recommend this book. It's really nice to see Jo doing and working on something new. Let's face it : it wasn't because she needed it, It was because she wanted it. And I can't wait to start reading The Cuckoo's Calling as well. (She trolled us with that one seriously...I would never guess it was written by her!)
I'll try to bring more book reviews and thought about books during this year.
Have read Casual Vacancy? What's your thought about it?
I'm currently re-reading The fifth book of the Harry Potter series and I'm working on finishing a more "political" and cultural book.
Anyway, take care and have a nice day!*
With Love.
Diana.
What I got for Christmas 2013
1/05/2014
Before I start talking about some of the thing I already got from Christmas, I want to apologize for the strange background or photo quality. Like I said on my last post, I recently moved to my new room and I'm still adjusting. Plus, the weather had been horrible so, I had to use my lighting instead of the usual natural light(I'm quite lucky for getting white lightings instead of the traditional yellow).
Now, Christmas talk. Most of my "presents" were money. I still have some left to get some of the things from previous wihslists (like the precious blue bag and the Nude'tude palette). Also, my grandparents on my dad's side are probably going to give some extra money for clothes (I might be able to get the pretty green coat and the A-line Skirt ). Now, what I really got.
My Mother sent me a package with presents for me, my brother and my cousins. I got the Starbucks Mug and the two lip balms. Not really bad, since I use lip blams all the time and I really needed one of those mugs for when I'm working on the computer or studding. And this design was only available in the UK if I'm not mistaken.
Right after Chritmas, promotions and sales started. I received an SMS from Sephora with a 25% at every two products. It was the perfect oportunity for me to get the Urban Decay Naked3 palette and a Benefit Cream Eyeshadow.I know, I said I would get a Paint Pot from MAC, but they never have sales of promotions and the ones from Benefit are not only cheaper, they quality is also pretty similar to MAC's. I got the shade Birthday Suit an I'm thinking about getting more shades in the future. Specially a full size of Bikini-Tiny.
And now, the fun part. The code was meant to be spend as many times I wanted until December 31, so the day after my first purchase there, I thought about going to another Sephora and buy a new Mascara and Concealer. Yes, I thought about it.As soon as I entered one of my local Sephora's, I saw their Sales display with two amazing deals : The Romantic Eyes Kit (with a full-size mascara, palette,eye primer and eyeliner) for 15 euros instead of the regular 35 and the Bunny Bronzer (with the old packaging) for 12 euros instead of the regular 27 euros. So, for the Regular price of the Bronzer, I got not one but 5 full-size products. They also had the Natural Eyes palette and the Sephora loves Too Faced palette but both ran way (I can't really complain about it, since I'll be getting Nude'tude soon and I'll start saving for the Chocolate Bar palette). In therms of Sales, I'll be searching for nail polishes (OPI for 7 euros instead of the usual 15, YSL for 10 euros instead of the usual 20). I've heard about Urban Decay Palettes (Feminine, Fun and the other one) but, the one I really wanted isn't available (the Glinda palette to be exact, altough I'm pretty sure that my local Sephora must have at least one still getting dust on top of that really pretty box, back at their storage)
In therms of Skin Care, many are getting Biotherm and other nice brands for 70% of their usual price (not really bad). What I really wanted was REN and I'm not sure about the El Corte Inglés sales (it's the only place where I can find the brand without ordering it online, although I've heard that it's more expensive there).Lush is having sales on their Holidays items and I believe Boticário and Kiko are working nicely on their sales as well.
I'll stop the rambling for now.
Take care everyone, have a nice day!*
With Love,
Diana.
Beauty Wishlist for 2014
1/01/2014
In therms of Skin Care, besides the normal products (like eye cream, cleanser and tonic), I want some special items. For example, I really want to try the Mask of Magnaminty from LUSH. Many say that this is amazing for those with acne-prone skin, which isn't totally my case but, I still have some issues that I don't mind to take care.
The Kiehl's Energizing Facial Scrub is a bit pricey for what I usually spend on a Scrub, but I've heard really amazing things about this brand. For some reason the bottle mentions that this is for men but, there is not reference to that at their website (I'll probably have to ask first about it).
