Home away from Home - Haul and Thoughs

After the entire blur of moving to another country, I am finally starting to settle in and have some time to enjoy my old habits :). This has been a period of so many downs... but, then again, an equal amount of ups!
For those that don't know (and I think there are allot of...) I moved from my home country to the Netherlands, in order to continue my studies. And I have to say, the dutch way... seemed at first, a very different way, then what I was used to..or even prepared for. But now I love it! To the full!

What made me do this post is the fact that there is some mid-season sales and offers going on. On good products your have really good bargains ( from outfits to my personal favorite...make-up!!). A certain such event that caught my eye is Prijzencircus, going on now at V&D (I don't really know if the shop is outside of the Netherlands). And more precisely...a bargain sale at Sephora, where you get 3 products at 10 euro (from the Sephora brand) and 15% discount at all the other brands they host. *devilish grin*

Also, I went ahead and started trying some drugstore brands that seem to really be used here. I think that enough people have raved on Essence and Catrice, but they are really nice, considering the price. As a bonus, none tests on animals and Catrice also does not include parabens or mineral oil in it's products.

Let's get a closer look:

 

  

 

  

* Foundation: Matt Mousse, shade sand beige, Catrice - I really liked the texture. It goes on smooth and covers almost everything up. But it goes really fast away. After only two weeks I'm hitting the bottom, so it's kinda sad. (4.99 euro - Krudvat)

* Concealer: AllRound Concealer, Catrice - I have to say that I'm really surprised by the product. I had such sort of a pallet a while back and I wasn't that happy with it, because the colors that were meant to neutralize blemishes and under eye circles were too strong and would not fade well. But these work their magic, fade, but cover everything up! (2.99 euro - Krudvat)

*Nail polish: Studio nails, Better than gel nails, Essence -  A really thick, yet fast drying formula. You can use it as a normal base, to make your nailpolish last longer, than with another base, use on it's self, to give a nice, elegant touch or mix it up with the nail tips that can be found in the series (2.49 euro - Krudvat)

* Lipgloss: Stay With Me, Essence, shades (in order as they are in the picture) 03 Candy Bar, 07 Kiss Kiss Kiss, 02 My Favorite Milkshake - For a gloss, they really are longlasting and very moisturizing! And at the price of 1.99 euro...you can collect them all (1.99 euro - Krudvat)

 

Sephora, in the V&D shops, has an offer until the 24th Sept. in which you can get 3 products for 10 euro. The offer is on the cosmetics from their actual brand, so now is the time to get those products on which you have been dreaming on. Also, they offer 15% off on the other brands found in their shop! 

*Sephora, Base Sublimatrice Primer, shade Bone mine - It seems ok, really giving a subtle glow to the skin. But the product contains parabens and mineral oil, so use in moderation or apply on moisturized complexion (at least you can have some sort of protection from it, until the cream goes away in the skin)
*Sephora, Perfect Cover Foundation - Paraben Free! I do like the coverage, so far, but only used it to swap it for the haul. More info later on.

  Left side: with primer; Right side: no primer

 

*Sephora Rouge, shade R15 (decollete - cream) - Paraben Free!! I always liked Sephora lipsticks. They stay on!! And are very moisturizing. The shade could be considered a nude, since it's very close to the natural lip color, just a shade darker. That's great for me, since I've been hunting for a lip product that I don't have to apply and apply...and apply....(and no, I think lip stains are way to chemically for my taste...*ew*) 

 

 *Sephora Lip gloss, shade red velvet - Paraben Free!! I have already talked about this product, but haven't really showed it. I love the effect it give on the lips. Makes them teasing, sweet red! (got this from back home, 12lei)

 

  

 *Sephora, Hydrating Blush, shade No. 12 (raspberry sheen) - Paraben Free!! I love this color for autumn!! It's a dark rose color, with golden infusions. I used to own this color, from another brand, but the container was so flimzy, that it made the product shatter! So I'm happy now to have it again ^^.

