Dear Beauty Lovers,

After a long break (too long if you ask me) I am finally back. No..no, I didn't forget about the blog. The reason for my big break was that I had gotten a new job back in September. Up until now I completely haven't had any time to keep the blog up to date, but things are about to change.


But the good news is while I was away the number of items in my make up and skincare collection has doubled, so stay tuned for new blog posts coming up in the nearest future. 

 Lots of Love,

Elena

Bourjois Blush Rose d'Or

I've been loving this beautiful Bourjois blush for the last month, so I decided it's about time I share it with you all... 

I think one can never have enough blushes in the make up bag. Luckily, there is more than one blush shade that suits each skin tone. Depending on the lipstick shade, make up look you are going for or just your mood blush can change accordingly. Besides, there is so many textures, colors and formulations on the market at the moment that it is almost impossible to make just one choice. 

So here it is - my favorite blush of the month...

Not for nothing Bourjois is famous for their foundations and for their blushes - Good quality, fantastic value for money, vast variety of colours. It often is compared to Chanel blushes - the texture is almost the same - both baked, they are both made in France, at the same place  (I wouldn't be surprised if they were made in the same factory) and the quality is more or less the same too. Bourjois blushes are fantastic and they cost much less than Premium Houses' blushes. Chanel's blush is € 38,13 for 4 grams and Bourjois's is € 11,17 for 2,5 grams. The difference in price is definitely noticeable.

It has very fine golden shimmer to it, but very subtle - you almost don't notice it.

It comes with a brush - not the most fantastic brush in the world, but , if necessary it will do. I like the fact that it is well pressed, so there is no dusty mess that some blushes have - I find it very annoying, because it's a waste of product and the packaging gets dirty very fast. It has good pigmentation as well, so it is easy to work with.

Never mind the eye brows - they have the life on their own

This colour is very pretty, vibrant, youthful pink. I find it really lightens up the face, making me look awake, healthy and glowing. The only bad thing I can say about this blush is the smell - it's very heavily perfumed. It smells like old make up from my Granny's purse, but after I apply it on my cheeks, I don't smell it anymore. So, it's no biggie for me.

Overall, it's a very good blush. Good texture, beautiful colours and they are very affordable. In the nearest future I will be adding some more of Bourjois blushes to my make up collection. Do you own any of Bourjois blushes? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

I hope you enjoyed!
xx, Elena

Liebster Award!

Hi Girls!
This morning I woke up to an unexpected surprise. Gl0ssy from http://gl0ssi.blogspot.ca/ (go check out her lovely blog!) has nominated me for Liebster Award! Thank you gl0ssy! I thought it's fun to do, so here it goes...

The Rules: 

1. Post 11 random facts about yourself so people can get to know you.

2. Answer the 11 questions that the person who awarded you posted to be answered.

3. Choose 11 people to award this to.

4. Go to each blog and tell them you nominated them for the award.

5. Make up 11 questions for the people you nominate to answer. 

Gl0ssy's 11 Questions: 

1. What are your top 5 favourite movies?
I don't have the ultimate 5, but I have 5 I am loving for a while now: 1. The Intouchables; 2. A Better Life; 3. Lucky Number Slevin; 4. Inglorious Basterds; 5. RED (Retired, Extremely Dangerous).
2. If someone told you that you are leaving right now, and you only have time to grab 5 essential beauty items, what would they be?
That's a tricky one..Let's see: 1. Sunscreen; 2. Facial Cleanser; 3.Mascara; 4. Black eyeliner; 5.Lip and Cheeks tint.
3. Favourite season?
Summer
4. Why did you start blogging?
I love writing, I love make up, I love beauty - blogging seemed like the right thing to do.
5. If you had to list three pet peeves, what would they be?
I definitely have more than 3, but here are the most annoying ones: 1. I hate when people outstay their welcome; 2. I hate when people stand too close to my face, completely ignoring my personal distance; 3. I hate when people say their opinion and walk away in the middle of a discussion, leaving you hanging..
6. What is your favourite meal?
Pasta with fresh pesto, cherry tomatoes, arugula and goat cheese. Delicious!
7. What is your current favourite song?
Robert Plant - Big Log. Oh, such a nice tune!
8. What is your current favourite purchase?
I think Essie's Too Too Hot nail polish
9. Favourite car?
Audi A3 Cabrio ( I can dream on...)
10. What is the last book your read?
50 shades of Grey...Surprise, surprise :))
11. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla - ice cream, everything else - Chocolate

