MAC Cosmetics in Slovenia & A Peek at my MAC Collection

Romantic Makeup look: BeYu Be Sensual Test

Collistar Giardini Italiani Spring collection: Look & Test

Collistar, a traditional classic among Italian cosmetics and women. This is my first ever experience with this Italian brand (nope, I'm lying, I've already tried nail polishes) and I'm excited to share some thoughts on quality, appearance and performance. I'm guilty, usually Collistar beauty and makeup collections just pass by me not even noticing any particular beauty product. Honestly, it's very much old school, maybe even more prone to older women and ladies. Still, I try to get out of my comfort zone every once in a while, and I said yes to the new Collistar opportunity. I'm trying out (only for you) the new, fresh and upcoming Collistar Spring/Summer 2017 collection called Gardini Italiani, gardens of Italy. I was pretty impressed to see such a youthful collection that might even appeal to younger audience.

Modern Mermaid: How to wear blue eyeshadow without looking outdated

Frightening, dramatic, outdated and unwearable. These are the first four words that come to my mind when thinking about blue eyeshadow. I admit, it's dreadful even for me, even though I want to be super tough and fierceful when using makeup. Well, I'm not. And it's okay to be frighten of deep blue mascara, turquoise eyeliner or baby blue eyeshadow. It's hard to pull off but if you actually simplify the application, it might just look chic, modern and fresh. Forget about perfect blue smokey eyes or overly sculpted eyes, this time I'm going ''all in'' colour blocking with only one shade, blue-turquoise.

Glossy Cheeks, Taupe Lips & Pink Mascara Look

All this makeup but still, some of you started to miss my makeup looks. Although I do experiment with products on daily basis (now don't get wild), I always seem to neglect sharing full on makeup faces with you. This time around I had an urge to try out most unusual, almost bizarre products on the market. Taupe lipsticks are pretty much a trend in makeup industry but not the cheapest and most common lip shade to opt for. Luckily, I stumbled upon NYX lipliner in 1000 years (3,12€, BeautyJoint), supposedly a dupe for MAC Stone lipliner, and KIKO Luscious Cream lipstick in 524 Taupe (6,90€, KIKO). They are both a cheaper alternative to trendy taupe lips. For a flawless base there's no better alternative than L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime range (review here). For better coverage I mixed L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime CC Cream (28,50€, L'Occitane online) with Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream (15,50€, drugstores or FeelUnique) along with Korean most popular, ultra covering The Saem Cover Perfection Liquid Concealer (7,12€, Jolse). For added glossy shine, the main star is definitely MAC Cinderella Eye Gloss in Pearl Varnish (LE Collection). Last but not least, cheap as chips Essence Colour Flash Volume Mascara 03 (around 3€, drugstores) adds a pop of pink on your eyelashes. If you want less apparent pink/red look apply over a coat or two of regular black mascara. With flash or without it, do you dare?

PRODUCTS USED:

- L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream (review here)

- Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream 31

- L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime CC Cream Light

- The Saem Cover Perfection Liquid Concealer 01

- Benefit Hervana Blush

-  MAC Cinderella Eye Gloss in Pearl Varnish

- Catrice Eyebrow Lifter 

- KIKO Cream Crush Lasting Colour Eyeshadow 03 (review here)

- Maybelline Color Tattoo Permanent Taupe 

- Essence Colour Flash Volume Mascara 03 

- NYX Lipliner in 1000 Years

- KIKO Luscious Cream Lipstick in 524 Taupe

Forest Fairy with DIY Elf Ears

Transiting from winter into early spring...there's definitely (going on) a lot of carnivals or masquerades in every European city. And since I'm a firm believer of having fun at least once (or twice) a year, I came up with an inspired forest green elf or fairy (whatever you prefer) kind of look. If you're familiar with my previous inspired makeup looks, you probably already know I'm eager with last minute photos and running out the door as soon as possible. Again, pictures are kind of a let down the next day but at least I didn't miss all the fun. Anyway, speaking about elf's, I managed to make elf ears one day in advance. Relying on my trusty makeup, I was already a week too late for buying extra fake elf ears. Luckily enough, I stumbled across a really handy DIY Elf Ears Tutorial on Youtube here. And since latex always comes handy for Halloween, I've decided to make them on my own. And it actually works! I highly suggest getting latex for upcoming Halloween or masquerade, it'a a life saver if you're a last minute person like me. 

