Empties #6

I never thought I would say that one day, but I am actually going through a lot of products on a regular basis. I've been accumulating empty products like a maniac, the reason also being that I used to never finish anything and therefore had a lot of just-about-empty bottles all over my bathroom. Long gone are the days of me thinking that way!
Since Empties posts will come a lot more frequently on this blog now, I am not going to talk about every single product in full as it's time-consuming and I find it really annoying (sorry!). Therefore, I will make the odd note here and there but that shall be it. However, if you want to know more about a certain product, you are of course more than welcome to ask about it in the comments and I will get back to you.

Recently Picked Up #1

I thought I would introducte a new series to my blog today which I call 'Recently Picked Up'. I rarely ever buy a ton of stuff at once, so haul posts just don't work for me very well. Instead, I'll use this spot to tell you about products I've recently purchased and perhaps even my first impressions on them.

(A wagonload of) Empties #5

Hi guys!

I am very far from being a hoarder or a messie, but I've been meaning to blog about these empty products for a while now and I just haven't gotten around to. I've binned them a long time ago (two months ago I believe?), so there's new trash that will find its way into your subscription boxes soon haha! Since they are an awful lot, I'm just typing down the product names. If you are interested in hearing my opinion on a certain product, please don't hesitate and contact me.

The damage

August Favorites

Hi lovelies!

First of all, let me excuse myself for my little absence from blogger, of course I haven't given up and everything, but school started again for me and so I wanted to get settled and adapt to my routine before starting to blog again. I'm a senior now and so school is really important to me, I hope you understand!

Anyway, on to the main topic of this (not so) little post, my favorites for the month of August...

Empties #2

July is over folks! I can't believe how quickly this month passed by, that means my vacation is coming to an end very soon! I've been good at finishing products this month although I will probably not use up enough products to make these posts on a monthly basis in the future.

I recently watched a video from Leigh Ann who discussed her finished products and she actually (hilariously!) put the whole idea of Empties posts/videos in a nutshell:

"Hey, here's my bag of trash, do you guys wanna hear about it?"

July Empties!

Empties #1

So at the beginning of this year, I had decided to take part in "Project Pan", a project to force me into using up more products. I used to post about every single item I'd used up, but I found that rather stressful so now I'm collecting my empties to blog about them.

Makeup Monday: June 25th

Today I wanted to share a really easy, but chic and pretty eye makeup with you. I used my new theBalm eyeshadow (more in-depth review coming soon) and created a look with it.

Here's the tutorial:


1.) Apply an eye primer to make your shadows last longer and to make them look more vibrant.
2.) Swipe a white/light beige eyeshadow all over your lid.
3.) Apply a light brown shade in your crease, this is going to be that "best friend color". It makes blending the shadows together a lot easier.
4.) Put a taupe-y purple eyeshadow on to the outer 2/3 of your lid and blend it into the crease.
5.) Use a fluffy blending brush to blend all the shadows out.
6.) Use a black liquid liner to line your top lash line. Slightly thicken the line as you go outwards.
7.) Curl your lashes and apply one or two coats of your favorite mascara.

Products used:

• L'Oréal Studio Secrets Smoothing Eye Primer
• Catrice Smokey Eyes Set in "030" (the lightest shade)
• Artdeco Eye Brow Powder in "5"
• theBalm Shady Lady in "Just This Once Jamie"
• L'Oréal Super Liner (Lineur Intense) in Carbon Gloss (Carbon Black)
• L'Oréal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara

What has been your go-to makeup lately?

Love,
Nathalie x

The Lazy Eye Combination

So as summer is upon us and also the semester is coming to an end (I can't believe there actually is one), I have been kind of behind with fancy makeup. I get very little sleep at the moment and seriously, if there's anything I'm not in the mood for, it's getting up in the middle of the night just for the sake of blending and contouring. I've gotten back to the basics again, I only do what I need to make me feel comfortable and ready to go. This little (all inclusive) routine takes me 10 minutes in the morning which I happily invest because I actually have been very happy with the results.

I have also made a few purchases amongst my new favorite eyeshadow, Maybelline Color Tattoo in the color On and On Bronze (post on that coming soon). This in combination with my new mascara, L'Oréal Telescopic (which is BEYOND amazing!) have made me skip eyeliner completely. I find that this is quite an achievement since I haven't left the house without eyeliner on for... years?