REN's Invisible Pores Detox Mask looks like a really product for my clogged pores. If there is something that I really love is a detox mask, specially for those day when I'm super tired and my skin needs something else. Let's just hope that REN's can live for my expectations.
In therms of foundation I really want to try the Oil-free Tinted Moisturiser from Laura Mercier, specially when the brand is finally going to be launch here.Along with that, I'm also curious about their Secret Camouflage Concealer. This year I want to get the best concealer- both for my eyes and scars/marks/imperfections.
Speaking of that, I also want to repurchase my Benefit's Boi-ing concealer. Mine is not really old, but it's already starting to look funky and since the expiration mark has already passed, I think it's time to get a new one. I don't want to get bacterial problems because of an old concealer...
I though I would get this las year during their flash black-friday sale but I couldn't go there so, I'll be sure to get the Make Up For Ever Pro Finish powder this year.I never tried a powder foundation before, but this one just spiked my curiosity!
Now finally...Make up. I'm a neutral lover. It's what I wear the most...So there is no surprise that the two palettes I have on my wishlist are both Neutral Teamed. The first, TheBalm's Nude'tude palette will be welcomed during January or February (I was meant to have it earlier but sadly it was out of stock...but my waiting will be compensated for sure, since this palette is known for it's amazing quality). I had this on my Birthday Wishlist but I end up switching it for the Pretty Rebel palette from Too Faced.
Speaking of Too Faced, their Chocolate Bar palette is amazing! Some colours look quite similar to the one from TheBalm, but others are quite unique. I used to ignore Too Faced, but after getting Pretty Rebel, I won't be doing that mistake again. I'm not sure about it's release here, but the worst that can happen is only getting it around my Birthday (let's hope that I can get it sooner)
In therms os face products, my picks will be the Tropicoral and the Fellin'Dandy kits from Benefit. I already Own sugarlicous and it's amazing. We get to test many of their products and think if we should or not get the full-size. For exampel, because of my The Bronze of Champions kit, I really want to get the full-size of What's Up highlighter and Bikini Tiny's Cream Eyeshadow.
And you, do you have a 2014 wishlist too?
Take care everyone! Again, Happy New Year!
With Love,
Diana.
The 2014 Resolutions TAG
12/31/2013
Hello dears!
Yes, it's time for a Resolutions TAG. I found this one on NikkieTutorials and I knew I had to this as well. I'm not a huge TAG lover, but the questions on this one made me think and want to share my answers. So let's Start!
LOOKING BACK:
1: Name 3 things you did this year that you’re proud of.
First, I'm proud of this blog since I never expected to have this much success. When I made it, I had no hopes of growing like this. Seriously, with 5 months I really have 59 subs (without counting the ones I have on Bloglovin). It's amazing. I'm trilled to keep up with this and I hope that I can work more and share more thoughts, opinions, products and tips. I also want to keep in touch with the lovely ladies I've meet because of this blog and who knows, meet new ones?
Second, I'm proud that I finally know what I want in life. I've been lost for the past 4 to 5 years. I went to two college courses because I always in my mind what someone else wanted and expected and not what I wanted and expected. This year I was finally able to find my true passion and what I want to do and what I need to do to archive that. It will be a long and hard path, but will be worth in the end. After all, If I don't stand for something, I'll fall for nothing. I plan to stand for myself and for my new project.
At last but not least, I'm proud of myself. This was a really hard year for me, I mean. In March, my mother moved out of country and I've been having a hard time with that ever since that. Also, I moved back to my dad's house, lived with work around the house, dealt with a health crisis that my father's wife had...and I even started to learn Chinese. I've grown a lot since I moved out.I just hope that next years gets to be a bit more smooth....
2: Name 1 thing you wish you’d have done differently
It would be nice if I had found my true passion a little bit earlier this year. I would had more time to work on it. Oh well, I can't do much about it now..
3: What was your biggest highlight this year?
Watching my dad's wife getting better after her health problem. She's still recovering, but I'm so happy that she is at home and working on that with us. It's a true blessing.
4: What was your favourite beauty product this year?
Hm,,,in therms of Skin Care I'm in love with my Effaclar Duo from La Roche-Posay. Make up related? I'll say Rimmel London Lipsticks. They are really amazing and super affordable!
