Brand Love #1 : Bourjois
2/16/2014
And so here it is. Just like I had hinted on my last post, I'll be starting a series called "Brand Love" where I'll talk and recommend products from a certain brand. Because of Shayne's question for Bourjois recommendations, I thought "why not start a series surrounding this?" I might also late do another post around bourjois, but with other products.
On, let's talk/write about the ones I choose for today!
And by the way! Before I continue with this post, I wanted to ask you guys some help. So, I really want to buy more Korean products during this year and found out two really nice shops (before you ask, no I'm not affiliated with the store and haven't applied, specially when I never bought anything from there first...how could I apply in that case?) and one of them called Kollectionk has this really nice reward system where we get points for visiting the store, liking, sharing on Twitter...and we also get points for referencing and those points can be transformed in Coupons...Since this store has things that the one doesn't (like the full Princess Antoinette collection from Etude House and the Cotton Queen Collection from Holika Holika) but doesn't have free shipping like the other one ( which is Jolse by the way) so I wanted to take advantage of the cuppon for that. So, could you guys please click on the link that I shared on this Tweet ?It would help me a lot! Thank you very much in advance! <3
Now, back to bourjois products:
And by the way! Before I continue with this post, I wanted to ask you guys some help. So, I really want to buy more Korean products during this year and found out two really nice shops (before you ask, no I'm not affiliated with the store and haven't applied, specially when I never bought anything from there first...how could I apply in that case?) and one of them called Kollectionk has this really nice reward system where we get points for visiting the store, liking, sharing on Twitter...and we also get points for referencing and those points can be transformed in Coupons...Since this store has things that the one doesn't (like the full Princess Antoinette collection from Etude House and the Cotton Queen Collection from Holika Holika) but doesn't have free shipping like the other one ( which is Jolse by the way) so I wanted to take advantage of the cuppon for that. So, could you guys please click on the link that I shared on this Tweet ?It would help me a lot! Thank you very much in advance! <3
Now, back to bourjois products:
The Happy Light Base Serum Primer (dear companies, can't you stop giving names like this?) is a really nice drugstore/ High Street primer to those who don't want to spend too much on a primer. It isn't a silicone-based one like many primers, its more creamy and super easy to blend and light on the face. It's not the best primer in the world but it's a really good one. The down side? The size. It's only 15ml and considering it's price here (around 15 to 17 euros. although I have to worn you that many things here are way expensive than their original price) it's better to spend a bit more and buy a high end primer. Although, you can probably find this with a much cheaper and friendly price at asos and other stores (I'm not sure if boot.internacional has it or not) .
The Rice Java Powder is a repackage&relaunch item in commemoration to Bourjois 150 years. I've seen people saying that this is a dupe to the ambient lighting powders but I won't agree since the Java Powder was launch first. Either way, the packaging is adorable and easy to use. I usually hate loose powder because they can be quite messy but because of the protection that this one had, I have had problems. T he pearly - pinkish colour is just adorable. Some people like to wear this all over the face but, because I have really oily T-Zone, I usually just dust this all over my check to add a nice and healthy glow.
The Cream Blushes (I own number 3 and I really want to get more) were a hit last year.They took a while to be released in my country but it was worth it. They have a cream-to-powder finish and are super easy to blend.They also come with a really lovely mirror. I just wish that they had upgraded their colour selection. It would be really nice if they added a nice cherry red or a burgundy colour.
From Left to Right : 05 Red Island; 02 Fuchsia Libre ;01 Red Sunrise
Lastly but not least - the Color Boost lip crayons. Just like any other brand, Bourjois decided to launch their chubby stick version. Theirs is really glossy and easy to apply. It's also really moisturising. They say that it lasts for 10 hours but I won't agree on that. They fade like...two hours after applied? To me it's not a big deal since this is meant to be a moisturising balm and not a full lipstick.
From the 6 colour range I own 3. Opposite to the blushes, they actually updated their colours recently by adding 05 Red Island and 06 Plum Russia, which are more Winter colours.
I hope that you liked this post, if you have any brand in my mind please tell me to I can start making a selection or something.
Take care everyone, have a nice day!
With Love,
Diana.
Urban Decay Naked3 | Review
2/09/2014
Urban Decay Naked3 Palette
Yes, I'm finally talking about this precious.