11 Facts about me:

1. My zodiac sign is Capricorn. 

2. Whenever I start a new book, I always read the last page first. 

3. I am a bona fide cat person. I have a cat, her name is Stinky and I love her to death.

4. I look angry when I concentrate on something - I didn't notice it myself, but I got some feedback around the house :)

5. I am very bad at losing and I don't deal with criticism very well. 

6. I am always cold. I am one of those people, who always brings a jacket, just in case. 

7. I hate the sound of harmonica. For me, it's the most annoying musical instrument ever invented!

8. I am very conservative in my style. Timeless beauty is my thing. 

9. I can split my toes very wide. I didn't realize it was special, until some people were amazed :)

10. I get irrationally angry when someone blows air in my face! Hate it. 

11. It takes time for me to let people into my life. I select my friends very carefully, but once they are my friends, I love them dearly!

I nominate:

TheMaiBug

The Beauty Notebook

Sasha's Style

Diva of Geneva

Natuurlijk Anouk

Miss Just Pretty

My plek op die Web

MrsBleeker

Seeking Serendipity
Becky's Beauty Box
Rosy Chicc

My Questions: 

1. A Cat person or A Dog person?

2. What is the first thing you would buy or do, if you won the lottery?

3. What is your hobby?

4. What is one habit you want to get rid of?

5. What is your favourite part of being a blogger?

6. What's your addiction?

7. What is one beauty item you couldn't live without?

8. Are you an impulsive buyer or do you do your research before you decide to buy something?

9. What is the most expensive and the most inexpensive make up/beauty item that you own?

10. Do you mind leaving house without make up?

11.Do you believe in love at first sight?

Well, that's it! I had lots of fun answering all the questions! I hope you will too! Please, post a link with your answers in the comment bar below and have fun with it!

xx, Elena

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Ebloui

Today I want to review one of the famous and fabulous Illusion d'Ombre eye shadows from Chanel's Fall 2011 collection. For those of you, who haven't heard - Illusion d'Ombre is a cream/gel eye shadows, which come in 6 shades. Famous for their unusual texture and beautiful colors, they quickly became THE must-have item for many girls all over the World.

The shade in the spotlight today is the the very beautiful (ladies and gentlemen, please welcome...) Nr. 86 Ebloui. It's this gorgeous red coppery shade (looks very flattering on blue and grey eyes!). All of the Illusion d'Ombre eye shadows have shimmer in them - some more, some less. This one is somewhere is the middle shimmer-wise.

I like the packaging. It comes in a glass pot with the black lid - simple, yet classic - exactly what one would expect from Chanel. There is also a small brush that comes with it. Usually those little "extras" are rather useless, but this brush comes in handy.

The retail price in Europe is €28,50 for 4 grams of product, which is quite a bit of money, but I feel like it will last a long time - it's pigmented and a little goes a long way. But, the reason I've decided to splurge on these eye shadows is their texture. I haven't seen any other product that is quite like it (texture-wise). It's a cross between mousse and cream eye shadow, it is bouncy and squishy ...unique, I would say.

Day Light (unfortunately, this picture doesn't do the justice to the color)

Application is so foolproof - you can use your fingers or a brush. Any mistakes are very easy to correct and the color is very buildable - I find that this shade can be subtle for day time and a bit more dramatic for night time. I don't know if they last all day , but they do last for good 5-6 hours (and they don't crease!).

