November 20, 2016 - vicky Leave a comment

ASOS Shoes – New In + Reviews

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Although it is already November, hence the end of Fall, up until now it was quite warm and summery in Greece. However, this didn’t stop me from enriching my shoe wardrobe with a few new pairs from ASOS that I simply fell in love with. Every new season, is an excuse to change my wardrobe and freshen it up a little by adding a few new pieces. This Fall I went a little overboard and practically raided the shoe section of ASOS site. My birthday 10% code only fueled my addiction. Although I picked a couple of black ones, as black is my favorite color and a staple one, this time I decided I needed a bit of a change and I went outside my comfort zone for once by picking some – surprise!!! – colorful shoes as well.

My choices were mostly inspired by some major fall-winter trends we saw on the catwalk and by my practical side as well. Therefore, I tried to combine the cool new trends with staple pieces. I am not a huge fan of heels; I do not wear them often, especially on my day ventures. On the contrary I absolutely love flats; from loafers and ballerinas to sneakers and ankle boots. Therefore, all my choices are completely flat shoes.

ballet-flats-black — Image: www.asos.com

The first shoes I picked and fell in love with, are these lovely black ballerinas, with ankle straps. They are super comfortable and versatile; I can wear them with dresses, skirts and jeans, creating many looks for daytime and nighttime. These ballerinas are part of my slight obsession with the Miu Miu ones, inspired by the actual shoes for ballet dancing. Everyone can admit that these Miu Miu flats are one of the hottest shoes of this season. Since their price is a bit out of my range, I was on the lookout for a good, yet cheap dupe. Once I saw these shoes I simply fell in love with them. Very lovely!

Another major trend of the season – and we have Gucci to thank for – is the good old loafer. This style is a good alternative for the ballerina flats, but it adds a bit more masculinity and structure to a look. I never really went after this style but in the spirit of change and experimentation, this Fall I decided to get my hands on a few pairs of loafers. To be precise I got three pairs. I know it sounds a bit too much but in my defense they were quite cheap (plus the discount code); I simply couldn’t resist. I got a lovely black one for every day (staple and favorite color), a leopard one, which I believe is also quite a staple piece since it goes well with everything but adds a little something to a casual look, and lastly a silver one (getting out of my comfort zone here). Metallic shades are one of my favorite trends of this season, because I feel that they can glam up any look, from a simple pair of jeans with a jumper, to a cute mini skirt with a shirt.

Another pair of flats that caught my attention is this pair of pink, satin flats with a cute black bow. Now if this isn’t outside my comfort zone I don’t know what is. This pair is life! I love how it is made of satin, a luxurious fabric, which is why these shoes are my fancier, yet comfortable choice. The bow and pink color just add a girly vibe to it which makes this pair a perfect addition to my collection, since I don’t have enough girly shoes or clothes.

Last but not least, there is another pair of black flats. These shoes are beautiful, pointy, black flats with ankle straps and studs. Spikes and studs add a rock, badass vibe to a plain pair of shoes, which is something I absolutely love. These specific ones also remind me of the Valentino Rockstud flats, which are gorgeous, yet outside my price range. I believe that the ASOS ones come pretty close and in such a low price. Pair them with some jeans and jumper and a leather jacket for a total 80’s rock look.

On a sidenote, although I am a UK 8 size, on ASOS most shoes are rather small for me so I always go for a size UK 9 just to make sure it fits. So all the shoes mentioned above were a size 9 apart from the last pair which is a size UK 8 because it runs rather big. Like really big. Also my animal print loafers were a bit big, but I sticked with the size 9 anyways, because they have a pointy tip, and pointy shoes turn to squeeze my poor toes. All of the shoes are quite comfy, but the black and silver loafers, as well as the ballerinas, are really, really thin. It doesn’t bother me, but be aware that they are quite thin shoes compared to the rest. Lastly, the ones with the bow are very sturdy and a bit tight around my foot, probably because of the satin material.

