(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

What's In My Handbag? (Travel Edition)

I'm currently on my annual summer vacation, this year the family and I are headed back to the seaside in Northern Germany where we're going to spend a bit more than a week. The distance is not so huge and so we are taking the car to get there. You all know how boring and long car travels can be, so today I thought I'd show you how I keep myself pretty and entertained by showing you what's in my handbag!

Maybelline Color Tattoo (+ Sultry Eye Makeup)

So I admit that it took me a few weeks and countless reviews to finally give in and buy the new Maybelline Color Tattoo. My experience with cream shadows has been rather awful so far since so many start creasing on me after one or two hours of wear. But I have a little obsession with this one going on and I will tell you why!

The Maybelline Color Tattoo shadows are sort of a cream gel formula that blends wonderfully whether you use it with your fingers or a brush (I recommend a synthetic one). After applying it, it dries down a bit and from that part on, this stuff won't go anywhere. I used an eye primer underneath and I can say this lasted about 8 or 9 hours without creasing which is quite an achievement for me (Note: I have very oily eye lids!). If you have normal or dry skin, you can probably get away without the primer and get a little more wear out of it.

Left: not blended -- Right: blended

The shade that I have is On and on bronze (Bad to the bronze for all the fellow Americans amongst you) and it is the most beautiful bronze color with golden brown-ish undertones. It does have some shimmer/sparkle to it, but just the right amount in my opinion. The shadow is incredibly pigmented, a little goes a long way here! You can receive a nice wash of color by blending it out or layer it for a more glamorous night-out look.

Now moving on to the fun part of this post! :D

I was inspired by the gorgeous Vivianna who was rocking a smokey eye on her blog today and I wanted to recreate the look and of course reached for my glorious Color Tattoo eyeshadow!

I used a synthetic brush to put the shadow all over my lid bringing it quite high near my brows. Then I put some of the shadow under my eye using a smudge brush and blended it out with a clean cotton swab. I lined my upper lash line with a dark brown eyeliner and also used the same liner on the water line. A generous coat of mascara et voilà!

For the rest of the makeup I kept it really simple: I evened out my skin with some foundation and concealer and dusted the tiniest amount of powder on top. I sweeped a little bit of bronzer on to my cheeks to contour my face. On my lips, I used a dusty pink lipstick, blotted it and topped my lips with nude lip gloss.

What are your thoughts on the Maybelline Color Tattoo?

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

Maybelline Moisture Extreme

I've started purchasing lipsticks last year (at the age of 16!) as I always loved lip gloss way more. But 2011, I decided that it was my #1 task to find amazing nude lipsticks to replace my ever present glosses (of which I was kinda tired). Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy wearing gloss, but now that I've found lipsticks like the Maybelline Moisture Extreme, I'm drawn to lipsticks WAY more.

PACKAGING

 Moisture Extreme lipsticks come in solid packagings which are whether metallic red or beige colored.

COLOR

I'm reviewing "Pinky beige" which I would describe as a beige nude with a generous amount of pink to it. To me, this is the most beautiful nude color I own at the moment. It's very neutral but does not completely wash you out and make you look more dead than alive. Hence is the perfect addition to your everyday makeup as it adds a tiny pop of color to your face (as I said, tiny!). Pinky Beige is part of the "Natural Nudes" Range.

 FORMULA

The formula of these lipsticks is wonderful, it glides on better than any chapstick I have (no lie!) and deeply moisturizes your lips (and yet it's so pigmented!). It almost leaves a glossy finish while feeling super soft on the lips.

ALL IN ALL

My new obsession. I've swatched a couple of other shades and I'm dying to get my hands on them as every single one of them is truly beautiful.

Love,

Nathalie x

P.S.: For further information, check out Adrienne's review.

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