Product Praise: NARS Deep Throat blush
Review Avon Mega Impact Rich lipstick
Colour magnifiers boost the colour by highlighting and reflecting the true colour, so what you see is richer and more impactful. Rich, creamy formula, wears for hours. SPF15.
Here's the product, swatched where the shimmer becomes really visible: And here it is on my lips:
It is a creamy formula, though not as creamy as MAC's one. I think it looks lovely on my lips, very subtle color and shimmer - just my kind of thing. Only downside is that it doesn't last for hours - more like an hour or so, reapplication is often needed. I paid 6euros for the lipstick and for this price I consider it to be an OK lipstick.
Haul of random
Anything catches your eye in particular?
Tag: 10 things
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The Rules:
1. Post who gave you this award
2. State 10 things you like
3. Give this award to 10 other bloggers and notify them with a comment
10 things I like:
- my beautiful dog
- sleeping in
- white flowers
- shopping
- scented candles
- pharmaceutical skincare brands
- pasta
- coffee
- series of desperate housewives
- jewelry (especially earrings)
I give this award to:
-beckiangel44
-martje
-perfectlyunordinary
-agnes
-mysterious brunette
-pimpernell
-floor en marjolein
-laura
-kat o-hara
-lene
Congrats!
Winner goodiebag giveaway!
Everyone thanks for entering and don't worry - there'll be another giveaway soon. I plan on doing one when I reach 100followers but I'm not sure which one yet. I'm debating between a polish giveaway or an AVON giveaway... Preferences??
NOTD Avon Vintage Blue
Application goes ok -carefull you don't have too much product-, the brush is quite big and it covers nicely with 1 thick or 2 lighter layers. I am wearing 2 layers here.
Review Maybelline Colossal Mascara
I'm the kind of person that doesn't owe a lot of mascaras. I wear contacts so it's really important to be very hygienic with everything around my eyes. Therefore I don't use a mascara after its expiry date (6months from opening) and if you have 5 or 6 mascaras they will not be empty in that period of time - unless you like spider mascara. I usually have 2 mascaras that I'm loving at the moment in my stash, just to be sure that after 6 months they will be empty.
One of my current mascaras that I'm loving is the Maybelline Colossal, available in most drugstores for 10-15euros.
From left to right/top to bottom: normal lashes, curled lashes, one layer of mascara, two layers of mascara. And here's the full face effect:
This mascara offers you more length and some volume, I love its effect on my lashes and yet it is very natural, just the way I want it. It's very easy in application, just be careful not to apply too much on your lower lashes. I will definitely repurchase this one and recommend it to everyone.
Which are your favourite mascaras?
Review Avon Radiant Brunette range
For reference: I have long weird curling (never the way I want it) normal to dry hair that frizzes easy, I usually wash it once a week. My hair needs conditioning and/or masks, if I don't use them it won't be soft. If there's something else you'd like to know, feel free to ask.
When browsing through an AVON catalog I came across their Radiant Brunette line claiming to be illuminating - do I want my hair to illuminate - yes please! Products prices range between 3 and 5euros/each, no harm in trying for such a price... They also have a Blonde line in case you were wondering.
Introducing ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Radiant Brunette Collection. Fortified with a moisturizing blend of shine boosters to reveal the rich spectrum of brunette tones for gleaming, glistening locks – so you’re always the mane attraction! For natural or color-treated brunettes.
- Shampoo: gently cleanses to illuminate the rich spectrum of brunette tones. Brown formula enhances radiance.
- Mask: for natural or color-treated brunettes. Delivers soft, smooth texture, rich moisture and multi-dimensional shine.
- Balm: for natural or color-treated brunettes. Lightweight formula reveals the rich tones of brown hair, for soft shiny vibrancy.
Now, my thoughts:
- the shampoo is very basic, it cleans my hair easily, rinses out easily.
- the mask is thicker, applies easily. You should leave it in for 3 minutes but I leave it in longer to optimize its effect (10minutes or so). This makes my hair a bit softer but it's not as soft as with other products I've used before.
- the balm also applies easily but when applied and after drying my hair it causes it to tangle. So I've only used it on my ends from then on. I don't find it doing anything special.
This line makes the dark undertones in my hair pop out. But sadly enough I don't see any radiance or shine coming through. I've used the products for several weeks in a row but still no illuminating hair for me.
These products are really basic, if you don't like spending much on hair care I would suggest the shampoo and mask. Both of them are OK products for their price. I wouldn't recommend buying the balm.
