Make-up | Popular products #1

Today's post features the most reached for products of the moment. This is almost a monochrome look, with a bordeaux theme going on. An ideal look for most skin tones and eye colours, making them pop. In my case, intensifies the brown.

To start off, I prepped my skin with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, before applying a layer of Estée Lauder Daywear B.B Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Cream in Medium, with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. To cover any imperfections, a bit of Chanel Long Lasting Concealer in 40 - Beige Santal does the job.
Then, I fill in my brows and shape them a bit with a Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil in Black. As a base for the eyes, a layer of Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Ebloui does the job, blended with a MAC 217 – on the lid and below the lash line.
On top of that, I apply the second lightest shade from the Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice – a warm medium brown with a slight shimmer running through it.
On some days, I feel like defining the lash line with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Rockstar. After curling my lashes, they get a coat (or two) of Benefit BADgal Plum Mascara. Best shade ever!
After my concealer has done it's thing, I set the center of my face with Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder in Doré, using a Japonesque Pro Eye Shadow Fluff Brush. This is a brilliant multitasker. To contour my face I use MAC Powder Blush in Harmony and highlight with Guerlain Precious Light pen in 2, which is nearly over. *Scared*
To finish off, a layer of Burberry Lip Velvet in 308 - Pink Azalea blended on the inside of the lips, to give a stain effect.

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Review | Ole Henriksen Truth Is In The Eyes

As I've mentioned before, my under-eye area is very, very dry. I've used every other eye cream to help improve the texture and stop those fine lines. Concealer creasing, anyone?
Of course, with dry skin, the best thing is to exfoliate. But you can't really use exfoliants/peels in the eye area, can you? Not really, until now. My wish came true when I read a post on Caroline's blog, and I immediately ran off to purchase the Ole Henriksen Truth Is In The Eyes.
You apply it every night – or every other night, if your skin is sensitive – only under the eyes. Let it absorb completely and follow with your regular night cream.
The ingredients in the formula include AHA's – in the form of Lactic and Glycolic Acids – to exfoliate the skin and prevent wrinkles; Vitamin C to brighten and tighten the skin; Rice Bran Protein to improve circulation and reduce puffiness; and Saccharide to moisturize and nourish.
I've been using this for a couple of months now, and my skin is really improving. It's becoming softer and smoother, with a refined texture. The eye cream really glides on the next morning.
Overall, my eyes appear fresh and brighter, even when I don't sleep much. Definately helps with puffiness, too. Oh, and one last note, be careful not to squeeze too much product out – specially since a little bit goes a long way. And don't close the tube too tight, it might tear on top. Not that I did that... *Ahem*

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Wishlist #2 | Stripes

Today I'm posting another wishlist. This time, it's fashion related and focuses on a single trend – stripes.
As you can probably guess, I am a fan of stripes.

The first two, are a Striped Jacked and a Striped Skirt from Zara. You can get them in stores or online here and here, respectively.

Next, from ASOS, I have my eyes on this Vest in Stripe Print and these "Elgin" Skinny Jeans. You can get them online here and here.

Last, but not least, while browsing in Topshop, I found the "Raglan" navy and white Stripe Top by Wal G and the Geo Stripe Sweat Dress. Find them in stores or online here and here.

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Beauty faves | Soap & Glory Hand Food

Okay, I needed to write a post about this hand cream, because it is amazing! The Soap & Glory Hand Food is truly hydrating, but doesn't have that usual greasy feeling. It's a nice bonus, feeling that you have soft, silky hands without having to wait around for them to dry, before you touch anything. Or spread it all over your mouse/keyboard...
It contains shea butter, macadamia oil and... marshmallow! It's scented with their "Original Pink" fragrance which is unbelievable. It's just perfect: not too strong, not too neutral. And, it goes well with my perfume of the moment, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – this right here, is the reason why I picked it up, aside from the Soap & Glory cute packaging, of course.
I really want to try out other products from the brand, like the Endless Glove Deep Moisture Hand Mask and the Wash Your Hands Of It Hand Wash.
Really wish I'd picked up a full size version (125ml) instead of the mini (50ml), which is almost empty – will make an appearance in the next empties post, of course.