I absolutely love each and every one of the shoes I picked in the past month. With my black and colorful flats I feel more than ready for this season. All I can say is: THANK YOU ASOS!!

Vicky xx

October 1, 2016 - vicky Leave a comment

White and blue transitioning look

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Although it is still quite warm here in Athens, the past couple of days have been a little breezy, which is a pleasant change after a hot summer. Going out for brunch on Sunday, I wanted my outfit to embrace the slight autumn vibe, therefore I paired my favorite high-rise Joni jeans from Topshop, with a long, oversized, stripey shirt from ZARA.

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I absolutely love this shirt and I was so happy for that change in the weather as it was a perfect opportunity to wear it. I think a loose, oversized shirt is a great staple piece for the transitioning period. I love matching mine to my favorite jeans or black skinny leggings for a casual, laid back look. I also intend to get a simple white one for more monochrome outfits! I matched my Sunday look to a pair of my favorite white Adidas Superstar sneakers. They are so comfortable for when I walk around for hours and they are just the cherry on the top of this casual look. Finally, the look wouldn’t be complete without my favorite Michael Kors navy Jet Set Travel bag (review here). I absolutely love this bag and it’s my go-to bag since I bought actually.

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I really enjoyed wearing something different from t-shirts and vests for the first time after a long, hot summer. It was the perfect casual, transitioning look for me! What is your favorite look for a slightly autumny day?

jeans: Topshop . shirt: Zara . bag: Michael Kors . shoes: Adidas

Vicky xx

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

March 13, 2016 - crazyandfashionable 1 Comment

ColourPop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks Review and Swatches

COLOURPOP ULTRA MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK REVIEW AND SWATCHES

Liquid lipsticks are a new trend that has emerged the last couple of years. They are basically lipsticks in the form of a lip gloss, which ultimately dries matte on the lips. The idea of a lipstick that is absolutely matte thrilled me, as I love lipsticks with a matte finish more than any other lip product. Although I already own and love a couple of Too Faced Melted lipsticks, for a while now I wanted to try the famous ColourPop Ultra Matte liquid lipsticks that everyone is raving about.

I ordered 8 – yes 8! – because it was simply hard to choose from the huge variety of colors. Plus they are very affordable at 6 $ which is cheaper than any other lipstick I own. Once I put them on, I saw what the whole fuss was about; the lipsticks are amazing! First thing’s first, they are very easy to apply because of the shape of their wand. Secondly they dry extremely fast; by the time I am done with my upper lip, my lower has already dried. They are very pigmented, which means they cover my natural lip color entirely, plus you can easily built them up by going darker and darker. Once they have dried you don’t feel there is anything on your lips. They are very light and they are not drying the lips at all. They truly are the mattest thing I have ever put on my lips. This part alone is what makes me super excited for them. I love anything that is really matte, so immediately these lipsticks earned a place in my hard. Lastly, they can last for a long, long time. You can actually eat, drink or even kiss someone and the lipstick will remain unphased. I have never seen anything like this before. This exact feature is also the only downfall as it does take a minute or two to properly remove the lipstick from my lips. I have to use my best makeup remover and actually rub my lips in order to get it all off. Because of the rubbing, the area around my mouth is stained with red color, but this is easily fixed with some powder. Best part is that you don’t feel like you have anything on your lips, plus the lipstick doesn’t dry the lips out at all, despite being matte. Bellow there are swatches of all the 8 lipsticks I got so far!

I really love my ColourPop Ultra Matte lipsticks. They are seriously amazing. The formula is rich, pigmented, non-drying for the lips and it dries pretty fast and pretty matte. Add an incredibly low price and you have the best liquid lipstick combination ever! I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for some great, affordable, matte liquid lipsticks. Do you guys like liquid lipsticks and if so which one is your favorite? If you have tried ColourPop which shade do you like? Also, don’t forget to pop over Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron) and say hello!