I have to admit that when I heard about this palette I thought "another one? the colours look so similar" - but after watching high quality pictures of this palette and comparisons I totally change my mind. The rose tons totally compliment the already brown-neutral that my original Naked has.
After setting my mind on this palette, the main problem was actually getting it. People were reserving it like no other. Sephora wasn't sure if they could have palettes for everyone and, because a family member - my father's wife - had a health problem around Christmas time, you guys can imagine that I wasn't on the mood to there and reserve/buy it.
Long story short, I was able to get the palette two days after Christmas - it was the last one on that store. Plus, I was able to score a 25% off because of a promotion.
Now, the palette itself. The packaging is amazing. Way better than the one from the original Naked palette. The brushes aren't anything special - my really cheap Zoeva brushes are better than these. I don't get why Urban Decay doesn't invest on better brushes...Either that or not offering any brushes - why not their eye pencils? The eyeshadows are really good, with the exception of one of the them. But I'll talk about every single one of them.
Strange is a matte rose-tones white eyeshadow. It's amazing for highlighting the brow bone. It's not the most pigmented shadow, but serves it's purpose. It's less yellow than Broken from the Theodora Palette and believe that it's lighter than W.O.S from the Naked Basics Palette.
Dust...oh how dusty. The shadow is a nightmare. The fallout of this is horrible. I've seen people comparing this with sidecar from the original Naked but in my opinion, they have nothing to with each other. Sidecar doesn't have the fallout that this one has. The only way to work this is either with panting on the lead or using with a weat brush. I'm not sure why they didn't took care of this one. Seriously Urban Decay , you guys can do better. The pink shade from the Storm palette is less dusty than this one (Review here)
Burnout is a lovely satin shade. Amazing as a base colour. I don't have anything special to point about this one. I also don't have any other shade to compare.
Limit looks more light on the palette than what she is in reality. It's a really lovely pinky matte. I usually just use this shade to highlight my brow are or to do some transitions. But I think that it's also lovely to use as a base colour.
Buzz reminds me of a shade from the Storm palette from Sleek, although it's more darker.I love to use this shade as a base colour or just alone. It just looks pretty. There isn't more that I can say about her.
Trick is a lovely rosy-golden eyeshadow. I love to have golds and this ones doesn't disappoint me. It can be worn alone or with a darker colour without problems.
Nooner just like Limit, looks lighter in the pan. It's my favourite transition colour. Blends nicely and doesn't crack or anything. I dare to say that this is my favourite matte eyeshadow.
Liar is a really lovely brown that along with Factory, I love to wear alone on my lids. The beauty of this shades is that I can wear them alone and look amazing without taking too much effort or looking crazy.
Mugshot is a shimmery brown that, contrary to Dusty, doesn't has too much fall out. Darkside is a satin purpleish brown that feels like butter. Blackheart is just gorgeous. I don't usually pay attention to the darkest shades from the palettes, but this one is just amazing. As long as I have decent control, I'm able to define my crease with this without problems.
Long story short : this palette is amazing and worth the price.For those who can't afford the original palette, my advise is to be calm and wait patiently. Don't get fooled by the ugly counterfeited palettes that are being sold around the internet - MUA (Make Up Academy, a British Brand) usually makes really amazing dupes for the Naked palettes. They currently have the Undress Me Palette and the Undress Me Two Palette. Yes, the packaging isn't that pretty and doesn't have the Urban Decay logo, but it's a much safer option.
This palette also came with 4 samples of their eye primers. I haven't tried them but, the last time I tried their Primer Potion (from my original Naked Palette) I wan't really that impressed. I have really oily lids, so I need something that can work with them.
Update : Apparently, there is a new brand called "Makeup Revolution" that launch pretty nice dupes for the naked palettes. Also, new photos were uploaded to this post.
I hope that you guys loved this review. Feel free to ask me anyhting.
I hope that you guys loved this review. Feel free to ask me anyhting.
Take care, have a nice day!*
With Love,
Diana.
The Cuckoo's Calling | Book Review
2/07/2014
(imagem from here)
Yup, another book review. I've been thinking and, I'll try to review a book every month. I already have a list of the books I've been reading during this year. I do an overview of that list by the end of the year. Let's how healthy my reading habits will be.
