Beach # OOTD

Hi lovelies,

Yesterday was beautiful sunny autumn day in The Netherlands. As much as it saddens me that summer is pretty much over I actually quite like the autumn season (when it's not raining that is!) haha. The change of colour from the trees and leaves everywhere, it's so pretty. I enjoyed a lovely breezy walk in the sunshine @ Katwijk beach with a dear friend of mine. The beach in Holland is one of my favourite places to go for a walk, chat and blow out in the wind :) Sharing my outfit of the day.

(click image to enlarge)

Jacket: Parka from H&M 

White Top: Zara

Skinny Jeans: River Island

Leopard print scarf: Accessory shop Brussels

Earrings: Witchery

Leather Boots: Cinderella

Me & my gorgeous friend 

Me & Lulu - Love you XOXO :)

Happy Go Lucky :)

Can you do with a good giggle? Well have I got a movie tip for you! I got this DVD out the other day & watched it with my mum. "Happy-Go-Lucky is a laugh-out-loud comedy about having fun, looking for love and getting on with life"

What's it about?
School teacher Poppy (Sally Hawkins) approaches every day with an optimism and joy that is unshakable. When the bicycle she commutes to work on is stolen, Poppy simply signs up for driving lessons. Her teacher, Scott, is a fuming, uptight cynic who channels his anger into hilariously inappropriate episodes of road rage. But neither Scott, her bitter pregnant sister, a fiery flamenco instructor or a class room bully can change the Happy-Go-Lucky girl’s “glass half full” world view in writer-director Mike Leigh’s funny, truthful and deeply life-affirming film.



Fantastic acting by Sally Hawkins (well deserved Golden Globe win!). Polly's attitude is a little crazy & silly but infectious! This film truly made me laugh & realise that I shouldn't take life too serious all the time! 
"Smile and the world will smile with you" ♥ that quote!

Va Va Volume with Aveda

Like many girls I am always in the ongoing quest to find the ideal product for more voluminous hair ;) Recently as part of this quest I purchased Aveda's Phomollient Styling Foam. See the result below. 

If I may say so myself; Va Va Volume achieved! 

Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam:

What Aveda says: "Our patented formula—which includes certified organic honey, burdock and marshmallow root—creates weightless volume on fine and medium hair. Adds shine without build-up or weight. Uses air-infused technology"

♥ For fine to medium hair types
♥ Light to medium hold
♥ Weightless volume
♥ Detangles
♥ Builds body

How to use? What I do is spray 2-3 pumps into my hand. Rub my hands together to distribute the product evenly (yes, it does liquefy a little) and apply to damp hair; distribute near the roots for added lift. Then I blow-dry my hair (with my head upside down or using a rounded brush ) to create volume. 

My hair is pretty fine (but I have quite a bit of it!) and the problem is that it often feels very "flat". I have experimented with different mouses in the past during my quest for volume and have always hated the results. Sticky, frizzy and stiff/crunchy hair, yuck! Therefore I was a bit hesitant when the shop assistant suggested this styling foam. But I was pleasantly surprised. Phomollient Styling Foam is great because, unlike a mouse, it's light and airy. This product leaves my hair soft and silky but magically with more volume than mother nature gave me. The foam also smells lovely & fresh, a bit like honey and the scent makes you feel like you've just walked out of a salon. 

Little $ Tip: Save the top (the pump part that screws on the bottle) of the Phomollient and you can buy the refills for cheaper!

What product do you love for Va Va Volume? 

Songs I'm lovin @ the moment =

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

Bruno Mars - Just the way your are

Rihanna - Only Girl (in the world)

Alicia Keys - Un-thinkable

Afrojack ft Eva Simons - Take over Control

Anouk - For bitter or worse

Usher - DJ Got us Fallin' in Love (ft Pitbull)

Stan Walker - Choose You

Shakira - Men in this town

I just love it how a song & music can just completely change your mood! 

What songs are you loving at the moment? xoxo

And the winner is....

