Nude nails on Budget

Good news ladies, nude is in again. One of the nail trends for Spring/Summer 2013 is the nude nail.
Nude nails are perfect for spring and match every outfit. Besides they look very classy and polished. If you wanna rock the nude nail trend on budget here are some suggestions for you.

 Catrice Ultimate Nudes in  050 Moulin Rouge Light € 4.49

Rimmel London 60 Seconds in  500 Caramel cupcake € 5.49

Essence Nude Glam in 02 Iced Strawberry Cream € 1.79

Are you loving the nude trend as much as I am? What is your favorite nail color at the moment?

xxx Marina

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Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss - Review

Kate Moss had teamed up with Rimmel London Cosmetics and come out with a  collection designed by   herself. 

Kate says: “Whilst I’ll always have my favourite timeless shades, I love to update my lipstick to reflect the new season’s style. I wanted to play with fresh and daring colour to create a look that’s fun and feminine but with an edge.”

 I must admit that I'm very impressed with this entire line of lipsticks and would even go so far and  say, that they are one of the best drugstore lipsticks in terms of color payoff and texture. They apply smoothly to the lips and are more moisturizing than the average drugstore lipstick and they  also come in a  wide range of colors that offer pearl to cream finishes and newly added mattes. The new matte range isnot completely matte though and the lipsticks have a slight sheen finish to them.  The packing is either red for the matte range or black for the long lasting range with the name "Kate"  written on a side in a lipstick print. They cost € 6.99 each here in Ireland. 

  

I have the following lipsticks:

Lasting Finish Lipstick Matte by Kate Moss #107 is dark red with pink undertones.

Catrice Absolute Eye Colour - Review

Catrice is one of the best drugstore brands I've ever used. Their products are really cheap but the quality is surprisingly amazing. When I spotted these quads, I thought I had to have them. 

The eyeshadow texture is really soft and  smooth and the color distributes evenly. They last well throughout the day with primer, but without the primer they defo will crease. The packaging is thick clear plastic, so I would say the palette won't break down easily. 

The darker shades in the palettes are very pigmented. The lightest shades in the palette don't show up easily and lack pigment and also contain shimmer that is actually more a micro glitter. I also find that they don't blend well and the result is always almost one color.  

 Another complaint that I've with the eyeshadows, is that they have horrible fall out; after every application  I  always end up looking as if I've been attacked by a glitter bomb.

On the positive note they only cost € 4.49 here in Ireland.

Catrice Absolute Eye Colour - 040 Never Let Me Go

Kiel’s Ultra Facial Micro Serum - Review

Are you looking for a good colorant, silicone, paraben, scent-free, soothing and moisturizing serum? Then look no further.

Kiel’s Ultra Facial Serum is the newest innovation to the Ultra Facial Collection, inspired by the classic moisturizing lotion introduced over three decades ago.

Key ingridients:

Antarcticine (Glacial Glycoprotein Extract)  Pronunciation : ant-ARK-tuh-seen

Benefits : superb dryness preventing properties whilst shielding against free-radicals

Imperata Cylindrica (Desert Plant Extract) Pronunciation : im-per-AH-duh suh-LIN-dri-kuh

Benefits: Imperata Cylindrica’s roots contain high concentrations of potassium which provides an immediate and lasting hydrating effect.

What I think of Kiel’s Ultra Facial Serum?

I have tried hundreds, different moisturizing serums and few really expensive ones, but this one is my favorites so far! My skin gets easily dehydrated and tends to be on the dry side in general. This serum hydrates my skin nicely and doesn't block my pores. It has been particularly effective in dealing with the dehydrated patches of skin on my cheeks, nose and forehead.

As you all know, I wear makeup on a daily basis and this also makes the most perfect base, since it absorbs so well. 

 It comes in small bottle with a pump which makes it very sanitary, and all you need is a one to two pumps to cover your whole face.  It has a non sticky   texture somewhere between a cream and a gel and it feels light on my skin. There is almost no scent, which is a bonus if you are allergic to perfumes, but I kind of like my creams scented. I use this serum along my other Dermalogica, DMK and Image Skincare products.