Overall, there eye shadows have very unique and unusual texture, beautiful colors and good quality. If you are looking for a nice metallic cream eye shadow, Chanel's Illusion d'Ombre is worth trying. 

Dior Hydra Life Pro-Youth Skin Tint review

Some months back I found myself looking for a tinted moisturizer. I am always in search of the perfect base, which is bad for my wallet, frustrating for me and very good for economy. So, after a lot of looking around I came across Dior's Pro-Youth Skin Tint from their Hydra Life range. I've red a lot of positive reviews online and after careful consideration I decided - I will give it a try.

www.sephora.com

The packaging looks quite simple, but nice - just the silvery/greeny tube with indication of the shade in front. On the back of the tube it has a description what it does to your skin and how it works : "An ultra-moisturizing and protective care...has light defusing pigments for a natural and visibly enhanced complexion". It also has SPF 20, which is handy.

It has only 3 shades, which I think is a very big (and only) downside to this product. But I've managed to find my match in shade 002 Golden (quite frankly, this is a match only for the summer time). In the Netherlands it retails for € 39.70, in the USA it's $40.00 for 50 ml of product, which I think is a good value for money (most foundations cost the same for 30ml).

It doesn't have a pump - you just have to squeeze it out. I would have preferred a pump, but it's no big deal  - the product has good consistency, so you can stop when necessary. 

No make up

Only Dior Skin Tint

Moving on to the best part of this skin tint - I love the glow it gives my skin. Basically, it does what it says - generally improves your complexion, without looking cakey or overly made up. Although it goes out the tube looking just like a normal foundation, it blends very well into your skin, leaving slightly dewy to natural finish. Another thing I love is that I don't feel it on my skin at all - the formula is so lightweight, a dream come true. 

The bottom line is - I really like this product and I might as well stick with it (unless I find something better, of course). The only downside (which is a big one, though) that it comes only in 3 shades. My recommendation would be to try it before you buy it. 

I hope it was helpful, xo 

50 Questions Tag

I spotted the 50 Questions tag on gl0ssy's blog (http://gl0ssi.blogspot.nl). Hers was fun to read, so I decided to do one myself. Although it's not really beauty related, I think of it as a little fun extra to do. So here it goes:

50 Questions

1. Height?

168 cm or 5'6 

2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
No, I don't believe that I have :)))

3. Do you own a gun?
No,but I do own a pepper spray, in case I want to spice things up :)

4. Who would you let eat crackers in your bed?
Not gonna happen. No eating in bed for me. 

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
Dentist gives me shivers 

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
Not a fan. I have this thing about sausages - God only knows what's in it

7. What’s your favorite Christmas song?
Chestnut's roasting on an open fire by Nat King Cole - lovely!

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Definitely coffee

9. Can you do push ups?
Yes, but not a lot. 

10. Is your bathroom clean?
I live with a man, so, no matter how hard I try, it somehow gets dirty again (very quickly) 

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry?
My rings

12. Do you like painkillers?
Not really, but if it hurts pretty bad, I don't mind one

13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?
Put up an interesting game

14. Do you have A.D.D.?
No

15. What’s your name?
Elena

16. Middle name?
The sweetest in the World 

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
I can't listen to Johnny Cash anymore, I want some coffee, I can't believe summer is over.

18. Name the last 3 things you bought:
Pasta, bacon, cream (pasta Carbonara coming straight up!)

19. Who is your favorite visual artist?
Many. I do like Van Gogh a lot

20. You’re stuck on an deserted island with two other people, who would you want to be stranded with?
My best friend and my Mum.