Firstly I want to start off by thanking ALL of my wonderful followers from the bottom of my heart ♥ for entering my first ever giveaway! When I started this little blog back in February I never in a million years imagined that in less than 10 months I would get to 300 followers, let alone almost 500! It really touches me so deeply that you enjoy reading my rambles about MakeUp, Fashion and other random stuff :)

Anyways onto what you all want to know.... as promised I picked a winner today (using random.org).........so without any further ado; the WINNER of my first ever giveaway is....(drum roll).....

(click on the image above to be redirected to her blog!)

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend?! Mwah xoxo

Drugstore Mascara >

Just want to share a quick post on 2x drugstore mascara's I have been loving recently:

♥ Max Factor; 2000 Calorie Dramatic Look

♥ L'Oreal Paris; Voluminous
I have both of these in black (non waterproof - because I'm not a big fan of waterproof mascara's, too harsh on my eyes, I like my mascara to be able to wash off with a bit of water...but that's just me :p)

These mascara's both promise to give you full DRAMATIC lashes! And they actually live up to their promise!! They give my lashes loads of volume, length and hardly any clumping or flaking. Love it!
So if you are on the look out for a great drugstore mascara, then I'd would definitely recommend either of these :)

Giveaway Reminder!

Hey chickies!

Just a quick reminder that my give away closes tomorrow...

So this is your last chance to enter!

Click this link to enter NOW if you haven't already!

 Good luck to everyone, I can't wait to pick a winner :) xoxo

Crystal Baby =

Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Crystal Baby (#301)

I have been lusting for this lipstick ever since Pixiwoo used it in this video tutorial! V&D (department store in the Netherlands) recently had a 25% discount on all cosmetic brands, so I felt this was a great excuse to surrender to my lust list and purchase this little b.e.a.u.t.y!

Estee Lauder says: Sheer colour, super shine & dazzling crystal effects.
"Light up your lips. Pure impact. Pure brilliance. Pure thrill. Pure colour"

Swatched in natural light

Absolutely LOVE this lipstick. It's super moisturizing, long lasting and the colour is a perfect soft (pink) nude. The texture is light & creamy at the same time and almost feels more like a lip gloss/balm than a lipstick. So natural looking but with a lovely shine without too much shimmers or glitters. A new HG lipstick!

Being Wednesday; I wanted finish this post with a cute positive message!

Happy Hump Day! xoxo

2010 Fall/Winter Trend: Faux Fur

Many designers have been rocking the fur look on the runways for their Fall & Winter collections this year. Ranging from head-to-toe looks to fur vests, scarfs, hats, shoes or bits of fur trim; it definitely seems to be a fall/winter MUST have! 

While not all of the designers opted for fake, luckily there are plenty of fabulous faux fur pieces in stores this season :) I myself couldn't resist the trend when I spotted this cute faux fur vest from H&M over the weekend! 

It's warm and cuddly, while still animal friendly and can look glamourous or casual.

What do you think of the Faux Fur trend? To be honest I never really thought it was me, but now I ♥ it!

Going Green..

Hi lovelies,
I hope you are all having a fabulous week? I am in a great mood because I finally heard back regarding a job interview in London! They confirmed a time which means I will be going back to London in early October for an interview, its all looking very promising, yippee yah yay!

So today I went green.....(MakeUp wise then haha).
Therefore sharing a quick green ETOD look:

♥ Eyes:
Urban Decay Mildew e/s (all over lid)
MAC Wedge e/s (crease & lower lash line)
Urban Decay Maui Wowie (tear duct)
MAC Dazzlelight e/s (brow bone high light)
MAC Fluidline in blacktrack (upper lash line)
Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara

To finish off today's post; a quick self portrait shot showing off my hairdo.

All I did was twisting the top of my hair (on each side) braiding it and then pinning it back. Like?