 *Sephora, Doe eyed Felt Liner, shade brown - Great for day looks...I kinda want to keep the liquid black liner for the evenings :P

 Last but to least
*Sephora, Lash plumper mascara, shade ultra black - Paraben Free!! Can't say much yet about the product, since I did not use it :P But I really like the brush and feel like I'm gonna get some effect out of it *grin*

 As for outfits, you should definitely hit V&D (good offers) and I also went to HEMA for some basics, like simple shirts and blouses and undergarments. I really like the materials! And they don't loose shape or break that easily! (A small hint: if your looking for some makeup brushes, just starting out or in the need of something cheap and good, you can also find then there! But I can't say I really trust the make-up itself *worried face*)

Hope this was helpful!! Have a great end of a week!
Kissu!


P.s.:
Just so you know: none of the products are tested on animals. I wouldn't buy them, if they were!
Disclaimer: If you did not figure it out...I brought these products from my own finances.
Photos of the products can be used without my consent. But a message would be nice :)

How to - Blue buzz

Hey guys!! Long time no chat! I finally managed to finish all of my exams, all of the preparations, almost everything is in order before I leave. I am soon going to leave my home country and as you might think...I will need some time to get all of my things in order, the new house, to settle in ^^. But I do promise to keep up posting as much as I can. *grins*

So today, I have for you a darker look, with allot of blue. I have to say, that I used to shy away from blue before. Don't ask me why, I just did...felt as if it won't suit me too well. But blue, all kind of deep blues, work great on brown eyes. Not that it won't work on other colors!


I used only 3 colors and one highlight. The highlight was actually a cream one and I used it even as a base for the eye and as a highlighter for my cheeks and lip bow.
- first color: dark electric blue -> entire lid (build the color on, make it vibrant!);
- second color: jade green -> use it to blend the blue in the crease and bring it up and also in the outer corner;
- third color: lime green -> put a line and use it as to light up the inner corner, but blend it in the rest of the colors;
- highlight: you can reapply it now, if you want to enhance it, under the eyebrow.


For my face, I used a bronzer and a light dusty rose blush.
On my lips, I used a technique I usually use in summer. I like lips to seem as if i just ate raspberrys or sour cherrys and the shine of the juice is still on. To do this, I dab my finger on the lipstick and smudge it on my lips (keep it in the natural line, don't make yourself look like a clown *laughs*). I glaze on some lip shine or lip gloss, and that's it. It's not that hard, and you don't even need a mirror, or even a lip shine, if you don't like it during the summer. It's a nice way to make you look fresh, but with no over done lips.


I hope you enjoy it and have fun doing it. The fundamental key is to blend, blend and blend some more! Use some powder, or do your face after you do you do your eyes, because there can be some fallout and it can be hard to take out, since the color is dark and might stain.

What I used:

For the face: *Farmasi, stick foundation, no. 7;
* Alverde, cream concealer, shade Sand;
* Alverde Mineral Camouflage Powder, shade Sand;
* Miss Sporty, Bronzing Powder, shade Sun Kissed;
* Sephora Pallet, 5 in 1, light dusty rose blush.

For the eyes: * Avon, Jillian Dempsey line for the eyes, shade Ocean Sky Trio (for the highlighter, use the cream white);
* Sephora Pallet, 5 in 1, the blue and green one.

For lips: * Rimmel London, Lasting finish lipstick, shade Rich Raisin;
* Sephora, Brillant a levres, shade red velvet.

Take care guys!
Kissu

Soft purple night

Hey, guys! I hope you are all well!

Today's look is a soft, but very intricate. The camera just didn't want to show all of the shaded from the colors. This look was also requested for a wedding ceremony. So here we go:


Main focus is... as you can tell....a purple and silver look. I did not use any black or white, not wanting to make the look harsh. The purpose is a soft smoke, that will lift the eye, or make them seem tired.

Order of the color: (I used tape, to make the line perfect; use some small pieces of tape, which you stick on from about 2mm under the eye, till the end of your brow)
- base: light lilac;
- crease: mouve;
- outer corner: dark lilac;
- deep inner corner: silver;
- under the eye: dark lilac (diffuse it with a light lilac and the to the silver from the inner corner)
You can clean the look and also use as a highlight a soft beige shadow or something that compliments best your skin color. Top it off with a liquid liner on the top lashes and a black liner on the lower waterline. Mascara..or, why not some lashes....and you're done.


