May 15, 2016July 31, 2016 - vicky 4 Comments

MICHAEL KORS JET SET TRAVEL CROSSBODY BAG REVIEW

GOLD 7 — Jet Set Travel Large Crossbody Gold

Michael Kors is a brilliant American fashion designer. I love his urban yet feminine style. His bag designs are convenient for the modern woman who needs a stylish and helpful bag. I love his variety of styles, colors and textures. Most importantly I love how there is a price range for his bags which covers everyone; there are cheaper options and more expensive ones. Looking for an elegant and stylish bag, one that I can wear on a daily basis and that goes with all my clothes, I came across Michael Kors’s Jet Set Travel crossbody bag. I tend to prefer the crossbody design because I want my hands to be free when I am around and the strap has to be long enough so it won’t bother me while walking. Also I believe a crossbody bag is not as easy to be stolen from you as a tote, for instance.

navy 3 — Jet Set Travel Large Crossbody Navy

The Jet Set Travel crossbody bag is a very simple bag; it is basically one space and opens up with a simple zipper. The design is kind of rectangular and has the name of the designer in gold letters on the front. Inside, the bag has some pockets which are helpful for placing your phone and cards, so you won’t just throw them in the bag and take ages to find them. I got the large size because the small one is simply too small. It is like a clutch and it can only fit my phone, keys and cards; not my entire wallet or anything else I like to carry with me when I am out. Plus the price of the two sizes is almost the same with the larger one only 20-30 $ more expensive. So why not go bigger right? The star is very long and it does give you some extra space to puncture a few more holes if you need it to be a bit longer, like I do. It comes in two different leathers: the regular, soft one (blue color) and the Saffiano one (god color). The Saffiano leather is sturdier, tougher and less flexible. It also gives a shiny look to the respective color. I do like both types of leather but truth to be told, the Saffiano’s lack of flexibility, sometimes makes it hard to squeeze in that extra little something. I got the bags at 165 Euros which I don’t consider that much for the quality I receive, and the wearability of the bag itself. Since I got them both, they are the only ones I use when going out day and night. To be honest I love the gold one a little more and it just seems to match every piece of clothing I own. I love that it jazzes up any outfit effortlessly.

I would definitely recommend this bag not only for the daytime but for the nighttime as well. For everyday use it just has the perfect size; it fits my wallet, phone, eye glasses case, keys and hand wipes. All these are my essentials, but it also fits a couple of makeup bits like a lipstick and a small perfume, and even my phone charger. I really love this bag! And for the nighttime, although it is not a clutch bag, it is perfect for when standing in a crowded bar with your drink at hand. It is a lovely, stylish crossbody bag, made of good quality materials, at an affordable price. What more can you ask from the perfect casual bag? Comment down below and share your favorite everyday bag! Also, let’s connect through Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmcaron)!

Till next time take care dolls 😉

Vicky xx

April 25, 2016July 31, 2016 - vicky Leave a comment

MY TOP 5 RED LIPSTICKS

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I love lipsticks! It is something I have mentioned before in many posts. From all the makeup products available, lipsticks are my absolute favorite, because a lipstick is basically the only thing you need to achieve an eye-catching makeup look. If you are lazy like me and you don’t really feel like going all the way on a daily basis with your makeup, a lipstick is the perfect way to create an effortless and simply put-together look. If you are in a hurry, just put on some lipstick and bam you are ready to go! One of my favorite lipsticks color is red. I don’t really need to talk much about why, since red is the most iconic and classic color. It is a color you can wear any time of the day and season of the year because of its many different shades. You have bright red, burgundy, brick-red, orange-red, berry red, blue red and the list goes on. There is literally a shade that compliments every different skin and hair color combination. Because red is such a staple color, I couldn’t but have a bunch of them. Don’t forget that I am a lipstick hoarder 😉 Here I share with you guys my top 5 favorite red shades of lipstick and why I like each of them.

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Russian Red – MAC

This was my first red lipstick and obviously it has a special place in my heart. It is a vivid red with blue undertones, which give a cool hue to it. It is matte, which is my favorite finish, and I love wearing it all the time. Like literally all the time. I am quite pale and I feel that it really works for me. It is perfect for all year round as it is a quite standard shade of red.

Audrey – NARS

This is part of NARS’s audacious collection. I absolutely love this lipstick, because although it has a creamy, hydrating feel, once applied it dries matte. It is a beautiful red shade with a hint of pink to it. It is darker than Russian Red and deeper. I love this shade for the cold winter weather, as it is between burgundy and berry shades. Also the formula of this lipstick is simply insane; moisturizing and non-drying matte. What else can I ask for?!

Dashing – Marc Jacobs

I got this lipstick as part of the Christmas holiday Sofia set. I was longing to try the famous Marc jacobs lipsticks and boy was I not disappointed! All of the lipsticks feel amazing on my lips due to their formula. Although they are creamy and not matte, they are very steady and long-wearing. This is a beautiful deep but not dark, shade of red. This is the red I imagine the old Hollywood stars would wear. A beautiful shade for all year round and in my opinion it looks flattering on everyone. It is not a eye-catching shade, but a subtle yet sexy one. I really love it!