The Cuckoo's Calling is a book written by Robert Galbraith. Or should I say, J.K.Rowling, writing user a pseudonym. When I heard that she had launch another book, I was ecstatic.Specially considering that this was a Detective's kinda book - my favourite, right next to Fantasy and Fantastic literature.I love mystery and crime solving stories - my favourite TV series are Cold Case and Law & Order. And CSI of course.
Now, back to the book. I thought about getting the book in English because I didn't know when it would be available in Portugal.When I went to Caldas da Rainha I found out that the book was already available in Portuguese. Because I really love this series, I decided to invest on the translated version - just like I did with The Casual Vacancy. Although I have to admit that I'll be investing more on English version, since they are cheaper - I found out this weekend that a kit with the first 3 books of mortal instruments costs 21 euros...that's the price of 1 book here! Anyway, here the sinopese (take from here )
The Cuckoo's Calling is a book written by Robert Galbraith. Or should I say, J.K.Rowling, writing user a pseudonym. When I heard that she had launch another book, I was ecstatic.Specially considering that this was a Detective's kinda book - my favourite, right next to Fantasy and Fantastic literature.I love mystery and crime solving stories - my favourite TV series are Cold Case and Law & Order. And CSI of course.
Now, back to the book. I thought about getting the book in English because I didn't know when it would be available in Portugal.When I went to Caldas da Rainha I found out that the book was already available in Portuguese. Because I really love this series, I decided to invest on the translated version - just like I did with The Casual Vacancy. Although I have to admit that I'll be investing more on English version, since they are cheaper - I found out this weekend that a kit with the first 3 books of mortal instruments costs 21 euros...that's the price of 1 book here! Anyway, here the sinopese (take from here )
When a troubled model falls to her death from a snow-covered Mayfair balcony, it is assumed that she has committed suicide. However, her brother has his doubts, and calls in private investigator Cormoran Strike to look into the case. A war veteran, wounded both physically and psychologically, Strike's life is in disarray. The case gives him a financial lifeline, but it comes at a personal cost: the more he delves into the young model's complex world, the darker things get - and the closer he gets to terrible danger ...A gripping, elegant mystery steeped in the atmosphere of London - from the hushed streets of Mayfair, to the backstreet pubs of the East End, to the bustle of Soho - The Cuckoo's Calling is a remarkable debut. Introducing Cormoran Strike, it is a classic crime novel unlike any other book you will read this year.I had an amazing time reading this book. It's funny, it's elegant, well put together. I'll try not to tell any spoilers (I don't want to be accused of spoiling any one's reading time).
The plot ir really good, but what makes him more enjoyable is it's characters. Yes ladies and gentleman, J.K.Rowling did it again. Cormoran Strike is a really amazing character. He has a really hard life - he always had a hard life - but doesn't let that stop him from fighting and doing what's the best. This cases turns quite personal in some details - I wonder how he will cope with them after this book - at although he always can keep it to himself and conceal it ( yes I'm listening to Let it Go too much this days...Now you guys now), there is one time where he just can't keep it in and says what he shouldn't (it's not that serious by the way, don't get the wrong idea). Another thing I like is how his life a problems aren't the centre of the book. We get to know him throw the entire book. It's not like BAM - here he is.
But the story doesn't just have Strike. There are plenty of other character that make this book interesting - like his secretary Robin. Robin wasn't tailed to this job, but quickly learns how deal with it. She becames his lucky charm. I dare to say, she becames his Hermione. And no, there isn't anything romantic about it. After Strike, she is for sure my favourite Character.
There are more characters I could mention. Like Lula Landry, Tansy Bestigui and many other characters that have flaws and qualities. But there is a thing that Jo didn't lost here - the act of making of those who believe that they are above others just because they have more money or some kind of status. If you though that she made fun of the middle-class in The Casual Vacancy, be careful with this one - because now we are talking about the upper-class and jokes can be even more deadly and bitter.We aren't talking about metaphors, he are talking about direct problems an accusations.
I really enjoyed reading this book. For what I know, she will be launching another one about Strike this year. I can't wait to read it. I really recommend this to any one who loves Mystery and Detective Literature.