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Hair routine | Straight & sleek

If you know me, you'll know that I only wear my hair straight or with loose curls/waves. But if it's winter, than it's probably pin straight.
Now, my hair is not straight and sleek naturally, in fact I have large curls, a lot of volume and a lot of hair. But it's really frizzy in texture and, having a dry scalp, I also have dry hair. So, yeah... it takes a few hours to tame this unruly head of hair. Here's how I do it.

If my scalp is extra dry or sensitive, I start by applying a few drops of the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Essential Drops Relaxing Blend directly on my scalp, with the help of the pipette embedded in the lid (there's a purifying one for normal to oily scalps, as well). I gently massage it with my fingers, distributing the oil evenly, and let it process for at least 10 minutes.
After that time, I wash my hair with Kérastase Nutritive Bain Oléo-Relax Smoothing Shampoo or Redken Scalp Relief Soothing Balance Shampoo, depending on what needs more TLC that day – the hair or the scalp.
For moisture and nourishment, I apply a mask like Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair 60 Sec Treatment – when I'm a hurry, usually on week days – or Redken All Soft Heavy Cream – when I'm more relaxed, specially since this one takes longer to process (from 5 to 15 minutes), but it's one of my all time faves. I always comb it through, with a wide tooth comb, before rinsing – makes detangling easier afterwards.
After absorbing the excess moisture with a towel, I spray TIGI Catwalk Sleek Mystique Fast Fixx Style Prep to help with the detangling process. Although, the Tangle Teezer has made my life easier – I'd always cry when I was little, during the long sessions of unknotting my hair...
Anyway, after that, it's time to add some nourishment into the hair, with a few pumps of oil. Right now, I'm back on the Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil, since it's a bit more heavy duty than the others I have laying around. Ideal for this dry, cold weather.
I then spritz some ghd Style Heat Protectant Spray and wrap the hair on one of those super-absorbing turbans (otherwise, I would end up with a soaked top). During this time, I lay out my outfit for the next day or do a mini facial. *Watching videos on YouTube with face mask on*
Now, the boring part, drying the hair. I always hated this part, because it takes so long and, did I mention it's so boring? Anyway, the process is faster and more efficient now that I have a new hairdryer – the air flow is so strong, it actually breaks down the curls into waves. Pretty cool. But I still look like a frizzy lioness after. To turn that into sleek and silky, my weapons of choice are the ghd IV Styler and a rat tail comb.
To finish, I apply a few pumps of the L'Oréal Professionnel tecni.art Hairmix Sublime Shine, from the ends going upwards, to provide some extra shine and reduce static. And... done. Phew!

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Review | Kérastase Nutritive Oléo-Relax Nuit Treatment

Today, I wanted to post another review. This time, on a nighttime treatment for hair, the Kérastase Nutritive Oléo-Relax Nuit Treatment.
This is a leave-in cream that nourishes and treats the hair, while you sleep. An ideal product for me, seeing that my hair is very rebellious, frizzy and dry. Being quite long and thick, it also requires more care. I usually apply this product on the weekends, because that's the only time I actually remember to use it.
The formula has a new generation of controlling silicone, that provides control and anti-frizz protection, while restoring the surface of the hair fibre; and Camelina Oil to nourish and make the straightening process easier, while treating the sensitised areas of the hair. So basically, everything I need in one.
Most of the time, I apply it on dry hair, from mid-lengths to ends, working it in until it absorbs a little. You'll get a sticky feeling on your hands, but it goes away afterwards. The smell of this cream is amazing – just like most Kérastase products. I never felt the need to wash the hair, the next morning. It doesn't look "crispy" or wet looking, so you can just style it as usual. I don't think you're supposed to wash it so soon, anyway.
The result is smooth, repaired and manageable hair, the next morning. The natural (excessive) volume is reduced and stays that way, even during rainy weather. Who wouldn't want to wake up with sleek and healthier hair?

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