Thursday, October 25, 2012

LOTD: Miami Rock

   Aaaaaand here is the party look I mentioned! Unfortunately, on the pictures it didn't turn out as intense as it was in reality, but you get the picture! Electric colors, thick eyeliner and so on! For this I made my skin look more tanned than I am since I can imagine this look for a summer night more like, don't really know why! But if you use less bronzer or a blush in colder tones, with all the cold colors, it can be perfect for this cold season too. So finally, here are some pics:










Products used:

 - 180 Eyeshadow Palette
Manhattan Multi Effect black mono eyeshadow
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in 303 True Nude
Ciccarelli Glossy Lip Balm
Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Orchid Mosaic (as highlighter)
Rimmel Volume Flash Mascara in Extreme Black
Kallos liquid eyeliner in 01 Black

Do you like this look? Like crazy colors? Leave a comment, don't be shy! ;)
x



s_laura2812@yahoo.com

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Review: MINERAL HYGIENICS Mineral Enhancer

Good evening, darlings! I'm glad to see some of you enjoyed the look I've posted earlier today! I was usually not a fan of yellow/ golden and purple combination, but it really fit the season and weather today!

I wanted to do this review yesterday evening, but I had pilates, then I got home really tired and could not get myself to gather my thoughts for the post. Though I was anxious because I love this product and it deserves all the attention! Mineral Hygienics made me fall in love with mineral make-up and made it a MUST HAVE in my rutine! 
Must confess, this Mineral Enhancer in Warm Kiss is more suitable for summertime for me, since now I am quite pale, and the pigmentation is strong and you only need a minimal amount for very visible results. 
It contains shimmer particles which look really pleasant, so even on pale skin, a moderately small amount gives my face some extra life, mainly for a party look! Actually, I have a party look prepared where I used this bronzer/ blush, so stay tuned! ;)

Official description:

'Warm Kiss Mineral Bronzer
'Everyone's favorite! Soft, sheer, subtle sunkissed glow. Create the illusion of radiant, sun-kissed skin! Use as a healthy looking complexion booster, blush, cheek contour, eye shadow or lip color. Our Sheer Mineral Enhancers are light, natural and are perfect for color adjustments to your foundation.'






Swtaches (no primer, directly on skin; first one layer, then 2):

*natural light:


*flash (so you can see the amount of shimmer it has):




Pros:
  • mineral benefits
  • strong pigmentation, you don't need much product for the desired effect
  • a good amount of product for your money
  • healthy-looking, yet subtle shimmer
  • Mineral Hygienics services, definitely!!! They were very generous, polite and elaborate in their responses, impecable and cute packaging!
  • adheres to the skin right VERY well so you need to apply it little by little
  • incredible staying power I met in all Mineral Hygienics products!
  • cute and ellegant container. Also, doesn't let pigments slip out like so many loose pigments do.

Cons:
  • nothing really, just the same 'problems' I face with any product in shape of loose pigments: it can be tricky to carry around and re-touch, needs to be handled carefully since some pigments can fly around very easily when opening for example, BUT it is TOTALLY WORTH IT!


Would I re-purchase it? YES!!! I am glad though I still have a lot of all of my Mineral Hygienics products received in July, eventhough I use them almost daily. I will review the rest of these products (foundations, powder, brushes) very soon!



Oh, by the way, here's a sneak preview of the look I was talking about! I used this bronzer here:





*Note! Reviews contain my personal honest opinion about the product. 



s_laura2812@yahoo.com

LOTD: Autumn Plum


   It's a sunny Autumn day and I'm about to go have coffee with some friends. This is the first make-up from the Autumn/ Fall series, even if I'm running late with them. This one and another one I have prepared are just basically wearable, not too heavy make-up looks with a bit of extra. As you can see, I didn't fill in the brows too much either, didn't create a fancy cat-eye-ish eyeliner or false lashes. It's just a game of colors, quickly done. And I chose some colors that I see very fitting for Autumn; shimmery yellowish gold, smoked out with some dark plum.