I want to finish this review saying that if Strike happen to be Harry's class matte along with Hermione and Ron, his life (Harry's life) and path would be a lot easier. I can image how he would play Snape during potion lessons and how Voldemort how felt hopeless with someone like that.
Have you read The Cuckoo's Calling? What your thought on it?
Take care, have a nice day!*
With Love,
Diana
January Favourites '14
2/05/2014
January Favourites.
I don't know if it's the off-Christmas season but, I didn't had that much to share on my favourites. There are things that I really loved, but because I only found them by the end of the month - I'll be saving them to February's favourites.
It's not a big surprise to mention the Urban Decay Naked3 palette. It's so nice and easy to use, I can imagine myself to use every single shadow from this palette. I'm currently working on the review (it will take a little longer since I'll talk shadow by shadow). It's the start of a new love, but let's just hope that my original Naked doesn't get left behind.
The Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer was a bargain that I got during the Sales. It was more than 50% off because it has the old package. Not that I really care, since the actual product is amazing. The chocolate smell is divine and the actual colour blend beautifully with my skin tone.
To help the bronzer, I used my beloved Real Techniques Contour Brush from the Core Collection. It's really good since it fits perfectly on my face and blends the product with no problems. Sure deserves it's place here.
Lastly but not least, the Real Techniques Blush Brush was my multi-task brush of the month. I love to apply blush and powder with him. Some I even use him with bronzer (not all at the same time by the way). I know that some people don't really love him but I don't see why. He work beautifully with me.
And it's all. Next Friday we will have a book review and I'll keep working on more reviews.
Thank you for all the love! Take care*
With Love,
Diana.
On my Face Today #1
2/03/2014
I decided to start a quick segment here on the blog called "On my face today", where I share what I where sometimes on my face. I'll try to get a picture of my self using them (today wasn't possible, since I was going to watch 12 Years a Slave with a friend). So here it is:
I didn't wanted anything heavy on my face. So I just applied Bourjois Happy Light Matte Serum Primer to help me with some of the oil on my face along with Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer to cover a few spots and my dark circles. I set everything with my Stay Matte Powder from Rimmel London. After that I used the Catrice Inside Eye Made to Stay Highlighter Pen on my waterline, to open my eye a bit more. Later I also curled my lashes with my Better Lash Curler (who needs retirement, I'm torn between getting one of the new Essence's lash curlers or just investing on a nice Shiseido one..)
New month, new palette love? Because I hadn't use it since I got it, I decided to play a bit with my Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette - really pretty and amazing for the Spring, along with Shadow Insurance Eye Primer and Lash Injection Mascara - both from Too Faced as well. I'll be sure to test them a little bit more so I can review all the products. I also used my Catrice Brow Tinted Gel and for my lips I used my newest Bourjois Color Boost in 05 Red Island. On my brow bone and checks I also applied a bit of Bourjois Java Powder.
Lastly but not least - on my checks I used the Rose Essence Blusher from Skin Food (I'm planning about investing more on Korean Cosmetics during this year), which is amazing because just gives that lovely touch of colour. As for tools, from Zoeva I used their Shadow and Crease Bushes ; the Foundation Brush from Real Techniques and the Argent Makeup 201.
I hope that you guys liked this quick post. I'll be posting my January favourites on Wednesday.
Take care, have a nice day!
With Love,
Diana.
La Roche Posay Hydreane Legere | Review
2/02/2014
The perfect moisturiser.
There is a really funny story about how I got this moisturiser. I was suppose to get my brother's moisturiser (he has really dry skin...the flaky type!) but got this one by mistake. He later got himself his, but for some reason I decided to try this one...I'm glad I did it!
I have dehydrated skin and I can't wear moisturisers with any trace of oil...otherwise I might breakout and look like a shiny disco ball.
Hrydreane Legere (there is a Riche version for those with dry skin) is amazing for the day time. My skin absorbs this really quickly and I only need a little bit.My skin looks plumper and take more time to produce oil - sometimes, just doesn't produce oil at all! And because this is design for sensitive skin, it helps me with some inflammations I might have because of acne and redness around my nose.
I don't have any particular down side to claim since this does what it's suppose to do. It's not the cheapest moisturiser, but it's not that expensive either. And it's quite easy for me to get it - I can find it at any pharmacy or department store with a "parapharmacy".
