Laser Hair Removal - One Year On

When I posted about my first time experiencing laser hair removal one year ago, I received a good number of emails and messages asking me if I think the procedure is really effective or not. In all cases, the response was the same - I will have to wait for a few more treatments to be able to give a thorough assessment. 

Well, now it's been a little over a year that I have started LHR and I can say that I am positively impressed with the results. Actually, I could see a difference in the amount of hair right after the first treatment but it was still too early to comment. The first area I decided to have treated was my back, which is in actual effect the very reason I wanted to get LHR. I would like to point out that had very fine hair but since it is dark, I was always very conscious about it especially during the summer months. After the first treatment, I noticed however, that the hair took around 7 and a half weeks to grow back and it appeared to be lighter than before. Furthermore, I noticed that some patches didn't have any re-growth straight away. 

As you would expect, I maintained my 8-week appointments for a year and now I can really see the difference with only a few areas of my back requiring further shots of treatment. Since my year membership entitles me to a 30 minute session every 8 weeks, I always manage to fit in other areas such as lower legs, upper lips, under arms and full brazilian.

In fact, I have renewed my membership for another year to treat all other areas as well and so far I am very pleased with the results! All the positive results are not possible without the amazing team at Chic Med-Aesthetic Clinic where I get LHR. I always recommend the clinic to anyone who asks me where I have laser done especially in the light of the excellent customer service and also because I have never had any problems with burns or any other complications. Everyone at the clinic has a professional approach to the client and they always make sure the bring out The Best Of You ;)

If you would like more information about LHR you can either check out my first post here or else the Chic Med-Aesthetics Facebook page or website.

This post was written by me out of my own will and is in no way sponsored by Chic Med-Aesthetic Clinic.

Review | Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Good afternoon lovelies, today I have the one product to end all excuses for taking off makeup at the end of the day! Enter Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 One Step Cleanser for Sensitive Skin.

I have been testing out this cleanser for the past couple of days and I can vouch that it really does what it says...it cleanses the skin, tones it and removes makeup. It is also effective against waterproof makeup.

It is basically a paraben-free, white cleansing milk that comes in a 100ml tube. The texture is a little runny and you only need the size of a 1 euro coin to fully cleanse your face. I like to start cleansing my makeup away with it first then proceed to using makeup remover if need be and after I rinse everything off, I just need to moisturize my skin and I'm done! One thing worth mentioning is that my skin and eyes don't burn while using this cleanser and my skin feels super soft and clean!

I would definitely urge anyone with sensitive skin to go pick this cleanser up and give it a go! You can find Vichy Purete Thermale 3 in 1 Cleanser from leading pharmacies, a list of which can be obtained from the Vichy Facebook page.

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Review | Born Pretty Store 5 Sheets pack Nail Wraps

When nail wraps were first introduced, they were like full cover stickers that kept peeling at the corners so I don't usually go for them when it comes to choosing a fast and alternative nail art methods.

However, these new nail wraps from Born Pretty Store are totally different - they are actually full nail water decals! They have come a long way from the old sticker ones and I found these were more to my liking.

The set I chose features 5 different checked patterns which come individually wrapped along with a nail file and a wooden cuticle pusher.

I chose the lightest design for I was in a spring kind of mood and I applied them over a clear base coat. Now, these decals do not come with instructions but you basically apply them the same way as you would smaller water decals. Just in case you're still a beginner, here's a little step-by-step guide:

1. Push cuticles with the wooden stick, prep nails and apply a base coat. You can go with clear polish since the decal will cover all your nail.

2. Select the decal size which best suits your nails and if your nails are not too long, you can use the same decal for two nails.

3. Remove the protective film and trim the selected decal to the size of your nail, making sure to cut it a little longer than your actual nail.

4. Using tweezers, pick up the decal and put it in a little room temperature water for a approximately 10 seconds.

5. Gently slide the decal off the backing and lower onto your nail making sure to avoid any air bubbles. Smooth the decal gently over the nail.

6. File away any excess decal and seal with a top coat.

Application, although it may take some time, is quite easy and you don't have to wait a long time for it to be dry plus you get instant nail art!

On my nails, these lasted for around 5 days although I did start to notice some minor tip-wear by the third day.