Cruella – NARS

Another NARS favorite, this is not your traditional lipstick. Instead it is a lip pencil you can apply on the entire lip. It has a velvet feel and it really glides on the lips. It has a quite matte finish but non-drying. I got it as a birthday present from Sephora and I was really excited because I have seen so many positive reviews on NARS velvet lip pencils and especially this shade. I am in love with it. I am actually contemplating buying the regular size, even though I still haven’t finish this one. It is darker than the previous shades. It doesn’t have a pink or blue hue, but more like a deep scarlet red. Another shade I would wear all the time. Also very easy to apply because of the pencil form.

Avenue – ColourPop

My top 5 would not be complete without a ColourPop lipstick. This one is an Ultra Matte one, which means that even though it comes in a lipgloss form, it is a liquid lipstick that dries completely matte. This is actually the mattest of them all. It dries immediately but it doesn’t dry the lips at all. It is completely matte and so lightweight you forget you have something on your lips. Also it is very long-lasting and the cheapest of them all. The shade is a beautiful deep red cherry red. It is the closest from the shades to burgundy, therefore I prefer wearing it in the winter and fall. I love wearing it in the nighttime for a sexy, sultry look but I believe it is appropriate for all day long. I have a review on the ColourPop lipsticks where I share my thoughts about them extensively.

A red lipstick is a staple makeup product. It comes in many shades and types of finish and there is a right one for every woman. It makes any look sexier and more polished. Above I shared my 5 favorite ones which I love wearing all the time; day or night, winter or summer. I really don’t care about the Dos and Donts when it comes to my red lipstick, but instead I wear whatever makes me feel good. Comment down below and share your favorite red lipsticks. Also don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron).

Till next time take care dolls 😉

Vicky x

April 10, 2016July 31, 2016 - vicky Leave a comment

EVERYDAY NATURAL MAKEUP LOOK

For my everyday go-to makeup, I try not to use many products or create a “heavy” look. I am a fan of the more natural look that basically enhances my characteristics instead of altering them or hiding them. Therefore I don’t really use bright or dark eyeshadow, however, from time to time I pick a red or a fuchsia lipstick because I like adding a pop of color to the natural look. Having a simple makeup look is also great for transitioning from day to-night by touching it up and making it a bit bolder. If the look is too strong already, I don’t think it differentiates from a nighttime look. The look I share with you guys, is one of my favorite for everyday because it is simple, it brightens up my skin and makes it look youthful, dewy and fresh. I love rose gold, nude and brown/mauve shades so most of the looks I create revolve around those colors. Now let’s get started shall we?

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Step 1 – Face

When doing my makeup, the most important thing to me is to create a flawless base. Therefore, I use more products and effort for my face than my eyes or lips.

MAC Prep and Prime primer (on face and eyes)
NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Mont Blanc
Bobbi Brown Corrector in Bisque
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
Too Faced Cocoa Powder foundation powder in Fair (for setting)
Too Faced Sweethearts Blush in Candy Glow
Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Face Highlighter in High Beam (on cheekbones, nose, brow bone and cupid’s bow)
Too Faced Bronzer in Chocolate Soleil (for contouring)

Step 2 – Eyes

Before I am going for a natural look, I like to use nude/light brown or rose gold/pink eyeshadow. I don’t like to use too many different shades as it kind of cancels the whole simple purpose of the look. Once I am done with the shadow and mascara, I do my eyebrows. I always do my eyebrows, even when I don’t use any shadow on my eyes at all, as I believe the eyebrows to be the most important facial characteristic. They frame the face and give structure to it. Well groomed eyebrows can make a huge difference to the way someone looks. Therefore, my biggest makeup advice would always be: never omit your eyebrows!

Urban Decay Naked 3 palette shade Strange (as a base all over my eye and eyebrow bone – perfect pink/white)
Urban Decay Naked palette 3 shade Burnout (on my lid as the main color – gorgeous metallic rose gold)
Urban Decay Naked 3 palette shade Limit (as a blending shade to soften the look and also apply on lower lash line – great matte pink/brown)
Lancome Definicils Mascara
H&M Soft Kajal Eye Pencil in Pale Nude (on the waterline to brighten up the eyes and make them look bigger)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz pencil in Medium Brown (for the eyebrows)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel (to set the eyebrows and blend them out a bit)

Step 3 – Lips

For my lips I don’t have a specific routine as they are my favorite part of my makeup. I like being playful and bold but I also like being subtle and natural. I know it sounds complicated, but basically I can wear anything on my lips. From liquid lipsticks to lip pencils and from burgundy to pink. For this look I decided to go for pink since there is rose gold on my eyes.

MAC Lip Pencil in Edge to Edge (I trace my natural lip line and then fill them in as well – perfect medium pink shade)
Rosebud Perfume Co. Lip Balm in Rosebud Salve (I mix it with my lip pencil to create a glossy, plum, natural lip plus it moisturizes the lips)

For my everyday makeup look, I prefer to use natural, soft shades that enhance my face and make it look fresh and bright. I don’t like to use many products or bold colors as I am usually going for a natural, simple look. For the makeup look I shared with you, I used light brown, rose gold and pink shades, as they are girly and perfect for spring. Comment below and share your favorite daily makeup looks. Also don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron)!