Review Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
After cleansing I like to use a toner. If you use a face wash or a gel, it's not necessary. I like to use a milk cleanser -for my dry skin- and this is best followed by a toner. I don't like harsh toners with alcohol in it, they just damage your skin, I'm always on the lookout for a gentle toner but haven't come across the perfect one yet...
On a beauty/fashion forum I heard a lot of positive things on Mario Badescu's Aloe Vera Toner: contains Aloe Vera (yes - I like), alcohol free, great for sensitive/dry skin. Ok, I'm sold! I ordered it online through beautybay, at 15euro/236ml but you can order it from other websites as well. I like these midranged priced products, I don't want to spend 50euros on a toner (it's a T O N E R).
As you can see the packaging is really simple and the toner is greenish (when applied on cotton pad it's no longer noticeable). To open it, you have to pull the center part of the lid above. I'm a fan of these openings as you can control the amount of product you get on your cotton pad. I don't like those big gaps, they only make you spill or apply too much product. Here's what I mean 'cause my description may be a bit too cryptic.I've been using this toner for 3 months now (I only use it in the evenings after my milk cleanser) and I still have 1/3 product left, it lasts some time.
This toner is definitely a mild toner, I have sensitive skin myself and it doesn't irritate me or makes my skin red. I don't think anyone with sensitive skin will have a problem with this one. As far as scent goes, I can say it's non-existent, maybe if you try really hard you smell some herbal scent in it but that could also be my imagination.
This toner removes the last bits of my cleanser and soothes my skin, that's basically it. It doesn't work hydrating and it doesn't do anything against my pore-clogging (which it states it should). On a positive note as well : it doesn't feel greasy and sinks in your skin really fast.
I would recommend this toner if you have really sensitive skin and want to use one. For me, I want my toner to be more hydrating and do something against pore clogging. I like using this product but it's not perfect for me...
Goodiebag giveaway *ended*
- Avon Naturals shampoo + conditioner for dry/damaged hair
- Nuxe Mousse Micellaire 3 Roses
- Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
- Biologique Recherche Lotion PW50
- Bio Beaute By Nuxe Hand Cream
- Clarins Tonic Demaquillante
- Essence Sun Club Lipgloss
- Avon Lip Color Trend Strawberry
- Catrice Lost in Mud (close to Chanel's Particuliere)
- Catrice Sold out Forever (dupe for Chanel's Jade)
- Avon Extralasting Eye Powder Pearl
- Mineralissima Eye Shadow Fox
- L'Oreal Kohl Eye Liner Teal
Now, how can you win this goodiebag?
1. You have to be a follower of my blog.
2. Put a picture/link of this giveaway on your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can retweet this giveaway (I've added my twitter in the left column).
3. Leave a comment here saying why you want this goodiebag and if you're retweeting this or putting it on your blog.
Contest will close next week Thursday, winner will be chosen by one of those random website things, the giveaway is open to everyone all over the world.
Anastasia Treatment
Off course I also had to buy some other goodies and I stopped at Etos to pick up these lovely ones (on sale at 40% discount):Have you also gotten the Anastasia Treatment?
How do you manage your brows?
And a warm welcome to my new followers, I think you'll like tomorrows post!
NOTD Essie Van d'go
I instantely noticed the small brush it comes with, I have a lot of OPI and their brush is much wider. This makes Essie a bit more difficult for me to apply, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time to get it down. The polish itself goes on really smooth and gives great coverage. One coat is already covering your ends up, but I like 2 coats to have a deeper color. It is indeed a perfect summer color, I'm loving it and recommend it. I'm a neutral kind of girl and this one isn't too much for me.
Product Praise: Sigma Brush F80
Sigma says: This exclusive flat top synthetic kabuki was designed to deliver a flawless makeup application. The Sigma Makeup F80 is a buffer brush that can be used to blend powder or liquid products. The short and dense bristles make it easy to buff your liquid foundation. The long handle adds comfort to your makeup application. The synthetic fibers are ideal to be used with liquid products and can be easily cleaned
I recommend this brush to everyone, it's my favourite foundation brush, I don't use my other ones anymore (my sad Shu Uemura just lays there). Buy it online through Sigma for 16$.
Note: this product was purchased by me, I didn't get it send!
Haul of random & some good news
Are any of these products also present in your stash?