I would definitely recommend this kind of nail wraps which I think are an awesome deal for $4.10, plus you can get 10% off with my code EBABK31 at checkout!

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Brand Spotlight | Wangbii Beauty Queen

Last Wednesday I was invited over to Wangbii, a Korean skin care and makeup shop which has opened its doors just four months ago on Tigne Street (the road behind Bizazza Street) in Sliema.

In the past I have tried a few Korean skincare products and while they are still a relatively new concept in Malta, I think having the best Korean brands under one roof is exceptionally benefiting especially for fellow bloggers who I know get such products online.

Wangbii is the Korean word for queen and once you enter the shop you definitely feel like you're one! The decor is very kawaii with pink being the predominant colour and the shelves house the cutest looking products from brands such as Lioele, Tony Moly, Etude House and Skin Food to name a few.

Upon arriving, I met the lovely Mapi who guided me around the shop, explaining what the products do and I was pleased to discover that there are various skin care products for different skin types and problems as well as a whole range of makeup and sheet masks, which I guess everyone knows how popular these are in Korean skin care. Most importantly, all products are based on natural ingredients.

Subsequently, I was treated to a complimentary makeup session by the same Mapi and I have to admit I was really pleased with the end result and I liked that she explained all the products she was using as well as throwing in tips on application of all products. 

A selection of products Mapi used to make me up :)

I really liked the Skin Food Lettuce & Cucumber Watery Toner which I decided to buy at the end of my visit and now I have some products in my mind to get on my next visit, mostly the Lioele Dollish CC Cream which gave my skin an even tone and stayed uniform all throughout the day and the Lioele Glittering Jewel Liner which goes on smoothly and is perfect for a smoky eye!

The prices at Wangbii are very reasonable and if it is your first time delving into the wonderful world of Korean skin care and cosmetics, it is definitely worth a visit! A word of caution though...all the cute stuff might be tempting to take away with you!

Wangbii is located just as you turn the corner onto Tigne Street in Sliema. For more information and to stay updated with news and products, like the Wangbii Malta Facebook page.

Review | Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr in 15 Opal

What if a foundation could change your life? Sounds impossible to believe yet at one point or another, I am positive we have all wished for a single product that covers all imperfections and evens out our skin tone whatever the problem.

When our skin looks good, we feel good and we feel more confident and this is exactly the concept behind Vichy's new corrective foundation Dermablend, which promises 16 hours wear without that cakey feeling you get with full coverage foundations.

The packaging is very simple and I like the hygienic tube which enables me to control how much product I use without having to dip my fingers or anything in the product. A little word of caution - a little goes a long way with this foundation so I suggest you start with a small amount and build it up if necessary.

My shade is 15 Opal, which is the lightest out of the four available. Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation is especially indicated for uneven skin texture, dark under eye circles and diffused redness - all three of which I have in different degrees.

Left: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 15 Opal
Right: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 35 Sand
{photo taken in natural light}

Left: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 15 Opal
Right: Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr 35 Sand
{photo taken with flash}

I always like it when skin care brands come up with their own range of makeup as I know my skin will fully benefit. In fact this foundation is 100% suited for sensitive skin, it is non comedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance and paraben-free.

I have worn this foundation last Saturday for a total of 10 hours and it still looked good at the end of the day and I really like the matte finish and full coverage minus the mask effect you usually get with such foundations. It also has SPF35 so it is perfect for daytime use. I really like the flawless look this gives my skin and applying it really simple - prepare the foundation on the back of your hands, apply with your preferred method and blend for a smooth, flawless finish!

Overall, I would definitely give this foundation a thumbs up and look forward for the rest of the Vichy Dermablend range to be launched locally. For more information and to stay updated, check out the Vichy Facebook page.

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation 16Hr is available at authorised pharmacies for €17.90 for 30ml of product.

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Review | Born Pretty Store Nail Foil C-03

Although nail foils have been around for quite some time, it is only recently that they are being used more frequently and appreciated by nail art enthusiasts. From plain solid colours with holorgaphic finishes to patterned foils, you will definitely find something you like!

At Born Pretty Store you're definitely spoilt for choice with over 32 different patterns and I myself was quite confused as to which design I should get but ultimately I settled for style C-03 which features different coloured flowers and butterflies with a purple holographic finish on a clear backing which makes it excellent for beginners.