21. You've won a major award and have thanked your family, who else would you thank?
The Academy :))

22. Current worry?
Need to get organized 

23. Current hate?
I don't have enough money

24. Favorite place to be?
Home! Sweet home!

25. How did you bring in the New year?
I've had an awesome 80's costume party!

26. Where would you like to go?
Good Old New York

27. Do you own slippers?
Sure

28. What shirt are you wearing?
A black tank top

29. Do you burn or tan?
Tan

30. Favorite color(s)?
Black , brights 

31. Would you be a pirate?
Definitely, but then more like Robin Hood type

32. Are you gay?
No, can't say that I am

33. What songs do you sing in the shower?
None, the neighbors would complain. 

34. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?
I didn't have that fear

35. What’s in your pockets right now?
Have no pockets, but usually keys

36. Where are you?
On the couch, in the Netherlands :)

37. Best bed sheets as a child?
I remember I liked ones with snowmen on them

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had?
Stepped on something very sharp while swimming, cut my foot open

39. You’re on a trip around the world and have to select five landmarks to visit, what would you pick?
Solar de Uyini (salt lake), Bolivia; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, North pole, Grand Barrier Reef, Australia.

40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
Only one

41. Who is your loudest friend?
Can't think of anyone - must be me

42. Who is your quietest friend?
I don't think any of my friends are quite people

43. Does someone have a crush on you?
I don't know, but I sure hope so!

44. Do you wish on shooting stars?
I did a couple of times

45. What is your favorite book?
It changes, but I do like Gone with the Wind, Margaret Mitchell

46. What is your favorite candy?
Chocolate 

47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding?
Something romantic, but no too sloppy

48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
Nothing to sad. Off the top of my head I'd say Queen's Under Pressure :)

49. What were you doing at 12AM last night?
Watching Breaking Bad

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? 

Why this cat is licking me?

I hope it was fun. I tag everyone, who wants to do the 50 Question tag and please, post a link in the comment section below. I would like to read your 50 questions. xo

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Clinique Chunky Cherry Chubby Stick review

Fruity, tempting names, fun colors, moisturizing formula and it looks rather chubby...Yes, that's right - I am talking about Clinique's famous Chubby Sticks. In May 2012 the exciting 8 new shades were launched. At first I was hesitant but, after seeing the big hype online, I decided to see for myself what the fuss was all about. 

http://blog.northjersey.com/shoptalk/3148/testing-1-2-3-clinique-chubby-lip-balm-sticks/

Out of all the shades, I went for the cherry red color called Chunky Cherry. My lips naturally have a lot of color in them, so I wanted something that will actually be noticeable when I put it on. Besides, the summer month were ahead of me, so why not?

Chubby Stick is not really a lipstick, more like a lip balm with a color to it. Now, I have tried tinted lip balms before, but this seemed somewhat different (with a little bit more meat to it, if it makes sense). 

I would like to start with positives first. Number one on my list is the packaging - I looks like a chubby crayon with a colorful middle (differs depending on the shade) and silver top and bottom. Mine is used quite a lot already, but normally it comes in a crayon shape. It might look like you need to sharpen it, but there is specially designed bottom, that turns up, which saves the time and makes it easier to use.

Another thing that I like is that it really does feels moisturizing on the lips. It's very light weight, not sticky at all and, for the time that it actually is on the lips, it gets the job done, which is good. Another thing I like is the color. I have to say that this is the only Chubby Stick that I own, but the color in this one is very pretty and you can actually see it on the lips, which was something that I was looking for. 

To my annoyance, the camera wouldn't pick up the actual brightness of the color 

Unfortunately, having said all that, there are (in my opinion) a few downsides to this product. Firstly, I think it's overpriced. Even though it does have the weight of a normal lipstick (3 g), you run through it much (much!) faster. I don't know the price everywhere else, but in the Netherlands it retails for € 17,00 , which for a lip balm I think is a little too much. 

Another thing I am not crazy about is the staying power. I understand the fact that lip balms aren't supposed to stick to the lips for the entire day and you have to reapply them. Which brings me back to the point about it being overpriced. 

And the last (this one is no biggie though) is that it melts a little when its hot outside (it's not bad, I mean it's not running all over the purse or anything like that).

To sum up, I think it's a fine product  but ,unless there is a big sale in a local make up store, I am not coming back for more. I hope it was helpful, xo