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 21, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

SMASHBOX 25 YEARS LIPSTICK PALETTE REVIEW-SWATCHES

SMASHBOX 25 YEARS LIMITED EDITION LIPSTICK PALETTE-REVIEW-SWATCHES

Hello guys and happy Sunday! In this post I am going to review a product I was really excited to get my hands on: the Smashbox 25 years limited edition lipstick palette. Smashobox is a very popular makeup brand that, among others, has one of the most amazing primers I have ever applied on my face: the Photofinish Foundation Primer. Besides that primer, I hadn’t tried any other product of the brand, but I had high regards of it based on the things I had heard online. Now you all know I am a lipstick hoarder. I love lipstick a lot, in fact they are my favorite makeup item. I love having different shades and different types of finish. When I saw this palette I knew I had to have it. It is like a little treat; all these amazing colors in one box! Smashobox released this palette in order to celebrate they 25 years since its foundation. Therefore, the limited edition palette has 25 shades, each for a year. I really like the palette’s direct association with the brand’s celebration of its 25 years from foundation.

The palette itself is gorgeous; all black, sleek and minimal. It has a huge mirror and the brush is very nice. Smashbox’s makeup brushes have good reviews, so I was glad they did include a brush in the palette. Now as far as the actual lipsticks, they are all amazing. As a pale brunette with reddish lips, I expected a few colors not to suit me. Shades like light pink, brown, nude and corally/orangey red are out of my comfort zone plus they have the “dead” effect on me. Once I tried on all the colors I was blown away. Most of the colors don’t look as intense on as they are in the palette. On the contrary they easily blend with the natural color of my lips and give a more tinted effect. I can also build them up and make them more vivid and intense. Even the colors I was wary of looked amazing on; very flattering. I was excited because now I can wear some shades I wouldn’t wear normally. The variety is huge: nudes, browns, pinks, reds and plums; from very light to very dark. The type of finish varies as well: there are matte ones (my favorites) and creamy/satin ones too. The creamy/satin ones are more sheer and shiny, whereas the matte ones are more vivid and steady. The red and fuchsia/red shades do tint the lips a little bit as the majority of these colors does. On the swatch picture I mention the finish as well as the shade of each color. I believe that because there are so many different shades, everyone will be satisfied; those who prefer more neutral and pink shades, those who love red and those who like a little bit of dark plum in their lives. Also the lipsticks can be used for day to-night looks. They are easy to apply with the brush and easy to remove. The palette is not small, so it’s not easy to carry it with you in your bag, but I personally don’t care much about that since I get the amazing deal of 25 lipstick shades in one. I highly recommend the palette.

When I was contemplating on buying this gorgeous palette, I was worried about the quality of Smashbox lipsticks. Since I hadn’t tried any of them before and since I am quite picky with my lipsticks (I am a matte lover), I was a little concerned. Therefore, I was searching online for reviews of it. Sadly I didn’t find a single review. I actually found a misleading site, where instead of reviews, it had complaints of girls about the very existence of the palette, even though they had never tried it out. The lack of reviews about something quite unique and relatively pricey, prompted me to write this review, in hopes of helping others who are interesting in it. Overall the palette is a dream. It has a good quality design, a nice big mirror, so many shades – practicaly everything – and an amazing professional lip brush. The lipsticks set nicely and blend easily. For some reason all shades but one work great on my lips! What’s not to love about that right? If you already have the palette I would like to know what you think of it. If you are thinking about buying it and you’re looking for some more information, don’t hesitate to mail me. Also I would love it if you could pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and 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

February 5, 2016 - crazyandfashionable Leave a comment

CHANEL AND LANCOME SKINCARE REVIEW

Happy February everyone! As you have probably realized by now, I am into skin care products more than make up ones. Skincare products improve the skin and help deal with any problems it may have, instead of just masking and covering them up. I like trying different skin care products from different brands, as I am always searching for something better and different from the products I already have. I don’t really have high-end brands makeup and skin care, but on January there was a huge sale on a few shopping centres and I decided it was my chance to get some high-end skin care. Therefore, I went with Chanel and Lancome. I already have a couple of skin care products from both brands and I really like them. From both brands I picked a toner and a mask, because I love toners and I always like to try new masks.