This is the pretty simple combo I came up with:

I used my finger to put Maybelline Color Tattoo eyeshadow all over the lid and then used a synthetic brush to blend out the edges. After that, I curled my lashes and applied two coats of mascara.

Yes I do wear contacts :)

What else I've been wearing on my face:
• Bebe Tinted Moisturizer
• Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer
• Astor Anti Shine Powder
• Manhattan blush in Fresh Peach
• Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Pinky Beige

Please excuse the rambling in this post, I haven't blogged for ages (at least that's how it feels like), but I will try to post more often very soon!

Love,
Nathalie x

L'Oréal Rouge Caresse

I'm sure that if you're a beauty blog addict like me you will have read a few reviews on this lipstick already. So without further ado, I'm just going to note down my thoughts on this quite unsual lipstick. The color I have is 401 Rebel Red.

The lipstick comes in a solid gold packaging with a clear cap. The shape reminds me of the other L'Oréal lipsticks (Color Riche and Color Riche Serum).

The special feature of these lipsticks clearly is the formula which is fairly new to the market. These are so called Lipstick Hybrids which means that they moisturize your lips like a good lipbalm or lip butter while delivering a settle amount of color unlike tinted lipbalms which really just add a sheen to the lips. 

When unpacking this lipstick for the first time I admit that the color scared me a lot since it's a bright tomato red. But when applying it, I noticed how sheer and yet pigmented the color actually is, hybrid is definitely the best word to desribe this new type of lipstick/lip butter.

They are comparable to the oh-so-famous Revlon lip butters, but unfortunately it's nearly impossible to get Revlon in Germany, so in case you're interested in a comparison, I'll link you to Adrienne's blog here.

The lipstick goes on so smoothly, it glides on like a light lipbalm but it's so moisturizing that this description doesn't really work. I find these to hydrate my lips very well and at the same time, they're really light weight which is amazing. When it comes to lasting power, I had to touch it up after maybe two hours?

These lipsticks have already come out in the UK and will be released in Germany in the middle of may. They sell for £7.99 in the UK and will cost about €10 in Germany.


I have found these lipsticks to be really satisfying, they deliver just the right amount of color for everyday and are absolutely outstanding in terms of hydrating the lips. I'm definitely keeping my eyes peeled and I will make sure to pick up another one of those in a neutral shade.


Nathalie xx


Disclaimer: This lipstick was sent to me for free by L'Oréal. All opinions are my own. This post is not sponsored.

Most Loved Products 2011

Hey guys!

I know that I'm probably a little late with my 2011 favorites, but having lots of school stuff to do (in my holidays!), I finally found the time for it today.

I tried to categorize everything (btw: really picture-friendly weather)

So I hope you enjoy this, and let's get started:

EYESHADOW

BH Cosmetics 88 Neutral Palette

I have been using this almost every day to create my typical neutral eye. The shadows are super pigmented, I just wished they were pressed a bit more firmly. All in all, a decent palette that is worth the bucks you spend on it.

FACE

Rimmel London Powder Blush 101 Pink Sugar

Awesome blush, goes on really nicely, and the subtile shimmer is also a nice feature of it. Used this for over 4 months now!

Maybelline Pure.Makeup Mineral 20 Cameo

This is the lightest shade of the color range and it's only just the shade that suits my skintone as I'm definitely at my palest this winter. It's easy to work with and has a medium coverage which is just perfect for me.

NYX Concealer in a jar 03 light

Love love love. Best concealer I've used so far. Goes on so smoothly! It even hides blemishes very well. Thumbs up!

OTHER EYE STUFF

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion [Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion] & Maybelline The Falsies

They both haven't been my favorite mascaras this year, in fact, that was L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Carbon Black. But I ran out of it and I wanted to include mascaras, so I took these. I found out that they actually look pretty together, but not too breathtaking when worn alone.

L'Oréal Lineur Intense Carbon Black

I bought this because everyone recommended this to me and I'm so glad I did! Best liquid liner ever, I will probably always stick to it. I can't imagine a better liner.

p2 Perfect Look Kajal 020 brown

There's probably 1/2 inch left of this. This describes how good it is. I'm not a person that often useds things completely up, but I did use up this automatic eyeliner, Perfect for lining the lower lash line ord water line as it stays put forever. 