5: What was your least favourite beauty product this year?
No doubt, Maybeline's Color Tattoo. I know that a lot of people love this but I just can't like it. The texture is horrible. I prefer to spend a bit more and get a MAC Paint Pot or a Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow.
6: Who do you want to thank for being amazing this year?
I want to thank every single one of you for the amazing support you guys gave me. Every comment warm my heart. Thank you, Thank you!
I also want to thank my dad and his wife. I learnt so much this year with them and they are really amazing. They deserve all the best.
RESOLUTIONS:
7: What are the makeup/beauty resolutions you have for next year?
I want to get better in therm of Skin Care. I still get a few acne pimples and scars and I want to stop that. I also would love to take care of my really bad pores.
In therms of Make up, I really want to get a nice vanity/ make up organization. I would also love to test a few foundations and correctors. Along with some mascaras and blushes. Maybe eyeshadows too...
8: What are the fashion resolutions you have for next year?
I want to get the perfect bag and the perfect skirt. I also would love to work more in therms of coordination. Oh, and the perfect green jacket would be nice as well....
9: What are your personal resolutions for next year?
I want to reach the 100 followers next year here. It would be really amazing if that occurred.
I also want to finally get to study what I really want. And who knows...maybe finding Mr. Special?
10: Name 1 thing you want to check off your bucket list next year.
Oh, I want to finally beat up procrastinating! Really badly.
I won't be tagging any one in specially, but I would love to know your answers!
Take care every one! Happy New Year! (this is my last post from 2013!)
With Love,
Diana.
December Favourites'13
12/28/2013
Finally I'm able to write something. I was lucky enough to have time and good weather to photograph this. Starting with Balea's Hand Cream, I got this as a birthday gift from a German friend. I'm not a huge fan of hand cream, but this is amazing. The scent is good and the texture is perfect - fluid and absorbs quickly. If there is something that I hate is "silicone" based creams that only mask hydration and don't absorbs at all.
Next, my trusty Bioderma Sébium H2O needed to me mentioned. Although I'm thinking about tying out other cleansing waters (like caudalie's or nuxe's for example), this is a really good one.My skin doesn't feel irritated, it cleans it very well. The only down side about this product is the fact it takes a lot to remove waterproof products. Besides that, it's a really lovely product.
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I would buy a few things from LUSH. Besides this amazing scrub - Let the Good Times Roll - I also got a solid shampoo called Seanik (which isn't here because I was too lazy to get him...I'll be working on a review later). This scrub is made of popcorn and it's a delight to wear. But for those who have acne and more sensitive skin, I won't be recommending this, since it's quite harsh (which is why I won't be getting Ocean's Salt like I thought I was...if this is harsh, that one is even worse!)
Painterly from MAC is a true wonder. I can wear it alone or use it as a base to other eyeshadows. They usually don't crease when I use this (unless it's super hot or if the eyeshadows aren't that good). Best purchase from MAC!Although, I have to admit that the new Benefit cream eyeshadows are a really good alternative and worth to check.
At last but not least, L-Mesitran Soft Wound Gel. At the beginning of the month I had a huge cold which for some reason ended up ruining my lips as well. The wounds would hurt and look really ugly...I end up visiting my local Pharmacy and asking for something to heal this...4 to 5 days after my lips were better, without pain or swelling!I' know that medicines aren't a proper thing to show, but I really had to share this. I almost couldn't eat because of the swelling...it was horrible.
So, that's it for today's post. Take care everyone!
Have a nice day
With Love,
Diana.
I wish you a Merry Christmas!
12/23/2013
(this was taken from my instagram account, I'm just using it so that my post doesn't feel too empty)
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
I would also thank every single one of you for the love you're shared on my blog. I would never imagine that my blog would grow this much in a few months! Also, I want to apologize for the lack of posts this week.
There have been some family problems, school work and I'm finally moving to my new room. I'll be spending the next few months working on the decoration and organization.
I'll try to update you on that and of course, try to not leave the blog behind.
Again, thank you very much for all the love and support.
I wish you all the best. Take care.
With Love,
Diana.
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