  1.    Products used:
 - 180 Eyeshadow Palette
- Manhattan Multi Effect black mono eyeshadow
- Mineral Hygienics Sheer Mineral Foundation in Light
Miss Sporty Ohh! Tan So Fine bronzing powder
Laura Mercier Lip Plumper in Wildberry
Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Orchid Mosaic
- Rimmel Volume Flash Mascara in Extreme Black
- Kallos liquid eyeliner in 01 Black


Did you like this look? What colors suit this season best for you? x



p.s. Leaving you girls with an awesome song by an awesome band, it will make your day even more awesome! ;)



s_laura2812@yahoo.com

Monday, October 22, 2012

Review: MISS SPORTY Oh Tan So Fine Bronzing Powder

   Back in August, I spontaneously bought a bronzer while shopping for some other make-up supplies. I didn't own an actual bronzer for quite a while, been using some noname blush/ bronzing pearls (pink with golden reflexes), altering or combined with the usual eyeshadow-for-blush/bronzer trick, while prefering to invest more in eye products and skincare stuff. But with this one I was attracted by the price (15 Ron) and the cute sun figure engraved into the product (which is common in bronzers anyway, but... :P). It is more matte than shimmery and pretty natural looking. Finally, we are talking about Miss Sporty Oh Tan So Fine Bronzing Powder in 001-Sun Kissed, the lighter version of the two the store had, not sure if there are more than two shades




Swatches (different light and angles):


 **I didn't use any kind of primer underneath, just applied directly onto the skin.

I mostly use it on my cheekbones, starting from the hairline and blending it towards the center of the face, fading it out, and then applying a light pink blush on the apples of my cheeks, blending it outwards. It's a quite healthy, natural-looking combination, also for pale skin, as long as you don't exaggerate with either of the colors.

Pros:
  • sheer and buildable, especially if you're going for a more natural look, which also makes it ideal for daytime too
  • suits pale skin for the same reasons as above
  • the price

Cons:
  • the fact that it's a bit chalky and not so creamy or pigmented, though that makes it more buildable
  • contains some rigid particles as you can see above
Would I re-purchase it? Yes, sure, especially for that price, and all the pros. In fact, I think I will soon buy the darker version, though I guess I won't be using that much until the sun sets in again in full force next year, or festive make-ups, or other people with a darker skintone. :)




*Note! Reviews contain my personal honest opinion about the product. 



s_laura2812@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Review: Triple Function Skin79 BB Cream

   So I participated in the testing campaign for this Skin79 BB Cream where you got a little free sample of it. I don't remember the details exactly, I know I saw it on facebook, you just had to send them your address and you had the sample delivered and, in my case, it took a long time to arrive. 

   Before, when reading about BB Creams and seeing them all over the place, I wasn't extremely tempted, since my skin gets oily fast and has visible pores, so I always try to keep it matte when going out, like with mousse foundation or mineral foundation (recently I've stopped using thick coverage just cause I don't feel like it). Hence, BB Creams sounded a bit too 'creamy' for my face and thought they would make it look shiny, I was also worried about a weird, insufficient coverage. Then, I got a ton of Garnier BB Cream samples (review soon!), started using it and changed my mind regarding BB Creams. Then I recieved this sample by Skin79. I can say I fell for it right away.

Official description: 

'Hot Pink Super Plus Beblesh Balm 40g. TOTAL SOLUTION BB CREAM WITH 10-IN-1 EFFECTS. Moisture based triple function BB cream takes care of the base as well as colour makeup and allows the skin to look bright and natural without greasiness or feeling tight.'


(Sorry guys, didn't take a pic before opening it!)




Swatches:







Pros:
  • sebum control and moisturizing at the same time
  • has a thicker consistency than the other BB Cream I tried before, but it blends out super easily, feels light and easy on the skin
  • the fact that it has greyish/pink undertones!!! (and not yellow like MOST face products, pfff), providing whitening effect 
  • UV protection
  • anti-wrinkle function
  • pretty good, though natural-looking, light coverage
Cons:
  • the price not being too accessible since it's about $ 28.00
  • the fact that this review has to be based more like on a first impression, since they only sent 1 sample and it is quite tiny, used it about 2 times and the third time the leftovers as a concealer, under mineral foundation. Yet, I am grateful for this little sample too and I can honestly say it impressed me!