"Flushed" Cheeks

One of my favourite shops in London is Topshop. The one on Oxford Street is just SO massive, you could get lost in there....(actually I think I did almost get lost! haha) Beside clothes they have an amazing range of shoes, accessories, jewellery and since not that long also MakeUp! I had read a few reviews on their products, so I was excited to try out some Topshop MakeUp myself. 
I ended up buying a cream blusher, called "Flush"

What Topshop says: "Lightweight cream to powder blush that melts into the skin giving a natural luminous, radiant finish" 

Flush is a pretty rose pink with a slight coral undertone. It looks very bright in the pan but I feel its a lovely soft shade of pink when blended onto the cheek, giving you that "flushed" cheeks look. The blush has great pigmentation, lasts really long and it it applies from a cream to a soft powdery finish. All I do really is dot it onto my cheeks and blend! Plus it can also be worn as a lipstick/stain.  I say for £6 it's a bargain!

Swatched on my hand in natural light. Left: not blended. Right: Blended

Btw I ♥ the packaging - the dots are too cute!

Face of the Day and showing off my "flushed" cheeks :)

♥ Face:
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation 
Revlon ColorStay Concealer
Max Factor Creme Puff powder in Translucent (#5)
Topshop Creme Blush in Flush
Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in Sunlight
♥ Eyes:
MAC Tempting e/s (all over lid & lower lash line)
MAC Nylon e/s (under brow bone)
MAC Smolder (waterline)
MAC Fluidline in blacktrack (upper lash line)
Maybelline Collosal Volume Express Mascara
♥ Lips:
MAC Blankety lipstick

Have you tried any of the Topshop MakeUp range, if so what did you think? xoxo

Spaghetti 'Meat' Balls

While I was in London I stayed with my dear friend & fellow blogger Tanya. She is a Russian kiwi that moved to London about 2 years ago. There she runs a corporate wellness company & is a raw food living coach! I have always been very intrigued by her raw food lifestyle & food so on my first night in London, she treated me to my first Raw Food Experience!

Our DELICIOUS dinner Spaghetti 'Meat' balls :)

Us girls catching up on goss over dinner!

The dinner was yummy and it was really fun to learn more about 'cooking' raw food. Tanya has a fantastic blog where she shares her healthy & fun recipes! Go check it out now; as she has just posted about my raw food experience! http://www.betterraw.com/ :)

My very 1st ASOS purchase!

When I was in London I met up with a gorgeous girlfriend of mine. And while we were having drinks & dinner I just couldn't stop checking out and admiring her GORGEOUS handbag. I just loved it.
She told me it was an ASOS purchase & at the pretty small cost of only £29, I could hardly believe it because it looked so expensive and fabulous! So...I will be honest....I ended up going to ASOS.com & finding the bag...and then I couldn't resist the "add to Bag" button! Sorry my dear Kate, I admit it, I am a complete copycat! But I hope you can see it as a compliment, because you are SO super stylish :) ♥

This was my first ever ASOS purchase & I was so excited when it arrived! Gosh online shopping is so much fun! Lo and behold here it is my beautiful new bag:

(click on imagines to enlarge)

What do you girls think? 

If you like it, you can check it out at ASOS.com here.

Ps: can I just briefly utter my disgust here on Lady Gaga's "raw meat" dress she wore the other day at the MTV VMA's? I don't want to post a picture of this gross outfit on my blog so if you don't know what outfit I am talking about then check it out by clicking this link. Honestly; being artistic, creative and out there is admiring but this....I can almost find no words to describe it! Yuck...

FREE Chanel Mascara:)

It's GLAMOUR magazine 5th Birthday in The Netherlands and they celebrated this with a BIG Birthday issue. I couldn't resist picking it up because of the FREE Chanel Mascara it came with! C'mon we all love free goodies right? :)

The BIG Birthday Glamour Issue with a cute little Chanel Notebook

And TADA hidden inside the little notebook is the FREE Mascara! 