Till next time take care dolls 😉

Vicky x

March 26, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

3 Amazing Post Workout Smoothies

3 AMAZING POST-WORKOUT SMOOTHIES

Working out is an important part of my weekly routine, as I am trying to follow a healthier lifestyle, by eating better and getting stronger and fitter. Before working out I try not to eat a lot of food because it will only burden my stomach and make me feel heavy and drowsy. Plus it will mess up my gastric reflex syndrome. I prefer to have some tea and orange juice before my workout because they give me a lot of energy in a natural way. After my workout I am usually very tired; sometimes I can barely walk. However, before having my recuperating mean, I always make myself a smoothie to replenish my energy levels. I make it right away because the most effective time for refuelling the body is within 30 mins of the workout. Depending on how energetic you feel, the bigger energy boost you need, the sweeter your smoothie should be. By sweet I refer to the fruits used for the smoothie. If your energy levels are not that low, you can use vegetables and less sweet fruits. I also love to add half a scoop of my favorite vanilla protein powder (SunWarrior Warrior Blend Raw Vanilla Powder) or 1-2 tsp of my Moon Dusts from Moon Juice. Below I share my 3 favorite post-workout smoothies. I love drinking them as much as I love making them. In all my smoothies I try to include a handful or two of greens because they are so nutritious for the body and it is a way to get my daily portion of greens besides salads. So let’s get started shall we?

Banana and Berry Protein Smoothie

1 handful of greens ( I like kale and spinach)

½ banana ( frozen optional )

¾ of a cup mixed berries ( frozen optional )

1 cup of chilled water

½ scoop of protein powder or 1-2 tsps of Action Moon Dust

1 tsp of flaxseeds

The greens are full with nutrients like mineral, vitamins and fiber. The banana adds potassium and carbs and the berries add antioxidants and fiber.

Orange and Avocado Protein Smoothie

1 handful of greens

2 oranges peeled

½ avocando cored and peeled

1 cup of chilled water

½ scoop of protein powder or 1-2 tsps of Spirit Moon Dust

1 tsp of flaxseeds or spirulina powder

Some of the ingredients are same with the other smoothies, like the greens, protein powder/moon dust and flaxseeds. In this smoothie though, we have oranges and avocado. Oranges and citrusy fruits in general, repair the cell damage that happens during the workout. avocados add protein, potassium and antioxidants. Just remember it has to be quite ripe to have the best flavor.

Tropical Green Protein Smoothie

1 handful of greens

½ mango peeled

1 handful of pineapple chunks

1 apple cored and peeled

1 cup of chilled water

½ scoop of protein powder or 1-2 tsps of Beauty Moon Dust

1 tsp of flaxseeds or chia seeds

Another lovely green smoothie full of antioxidants and vitamins. Apart from the usual greens though we have apple, mango and pineapple, some quite tropical fruits. Mango is a very sweet fruit which is great since its sugar can be converted into energy plus it is full with vitamin C. Pineapple is also sugary and full with vitamin C, but it can also help soothing any stomach pain and its anti-inflammatory properties can help with strained muscles after working out. Lastly, you all know how an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are great energy boosters, but can also help with digestion and cholesterol.

Remember that in each recipe, you should blend the greens with the water first and then add the rest of the ingredients. I add the flaxseed and protein powder/moon dust at the end. A smoothie is a great way to cool down and recharge after a nice workout session. It could have anything you want from fruits and nuts to vegetables and superfoods. The above recipes are my three favorite post-workout smoothies. While Once I finish my workout, I can’t think of a better way to relax than enjoying one of these smoothies. I would love to know which are your favorite smoothies, so comment down below and share your most beloved recipes. Also, don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron) and say hello!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

March 20, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

Perfect Eyebrows + My Eyebrow Routine

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT EYEBROWS + MY EYEBROW ROUTINE

One of my favorite parts while doing my makeup, is the eyebrows. I just love eyebrows! I believe that they basically frame the face and give some structure to it. Imagine how weird your face would look without eyebrows. I know right? Therefore, eyebrows are a very important part of any makeup routine.

The first thing is to give the right shape to your eyebrows. By right I mean the shape that suits and flatters your face the most. The best thing would be to follow the natural arch and pluck it based on that. The two ends of your eyebrow are guided by your nose and your eye. So basically to find the beginning of your eyebrow mark a straight line from your nostril and up. Where your nostril ends is where your eyebrow begins. The end of your eyebrow is found my placing a ruler or a pencil diagonally from your nostril to the outer corner of your eye. This is where the eyebrow should end. To find your arch, you get the very same pencil/ruler and from the end of your nostril (like all the previous times), you take it at the centre of your pupil and up. That’s how you find where the highest part of your arch should be. It is an easy peasy way to map your eyebrows.