The rest of my face was simple... the usual steps that are done: hydrating cream, foundation (mineral), concealer (mineral) and light dust of powder (again, mineral)...some bronzer and pink blush. I started using so many mineral, since my face acted really lousy for the past few months. I brought only vegan, mineral products and my skin is coming back on the right side.

For the lips, I used a cherry mat lipgloss, which had a more thick consistency.


I also wish to say though this post thanks to some close friends, that actually still bear with my crazy organic hunts, and getting me some. Thank you so much! I'll make a haul on some of the stuff I brought.

I do hope you enjoy the look. I'm sorry I'm not posting so much as I used to...but it's a busy time of the year and I'm getting ready for my Bachelors exam and with my future Master program.

Have fun and have an easy week!
Kissu.

"The Pinup Show" 's first video

This is a video that gathered almost all of my work. It was mainly intended for a contest...But it turned out so much more!

I want to say thank you again for all those that helped along the way...that had the courage to be my models from start, till now! Thanks guys! This movie is for you!

You can see it on Facebook and YouTube!

Kissu!

How to - Brown Blues Glam

Hey guys! Long time, no chat! Sending out my sorry, but it has been a hectic period for me...exams, work, some big plans for the next year of school...^^ having a lot going on! Also, my Bday passed and I want to thank everybody that wished me all the best! Thank you once more!


Today I have a simple, easy to do makeup, but I for one find it extremely versatile and usable for both elegant and casual styles. I used only around 4 colors for the eyes, but some you can even skip if you don't like the idea *smiles*!

I applied in this order:
Eyelid: navy blue
Crease: light gray (to blend out the blue)
Outer corner and going into the crease: medium brown
Lower lashline (to accent the eyes) : soft, light brown
Highlight, inner corner and under the brow: shimmery white

On the eyelid I also used a blue pencil and added some lashes to make it more dramatic. The face is done as I usually do...


Tip:
- Blend, blend, blend and blend! Colors are better shown when there is a gradual fade to them!
- Use lighter formulas, but with a SPF! Brighter days came and you need an extra boost to protect your skin!


What I used:

Face:
* Alverde Mineral Make-up Foundation, shade 01 Naturelle;
* Alverde Mineral Camouflage Powder, shade Sand;
* Farmasi, Happy Face powder, shade 03;
* Farmasi, Tender Blush On, shade 169;
* Miss Sporty, Bronzing Powder, shade Sun Kissed.

Eyes:
* Sephora Pallet (blues and greens -navy blue- + browns -shimmery white-);
* Maybelline quad, shade Chocolate Mousse (medium brown and light brown);
* Dior pallet, sorry I don't know the name of the pallet or that of the colors (light gray);
* Sephora Collections Pencile, shade white;
* Alverde Precision Mascara.

Lips:
* Bourjois, Effet 3D Les nudes, shade 35 Nude egeric.


Wishing you an easy and sunny end of the week!
Kissu

Spring breeze - Spring Make-up + Review

Hey guys! Hope you are all well!
Spring made it's way...for now...in the city, with the dust and heat that follow, of course. But in any case...Longer and warmer days are here ^^.
Today I went on a stroll with a friend in one of our malls and I was very much taken in with their spring add *grins*. I really liked how the model had her make-up done, so I took a picture fast and redid it today for you guys ^^.


Be warned that a lot of blending is in order..and a few colors also....This is because I do not own a few of them...such as a very bright pink shadow...So I had to mix. And also...the pay off isn't the same...but... in any case, I used: light sky blue, a bright pink blusher ( all your make-up items are extremely versatile ), plum, deep mauve, orange, black (to make the colors around the edge darker) yellow and a shimmery white (as a highlight).



Tip:
- Don't over pack your colors on...Add bit by bit. It will reduce fallout and you will be able to control how much color you have.
- Don't take the color very up or too much into the inner corner. I will look over done, taking up too much space on your face. Be elegant!