Anyway, this is my recommendation for a moisturiser. I won't be switching him - although I would like to test one from clinique and one from bioderma - since I don't have any bad reason to it.
I hope you liked this review and don't worry ladies with dry skin - I have a review coming for you.
Take care everyone! Have a nice day!*
With Love,
Diana
Sleek Blush by 3 in Sugar | Review
1/31/2014
If there is a High Street/Drugstore brand that I really love is Sleek. Although I have a Love-Hate with their eyeshadows, I love their blushes (I'm planning on getting their new releases...specially the one with the cream blushes). I previously made a review on their Face Form and I'm thinking if I should or not talk about my other two eyeshadow palettes - mainly because mine are from a bad shipment and apparently the new one don't have the problems that mine have.
Anyway, this blush palette was a tricky one. When it was launch I was super afraid of this colours. Like...really afraid. But after getting Outlaw and Seduction from Nars, I saw how nice this palete was and I finally decided to get it. Best decision ever.
Anyway, this blush palette was a tricky one. When it was launch I was super afraid of this colours. Like...really afraid. But after getting Outlaw and Seduction from Nars, I saw how nice this palete was and I finally decided to get it. Best decision ever.
Starting with Demerara, this is a really nice dupe for Seduction from Nars (actually, many Sleek blushes are nice dupes for the Nars blushes! So don't get kinky replicas and counterfeited make up, get a dupe like this instead!). It's matte (which means that we can play a lot with highlighter afterwards) and looks really pretty on the cheeks. In my personal opinion, this is a all-year blush. Depending on you eyeshadow and lipstick colour, this will always look good.
Muscovado (which reminds me for a type of brown sugar called mascavado in Portuguese) is a golden shimmer version of Demerara. The base tone is the same, but this one contains gold reflects. I need to be really careful with this one since it super, super pigmented. Don't get too crazy with this one...unless you want to look like a golden berry clown.
Personally, this is more of a Fall/Winter blush. You can totally wear it during the Spring and Summer, but I think that it looks better during the cold time.
Personally, this is more of a Fall/Winter blush. You can totally wear it during the Spring and Summer, but I think that it looks better during the cold time.
Lastly, but not least - Turbinado is my choice for the Summer. It's a Tangerine/Apricot colour. Really pretty but I need to be careful with this one - or I'll be looking like an orange Humpa-Lumpa!
This screams Summer to me. For the day time, I like to year this alone, but during the night time - I LOVE to year a bit of highlighter on top.
Overall, I really happy with the 3 blushes and I really want to get more of this palettes (specially the new ones!). You can find this at some Sephoras, Boots, Superdrug and of course - Sleek's official website .
I hope you enjoyed this review!
Take care, have a nice day.
This screams Summer to me. For the day time, I like to year this alone, but during the night time - I LOVE to year a bit of highlighter on top.
Overall, I really happy with the 3 blushes and I really want to get more of this palettes (specially the new ones!). You can find this at some Sephoras, Boots, Superdrug and of course - Sleek's official website .
I hope you enjoyed this review!
Take care, have a nice day.
With Love,
Diana.
Beauty UK Baked Bronzer | Review
1/29/2014
Another make up product that fits on my Budget Beauty Segment. For those who don't know, Beauty Uk is a High Street/Drugstore brand with an amazing quality.
I got this after their baked blush repackage, I wanted to test something new and this looked like the perfect item. The lady in the store wanted to sell me this as a bronzer because of the name but I knew better. As you can see on the swatches, it has a really pretty gold tone. I dare to say that this precious is a really nice dupe to the Mineralize Skin Finishes from M.A.C - costing a fraction of his High End Brother.
I Love to wear this either as a highlighter or as a blush to warm my cheeks. My only complain is the package. It's quite big in my opinion and wastes too much space. The old version was better in my opinion (and had peach who looked really nice for the winter time!), specially because it had more product and was made of plastic, while this one is made or cardboard. The only good thing is the mirror - always good for travel.
Anyway, there isn't much to say about him. I got him for 5 to 6 euros (which is more or less the same in the UK - 3.99£).
And don't worry, my next review will be bigger than this one.
Take care, have a nice day!*
With Love,
Diana.
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