LIPS

ColorSensational The Shine Plum Reflection

My first real dark lipstick (I'm not a lipstick kinda girl) that I wore during the fall time. I love the color, even though I think it's too glittery sometimes. Overall, a good buy!

Catrice Colour Show Toast With Champagne and Lip Appeal Bare Necessity

These are both lip gloss ranges they offer and I love them both. While Colour Show has the more intense colors and a better lasting power, Lip Appeal is just perfect for a neutral, effortless look.

Carmex Jar

I have always loved this, I love it, and I will always love it. End of story.

FACE CARE

Nivea Visage Daily Care

I used the cleanser first and then bought the tonic and they're both really amazing. They smell good and leave my skin perfectly clean. Repurchase-worthy!

Neutrogena Oil-free Moisturizer

My moisturizer for the winter months as it's a little thicker and richer than the Garnier one I use in summer. Really nice, only the scent had been bothering me at first.

NAIL POLISHES

p2 Calcium Gel

My second bottle in 1 1/2 years, and this is already half empty again. No need to tell that I really like this as a base coat.

Catrice Ultimate Nudes Cotton Candy at Eiffel Tower

Love this milky light pink color, it's my go-to neutral shade. I also have a bunch of other colors by Catrice, but this is my favorite.

essence Colour & Go Trust In fashion

I believe that this shade is not available anymore (sadly!)...my mom got me this and I loved it immediately. It's just so hard to get off...

p2 Last forever dating time & dangerous affair

I'm a sucker for red nail polishes and these two made my heart melt. So gorgeous! And they last...and last...and last...

PERFUME

Kate by Kate Moss

I love this. I love this so much, I could write a single blog post about how much I love this perfume. It smells like roses and it's my every every every single day perfume. I LOVE THIS.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

This is the small travel refillable size. Isn't it cute? I adore this bottle. And the scent, so summery and so good for spring. It smells fruity and flowery, just perfect for the warmer months.

What were your favorites 2011?

Love,

Nathalie xx

New arrivals: L'Oréal, Maybelline, essence...

Last saturday was just perfect to hit the drugstore and pick up a few things, but I wasn't able to post this earlier, so here we go now:

MAKEUP

• Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine in 360 Plum Perfection

Had been staring at this color for weeks and finally manages to purchase it. I'm going through a dark-red lip phase right now, and this one absolutely satisfies my craving for a glamorous, plum color.

• L'Oréal Paris Super Liner [Lineur Intense] Carbon Gloss [Carbon Black]

As you can see, this liner is called differently in Germany, but it's just as awesome. As everyone loves his liner, I decided to give it a try and buy it. Well, what to say...I love it!

BEAUTY

• Balea Aqua Hydrating Sheet Mask

I love sheet masks because they're so easy to use. And in the fall, even my oily skin needs some moisture and these masks are just amazing.

• essence 24h hand protection balm (mini size)

My love for the 24h hand balm + my love for travel-size hand creams = happy me.

NAIL POLISH

• p2 Perfect Nail Hardener

My nails are kinda brittle right now and so I wanna strengthen them, but as I hate formaldehyde-containing nail hardener, I decided to pick up this one that is free of it. And I works well!

• Catrice In The Bronx

Last week's nail polish purchase. I don't want to write to much about it, if you wanna know more about this gorgeous color, check out my Daily Nail post here.

I hope you enjoyed this post!

x, Nathalie

NEW Arrivals: Beauty

JK Jemma Kidd i-design eye colour in 08 must have

Everyone says that Jemma Kidd makeup is amazing, so I went to Zalando and noticed: it was on SALE! I just couldn't help myself and picked out this pretty shimmery, midnight blue color. Review coming soon!

 essence 24h protection balm Winter Edition 'Vanilla Apple Pie'

I love the 24 protection balm (I generelly love hand cream so much) that I just had to buy this. This year's winter colletion is called 'Little bakery', besides this scent, the scents 'Raspberry Chocolate Cake' and 'Strawberry Cupcake' are available.

 L'Oréal Studio Secrets Smoothing Eye Primer

I'm always looking for new eye primers (Oily lids, I'm looking at you!) and decided to give this one a try and I absolutely love the SS face primer.

What did you buy these days?

xoxo, Nathalie