Also...because of how much I liked my Alverde concealer, I went ahead and brought a foundation and mascara ^^.


The foundation have a very nice coverage, not going thick, feeling heavy, or making your face look like a mask. It is based on minerals, for a mixed and oily complexion. But, don't think it will make your skin dry. It takes care nicely of each and every bit of your skin ^^.
And for me...I have finally found a foundation that matches perfectly my skin color!! I also brought a mascara "Precision" which I like, but it make my lashes look really "natural gifted" like....I'm the girl that kinda likes "spiders" on her eyes ^^;;;;. So it's a somewhat change for me.

What I used:

Face:
* Alverde Mineral Make-up Foundation, shade 01 Naturelle;
* Alverde Mineral Camouflage Powder, shade Sand;
* Farmasi, Happy Face powder, shade 03;
* Farmasi, Tender Blush On, shade 169;
* Miss Sporty, Bronzing Powder, shade Sun Kissed.

Eyes:
* Sephora Pallete, pinks and purples (plum, mauve) + whites and blacks (black, shimmery white);
* Profusion Pallete, nr. 06 (light blue, orange);
* Seventeen Mono Eyeshadow, shade Gold;
* Sephora Pencil, shade white;
* Alverde Precision Mascara.

Lips:
* Farmasi, shade 12.


I do hope you enjoy it! Have an easy week!
Kissu

Take a few minutes and think on the bigger plan...

I am sending out thought and hopes to those that suffer in this moment! God help them, help them themselves get over this...and let this be a warning to all that think we should take for granted what we have!! Join me in a little prayer for them...It could be us at any moment...

For Japan! Stay strong!!

Happy Womans Day

Today, 8th of March, here in Romania we celebrate Womans/Mothers Day ^^. Sooo.....I wish a wonderful day to all the women and mothers all over the world! You shall always be loved!!!

Kissu

Seventeen Look - Romantic bride ( Bridal Catalogue 2010 )

Hey guys! I hope you are all well!
We continue our bridal series with a softer, golden copper and purple look. It's simple, easy to do and won't feel like a lot is on.

Basically, I used 4 colors...Copper, gold, a deep plum and a soft shimmery white. Used the gold on the entire lid at first, darkened the outer corner and half of the crease with the plum, blending the two with the amber, while pulling it close to the inside cornet and up to the brow. The white was then used to highlight and make a blended line of the plum. Added mascara and lined the lower waterline of my eye. Simple, huh?

Face is also lightly done. Peach blush, a dash of bronzer on the hallows of the cheeks and temples, with a buttery yellow as a highlight on my forehead, nose, upper lip and chin.



What I used:

Face:
*mix between Stay Matte Foundation, shade 1 + a bit of shade 6 + Artistry Self Defining Sheer Foundation, shade Fawn;
* Farmasi, Camouflage Concealer Liquid, shade 03;
* Farmasi, Happy Face powder, shade 03;
* Farmasi, Tender Blush On, shade 169;
* Miss Sporty, Bronzing Powder, shade Sun Kissed;
* Miss Sporty, Mono Eye Shadow, shade 111 Tender.

Eyes:
* I <3 Just U, Perfect Eyes, Set no.1 (second row, second color, copper);
* Oriflame, Mono Eye Shadow Visions, shade Chic;
* Bourjois, Mono Eye Shadow, shade 71 Raffine;
* Ada liner, shade black;
* Farmasi, Catwalk Illusion Mascara, shade black.

Lips:
* Farmasi, Gleam Rouge Liquid Lipstick, shades 13+20;
*Bourjois, Effet 3D Les nudes, shade 35 Nude egeric.

Hope you enjoy it!
Kissu!

P.s.: Yes...I do dye my hair myself. I went through a lot of colors, but mostly I use either Syoss products (during winter) or henna (during summer). I dye it, now, after about 3 month (in winter) and once or twice in summer (cuz' you can't really keep a nice long color with the sun and sea, during the hot months). Right now I have a mix of: full pack of "Chocolate Brown" + half pack "Intense red" + 1/4 "Dark brown", all Syoss. If you want to know how I do it, some tips and trick, please comment below. Kissu!