Ok when I opened it I was a teeny bit disappointed with the size of the product, because it is incredibly small, but hey free is free right and you can't look a gift horse in the mouth ;)

Chanel inimitable intense

What is promises: "This technologically advanced formula builds on the success of the original mascara, delivering dramatic effects with a unique brush. The result is a more intense lash look, with the same easy application. Lashes appear longer, thicker and more curled, yet each lash, even the finest, is still precisely separated – without clumping, spiking or flaking." (as per Chanel website)

I had never tried a Chanel Mascara before so was very keen to see if this lived up to its expectations. I was truly impressed with the brush applicator. It really separates your lashes while making them thicker & longer. There was no flaking and the mascara lasted the whole day. Great product but pretty pricey at £29/€34! What do you ladies think of Chanel mascara, worth the money? 

Bday Memories & a little blue box!

During the summer holidays (on 4 August to be exact) it was my birthday! What age you ask? Ok ok, I'll tell you, I turned 26 years old :) Sigh the years are just flying by. Anyways, I spend the day with my parents in Bologna, Italy. We had a lovely time exploring the old city sights, shopping and eating delicious Italian food! Because my birthday always fell right bang in the middle of the European Summer holidays whilst growing up, my parents never bought me a birthday present ahead of time. I always just found things I wanted (like those stupid gimmicky items street people sell....) and then my parents would buy them for me and say, ok this is for your birthday! So again while on holiday with them this year, they hadn't bought me a present (saves lugging it around with you while traveling) and they said, during the holiday we'll just find something you like! So then it came to my birthday and we hadn't found me a present! LOL think it's because I am now at the mature age (pfff) of no longer wanting silly touristy or gimmicky stuff and any shopping, like clothes, I just paid for out of my own pocket.

However, one of my (every year) birthday present wishes is something new from Tiffany & Co...to expand my lovely little collection. (For example last year I ended up buying myself a present from there, I mean a single girl can spoil herself on her birthday right?) There is an ever growing lust list in my head from Tiffany & Co and I had talked to my parents & we'd said that when we'd return from holiday we'd look for a present for me from my all time favourite shop (T&C). However, whilst browsing the shops in Bologna, what did we all of a sudden stumble across? YES a Tiffany & Co store! Sooo my mum and dad were the sweetest and bought me these earrings that I have wanted for years!! Thought I would show them to you, I love love them so much! ♥ Then again think I love everything that comes in a little blue box! ;)

Me proudly holding my precious little blue box in Bologna!

Me SMILING away with my gorgeous new earrings.

Again thanks Mum & Dad, you are the best :)

xoxo

Lanvin > H&M

News Flash!! The rumors are true; Lanvin is coming to H&M! 

Such exciting news.

The collection will be designed by Lanvin's artistic director Alber Elbaz. The collection of 30 pieces and 15 accessories for woman, and 25 pieces and 10 accessories for men will be out on November 20 (Canada & US) and November 23 (worldwide)

I can't wait, bet their pieces will be stunning ♥

A foundation snob, no more!

Ok I admit it, for the last few years I have been a foundation snob! A long long time ago I discovered MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, fell in love and have never looked back since. I was so happy with the foundation that I never really tried anything else. The way I looked at it was; I had a wining formula and why change something that works right? I just couldn't get myself to buy a new foundation as an 'experiment' and then ending up with an expensive foundation I didn't like (and therefore didn't use & it being a waste of money) However during the last year while following many beauty blogs and reading so many reviews on other foundations, I was starting to get curious...

So, while I was packing for my 4 week camping trip through Europe with my parents I thought to myself, hmm, do I really want to use my (expensive) MAC foundation whilst on holiday? Maybe I should be adventurous and try a cheaper drugstore foundation instead....So I did! I went to local drugstore and bought 2x cheaper foundations that I had read a lot about and had been quite keen to try out. I got:

♥ Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in Light Beige (#53)

♥ Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Sand Beige (180 - Normal/Dry Skin)

So how do they measure up?

♥ Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

What it claims: "a perfectly glowing complexion and toned skin that lasts up to 16 hours". They mention special natural ingredients & "Fruit therapy". Apricot for radiance, melon for hydration, apple as antioxidant & ginger for energy"

My thoughts: The first thing I noticed about this foundation was the smell, quite nice & fruity! It applies easily and dries to a powdery soft matt finish.The coverage is medium to sheer. The healthy mix foundation lasts moderately well, but definitely doesn't live up to it's claims of 16hrs..