My eyebrow routine-Favorite products

When I groom my eyebrows, I basically pluck them where I need to in order to maintain my shape, and then I also use a tiny pair of scissors to trim them a little bit. I also use alcohol before I start plucking, to open up my pores a little so the process won’t hurt that much. Of course, I also brush them through the entire process so I can see how they will look eventually.

When I am doing my eyebrow makeup, I use a few products I really like. For feeling in my brows I use a pencil or a shadow. My favorite pencil is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown. I absolutely love that pencil because it has a very fine tip, which is perfect for creating a natural (not overdrawn) look. Plus it has a spooley brush as well.

When I have more time at hand, I prefer to use a shadow than a pencil. My favorite duo is from the Naked 2 Basics palette from Urban Decay. I use the second darkest shade called Primal for the first half of my brow up to my arch, because this is a lovely taupe-brown shade that will keep the look natural. If I used a darker shade my eyebrows would look unnatural and overdrawn. For the second part of the brow I use the darkest shade called Undone, because it is a cool-toned dark brown, which is perfect for filling in my sparse part. I use an angled brush because of its shape.

After I am done with the filling of the brows, I brush them with the spooley to blend any excess product and then I use my Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel to set my eyebrow so there won’t be any unruly hair flying to different directions. Sometimes when I am too lazy to fully do my eyebrows, I use a tinted eyebrow gel to fill them in a little and set them at the same time. I mostly use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel in Brunette but lately I am loving Benefit’s Gimme Brow in Medium/Dark. Both of them are lovely.

Besides the products mentioned above, I also love Urban Decay’s Brow Box in Brown Sugar. It is an amazing all-in-one product as it has 2 shades for the brows, a pair of tweezers, two angled brushes and wax to set the brows. An amazing tool perfect for daily use or when travelling.

Brows are an important part of the face; they add structure to all the characteristics. Therefore, grooming them is an important part of a makeup look. It doesn’t matter what you use to get the right brow; it could be shadow, pencil or simply a tinted brow gel. No matter what you choose to use or how you choose to do your eyebrows, keep in mind that they should always frame your face and highlight your features. Try not to overdo them but instead always keep them natural-looking. It doesn’t matter how thin or thick they are as long as they look natural and not like glued on or drawn on. I would love to know your eyebrow routine and your favorite eyebrow products. Also lets connect on my Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) or Twitter (@vogueandmacaron).

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

March 10, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

4 AMAZING MOISTURIZERS FOR DRY SKIN

Dry skin is a problem we all have encountered at some point of our lives. Although I would not normally characterize my skin as dry, in the winter due to the cold weather and humid atmosphere, it can get pretty dry. This is really frustrating as I hate seeing my skin flakey and dry, plus it is more challenging to apply my makeup and for the makeup itself to last. In order to keep my skin hydrated and soft, I apply a moisturizing cream every day. I like to alternate my moisturizers because once my skin gets used to a product, the product doesn’t work anymore. All the moisturizers mentioned below are my favorites and I am really satisfied with all of them.

Lancome Binefait Multi-Vital Night

This is my favorite night moisturizer. I use it literally every night for the past 3 weeks and I am really happy with it. It has a light, sheer feel but it is a very rich moisturizer. A small quantity is enough for my entire face. It doesn’t have an unpleasant scent, and it doesn’t have any oily residue. It moisturizes my skin incredibly. Once it is fully absorbed, my skin feels very smooth and soft. In the morning my skin looks plum and clear. It has a nice healthy look and it is still very soft. I absolutely love this cream!

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Moisturizing Cream

I have this moisturizer for a couple of years now and it doesn’t fail to satisfy me every time. It is a thick, creamy moisturizer that is easily applied and instantly absorbed by the skin. It makes my skin immediately soft and smooth. It moisturizes it and keeps it hydrated for hours. It has shea butter which does wonder for the skin, as it gives it a nice and fresh glow. It does have a perfume scent which might be unpleasant to some, but I personally am not bothered at all. I really like how good my skin feels afterwards.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream

I got this cream as part of the Gift Of Goddess holiday set and I was really looking forward to try it. I was instantly in love with it. With its SPF 15 it is the perfect day moisturizer. It has an amazing scent, as it smells like roses and gardenia. It is easily absorbed, although it is quite thick. Again a small quantity is enough for the entire face, as it is easily applied. I love how smooth and soft my skin feels afterwards; so plum and fresh. Plus it is protected from the damaging sun rays. Hydrated, soft and protected; what more can you ask for your skin?

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl’s moisturizer is another favorite of mine. It is a nice, thick moisturizer without an unpleasant scent. It is easily applied on the skin like the others and it has a sheer finish, which means it is absorbed quite fast. It does stay on the skin a little longer than the others though. It makes the skin very hydrated and it is supposed to keep it that way for an entire day! I really enjoy wearing this moisturizer when I don’t intend to put makeup on as it takes a little longer to be absorbed.