From Chanel I got the Silky Soothing Toner for Comfort and Anti-Pollution and the Hydration, Protection and Radiance Mask from the Hydra Beauty line. I used both products and I sadly have to admit I am not very satisfied with both of them. First thing’s first, the Toner is a nice toner which refreshes the skin, but it is not something that wowed me. It smells lovely, but I don’t feel it really cleanses my skin. It is supposed to be anti-pollution, but besides refreshing my skin, I don’t feel it does anything else. It’s not that I don’t like it, I just feel that the other toners I have offer something more. The Mask, as well, is not something amazing. It is a moisture mask for radiant and smooth skin, that you apply on your face before you sleep and you massage it into your skin before you sleep. It felt really greasy on my skin and my skin couldn’t absorb it at all. I don’t know if this is how the product is supposed to be, but I really hate greasy products that make my skin look shiny and they are not absorbed easily. Even once I woke up the product was still there. It had been absorbed a little but you could still feel my skin being sticky. I didn’t like the mask and I felt it also broke me out a bit. I never had acne or any skin issues but after the mask I had a couple of zits and irritation, which to be is a break out. Really unhappy with the mask.

From Lancome I got the Clarifying Exfoliating Toner and the Purifying Mineral Mask with White Clay. Unlike with Chanel, I was really satisfied with Lancome. I have two products already from the brand and I really love them, so I had high expectations from the two new ones. The Toner is amazing. I absolutely love it! It has a strong scent because it contains alcohol. Toners which contain alcohol, are not suitable for dry and sensitive skin types; they will dry out the dry skin and irritate the sensitive skin. It didn’t irritate my skin at all. I would classify my skin as a little sensitive, but not much. Therefore, the toner didn’t affect my skin negatively at all. On the contrary, It actually helped my skin a lot. Every time I use the toner, the cotton pad is quite dirty even after I have cleansed my skin. This is something I hadn’t noticed before with my other toners. I was always under the impression that I had cleansed my skin a lot and therefore there was nothing for the toner to remove. With this toner I realized I was wrong; there always was some dirt left and this toner will definitely remove it. So happy I actually got the 400 ml bottle (double the size of my other toners), because it will last me for a long time. The Mask is really good as well. It is a clay mask and as with all clay masks, it becomes solid on my skin before I rinse it off. Its scent is quite unpleasant, but it doesn’t really bother me and the results I get are amazing; my skin feels really tight and bright afterwards which I love. I used the mask on my mom, who has a different skin to mine, and it was a success as well. Her skin was so moisturized, tight and brighter than before. Such a lovely mask. The skin really feels extra clean and refreshed. It even feels tighter which is great! I prefer it much more than the Chanel one.

Recently I added some high-end products to my skin care collection, from Chanel and Lancome, as I don’t have anything almost from the first brand, and I love whatever I have from the second. I was quite disappointed with the Chanel products, because although the toner was simply ok, the mask was quite underwhelming. The toner has a nice, refreshing feel but nothing more than that. The mask is greasy, sticky and not easily absorbed. It also broke me out a little bit, which doesn’t happen often. Unlike Chanel’s products, the Lancome ones were great. The toner is amazing, because it really moisturizes and cleanses my skin and the mask is great because it makes my skin feel more plum, tighter and brighter. What more could you ask from a mask right? I totally recommend the Lancome products but for the Chanel ones I am not satisfied therefore, I can’t really recommend them. The toner is ok for refreshing your skin, so I suppose you could try it out but the mask is a let down. I would love to hear your opinion about these products and which is your favorite toner in general? Comment down below and share! 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 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