Tested L'Oreal Lash Renewal Serum
I've mainly used it in the evening and sometimes in the morning if I could stay in. It takes a while for the product to dry on your lashes and makes them stick together a bit. So if you want to apply mascare after it, not a good idea. Using it is very easy, like their description, and the product doesn't irritate my eyes at all (I wear contacts so again a plus for L'Oreal).
Onto the most important fact, my lashes (click on the picture for a close-up, it's more visible then)!
before - after
Excuse my different lighting, no sun today! When comparing the pictures (bare lashes, no mascara, no curler) you clearly see I've grown more lashes in both corners of my eye. They've also gotten thicker, I'm not sure whether they're longer - maybe a bit. Not visible but telling anyway, they have developed some shine, which is very lovely. Effects are supposed to be optimal after 8 weeks of usage.
I've been using it for 5-6 weeks now, daily (sometimes twice a day) and this is how much I've used. The product doesn't get wasted and you don't need much, it will last a long time for sure.
Now, is this worth the purchase? To me: yes! Don't expect miracles, but it will improve your lashes. I like what it's done to mine, with curler and mascara on they almost look like fake ones. Pricetag is around 15euros but because it will last a long time this is neglectable to me. I say go off and buy it, you've got nothing to lose!
Never again: fragrancex
Kenzo Homme for my darling
Have you had a similar online experience, share!
London Haul
I also popped into Lush as we suddenly ran into it -hooray- (my first visit to Lush) and bought the Bubblegum Lip Scrub, it smells divine... The whole store smelled cottoncandy, was getting a headache in there :)Topshop: as said before I didn't have that much time to try on all I eyed at. I bought these lovely pink ballerinas (I liked them more in grey-silver but they were no longer in my size) and a blazer with beige undertones to it, very classy...
Then onto the make-up! I bought the Sleek Pout Polish in Pink Cadillac (I also wanted the peach one but it was sold out) and the Sleek Storm Palet in Superdrug, along with the Revlon lipgloss in peach. In Selfridges I bought the NARS sheer glow (off course I had to try this, everyone raves about it!!) and the Bobbi Brown Concealer Stick. Last on the list was in Fenwicks and I bought Becca Eye tint in Baroque.
I also tried the Benefit Coralista, as it was on my thingstogetlist, but it didn't suit me at all... :(
Now, these were my actual purchases but I tried much much more and already have my list of -things to buy soon- ready, take a peak, out of the top of my head:
-Becca Illuminator in pearl
-NARS multiple orgasm
-NARS cream blush penny lane
-NARS laguna bronzer
-Kiehls avocado creamy eye
-Aveda Rosemary Shampoo/Conditioner
-Burt's and Bees lip balm
What's your favourite among the things I purchased? Or is there another musthave I forgot, let me know!
Loving London!
On Sunday we browsed Carnaby Street for a bit and then went on to be tourists, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben from distance, Green Park and Hyde Park. This last one was even more beautiful than I thought, we stayed there until it was time to go...
On a sad note: after arriving we went into a Starbucks 'cause I needed some coffee. I got this really big and way too full cup. There wasn't room to sit on ground floor but they also had an upper floor so taking the stairs, reached table and couch safely. And when I wanted to put my cup down my purse fell from my shoulder into my arm, causing my cup to spill a lot over my lovely purse with this result:
Tomorrow I'll post my haul and thoughts on them ;)! I love love Londen, thinking of going again round Christmas time...
About Me
- Evelien
- Belgian twenty-something year old blogger who adores all things beautywise and loves to share her knowledge... This blog reflects my thoughts on products I've personally used and random things that cross my mind. If you have a request for a review or want to ask me something etc..., you can contact me at beautyponder@hotmail.com.
Blog Archive
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2010
(146)
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August
(23)
- Product Praise: NARS Deep Throat blush
- Review Avon Mega Impact Rich lipstick
- Haul of random
- Tag: 10 things
- Winner goodiebag giveaway!
- NOTD Avon Vintage Blue
- Review Maybelline Colossal Mascara
- Review Avon Radiant Brunette range
- Review Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner
- Goodiebag giveaway *ended*
- Anastasia Treatment
- NOTD Essie Van d'go
- Product Praise: Sigma Brush F80
- Haul of random & some good news
- Tested L'Oreal Lash Renewal Serum
- Never again: fragrancex
- London Haul
- Loving London!
- Haul Avon
- Brands: Nuxe
- City Trip: London
- Review Dermalogica Precleanse
- Haul: allcosmeticswholesale
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August
(23)