Moisturizing your skin is one of the most important daily rituals that should never be omitted. Not only dry skin needs moisturizing; any type of skin needs hydration. It is a way to keep the skin soft, plum and glowing. All these moisturizers are equally amazing. They make my skin smooth, fresh and hydrated. I can’t pick out my favorite one as they are all great. There is the one for the night, the one for the day when going out and the others for any moment really. I would love to hear which are your favorite moisturizers and why. Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron) and say hello!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

February 28, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

MY FAVORITE PERFUMES

Hello everybody and happy Sunday! Today I am going to share with you guys my favorite perfumes; the ones that make me happy and I love wearing them. For years I was a perfume addict; I was wearing a perfume every single day, because the idea of having a scent trail when I was out and about, made me feel really happy. I don’t wear perfume for others don’t get me wrong; I wear perfume because it just makes me feel good about myself. I feel fresh. That’s it! I feel like I just stepped out of the shower and I smell all lovely and fresh. I also love the associations created in someone’s head when they smell my perfume. However, a few years ago I developed certain allergies. I never had allergies in my life, but apparently the last 3 years I have developed some sort of allergies that sadly could get worse due to strong odors. Therefore, I was advised not to wear strong perfumes or too often or too much. This made me really sad because I already had a quite big collection, which I did partially give to my mom. However, I still have a few perfumes I really love and wear, plus a couple of new additions to my collection.

Miss Dior Cherie

This is an iconic perfume. It is probably the oldest in my collection and there is only a little left. It has a lovely orangey tone along with a hint of jasmine, which is one of my favorite flowers. I really love this perfume because it is not sexy and sultry; instead it is more girly and innocent. It is what a Lolita would wear. Plus the bottle with the cute bow is simply dreamy!

Lily of the Valley and Ivy by Jo Malone

I got this perfume last summer and it was part of the limited edition Tudors collection by Jo Malone. I didn’t have a Jo Malone perfume by then but I had heard many amazing things about the brand. Once I smelled the perfume at the store I instantly fell in love with it. It is the most wonderful scent I have ever smelled. Honestly and without exaggeration I love this perfume; it is the perfect powdery scent combined with the notes of lily flower. I love how it reminds me of the countryside and green fields. It is a nice light perfume that makes me feel peaceful.

French Lime Blossom by Jo Malone

Another Jo Malone favorite, I love this scent so much that I was torn whether I should get the perfume or the candle. Eventually I went with the perfume because I wanted to have the scent on me more, instead of my house. I got it on Christmas and I have been wearing it all the time since. It is another very light powdery scent, combined with the scent of blossomed flowers. I love wearing this all day round.

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel

Another old-time favorite, this perfume is my oldest along with the Miss Dior Cherie. I have always loved Chanel as a brand because it symbolized elegance and class. This perfume is exactly that: an elegant citrusy perfume that is not as light and girlie as the previous ones. On the contrary, it has a stronger, more oriental scent. It is more feminine than girlie. I love wearing it in the nighttime more, although in the past I used to wear it in the day as well. Now I just feel it is too strong for the day time, so I use it on special occasions at night. This is the perfect elegant, mysterious and feminine perfume.

Valentina by Valentino

This perfume is one of the latest additions to my collection. When I smelled this perfume in New York about 2 years ago, I was instantly in love. It had an orangey scent combined with jasmine, kind of like the Miss Dior Cherie, but a bit sweeter. It is a soft floral perfume with a bit of sweetness, perfect for the day time or in the nighttime, when I am going for a more girly look. I am so happy to finally get my hands on this perfume. I love the scent and the beautiful bottle with the pink and white rose. So feminine and romantic! I haven’t got the chance to wear it many times yet but I absolutely recommend it to everyone who wants a classy, romantic and girly perfume.

Bon Bon by Viktor & Rolf

This is the second latest addition to my perfume collection. I absolutely love this perfume. Like with Valentina, I first saw this perfume on my trip to New York 2 years ago and I was instantly drawn by its unique bottle. Who can resist this cute fuchsia bow? It is so beautiful! This perfume has a quite sweet scent as the name suggests. However, it is not sickly sweet. It has the right amount of sweetness that doesn’t make you or the others sick, but it does linger, leaving a sweet trail behind you. Apart from the orange and jasmine scents that seem to attract me, it has a caramel tone which justifies the sweetness. I really enjoy a sweet scent, because it just makes me happy and makes me feel like I am a living, breathing candy. It feels playful and fun. Its purpose is not to seduce but to just bring joy. Whenever I wear it I feel I am simply irresistible, because who can resist a sweet bon bon candy?

I love wearing perfumes or even body mists; it just makes me feel really good and lifts up my mood. I like the powdery and flowery scents mostly, but sometimes I like a strong, almost masculine scent. I do have a soft spot for men’s perfumes as well, but I don’t really have anything like that. I enjoy wearing perfume pretty much all the time; in the morning when I go out for a casual walk and also when I am going out at night. In the daytime I do prefer to use the body mists more as they are lighter and easily dissolved, whereas in the nighttime and on special occasions, I like to spray on a nice perfume. Although I really love each and every one of the perfumes I have mentioned above, I am more excited to wear my latest additions. I know that due to my allergies, I am not supposed to wear perfumes a lot but I know I am going to add a couple more to my collection pretty soon. I just can’t resist! I would love to know your favorite perfume or body mist. Comment below and share your favorite scents and also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron) to say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

February 14, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

MY MOST AND LEAST FAVORITE MASCARAS

Mascara is an important part of any eye makeup look. It enhances the lashes and adds definition and intensity to the eye. Even a “natural” makeup look can stand out with a touch of mascara. There are many different types of brushes that serve different purposes. There are those that add volume, length, intensity or all of them together. I have tried quite a few mascaras and I have come to absolutely love a few! I really like my mascara to separate and elongate my lashes and I really hate it when the mascara clumps my lashes and makes them stick to each other. In this post I am going to talk about my favorite mascaras and about those I don’t really enjoy wearing.