Makeup was mostly created with pigments from Darling Girl and Geek Chic Cosmetics fot extra glow and shimmer. For lips, Topshop Sashay Away and Mayor's Daughter pigment were a sealed deal. Oh, and exaggerating with false eyelashes is always a good idea for these fun occasions in my book. As for the elf hair, you can easily get away with braids and straighten hair. Hopefully, you got an idea or two for the next similar occasion. It's actually quite alarming how much I enjoy transforming (and changing personality) into a whole another mystical creature. So what's your next mask pick?

My Lipbalm Collection: 30+ Lipbalms with Quick Reviews

I cannot express my mixed feelings around my overflow (collection sounds too decent) of lipbalm. I know my amount of lipbalms is just ridiculous yet I love variety in general. I rather not even show you my three number collection of lipsticks although I would LOVE to show you all at once. Being a massive (shameless) lipstick hoarder I cannot seem to find a good reason for such behaviour. Maybe it's the shape or similarity that makes me go nuts in lipbalm department as well. I did get some of them as PR gift or were gifted to me by friends. Also, they are extremely easy to use up in project pans. A good reason not to point at me with finger, right?

Let us start with Labello, my oldest love. I still remember my favourite shimmery Labello from primary school. We were crazy over all kinds of color and shimmer- pink, gold...you name it. The more you had, the bigger the envy. Scent still brings me back in the past and gives me chills of happiness. Luckily enough, Labello still sells some of my old favourites and is always adding new, fun lip flavours. My current ultimate favourites are definitely Lip Butters, especially Caramel Cream and Vanilla&Macadamia. I still crave Original and Raspberry Rose though. For all of US ladies, yes, Labello = Nivea. You can easily get them in almost every grocery store for around 2-3€ or on iHerb.

Maybelline Baby Lips can be a hit or a miss but packaging always gets me. In fact, I own two different kinds of Baby Lips - Asian and US/European version. A miss is definitely Peach and Moisture which irritate and give hardly no color payoff. I do however enjoy Grape, Mango and Pink Punch. Others are somewhere in between, not bad not great. You can find Baby Lips on Ebay or in your drugstore for around 1-3€.

Korres Lip Butters were a revelation after trying Mango (review here). Buttery texture, perfected lips, amazing pigmentation and moisture. Creamy Jasmine on the other hand, crushed my initial thoughts. It's a lovely neutral tone but formula somehow irritates my lips after a few hours. Color also spreads uneven. I would generally recommend Korres Lip Butters but research colors beforehand. You can buy Korres on FeelUnique for around 10€. 

The Body Shop Lip Butter has a creamy, thick texture that's pleasant enough to use every day. I usually layer it before night sleep because of thickness. Every lip butter has a different smell that's on point - in my case, a rich chocolate smell. They are sold in The Body Shop for 6€.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm has a gritty, thick texture that is similar to glue stick. It's matte on the lips and has a citrus scent. I haven't noticed any special benefits from the day I started using it. It's definitely not my favourite but I like to layer it before lipstick. You can get Nuxe in pharmacies, Escentual and FeelUnique. 

Badger, my favorite natural lipbalm with no nasty chemicals. My first and still my favorite is the Vanilla Bean although Mocha Cocoa isn't bad either. I need to point out that they all smell exactly what they claim to be. They're all super moisturising and quite thick. They don't irritate my lips which happens with quite a few lip treatments. They are animal friendly, all ingredients are read-able and they smell heavenly. A true staple in my stash. Available on iHerb and FeelUnique for around 2€.