Cost in Ireland  €35 for 50 ml.

Have you tried the Kiel’s Ultra Facial Micro Serum yet? What are your tips to prevent dehydration in winter?

xxx Marina

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Lacura Beauty Concealer Pen from Aldi - Review

The description of Lacura Beauty Concealer Pen from Aldi's  web site:

With the light-reflecting micro-pigments of the Lacura^® Concealer Pen shadows, lines and fine wrinkles around the eyes are concealed, pigment disorders are covered and surface irregularities of the skin are balanced out. The complexion looks smoother and more radiant. The special "NMF" - Natural Moisurising Factor active agent complex, based on high quality ingredients like amino acid, urea and alantonin, reduces dark shadows around the eyes and keeps the sensitive skin in the eye area soft and supple and stops it from drying out. The product is long-lasting , smudge-proof and suitable for all skin types. The soft brush applicator enables a very precise application and the ideal amount can be released with the push button applicator.

How to apply Lacura Beauty Concealer Pen  

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque - Review

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque is a creamy, moisture-replinishing masque that helps nourish ultra-dry skin. 
This is my favorite masque and I used it 1-2 a week as recommended and nothing gives my skin that plump smoothness and clarity. In the winter months my skin gets really  dehydrated, and this masque does wonders  hydrating my drier areas.  It's like a hydration booster that allows my skin to regulate and heal itself. Everytime I use it, my skin looks and feels soft and supple.  The masque is clay-based and  is chalky white so you will know if you missed a spot. The texture is  very thick and  it spreads easily on my face. It has a nice scent and contains evening primrose oil, honey, and vitamins A,C and E. 

How to use:
I use it after I remove make-up with the double cleanse system and usually exfoliate my face and leave the masque  on longer than recommended, usually about 30 minutes. or sometimes even longer. After I rinse it off, I  follow with serum and moisturizer. 
Highly recommended  masque, especially during winter!

Have you tried the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque yet? Do you recommend another masque to combat skin dryness and dehydration? 

xxx Marina

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My favorite MAC Pigments - Vanilla and Naked

My favourite MAC pigments of all times are Vanilla and Naked.   I love them so much, because they are so versatile. Both pigments have smooth and finely milled texture and are easy to blend with other pigments and eyeshadows. These can be used dry or wet for more color intensity and pigmentation.  They also can be mixed into moisturizer or foundation to create that healthy glow.  I sometimes mixed them with a lipstick or lip gloss to create shimmery finish.  Both pigments have smooth and finely milled texture and are easy to blend with other pigments and eyeshadows.   

MAC Vanilla Pigment applied on my cheek bones and right above my cupids bow,  under my eyebrows and in the corner of my eye and my lower lashline mixed with light brown eyeshadow

MAC Vanilla Pigment

Vanilla Pigment is my go to highlighter.  I would describe it as the palest gold with light pink sheen, although it looks completely white in the packaging. I love using this  pigment on my cheek bones and right above my cupids bow,  under my eyebrows and in the corner of my eye, and down the brim of the nose. It can also be used wet as an eye shadow base or just to give dimension and shine when blended with other eye shadows.

MAC Naked Pigment applied on my cheek bones and right above my cupids bow,  under my eyebrows and in the corner of my eye,  my lower lashline  and my eye lid

MAC Naked Pigment

Naked is a beautiful flesh toned beige pink with light golden shimmer, just enough to add some interest, and nothing over the top.  I apply it pretty much the same way as I would apply the Vanilla Pigment. Sometimes I apply it as all over lid color and my cheeks as a highlighter for the natural day look that is work appropriate. I also like to use it wet on my lid and in the inner corner of the eye combined with light brown eyeshadow for the so called no makeup look.

Have you tried MAC’s  Vanilla or Naked Pigment yet? What is your favorite pigment?

xxx Marina

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S.O.S for cracked lips

 Do you suffer from cracked and chapped lips? Cracked lips are not only cosmetic problem; it can be quite uncomfortable and painful having cracked lips. Here are some simple tips that you can do at home to treat the cracked lips naturally.