The foil comes in a screw-top bottle to keep it intact and prevent the design from being scratched away and the total length is 100cm and the width is 4cm. 

All you have to do is prep your nails and apply base coat and colour as usual and after applying the second coat of base polish colour, you can either wait until it is almost dry and apply the foil or else, you can allow it to dry completely and use a foil adhesive to apply the foil. The adhesive must be a little tacky for the foil to transfer and in any case, I suggest you work a few nails at a time and always use a rubber hoofstick or a cotton disc to rub on the foil and help it transfer completely.

The foils are also fit for use with gel nail polish - simply apply the gel and cure as usual then you just wipe the inhibition layer, apply the adhesive and transfer the foil. Always remember to apply top coat over the whole nail to seal in the design.

In my case, I haven't had any issues while applying the foil and considering I change my nail polish every four days or so, this particular foil design has lasted me well all throughout. All foils are easily removed with regular polish remover.

If you want to get some foils from Born Pretty Store, make sure you check them all out here and at just $2.88 per roll, you can get as many as you like! You can even get 10% off with my code EBABK31 and remember that shipping is always free on Born Pretty Store!

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Monthly Favourites | March

Last month I had the opportunity to discover a whole lot of new products and consequently, all the products (except one) featured in this post are new discoveries to me.  First off, two of the products I got with me from London - the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette and Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 005 Nude. 

I had been dying to get my hands on the UD Naked 3 after all the rave reviews and now that I own it, I can see what all the hype was about! I have been using this palette almost everyday since and my favourite shades so far are Burnout, Buzz, Liar, Factory and Mugshot. The brush that comes with the palette is also of very good quality and I really enjoy using it! 

The Rimmel nude pencil is also something I had been looking for for quite some time until I got to know that the shade isn't available locally so I got in in Boots. I like to use this kajal liner on the inner waterline to make my eyes look bigger and I think it is a more subtle option than stark white pencil. 

Currently, I am working on using up all the mascaras I had open and had totally forgot about and in the process, I have rekindled my love for Catrice Mini Max Volume Mascara. This gives my lashes quite a boost and is suitable for both day and night looks.

Moving on, I have two concealers - the NYX HD Concealer in the shade CW03 Light and the newly launched Catrice AllRound Coverstick in the shade 010 Nude. Both shades are perfect matches to my skin tone and I have to admit I like both of them for covering up blemishes and dark circles; however, I tend to reach for the NYX one more when I'm heading out and know there will be pictures taken.

The next product is MAC Mineralize Blush in Gleeful which I also got from London. Just in case you didn't know, MAC is finally opening its doors in Malta which means no more frantic hunts for their stores when I am abroad :D Back to the blush, this one is very pigmented and I always use a light hand when applying it. I really love its texture and the colour gives my cheeks a healthy pink look.

The last products I have to show you are the Essence Like A Million Miles Away perfume and the Catrice Ultra Stay & Gel Shine Base and Top Coats which they have only just recently released. I have been experimenting with the base and top coat along with some new shades from Catrice and I found they last really well, I still have to test their compatibility with other brands though to be able to give a full review. As for the perfume, to me it smells a little like summer and I really enjoy wearing it for an instant mood lift.

The Mercedes-Benz Malta Fashion Week & Awards are just a month away!!

Yesterday marked the official launch of the fifth edition of the Mercedes-Benz Malta Fashion Week & Awards (MFWA)!

Exactly a month from yesterday sees the start of this year's edition of Malta's most prestigious fashion event which has fast become sought-after from all kinds of people involved in the local fashion industry as well as foreign enthusiasts who visit our islands specifically to showcase their collections and be part of this fabulous week in general.

The official calendar of events has just been published on the newly launched website which can also be accessed on mobile devices. This year, there is a total of 14 exciting events, all of which will take place at exquisite locations.

This will be my second year attending MFWA and while I'll have to give some of the shows and the awards a miss due to work commitments, I am still very looking forward to the bridal show, the Ferragiu and Nilara show and the Sarto one among others!

Stay tuned for more information of MFWA soon!

Review | Born Pretty Store Stamping Plate BP-21

Hello lovely ladies :) Today I am here to share with you the latest addition to my stamping plates collection from Born Pretty Store.

I chose the plate BP-21 which features three geometric designs with circles and lines and an arebesque motif - definitely a good choice of nail art designs which are becoming very popular! The plate comes with a protective film which you have to peel before using the plate. What I like with these new BPS plates is that they don't have the extra sharp edges that the old ones used to have so there is less risk of cutting yourself on them.

I decided to go with the circles design for this post and I used a black stamping polish, also from Born Pretty Store. I really into the concept of large stamping images lately as I find they transfer better onto the nails and you're sure to be left with design on the whole nail.

If you liked this plate, you can get your own from Born Pretty Store with free shipping and 10% off with the code EBABK31. Retail price is $2.99.

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The Exit Interview Series | Volume #41

This month I have quite a number of empties to talk about, most of which are samples which I took with me to London.  These perfume and hand cream samples from Yves Rocher and Bottega Verde respectively have proven to be very handy when travelling as they helped me save space. Shown in the picture is also a Valentina sample. My favourite perfume was the Moment de Bonheur from Yves Rocher and I also enjoyed the rich hand cream and body lotion from Bottega Verde.

I have also used up samples of products I have full sizes of as well as a bottle of rose water and a Montagne Jeunesse serum that came with a face mask. The Garnier moisturiser was actually a new one and my skin really welcomed to rich formula in the chilly London air.

Next, I have The Body Shop Rainforest Balance Shampoo and Olive Shower Gel travel sizes which I have already got backups of for future travels. I have also used up a Dr.Organic Pomegranate Soap which did wonders for my keratosis pilaris and I will definitely re-purchase. The Cool Coconut Surf shower gel was a gift from my aunt in the US and it reminds me of summer so much! Luckily I still have the matching body lotion!

Lastly, some nail and makeup empties. The remover is a common occurrence and I keep repurchasing it over and over. The KIKO Brush Cleanser is a wonder product of which I have more backups of - I just like how it cleans brushes in an instant. The Essence Gel Nails At Home Top Coat is being discontinued which is kind of a pity as it was a good soak off top coat.

This month, I have sadly finished the La Roche Posay Respectissime mascara which I really liked and I also used up a sample size of the Pupa Milano Vamp! Mascara in Black. The Essence Stay Natural concealer has been replaced as it started oxidizing on me and turned darker as for the lip balm, it isn't all used up but the mechanism didn't work anymore and I couldn't twist the product out anymore.

Event | Essence & Catrice Cosmetics New Products Launch

Last Wednesday I was invited to the PharmaMT premises for the launch of new products from budget sister brands Essence and Catrice Cosmetics. The invite got through when I was in London with my boyfriend on the day of his graduation and I immediately got very excited at the prospect of the event.

I always look forward to events from both of these brands for this was the first ever company to organize a similar event for us bloggers some three or four years ago and also because I love both Essence and Catrice for their amazing quality products at such small prices.

From new shades to existing products to new formulas and entirely new products, the room in which the event took place was like a little makeup heaven and since we were celebrating Easter, there were even some sweet treats for us as well as delicious sandwiches and canapes and some refreshing drinks.

pictures courtesy of Essence Cosmetics Malta Facebook page

Daniela, the brand manager behind Essence and Catrice guided us through all the new products while allowing us time to try and test the products among all the oohs and aahs on our part :) well who can blame us?

At the end of the event we were allowed to take anything we liked for a more thorough test and these are the products that made their way home with me, and of course, reviews will be uploaded soon!

Lastly, here is a picture of all lovely ladies attending the event :)

Lorraine from Lola Love Sparkles
Allyson from Smashing Darling x
Davi from Lady With No Name
Charlene from A Cosmetic Affair
Maya from Blue Jeans and Red Lipstick
Daniela
Dyna from Makeup by Dyna
Marija from Pocalocca
Dorianne from Ask Dorianne
yours truly :)
Martina from All Things Fabulous

Thank you once again to PharmaMT for having us over, I will definitely enjoy the products and look forward to them hitting the stands soon! For updates, follow the Essence Cosmetics Malta and Catrice Malta Facebook pages.