Lancome Definicils

This is probably my favorite mascara. I love how long, slim and neat the brush is. It reaches my entire lash line even the inner and outer corner. It doesn’t apply a lot of product to the lashes, so it doesn’t stick them together. On the contrary it separates them and creates a natural look. You can easily build it up and make your lashes as intense as you like. It also is not messy at all. It is the perfect mascara for defined, long yet natural-looking lashes.

Lancome Hypnose

Another amazing product from Lancome, this iconic mascara really deserves all the hype. It is a little different from the Definicils one, as its brush is kind of wavy instead of straight. This is very helpful for adding volume and thickening the lashes, instead of elongating them. It has a creamier formula, which really intensifies the lashes and creates a more dramatic look instead of a natural one. I like how once again it reaches my entire lash line and how doesn’t clumps my lashes, even though it does carry a lot of product. This is the perfect mascara for a statement night-time look.

Benefit They’re real!

This was my favorite mascara for years prior to the Lancome ones. I really love this mascara. Before I used it for the first time, I wasn’t really wearing any mascara, as I was disappointed from all my previous ones. This mascara really changed my life. It has a lovely long brush, similar to the Definicils one but a little bigger. The bristles are quite small; therefore it doesn’t carry a lot of product. Just like the Definicils, it lengthens my lashes without clumping them at all. I also use it close to my roots to add some volume and curl to my lash line. Basically, it is multi-mascara that adds volume, curl and length to the lashes without creating a mess.

YSL Effet Faux Cils

This Yves Saint Laurent mascara is my last favorite one. It has a shorter brush than the others and it has a swirly design instead of bristles. Although it is shorter, it does get to my inner and outer corners quite easily. The swirly design of the brush may give the impression that it creates a lot of mess, but actually it doesn’t. It is very neat, even though it carries a lot of product, and it doesn’t clump my lashes. It creates full, bold lashes by adding volume more than length. It is perfect for creating a deep, intense, dramatic look like the Hypnose one.

In order to have a more complete and honest post, I thought it would be helpful to mention a couple of mascaras that didn’t satisfy me as much as all the above. I need to stress out that the following mascaras are not terrible but simply not as good or effective as the previous ones.

Too Faced Better Than Sex

I was really, really disappointed by this hyped up Too Faced mascara. I had been dying to try it for quite a while, so when I finally got my hands on a sample of it, I couldn’t contain my excitement. My first impression was that the brush is very messy. It has an hourglass shape, which is a great idea for adding volume and length to the inner and outer corner, while keeping the middle more natural. This idea would have worked better if the bristles weren’t as long and very close to each other. This is the perfect example of clumping mascara. It carries way too much product that is not distributed evenly and as a result, my lashes are clumped and they stick together. I really wanted to love this mascara because I love Too Faced as a brand, but I was not satisfied at all. I feel that in all it is a great idea but poorly executed.

Buxom Lash Mascara

This mascara is quite disappointing as well. I got it as a sample in a Sephora goodie bag and I was really excited to try it out. At first I found weird how instead of screwing the lid, you simply pull it out. I believe that this very design is the main reason why this mascara is bad. The brush is straight and long with short bristles, which normally would be great, but the size of it is big. It is like a triple version of the Definicils one. That size combined with the pull-out design, result in a clumpy and messy mascara. A lot of the product is gathered at the two corners of the brush which in turn clumps the corners of my lash line. Also as mentioned, the brush is too big to handle and I feel it’s too big for my eyes in general. I do however believe that it is not as bad as the Too Faced one. In my opinion, if the brush was longer and screwed in, it would be much better.

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant

If there was a big brush competition, this mascara would be the winner. Its brush is simply huge, which obviously is a problem to me. I like its unique “pyramid” shape, where one corner is small and as you move to the other one it gets bigger and bigger. This is perfect for making the outer corner lashes longer and more voluminous, creating a flutter look. As much as I love the idea, like with the Too Faced mascara, I believe it is poorly executed. A multi-purpose mascara for lengthening and volumizing the lashes, it would be amazing if it didn’t carry so much product. It really clumps my lashes. A lot of product is gathered in the inner corner of the brush, while there is a huge size difference between its two ends. The outer end is much bigger than the inner one, therefore the inner corner is clumpy and the outer corner is too big for my eye. The only good thing is that it is swirly mascara, because if it had bristles it would be really awful.