 First of all, increase your intake of vitamin A rich foods such as green leafy greens, legumes,  whole grains, and all yellow and orange fruits and vegetables.

You can also help your lips by drinking loads of  liquids thorough the day to keep the lips moist and hydrated.  Generally avoid licking your lips with your tongue, since this can dry them out even more.

Top TIP

If your lips are already badly chapped mix 1tsp. each of olive oil, sugar and petroleum jelly, apply on the lips, leave for about five minutes and then scrub your lips for another minute with the paste. That should get rid of flaky bits and remove dead skin on your lips and also deep moisturize the lips at the same time.

Always use lip balms throughout the day  to keep  your lips and moisturized. My favorite lip balms are Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick and Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, and I can highly recommend them both.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick

I was recommended Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick a couple of years ago when I was suffering from terrible cracked and painful dry lips and I to date it’s still my favorite lip balm. I feel like shouting out to the world, that people must go and get this. It's really moisturizing on my lips and it stays on so there's no need to constantly re-apply. I just love how it feels on my lips, so soft and smooth.  I have also used it on my cuticles and dry skin patches in my face without any problems. Too bad this is pretty expensive for a lip balm. Cost in Ireland 22.50 Euro.

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick, then try Burt’s Bees Lip Balm. This  lip balm is more on the waxy side, so it's drier and you can definitely feel the wax on the lips, but it really does a great job moistening my lips and it lasts on my lips for awhile.  It truly is soothing, cooling, and refreshing. Cost in Ireland 3.50 Euro.

Also apply lip balm every night before you go to bed and you will wake up every morning with smooth and moisturized lips.

What are you tips for chapped lips? Any other home remedies or lip balms you recommend?

xxx Marina

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Catrice Made to Stay Highlighter pen - Review

"No-Make-up-Look" of the 18th Century

 While I was in the cinema last week, the Les Miserables poster caught my attention, or better said it was Anne Hathaway pictured with hardly wearing any makeup. 
I  always loved the no-makeup look of the 1800's. Every time I watched the Sense and Sensibility or  Pride and Prejudice or any other movie based on  Jane Austen books, I couldn't stop admiring the simplicity of the milk maid look. In the 18th century, women wore hardly any cosmetics, and the makeup look was minimalistic and completely matte without a grain of sparkle, shine or glitter. 

Boots No.7 Stay Perfect lipstick - Review

Boots describe the  No.7 Stay Perfect lipstick range as providing gorgeous colour that lasts for up to eight hours, while leaving your lips feeling dry. It’s supposed to be incredibly creamy and moisturising that it almost feels like a lip treatment.  
Well I don't think so.  I find the formula provides a creamy matte texture, but the consistency accentuates every dry bit on my lips and is not even at all.  So not really good choice if you have very dry lips.  The color is quite pigmented, so I can imagine that can cover up most pigmented lips.

 The staying power is not massively long lasting like you might find in a more expensive lipstick,  it will  still  stays on for a long time  but unfortunately doesn’t survive meals and drinks.

I picked two shades: Gay Geranium and Coral Rose.

Gay Geranium is such a gorgeous shade, its bright coral orange and it’s perfect for if you like the nude eye and bright pop of color look.

17 smoulder gel eyeliner - Review

17 smoulder gel eyeliner is gel based eyeliner with a lasting hold.  I am usually Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner girl, but I thought I will give this little dupe a chance. I had the Maybelline Gel Eyeliner before and I didn’t really like it. I guess every Gel Eyeliner will fail the test it they are compared to Bobbi Brown or MAC Gel Eyeliner.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks in Red Lacquer

I had never tried before any lipsticks from Revlon as I usually love my high end lipsticks, but the Revlon's Red Lacquer caught my attention so I decided to give it a go.

Red Lacquer is a sheer cool-toned orange red. It’s a daytime red and not a rich, opaque red as it appears in the advertisement.

The lipstick feels smooth and hydrating on the lips and it doesn't bleed or feather but will have to be reapplied constantly. It doesn't last during drinking, eating or even from talking  and  takes a few swipes to get a bit of cover on my lips to get a nice coverage.