Lipsmackers are fun, yummy and do their job. I wouldn't call them extra efficient but they do leave a medium thick layer - if that makes any sense. In general, I like them because of thick payoff and fun scents you can't find in other brands. I especially love Cotton Candy (used up unfortunately). My least favorite was Cherry Cola. Lipsmacker are sold in drugstores and Click2Chic for around 2,50€.

Balea Lip Balms in general are quite waxy and not efficient. I usually buy them because of funky scents for lifting up my mood throughout the day. A recent new addition is Swirled Kisses which has a lovely, mild scent of bananas and strawberries. It also leaves a hint of pink on the lips. You can find them in every DM store for around 1,80€.

Rosal Lip Balm came out with a new, summer collection of 4 different colors. I choose Morning Rose, a lovely medium pink, and Coral Candy, a bright coral. They are highly pigmented with UVA and UVB protection. I find them a bit hard in texture (that can easily break) but I forgive them considering the price. They are sold only in Croatia for about 2€.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips is a normal, tinted Vaseline in a cute, tiny pot. Smells exactly like roses and leaves a slight tint. Nothing exceptional but does the general job. It's not the best for chapped lips.

Rodial Steam Cell Balm has a lipgloss texture at first but transforms into a balm after a few minutes. Has a strong rose scent and does amazing job with soothing and moisturising. It's deep repairing and efficient yet it plumps the lips for a glamorous look. I got it as a freebie with magazine but you can find Rodial on Asos.

Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream is a Japan version of Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream. Highly concentrated glycerin heals and repairs chapped lips. It contains vitamin B2 & E and is safe for entire family. Heals and sorts cracked skin and I rely on it when I have a true massacre on my lips. Yu-Be is sold in Sephora and Ebay for the fraction of  E. Arden price.

ChapStick Hydration Lock is US based lip treatment brand. So far I'm not entirely impressed by efficiency but I like the idea of repair and moisture side in one lipbalm. Doesn't have any particular scent or color. 

Which lip balms would you recommend? Which one is your favorite?

The Body Shop Honey Bronzer Review, Swatch

 

I expect hell-of-a-lot from a 18€ bronzer. I was pretty happy with my Benefit Hoola until I discovered Soap&Glory Solar Powder in a really light shade. I ditched and sold my Hoola and converted only to light bronzers with no hassle nor endless blending. The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder (well, that's a mouthful) is right up my alley. Light enough to be someone's setting powder and light enough to be a perfect bronzer for me.

First up, let us appreciate gorgeous design of Honey Bronzer. No matter how many times I apply this bronzer, I will always take a second or two to admire honeycomb design. Product inside is astonishing as well. It has inprinted  honeycomb design and color just makes you want to use it. I accidentally got  02 Fair Matte which is supposedly the second darkest color although I didn't see much of a difference between them in the first place. Nonetheless, it's still a light color that leans more toward yellow rather grey or red. It's definitely a warm shade of bronzer I personally use as an all over bronzer to warm up the face. It's completely matte. Although it's pretty light compared to other bronzers, I still use only a tap or two for half of my utterly fair face. Skintones over NC25 will not show off the light bronze color so I suggest to check out 03 and 04 or find bronzer in other brand's department. Pigmentation is great and I didn't notice any major fallout. Packaging stays fairly clean after dozen of uses.

For the swatch, I had to layer bronzer 3 times to be visible enough for the camera. As you can see it's definitely a warm bronzer shade although my camera doesn't do it justice because of blue background. Picture is instantly more cool-toned in my case. Longevity is okay, it stays on average amount of time (about 5-7 hours). My only complaint is a gimmicky addition. I would die out of joy if it would smell like honey. The Body Shop does promise that's honey-enriched powder for a healthy looking skin. Powder itself is finely milled and applies evenly without any patchiness.