*Note! Reviews contain my personal honest opinion about the product. 



s_laura2812@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 18, 2012

MUSIC TAG from Silvia

   Actually, I stole this tag from Silvia! :D Seemed like a very fitting one for me, as I have music on non-stop, no matter what I do or where I am. For example, throughout the years, I've gotten to the point where I can't walk on the street without headphones in, it simply bothers me how boring it is (if I am alone, of course!).

   Since I was a small little brat, I was always fascinated by music, Aqua used to be my favourite band since I was in the 2nd grade or so and for quite a while. I still like them, even if it's hard to believe :P . I actually still like the pop music of the '90s, it was awesome in compare to today's retarded commercial 'blow my whistle' junk, if I am to be completely honest. It also had a more alternative twist to it, extravagance wasn't a negative thing and there was more freedom of expression with 'trends' and all... Remember Babylon Zoo - Spaceman? Marilyn Manson - Tainted Love? etc... Mtv, what happened to you?...Anyway! As music is practically air for me but I have no talent to create it (unfortunately), I've started a project of music journalism on Playdeadnation to support everything about alternative (rock, metal, industrial, punk, etc.) music and lifestyle in general. I could go rant on endlessly about music, but let's get to the actual songs! I will have to choose about 5 at least for every category, because my taste in music is VERY versatile. And also, I'll pick the softer ones that a larger group of people has 'nerves' for. :D


1. Which is the song you've had on repeat the most lately?

I often have songs on repeat, I always discover new obsessions and keep the old ones as well.
Celldweller & Ogre - Kill The Sound


Placebo - Scared Of Girls


2. What do you listen to when you are sad?

When I am sad or having a not so enthusiastic period of time, I usually listen to music to match my mood. Though I love the same kind of music even when I'm happy (and welcome the happy songs I adore even when I am sad), I prefer to use the songs that make me feel like there's no tomorrow as a drainpipe to live out my sadness. This first Placebo song is a BRILLIANT example:

Placebo - Space Monkey


Hungry Lucy - A Girl Alone
                                              Sentenced - No One There (very very touching video)
Anathema - Untouchable, Part 1
Orgy - Pure
Tricky - Bury The Evidence


3. If a movie were made about your life, what song would you choose as a part of the soundtrack?

Well well, I could think of way too many here, but I'll try to pick some of the most accurate ones.

Leonard Cohen - Everybody Knows



4. What song makes you dance instantly when you hear it?

I'm not a huge fan of dancing, only if I'm hyperactive and maybe if I had some drinks, haha. And I prefer industrial. Otherwise, I think headbanging is more like my thing because of my musical preferences. 

            Nine Inch Nails - Wish !!!!!!!

                                                   Rammstein - Ich Will (or anything from Rammstein really!)
                                                        Grendel - New Flesh (oh the memories, nice harsh electro :D)


5. What song would you like played at your funeral?

Gee, I haven't thought too much about this :P But I guess...

Dope - My Funeral
Dope is one of my favourite bands, genius lyrics and this is the most acurate song for this question :D

                                                            Pain - Bye/Die (this is actually a very dynamic song, but I'd want a kickass party at my funeral so,... :P )


6. What song would you associate love with, in your own vision?

Hmm... as far as I believe in love, in the real world it's something like...friendship + chemistry, which can last more or less. Then there are the ideal situations painted in fairy tales and soap operas :P

Type O Negative - Love You To Death
I adore Type O Negative and I think their music was extremely erotic mixed with romantic. RIP Peter Steele.... :(



7. What song is your current ringtone?

I just had 3 ringtones recently, that I remember:




8. Of all the songs you've heard so far, which do you think is most erotic?

I know tons of sexy songs, but I'll try to pick some.