Alverde Natur Kosmetik - Camouflage

Hey guys! Hope your all well!
I want to share with you some facts about a brand I have known for some time now...but only just recently brought from: Alverde. (see link here) (or in Romanian)

Alverde is a DM Drogerie Markt, german brand, almost entirely VEGAN! I say almost because a few products, like chapsticks and hand cream, contain beeswax. You can find a list of the ingredients here. And also....you can find more details on the brand itself, by reading the post of another blogger, and user of the products, "That's the break's Blog".



From the very start I can say that I'm in love with it! It's more than affordable....I paid around 20 lei (sooo....less than 5 euro? ^^ give or take), the pay off from the tinniest amount is incredible, the consistency being very creamy, yet light, perfect for both blemishes and under eye area (cuz' I do hope you know....that softer, liquid like products are better for under the eyes...and creamier ones, for face and neck line). It blends well and it's a bit more on the full coverage side (funny, since it's so light).
I have yet to put it on my face....since I go straight to the bathroom and take my make-up off, when I get home...but as you can see from the pictures, the coverage on my hand cuts (I'm still trying to teach the bunny to talk and tell me when she wants down from my arms *laughs loudly*) is pretty good! Also, the amount, in the pan, is more than sufficient! I'm really pleased with the product and I am looking forward to getting more from the brand. *kicks away all her nearly ending products, grinning innocently*



The color I picked out is 002 "Beige". There were also "Sand" and "Strawberry", only as a tester. But I'm again giving a shout out:
PLEASE, IF YOU DON'T FIND TESTERS, ASK FOR THEM! DON'T OPEN THE CONTAINING PACKS! OTHER PEOPLE MIGHT JUST WANT TO GET THEM AFTER YOU OPEN THEM! IF THERE AIN'T A TESTER AND THE SALES PERSON TELLS YOU TO OPEN IT, LOOK AND SEE IF ONE PRODUCT IS ALREADY OPEN...BUT DON'T OPEN THEM ALL AT ONCE!
I think you guessed my problem....ALL....*sighs* seriously....all of the products were opened...and they didn't have any extra >< *mutters under her breath*. And lets say the sales lady....wasn't really...wanting to be helpful. In the end...I found one that was just pinched slightly (sending out my thanks to those that actually get the idea, to test lightly), took it and ran!! :))


But in the end....I love the product! Have you tried anything from Alverde? How do you find their line?

Hope it was helpful!
Kissu

Seventeen Look - Stylish Bride ( Bridal Catalog 2010 )

This is a look I personally fell in love with, when I received the catalog. Although, I find it a bit too heavy for bridal makeup...maybe some will like it. *grins*

Since Spring is coming and a lot of couples choose this season to get "hitched" *giggles*, I thought that I should have a head start on some looks that can work both ways... bridal or...whatever your pick is.



So....a purply silver look. The magazine said that the make-up artists used only two colors...but I kind of felt the need for an extra purple dash ( I hope I'm not turning into a blind bat *giggles* ). But in the end, I only used 4 colors: silver, white, plum and black. The look is fairly simple, but you need a steady hand and time to blend the colors nicely. Line and mascara, and the eyes are done! I kept the face fairly simple....a baby pink blush and just a little bronzer, to contour and warm up the face. Lips also fair....peach colored lipgloss.




What I used:

Face: *mix between Stay Matte Foundation, shade 1 + a bit of shade 6 + Artistry Self Defining Sheer Foundation, shade Fawn;
* Farmasi, Camouflage Concealer Liquid, shade 03;
* Farmasi, Happy Face powder, shade 03;
* Elf, Natural Radiance Blusher, shade Innocence;
* Miss Sporty, Bronzing Powder, shade Sun Kissed;

Eyes: * Sephora Pallet (purples and blacks);
* Ada liner, shade black;
* E. Funkhouser creme eye liner, shade Graphite;
* Farmasi, Catwalk Illusion Mascara, shade black.

Lips: * Sephora Collections Lipgloss, shade nude.


I hope you enjoy it!!
Kissu.