I have tried many different types of mascara because I love trying new products. Each one has a different style and a different purpose, but not all of them are effective nor do they achieve that purpose. The worst thing mascara can do, is to clump and stick your lashes. Sadly some of the mascaras above do exactly that. However, there are some that are absolutely lovely! They elongate the lashes without clumping them for a nice everyday look, or add some serious volume for a more dramatic one. Comment down below and share which is your favorite mascara and why. Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) to say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

January 29, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

MY FAVORITE MAC LIPSTICKS – SWATCHES

I love lipsticks! From all the different types of makeup products out there, lipsticks are my absolute favorite. Even when I am not in the mood for a full face makeup look, I just put some lipstick on and I instantly feel happier and like my self is more put together. I like how a lipstick is enough to transform a day time look to a night-time one, orr how there are different shades that compliment you during the different seasons.

If I was stuck in an island and I only had to choose one makeup product to have with me, it would definitely be a lipstick. And it would probably be a MAC one. MAC is one of my favorite makeup brands, but above all I really like its lipsticks. I love how long-lasting they are and how easy to apply and blend. Also I really like the variety of the types of finish. There are satin lipsticks, matte (my favorite), lustre, cremesheen and more. The finish is really what differentiates one lipstick from the other, because it basically is how the lipstick will end up looking once applied. So the matte ones are not going to be shiny at all, whereas the cremesheen and lustre ones, are creamier and shinier. In this post I am going to share my favorite MAC lipsticks divided in three categories based on their color: plum/purple/dark red, pink/nude and bright colors like red and fuchsia.

Pink/nude lipsticks

Please me: This is a lovely rosy pink shade which is perfect for a casual day look. It has a matte finish which is my favorite, because it looks more natural and toned down. I don’t like creamy lipsticks a lot, because they look too glossy for my taste, they last less and my hair tends to stick on them which is not cool at all. I feel that this is the perfect pink shade; not too pink and Barbie-like but also not too nude.

Pink plaid: This is another lovely pink shade. I really like this shade because it is a blue-toned pink. I am not a huge fan of pink color makeup wise because I feel it doesn’t really flatter me. However, I love the blue-toned pink. Its cool tone matches my quite pale skin and brunette hair color. Its matte finish is a plus. Another perfect pink for a casual look. Please me is just a bit warmer than pink plaid however, they both work quite well on my skin.

Mehr: This is a new lipstick I got my hands on this year and I am absolutely in love with it. It is another dirty blue pink, like the Pink Plaid lipstick, plus it is also matte. The difference is that Mehr looks a bit more brown on my lips than pink. It is like a deeper shade of pink that is almost brown/mauve. I really love this lipstick for a day and night look. Its darker than the previous two and perfect for fall/winter.

Plum/dark red

Amorous: Moving on to the plum/dark red category, one of my favorite lipsticks is Amorous. This is a dark cranberry shade, with a satin finish. Satin finish is a semi-matte finish, which means it is the closest thing to the absolute matte finish, but it also has some creaminess. I love this shade for fall and winter, as it is a lovely dark pinkish-red, which really compliments my reddish hair color and my pale skin tone. It is perfect for the entire day. I really like wearing darker shades in the daytime especially in the winter, because they make eye makeup redundant.

Plumful: This is one of my oldest MAC lipsticks. It is a rose-plum shade with lustre finish. I really like this color as it is a perfect plum and plum is another perfect fall/winter shade. It is a pinkish plum shade instead of dark purple one, which makes it wearable in the daytime as well as the nighttime. Being lustre, means it is creamy and with some shine, which although it’s not my favorite, is not bad at all. I can tap some powder over it and it immediately becomes more matte.

Rebel: This is the newest addition to my collection. I got a week ago and I am in love with it. I had its matching lip pencil, the Rebelious, and I love it so much that I thought I should get the lipstick too. I am really happy with this lipstick. It is a satin, dark purple plum shade. I know it sounds so confusing, but it is not an eggplant purple, or a very dark one like the Cyber. It looks very dark in the bullet, but once applied it can come off a bit lighter, like a magenta toned plum. It is semi-matte, which makes it long-lasting and steadier. Although it is quite dark, I would actually wear it in the day time as well, because it is a statement lipstick that is enough to be a look on its own. Such a show stopper!

Bright red/fuchsia

Girl About Town: The last category is about the bright colors of my collection that I really like. Girl About Town, is one of my favorite lipsticks in general if not my favorite. I absolutely love this shade. I find it perfect for all year round and all day round. It’s a bright fuchsia shade with a creamy amplified finish. It feels buttery on the lips but it doesn’t really fade easily. It is such a lovely shade, that always cheers me up. I feel pretty and just in a better mood whenever I am wearing it. I also believe it flatters all skin shades!

Perpetual Flame: This is a Pro-Longwear lipstick, which means that it is supposed to last much longer than the regular ones. It is a lovely red/pink shade. It has a matte finish, but it feels quite steady on the lips and I dare to say a little drying. Once on the lips its feels like it’s not going anywhere. It is also a little harder to remove and it stains the lips a little bit. However, it is a gorgeous color and I love how matte and steady it is. Perfect for all year round due to the red and pink hues it has.