I have to say, I'm a big fan. I can finally see what's all fuss about and it's truly an easy bronzer for everyday. Easy to use, silky smooth, applies evenly, it's matte and looks gorgeous. I can't complain about anything, other than I miss honey scent and I hate the price tag. Comes in 4 different shades and costs 18€ in Europe, 12GBP in UK and 20$ in USA.

I've finally realized what's my favorite High-end Brand : BECCA Cosmetics

I finally came to conclusion which is my ultimate favourite high-end brand : BECCA Cosmetics which is a makeup brand directly from Australia. Their products are known to enhance natural beauty rather than making outstanding and colourful products. Without a doubt on my mind Becca is truly worth the extra money since it delivers what you're paying for. Those of you who didn't try any Becca products yet, you're truly missing out. Everything started with Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (Review HERE) and led to their new release of Shimmer Souffles. 

The only thing that bothers me is their availability in Europe. I usually get Becca on MiseBeauty, FragnanceDirect for discontinued products and AllCosmeticsWholesale. UK girls can get Becca in SpaceNK and I also think they ship worldwide.

Now let's move to separate review of each product.

Becca Pressed Shimmer Powder in Nymph is basically a powder version of Shimmering Skin Perfector.

I think this product was replaced with their newer Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in 2 shades. Nonetheless I'm pretty sure they both give same, natural highlighting effect. It's finely milled and really soft so it's a dream to apply and blend. You can sheer it out or apply heavily for a night out.

This powder doesn't enhance pores and contains only tiny shimmery particles. It gives a light soft focus to your cheeks.

Becca Duo Concealer in Torrone has a medium and high coverage side of concealer.

In opacity, both sides seem equally opaque to me. This concealer compact is only perfect for covering blemishes and hyperpigmentation since it's really dense and hardcore opaque. Stays on for a fairly good amount - up to 7 hours. I wish it was a bit less dense and more creamy to make it work on under eye area.

NEW Shimmer Souffles come in 6 different shades, all are combined with Shimmering Skin Perfector and Beach Tint.

I have to say I'm pretty impressed with this new concept for summer. It gives a wonderful glow, perfect transparent cheek color  and longlasting tinted effect. 

Lychee/Opal is a bright fuchsia pink with neutral/gold highlighter, a gorgeous mousse alternative to Nars Orgasm. When you blend it out, you can actually see the blush part ''sinking'' into the skin and creates two-dimensional look of two products which is I guess - the whole purpose. It's really longlasting and can be easily applied because of sheer texture. I've heard a lot of complaining about their intensity but since I'm really fair I don't have any problems with pigmentation. Contrary - this works great for me since I don't have any worries about over-applying. Has a mousse-whipped kind of texture and makes your cheeks glow.

The only downsize is the amount (5.7g) and standout shimmer/glow effect - especially for those who hate obvious highlighters.

Btw - they all smell different based upon fruit/color like Beach Tints. Just be careful picking up the right shade depending on your skintone. Medium/tan skin will need to use darkest colors in the range (Lychee, Papaya, Watermelon).

Aaaah, Beach Tints are my favorites out of the bunch. I actually have 2 sample sizes from Sephora kit and 2 full sizes. Fig is one of those shades I have in two tubes. They are highly pigmented and concentrated in a liquid-cream form. Let me say they smell divine, each shade/fruit has a distinct smell that lasts. They are pretty much waterproof as they claim. You can easily blend them with fingers or stippling brush. Not to mention they can be used as a stain on the cheeks and lips. No need to say anymore - they are just perfect.

Fig - smells absolutely divine and it's a rose-neutral tone. It's actually pretty sheer and light so even I have problems with pigmentation. I do slap it on when I'm in a hurry and can't bother blending. 

Watermelon is a toned down pinky-red shade that's universally flattering.

Dragonfruit- my favorite color that was released a year or two ago. It's a warm poppy pink with hints of coral, perfect to achieve naturally flushed cheeks.