Depeche Mode - Dirt

       Noblesse Oblige - Daddy (Don't Touch Me There) (such a perverted song, love it)
George Michael - Too Funky (for some reason this song always brought me kinky thoughts :P)


To be continued...





s_laura2812@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 14, 2012

HAUL: Laura Mercier & Co. with swatches

   Hello there, I hope you are all doing great today, despite the gloomy, cold weather! I am doing pretty ok, just can't seem to wake up too easily...Oh well! Today I would like to show you some goodies I got as a gift. About two weeks ago, some relatives from the USA visited, and they got me some awesome products. I'll just show you and maybe say a few words about them, but I'll properly review and use them in looks in the future, probably. 


- 3 Laura Mercier lip plumpers
- a Laura Mercier lipgloss
- Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc
- an Artistry lipstick
- 2 Never Accept Ordinary pigments


LM Lip Plumpers:




LM lipgloss (this one is DELICIOUS, tastes like coffee!):




LM Shimmer Bloc:




Artistry lipstick:




Never Accept Ordinary pigments:





I didn't blend anything too much, didn't use primer either, just wanted you to get an idea about the color and consistency. 

I'll get back with more details about these and will show you when I use them, but until then, please tell me your opinion! Have you ever tried these? Which would you be most tempted to try?




Note! Reviews contain my personal honest opinion about the product. 


s_laura2812@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Review: ANIAN Intensive Two-phase Leave-in Conditioner

    Hello, sweeties! Been away for too long again, actually during the summer that has just passed, I even had to neglect my music webzine ( Playdeadnation ) because of various other stuff. As I think I mentioned before, I worked at Peninsula Festival, the biggets music festival in the country. Besides work, it was a lot of fun with friends and music, and I finally got to briefly meet the members of an old favourite band of mine, Children Of Bodom, and the guys from the legendary New Model Army ( <- and done a post-festival interview with them!!!). So, in a nutshell, it was truly heart-warming to be there, also had the coolest colleagues! 

   Now back to the main subject that I always have the greatest talent to deviate from. I will write about a product I received from Triodeluxe back in Summer, ANIAN Intensive Two-phase Leave-in Conditioner. It takes some time to form an opinion, especially about hair products, since my hair is extremely damaged. But I am in LOVE with this product! They also sent me the Liquid Keratin, but for that I will need a bit more time, since I've recently cut my hair (bit longer than shoulder length) too and it should be a little more effective now. 




   I've been testing this conditioner for almost 3 months now, and the bottle is still full, there's hardly a bit missing from the top and I always apply a generous amount. It contains fundamental elements such as Creatine and Ceramide 3, the top half of the container is of a milky pink and the bottom half is a more fluid, darker pink. I just shake it up a bit and spray it on the length of my hair, focusing on the ends. The smell is really pleasing, I don't know how exactly to describe it, sort of floral-ish, I do love it! Oh, forgot to mention one of the best parts: it's 400 ml! It will last me forever I think, and that I am delighted about, since it is such a great product!

(here you can see how little got used up since july, and also the layers in it :D )






   RESULTS? 
Soft, silky, shiny hair that smells wonderful! I've noticed that it also really helps against frizz, and lately my hair doesn't fly all over the place after I wash it, so I've definitely seen changes. If you straighten your hair or just the ends after drying it (though lately I've tried to stay away from the flat iron), it will be soft and shiny and will stay that way, it will look moisturized and will fall nicely, gives it extra texture too. So if you want your hair to behave and be treated and moisturized at the same time, I really recommend this! ATTENTION: be careful to focus on the ends/ length, NOT close to the roots, especially if you have thin, fine hair, because it will weight it down and obviously take away from the volume.

Details and ingredients:





If I'd have to grade this product, I'd give it a 10*, oh and I will definitely repurchase it! Even if this huge container will last me a very long time. :) I didn't even split this into pros and cons because I found NO cons

Have you tried this product? What was your experience? If not, would you be tempted to try it? x

I'd like to thank Triodeluxe.ro for giving me the chance to test these products!


*Note! Reviews contain my personal honest opinion about the product. 


s_laura2812@yahoo.com