Pro's: Affordable (approx. €12 or £11), comes with a pump style bottle which makes it really easy to dispense the correct amount of product, gives medium to sheer coverage with nice semi matte finish & smells fruity.

Con's: Limited shade and colour collection (even though light beige does suit me but a little too "beige/yellowy" for my liking), not as long lasting as it promises, dries out after a few hours and needs re-application. The main con for me with this foundation is it's lack of SPF :(

♥ Revlon ColorStay Foundation (with SoftFlex & SPF15)

What it claims: "ColorStay makeup provides lightweight comfort, so you feel like you're not wearing make up, looks fresh for up to 16hrs, oil-free shine control, natural flawless look & transfer resistant"

My thoughts: I just love this foundation. The coverage of this liquid foundation is fantastic and leaves your skin feeling very smooth. Whilst providing heavy & full cover it never looks cakey and leaves you with a perfect flawless complexion! It also fully lives up to its claims...it lasts and lasts throughout the day! 

Pro's: Relatively cheap (€16 or £12) in comparison to some high end foundations, the foundation comes in many colours & has different formulations for your skin type including combination/oily & normal/dry skin, it has SPF 15 and provides amazing coverage and is long lasting.

Con's: No pump (but then again my MAC studio Fix doesn't have that either...), the smell is a little like paint on application but fortunately that fades pretty quickly once applied, the foundation dries incredibly quickly which does means you have to apply the foundation to the face in sections (or work super speedy to achieve the best flawless results).

So overall thoughts? Well I am happy to announce (like post title suggest) I am a Foundation Snob, NO MORE!! The Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation is OK but probably won't repurchase because I don't love love it. Revlon ColorStay on the other hand, I will definitely repurchase! I use this foundation almost just as much now as my MAC Studio Fix Fluid and think this will save me a bit of dosh. Because compared to paying €27 or £22 for a new bottle of my favourite MAC Foundation, I think the Revlon ColorStay foundation is almost a perfect dupe/replacement but at a much lower cost! This means a shared Holy Grail Status for MAC Studio Fix & Revlon ColorStay :)

Ps: Also I have to admit now that I have dabbled with experimenting with foundations I'm secretly quite keen to try out some other foundations....like NARS sheer glow perhaps?! Hehe

My 1st Urban Decay e/s Box!

In London I finally purchased my first Urban Decay Shadow Box! Whoop whoop! I have been wanting one for years but they never sold Urban Decay in New Zealand so I have been waiting & waiting...I know, I know, I could have just bought it online, but I never did OK? :p Anyways the one I choose was the "Eyeshadow Ammo Shadow Box" which was created for their 10th Birthday & therefore it contains 10x of Urban Decay's best-selling shades.

Smog: deep coppery bronze, Mildew: deep green,

Oil Slick: black with silver glitter, Last Call: plum punch 

Chopper: coppery fawn w/ silver microglitter 

Maui Wowie:medium gold w/ silver glitter,

Shattered: bright green/blue shift,  

Polyester Bride:white w/ silver glitter

Grifter: sheer lavender w/ lots of silver micro-glitter, Sin: champagne

Here they are swatched on my arm. Top: w/ flash, bottom: natural light.

From L-R: Maui Wowie, Smog, Mildew, Shattered, Oil Slick, Polyester Bride, Last Call, Grifter, Chopper & Sin. This shadow box is brilliant. Urban Decay eyeshadows are highly pigmented, creamy and super soft to blend. This would be a great little box to take away on holiday because you'd have a mix of neutral, bright colours and dark smokey/bronzey shades plus they are all together in a small compact box, including a mirror...Perfecto! Ok so I couldn't help myself to share a simple FOTD using my new UD Shadow Box. Here it is:

This is such a simple look to create but think it's really soft & pretty!

♥ Face:

Revlon ColourStay Foundation in 180 (Product review still to come!)

MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC20

Revlon Concealer & Bronzer

MAC Well Dressed Blush

♥Eyes:

MAC Paintpot in Bare Study (base- all over lid)

Urban Decay Maui Wowie (all over lid)

Urban Decay Smog (outer 3rd of lid, crease & lower lash line)

Urban Decay Polyester Bride (tiny bit as brow bone highlight)

MAC Engraved Kohl eyeliner (waterline)

MAC Fluidline - black (upper lash line)

MaxFactor Calorie 2000 Mascara

And because I have no job @ the moment and am a little bored sometimes here is also a OOTD picture. Haha sorry for the super picture heavy post! Please let me know if you guys like  all these OOTD/FOTD/Shopping kind of posts?

Jeans: Dark denim bootleg ZARA

Singlet: White simple v-neck t-shirt ZARA

London purchase: Black essential Blazer from Bershka

Scarf: Leopard print round scarf. Found it in a little shop at the Brussels train station while in transfer to London. I'd seen one just like this that I loved at Mango but it was €50! This one was only €10 so I went for the non-splurge option :) Round scarves are great because they are so versatile in the way you can wear them.

LOVE....and Shoes >

A recent purchase has made me think about the subject of LOVE...

♥ "There is only one happiness in life, to love & to be loved." George Sand

♥ "When you are in Love you can't fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams." Dr Seuss

♥"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." Franklin P. Jone

♥ "Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand." Mother Teresa

♥ "Love is patient, Love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails" 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

♥ "Some people care too much. I think it's called love." Winnie The Pooh

♥ " You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." Buddha

Aren't these beautiful quotes? For well over a year now I have not had much (or well any) love in my life. Of course I have had love & support from friends and family (bless them!) but none in the romantic sense if you get my drift. About 18 month's ago I came out of a 7 year relationship and since then I have needed time by myself to learn to love ME again. Though..deep down I am more of a relationship kind of gal then a party single gal so I miss being in a relationship. And I miss love....BUT I am still a believer & dreamer and really hope one day (in the not too distant future hopefully haha) I will meet someone special. 

Mr Lover, I am ready, come find me where ever you are :)

Gold LOVE ring: Topshop

Been wearing this almost non stop since buying it in London. ♥ it :)

I also thought I'd quickly share my shoe purchases from London!

Tan Leather/Fabric Heels: ALDO (got them on sale @60% off, bargain!)

Red Ballet Flats: New Look (only £8!)

Beige & black flats with gold studs: Primark (again only £8!)

Found London was a great place for cheap shoes.

Anyways, I am off to bed now. Hope your lives are all filled with love & affection! Because "you're worth it" :) xoxo

300 Followers Giveaway +

Wow.... I hit 300 followers! I cannot tell you how happy this has made me. I know we all say it, but that day when you make your very first blog post is the most nervous thing ever. I was convinced no one would be interested in anything I had to say, so watching my followers go up slowly but surely, has given me so much confidence and made my little hobby all the more enjoyable. So thank you so much Ladies... each and every one of you. I appreciate all your comments so very much!

Now onto the prize for my giveaway:

1x Sleek Original i-Divine Palette

1x Sleek Blush in Pixie Pink

1x Gosh Nail Polish in Miss Sweety (595)

1x Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Shine that Pink (14)

Onto the rules:

1. You have to be (or become) a follower of my blog, as this is a giveaway to say a special thank you to my followers.
2. For one entry simply type "enter me" in the comments below.
3. For an extra 2 entries and obviously more chance in winning :) either blog about my giveaway or post a link in your sidebar. So altogether you have the possibility of 3 entries. Please remember to let me know in your comments if you blog or post a link though, so I can make sure I add give you 3 numbers for random.org.
4. The winner will be chosen at random, by random.org and is be open to international readers too.
5. Closing date for entries will be 25 September so in 3 weeks time.
6. Lastly, please tell me in your comments your email address to ensure I can contact the lucky winner :)

Good luck, and lots of beauty blogging love!! xoxo