From up to down: Becca Eye Tint in Baroque, Gilt, Pewter

Becca Eye Tints are little miracles for eyes. I have extremely oily eyelids so almost nothing stays on without budging or creasing. These are pretty much waterproof and won't slide, rub off or fade throughout entire day. I'm highly impressed with the neutral color range and longevity. They are actually my holy grails for lazy days. They are super pigmented and blendable yet you can easily layer. I use Mac 217 to spread them out and fingers to concentrate the shade on the center.

Baroque - a bit hard to work with but it's a lovely medium brown without shimmer.

Pewter - straight up warm grey without shimmer.

Gilt- dark bronze with gorgeous gold glitter that don't transfer all over the face. My favourite.

As the title suggest I highly recommend checking out Becca.

You won't be disappointed with any of their items if you're looking to enhance your face the natural way.
Becca just owns complexion department but I do prefer Dior for lip products.

Don't let the packaging fool you - tiny tubes contain more than enough pigmented product to last you a decade.

I'm always eyeing their website and Instagram for new releases for me to snap up.

Essence Effect Eyeshadow UK's Stonehenge

Today's special guest is a fairly new product from Essence Spring 2014.

As you may already know Essence adds new products every Spring and Autumn. 

Effect eyeshadows are basically cream eye products.

A lot of people (including me) already enjoyed their past Stay all day cream shadows which were discontinued a while ago. After trying this particular new cream shadow I can definitely notice that Essence clearly stepped up their game.

Cream eyeshadow (7ml) comes in a transparent tube with a precise applicator. 

You can easily spot color of every single tube and see the progress of usage. 

I choose 06 UK's Stonehenge which is a perfect metallic taupe with shimmer. 

Tube claims long lasting effect so I wanted to test longevity on my own. I wore this cream/liquid shadow for several times without any powder products over or additional primers. I was impressed - it stayed on the entire day without smearing, smudging or fading! It's super opaque so you'll need only a tiny teardrop of this product for both eyes. 

Now the only downside is application. Since it's more liquid-y you should be careful with first layer. I usually apply these kind of products with Mac 217 or similar blending brushes. One layer is enough to achieve opaque and even application. It rather turns a bronze-brown shade when you sheer it out and gets pretty metallic and taupe when layered. I usually apply two layers - one for blending out and one for metallic effect on the middle.

Second good or bad thing (depending on your shadow preferences) considers shimmers. They usually stay on my eyes pretty well and don't transfer. If you hate shimmer and sparkly finishes I'm afraid this won't get proper love from your side.

I love wearing this multidimensional product on everyday basis but it won't make your makeup routine any shorter or easier. I use up the same amount of time for blending this as for any other powder eyeshadows. It dries up quite fast so you'll need to work with it efficiently and gradually.

Effect eyeshadow reminds me a lot on my Becca Eye tints and Rimmel Scandaleyes eyeshadow paint (review here). Becca is definitely more application-friendly and more silicone-y so it's a dream to work with. Rimmel is definitely similar in fast drying and longevity however I find Essence more workable (if that makes sense). Nothing can't beat Becca Eye Tints in my eyes but this is definitely a pretty close drugstore dupe with lovely metallic finish.

I definitely want other shades now - 3 neutral and 3 colourful shades.

They retail for 2,99€ and are exclusively available only on 3-meter long stands in Mueller.

Sadly, I haven't spotted these in Slovenia yet but you can get them in Austria or Germany - for now.

I think I'll make a petition for not having all Essence products in Slovenia.

Ariel / Mermaid Look Vol.2

Another year with another fun ''type of Halloween/Carnival'' Event down here. 

I tried to transform myself into a last minute mermaid. I already had a bunch of shells and a sea star for my hair so it was a great opportunity to re-try a turquoise-green-blue mermaid. I just wish I had a tail, lol. 

I basically applied latex as my scales and tried to recreate scaled skin with a net and ''glued on'' holographic paper.