Russian Red: Another classic lipstick! This along with Girl About Town are my oldest and favorite shades. This is a blueish, bright red and it has a matte finish. It is absolutely gorgeous. It is a bright, cool toned red. It doesn’t have any coral hues which I really like. It flatters all the skin tones and hair colors, and it is perfect for all year round. I do enjoy wearing it in the spring and summer more though, as in the winter I go for darker and deeper shades of red. I even have the magic lip liner (Cherry), because you can never wear a red lipstick without a liner first!

As you have probably realized by now, I am a lipstick hoarder. I love lipsticks very much because they brighten up my mood and make me feel much prettier than any eye shadow can. They are all I need in a makeup look essentially. MAC lipsticks are amazing. With different finish and in a variety of shades, the choices are many. The shades I usually go for are plum, red and berry. Sometimes I go for light pink as well. I love how they are long-lasting and good quality. I recommend all the lipsticks mentioned above, as well as MAC lipsticks in general. What is your favorite lipstick? Comment down below and share or snap a picture wearing it and upload it on Instagram using the hashtag #myonelipstick . I would check them all out! Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

January 21, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

TOPSHOP JEANS vs ASOS JEANS

I absolutely love wearing jeans. They are so comfortable and easy to style. You can dress them down and create a casual daily look, or dress them up with a nice shirt or top. I like how effortless they are. Pairing jeans with a nice top is so easy that gives you time to focus on the details; the accessories. Another thing I love about jeans, is how there is a huge variety of styles and designs that can basically compliment any body type. There are jeans for slim bodies, curvier figures, tall girls or short ones. And let’s not forget the shades; light blue for the summer, darker blue for the winter, black, grey, white and even colorful ones like pink and red. But as mentioned before, the most important selling point of them for me, is their comfort; the fact that I feel at ease while wearing them, and the fact that I just can’t go wrong with a nice pair of jeans.

I don’t really like to overspend on my jeans. I rather have many different ones than just a couple pricey ones. My two favorite brands for jeans-shopping are Topshop and ASOS. Both brands have reasonably priced jeans and a lovely variety. However, they don’t offer the same quality. I am a 5’10’’ girl with a curvy figure and I feel that high-waisted jeans are better for me. They elongate and slim down my body a little bit, whereas the low or mid waist ones are just focusing on the problematic area (hips) that i’d rather not emphasize. Therefore, when shopping, I always get myself high-waisted jeans.

ASOS Ridley Skinny Ankle Grazer Jeans in Reef Wash — Topshop Moto Prettty Blue Joni Jeans

From Topshop all my jeans are the Joni Super High Waisted ones. I love the Joni jeans. The size I go for is W32L34 and in the Tall section it’s W30L36. They are very comfortable, long enough and reasonably priced at 50 euros. However, the quality is not that good. I hate to say it, but if it was up to me I wouldn’t call them jeans but jeggings because that’s how they feel. The material is quite thin and after a while it rubs off and sometimes it even gets holey. It also becomes a bit baggy especially around the knees and the color may fade at some parts. Something that is that thin, in my opinion is not really denim. Hence, I would call them jeggings. They are very stretchy and comfortable, but because they are that thin, I don’t feel I am wearing proper jeans. I like how they are flattering my body and how long they are but it’s disappointing at how quickly they fall apart. They last me a year at the most before they start having major issues. I do still love them though, as they combine comfort, style and a relatively low price.

From ASOS I go for the Ridley Skinny High Waisted Jeans. I usually get the W32L34 size, unless it’s an ankle grazer, where in that case I might size up, as I find they have a little tighter fit. Now the ASOS jeans are quite different. They are thicker than the Joni ones, therefore they don’t rub off or fade that easily. Because they are thicker, they are less elastic. This means they are not as comfy and stretchy as the Joni ones. Don’t get me wrong though; they are not uncomfy. They are as comfy as regular jeans are. The Topshop ones are too stretchy, more like leggings. The length may vary in ASOS jeans. I have ankle grazers that are just above my ankles and ankle grazers that are like cropped jeans. So I would say that there might be a slight surprise with the length. Therefore, if I can size up on the length I do it. Their price is lower than the Topshop ones; they are between 34-45 euros. I really like my ASOS Ridley jeans a lot because they feel like proper, good quality jeans and they are at a great price.

Left to right: Toppsh — Left to right: ASOS vs Topshop

Jeans are one of the most popular pieces of clothing. They are comfortable, relatively cheap and they match with everything. Literally, you can put any top with them and you have a nice look. From effortless and casual they can easily be transformed into a chic night-time outfit. I love my jeans; whether they are from Topshop or ASOS. However, if you are looking for the best combination of quality and low price (value for money), ASOS is a better choice. Its jeans are thicker, better quality and more affordable. Topshop jeans are very comfy and they have a nice fit, but they are quite thin and they will fall apart quite quickly. Plus they are a bit more pricey. I recommend both brands as they both offer some nice jeans; I just like ASOS jeans a bit more. It all comes down to what everyone is seeking; better quality or more comfort and stretch. Which is your favorite jeans brand and why? Do you guys prefer ASOS or Topshop jeans? I would love to know what you think! Don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky