First Impressions | H&M Beauty

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Swedish fashion giant H&M, have completely revamped their make up range and we're not just talking packaging-wise, they have come up with a bigger-and-better-than-before range of products.

Sadly, we still don't have an H&M store in Malta so I had to wait for my trip to Barcelona last month to get my hands on some of their products. I tried to get more products on my trip to Sicily last week but the store I went to didn't carry the new range of beauty products so I have to wait yet again till December for our visit to Munich. 

Although I can shop online, the reason why I'm resisting is because I want to experience the products first hand as for example, when I swatched one of the eyeshadow palettes in Barcelona, I didn't like the texture and pigmentation. However, I did settle on four items which I really wanted to try and I wanted to share my first impressions of with you here.

I picked up a Pure Radiance Powder Blusher, a Cream Lip Colour and two nail polishes so far. First off, a word about the packaging. I'm in love with the way the products look but not so much with the way they feel. At a glance, the black/white and gold packaging really gives the illusion of expensive makeup but when you take the products into your hands, you can immediately feel the packaging is made out of cheap, light-weight plastic. Then again, this is a sort of drugstore brand we are talking about so I can't really complain; and they do look nice at the end of the day!

Pure Radiance Powder Blusher in Golden Peach

H&M has two types of blushers in their beauty range, cream (white and gold packaging) and powder (black and gold packaging). I got one of the powder blushes simply because I tend to favour powder formulas more and the shade I chose complements my skin tone perfectly. I wouldn't describe Golden Peach as a true peachy shade as in my eyes, it leans more towards a rosy pink with gold reflects. I like that this lasts all day and for €7.99 (5g of product), this performs really well. I like the hexagonal shape of the compact but it doesn't come with a mirror. The shade name can be found on the bottom of the compact and on the side of the outer box which I think is a nice touch.

Cream Lip Colour in Kombucha

Next is a lipstick which I must say delivers more in terms of packaging as it does feel heavier and sturdier than the blush. As for performance and pigmentation, I should say that both products are on par with each other. However, you do need to carry the lipstick with you as after 4+ hours, it would have faded in the centre of your lips and you would need to re-apply. I would describe Kombucha as a rosy shade with warm undertones that's perfect for summer as it is a little on the bright side. Again you have the name of the shade on the bottom of the lipstick and side of the box it comes it. The price is €9.99 for 3.5g of product.

Here I am wearing H&M Pure Radiance Powder Blush in Golden Peach and H&M Cream Lip Colour in Kombucha

Nail polishes in Cashmere and Carnival

Lastly, I couldn't not pick up some nail polishes but I restrained myself to just two and settled on Cashmere and Carnival. I have already worn Cashmere and it lasted for a week before I could see some tip wear which I think is exceptional for a €4.99 nail polish. Cashmere is a beautiful taupe with fine gold shimmer running through, making it a universally flattering shade. On the other hand, Carnival lives up to it's name - it's a mix of diamond shaped glitter and micro-glitter in turquoise, bronze and purple floating in a clear base. I haven't worn it yet but I look forward to matching it with summer outfits!

Overall, I think that the new H&M beauty line has very good potential and prices are very affordable. I really look forward to expanding my collection, so do leave your recommended products from the line in the comments section :)

Express Manicure at Persona

Following my complimentary laser session at Persona last month, I was given a voucher for an express manicure which I gladly accepted and fixed an appointment for, earlier in June. 

An Express Manicure at Persona consists of cuticle tidy, nail shaping, hand massage and nail polish application (worth €17). My manicurist for the day was Leann who I must say did a very good job from beginning to end!

First off, she asked me to soak my hands in some water so as to soften my cuticles and prepare them for the treatments to follow. Next, my cuticles were pushed back and tidied and any dry skin was nipped off before my nails were filed into an oval shape.

Subsequently, came my favourite part of the whole experience - the hand massage with coconut scented hand cream. This was divine and I almost fell asleep! Nail polish application followed and I chose a gold colour which we all know looks good with everything.

I left Persona with hands as soft as a baby's and nails manicured to perfection! It's nice to have someone take care of my hands every once in a while!

Once again, thanks goes to Persona and the lovely staff there for the treatments. Persona is located on Sir Ugo Mifsud Street in Ta' Xbiex. For appointments call +356 21 340 366. Alternatively, you can visit their website for a full list of treatments and services offered.

The Express Manicure was offered to me free of charge by Persona. All opinions are my own.

Review | Pupa Milano Bronze Fever Summer 2016 Limited Edition Vamp! Intense Kajal 001 Extra Black

One of the seasonal collections I look forward to every summer is the proposition by Pupa Milano. This year, the theme can't get any more summerish - Bronze Fever. The collection is inspired by the bronze hues of summer that enhance our suntan in a sophisticated manner.

The collection consists of three kajal liners (€11.10 each), 6 Made to Last Waterproof Eyeshadow sticks (€10.80 each), 4 Balmy Oil lip balms (€11.25 each), 2 Face & Body Highlighters (€15.25 each) and 4 Lasting Color Gel nail polishes (€6.15 each).

I was given the Vamp! Intense Kajal in the shade 001 Extra Black at the summer products launch event and after using it thoroughly, here are my thoughts on it.

As with all other Pupa Milano products, especially the limited edition ones, the packaging is somewhat elegant and representative of the whole collection - with orange, brown, pink and gold adorning the boxes. The Pupa Milano Bronze Fever Vamp! Intense Kajal has a sleek appearance with a tapered end and the liner itself mirrors the same tapered point for easy application.

Pigmentation is extremely good with staying power to match - I use this both on my upper and lower lash lines and I have never had any problems with the product smudging throughout the day.

Here I am wearing Pupa Milano Bronze Fever Intense Kajal on the upper and lower lash lines

I look forward to get my hands on some of the Made to Last eyeshadows as I was really impressed after swatching them at the event. For a full list of stockists for this collection, kindly contact Pupa Milano in Malta on Facebook.

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Unboxing | Diane von Furstenberg 440 Gallery Bitsy Cross Body Bag

A few weeks ago, I received my little purchase from matchesfashion.com after just 3 days! I was looking for a little wallet on chain of sorts and I wanted to splurge a little and treat myself so I headed over this luxury shopping site and the Diane von Furstenberg 440 Gallery Bitsy Cross Body Bag in gold snake-skin leather immediately caught my eyes. I wanted something in a metallic finish so that it goes with everything and I'm so happy I got this!

Check out my full unboxing video on YouTube (it's my first one there as I am still starting out) and here are more pictures to show you everything in more detail :)

 

I would really appreciate if you could check out and subscribe to my channel. The next video to be uploaded will be a huge collective haul. See you on Youtube!

Review | milk_shake Color Care Shampoo & Whipped Cream Leave-in Foam

Hi there my lovelies! Today I'm back with a shampoo and leave-in conditioner review. I have recently dyed my hair and of course, colour treated hair needs appropriate care. My hairdresser suggested this milk_shake duo to make the most out of my colour and to protect my hair from drying out due to the colour treatment.

Now, those of you familiar with milk_shake products know how good these things smell and that is precisely what hooked me on these hair care products. I really enjoy washing and treating my hair with them partly because they smell of vanilla milk shake and partly because my hair never looked so good!

The shampoo gently cleanses my hair from product build-up and sebum, leaving it soft and smelling gorgeous while the leave-in conditioning foam protects and hydrates my hair until the next wash. Both products contain milk protein to condition hair and Integrity 41 which protects hair colour.

Now excuse me while I run to my hairdresser to get my backups of this fantastic duo!

Have you ever tried milk_shake products? What are your thoughts on them?

Review | Born Pretty Store Nail Transfers

Born Pretty Store have once again come to the rescue with their nail transfers. I had broken a few nails some weeks ago so I couldn't do proper nail art product reviews but now they are back, all the same length!

So, back to the review. Born Pretty Store had sent me some nail transfers from their extensive range to try out and I chose the black and white dots I am wearing here and some Audrey Hepburn ones which I haven't worn yet.

These transfers are very to use, even for beginners. Just remove the protective film, plunge into some water, remove the backing and carefully apply over your nails avoiding air bubbles. Here is the manicure I wore for 5 days straight:

These nail transfers only cost $1.64 for the dotted ones and $2.40 for the Audrey Hepburn ones. Remember to put in my code EBABK31 at checkout for 10% off your order!

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Event | Niumee Launch

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to the launch of Niumee in Mriehel which is a totally new concept in the general aesthetic well-being department and something totally new for Malta. The premises are very large and decorated in a modern way that appeals to everyone I'm sure.

During the launch, we had the chance to wander around the premises and there were even some offers going on during the night. Apart from a nail and pedicure bar and hairdressing stations, Niumee also houses a gym, a nail academy and laser treatment rooms to mention a few.

During the event, attendees were also given a chance to participate in a lottery to win a beautiful set from Morellato, an Italian jewellery brand found at Sunlab and VIP outlets. Milu by Mimi also showcased some of their beautiful occasion dresses (I couldn't stay around for the whole evening so I don't have any pictures) and Teoxane and Uriage products were also given out to guests. As we were leaving, we were also given a bottle of J.P. Chenet Ice Edition and a little plant.

A selection of Morellato jewellery

L to R: hairdressing station, gym, waiting area, pedicure section and one of the laser treatment rooms

Nubea and Screen products for beauty and hair treatments respectively

Pearlsmile teeth-whitening station

Teoxane products

The cutest wine bottle ever! Thanks J.P. Chenet!

Thanks to the people behind Niumee for allowing me to be part of this night and I wish you all the best and good luck with this new venture!

Review | The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Translucency Essence Lotion

Skin care is one of my favourite areas in the beauty world and I really like to keep abreast with what's new and right now, essences seem to be all the range.

What are these essences? I hear you ask. Not to be confused with cream moisturisers, they are somewhat watery fluids which help the skin maintain its moisture levels. Many skin care brands recommend you apply an essence right after cleansing to seal in moisture and prepare the skin for the treatments to follow.

One such product I am currently using in my skin care routine, is The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Translucency Essence Lotion. It comes in a clean white bottle, which may I add, looks very nice in my bathroom. The lotion has a very watery consistency and is transparent in colour.

The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Translucency essence lotion contains red algae extract which are known to be rich in Vitamin C as well as other nutrients and minerals that are beneficial for our skin's well being. These same extracts also help brighten the skin, giving it a more even tone.

I like to apply it with my fingertips, smooth it onto my skin, then gently pat to help it get absorbed and boost circulation. It is recommended to use this essence lotion day and night on cleansed skin, which is exactly the way I use it and I feel my skin looks much plumper ever since I started using this product. I have also noticed a decrease in sebum production as my skin is always thoroughly moisturised.

If you get one thing from The Body Shop's skin care range, make sure it's this essence lotion which is also suitable for sensitive skin.

The Body Shop outlets are located in Paola, Valletta, Bugibba, Sliema and Arkadia, Gozo.

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What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?

I'm already missing our agriturism trip to Sicily which came to an end Wednesday late at night. I really enjoyed a full 5 days of relaxation and just peaceful surroundings. I didn't have time to do this post before we left, so today, whilst I was unpacking, I thought it would be interesting to show you what I packed with me in terms of makeup, toiletries and skin care so here goes!

Let's start with skin care first. When I am packing for a trip away, my priority is to keep my skin hydrated all throughout, so moisturising products make up most of my bag. Apart from time on an airplane which can be very drying on the skin, I find my skin gets drier with the less humid air abroad so that's an added factor I like to take in consideration.

I stocked up on thermal water (Vichy and Uriage) to refresh my skin on the go, Polaar Ice Source moisturiser for night time and Eau Thermale Avene Clenance Mat for day time to keep my skin looking matte. As for treatments, I packed Declare Pro Youthing Detox Night Cream and Declare Anti-Irritation Serum.

Of course, cleansing is as important so I packed Declare Cleansing Milk and Eau Thermale Avene Clenance Micellar Water to fully remove makeup at the end of the day. To protect my skin against the sun, I took Eau Thermale Avene sunblock which is not sticky at all and does not leave any white residues. Finally, I have Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream as an anti-wrinkle day cream and Skinceuticals CE Ferulic anti-oxidant to protect against free radicals.

As for hair and body care, my picks were The Body Shop Olive Shower Gel and Rainforest Volume shampoo, Schwarzkopf Gliss Shampoo and Conditioner (they come in sachets so are easier to carry), Fa deodorant, The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray (to cool my feet after a full day walking around), Juvena Sunsation and Valentino Valentina perfumes. Lastly, I packed a new found love, the Pupa Milano Multifunction Super After Sun Cream which doubles up as a shower gel and after sun in one!



As much as I love makeup, I really don't like fussy looks while on holiday so I tend to pack just some basic products. Sleek Eye & Cheek Palette in Midsummer's Dream and Pupa Milano BB Cream + Primer are always winners with me as they are everything I really need. I also like to pack with me Catrice Prime and Fine Translucent Powder and Brow Wax, Clinique Air Brush Concealer and Catrice Camouflage Cream concealer; as well as Flormar Rotating High Performance Volume Mascara. For lips I took Revlon nude lip pencil and MAC lipsticks in Velvet Teddy and Brave. I also took some Pupa Milano Vamp! coloured liquid liners and Essence Gel Eye Pencil waterproof in 01 Black Blaze. Just in case I got a tan, I packed a sample of La Prairie caviar foundation which is just a tad darker than my skin tone. 



And that's it! That is what I carried with me to Sicily (and Barcelona a month ago). What are your beauty must-haves on holiday?



Henry London watches now in Malta!

Henry London watches have just been launched in Malta thanks to VIP and Sunlab. Although I couldn't make it to the official launch during the Pink Fashion Show as I was abroad, I'm thrilled I was still able to discover the range, and here I am sharing it with you too :)

The Henry London brand has a sweet story behind it's origins; it all started with two successful, young designers on their hunt for inspiration from London's vintage markets on Portobello Road. There they saw a watch with the words Henry, August 1965 engraved on its back and that is when inspiration struck to give birth to a watch brand with a vintage touch that still appeals to today's generations.

In a tribute to vintage watches, Henry London timepieces have an elegant domed face and bracelets are crafted from high quality stainless steel Milanese mesh, whilst straps are made from the finest of soft leathers carefully coloured to a bespoke palette of heritage shades. The back of each Henry London watch comes with the original inscription seen on the watch which inspired it all and there is also space to personalize your watch with your own inscription!

To further enrich the range, Henry London have just launched their SS'16 collections at Baselworld last March. They unveiled the Piccadilly, Shoreditch and Moonphase collections, all of which offer a distinct and interesting detail to any outfit.

Here are my favourite pieces from Henry London - but which one shall I go for?

Henry London watches can be found in Malta at all Sunlab and VIP outlets., go check them out yourselves - and with a very affordable price range, you are bound to find what you are looking for!