If you're wondering about the lipstick it's a mixture of Stargazer 106 Bright neon pink and Catrice Colour Bomb (or Matt about pink is pretty much the same).

I also dyed my hair with Directions Semi-permanent hair dye in Apricot and Carnation pink for a better Ariel feel. 

I'm now kind of traumatised wearing a coral-orange hair, my worst color enemy but I'll try to make it work for as long as it stays on my hair (and I'm pretty much concerned about it since I layered it two times).

It's much more neon in person and my ends are a lot pinker than the rest of the hair.

Any tips for getting the color out? I've heard lemon and baking soda helps.

Please excuse my weird face movements. 

My battery on camera always dies on the worst possible occasions but I wanted to show you the real intensity of hair color if you're looking for a great toner or a splash of permanent color. 

Directions should have sponsored me since I talk about them so much, lol.

I usually order their color pots for 4,9€ included shipping on Ebay here.

So what do you think? I definitely prefer my previous cool toned hair but at least I know for sure orange and warm-toned reds are not for me.

Galactic Mermaid - Darling Girl Persuasion

Since I'm one of Glamour Girls (HERE) I can do a Pick of the Week (POTW) for Darling Girl store.

I can choose whatever product from DG and goes on 20% off sale for all.

Shipping is worldwide and varies from 3$ (in baggies) to 8$ (in jars).

You can get my pick for 20% off HERE.

For my first round I picked out Persuasion- my first true love.
It's a MUST if you love eyeshadows!

This eyeshadow made me interested in Darling Girl and duochrome eyeshadows.

Persuasion is a lilac/purple with gold/green shimmer depending on the light.

It's vibrant color but golden shimmer make it wearable even on a casual day.

I use all my pigments with a sticky base since they can fall off easily.

The best base in my opinion is Darling Girl Superstar Serum (great for making liners as well) and Fryinnae Pixie Epoxy. NYX Jumbo Eye pencil- Milk does a good job too.

Highly suggest applying loose shadows with fingers on bigger surface - unpractical but with more color payoff.

Rest of the PRODUCTS

Revlon Colorstay foundation 150 Buff

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder

Benefit Hoola Bronzer & NYX Taupe

Darling Girl (DG) Blush - Living Dead Gurl

MAC highlighter- Whisper of Gilt

Alverde Brow Gel- Blonde
Etude House 10h Proof Base

NYX Jumbo Eye pencil-Milk

DG Superstar Serum

DG Promethius (highlight)

DG Grown Men Cry (light blue)

Wet n Wild - Drinking a Glass of Shine & Shimmer the Night Away

Catrice Gel liner 050

Random false lashes

NYX Round lipstick - Power

Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss

Do you like Persuasion?

Any other eyeshadow colors from DG that I should pick in the next round?
You can get this week POTW in store HERE.

Party face: Feeling like a zombie

Since I went to a Halloween party I decided to play with liquid latex and blood gel from Mehron.

I also did quite a heavy make-up (for some) and rocked Dior lipstick Mysterious mauve(post HERE).

Honestly, I felt like a real zombie since NOBODY was dressed up or had a slight sign of Halloween.

Nevertheless I got tons of compliments and didn't really care on the end if I was the only one.

Majority even wanted to touch my wound!

 Why so serious?

 I guess I was already preparing for a zombie face,hehe.

Did you dressed up for a Halloween party? 

Thank god I didn't ''latex'' my entire face! :)

Guess Halloween tradition isn't so popular around here.

Wounded bird make-up Photo shoot

On a sunny saturday I was asked to do a make-up for a special short film.

Two girls from design college asked for inspired wounded bird make-up.

They had an assignment to make a clothing item from one piece without cutting it.

They were inspired by origami and the bird theme and had to present it in a short film.

The upper pictures were all made by a talented photographer Jan Barič.

The next pictures are just my point of view and some close ups of the makeup.