The Exit Interview Series | Volume #28

Contrary to last month, I have used up a good number of products over the past four weeks. I will start with skin care first as neither of the products need any introduction on this blog.

 

Lycia Makeup Remover Wipes continue to be my favourites when it comes to quick makeup removal and even after all this time, I still don't get irritations or breakouts from them and they are very effective at removing all traces of makeup in one go.

 

 

I have been keeping myself quite busy lately and I have to admit I can end up depriving myself of sleep sometimes. My skin shows signs of tiredness immediately and these collagen eye patches have come in very handy to reduce under eye puffiness and dark circles. I just pop them on for 30 minutes and I look as if I had 8 hours worth of sleep!

 

The last skin care product is La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat which is my all time favourite moisturiser for keeping excess sebum at bay!

 

Also from La Roche Posay, I have Lipikar Xerand Hand Repairing Cream which has been taking care of my hands while at work for quite some time. I have now replaced this with the brand's Cicaplast Mains which is more work friendly as it is more rapidly absorbed and it resists up to three hand washes. Nonetheless, Lipikar Xerand is still a good hand cream to try if you suffer from chilblains and dry skin on your hands.

 

One of my all time favourite products is this Acetone free nail polish remover from LIDL. I always stock up on it as it removes nail polish in no time, doesn't dry your nails and surrounding skin and the pump dispenser is ace especially when I am using brushes to clean up my cuticles and so on. A must have in my opinion and at such a cheap price!

 

Moving on to body care, I have The Body Shop's Brazil Nut Body Scrub which works wonders to keep my skin smooth and in tip top condition all year round. The Body Shop body scrubs are my ultimate favourites and I wouldn't change them with anything. I only alternate varieties every once in a while but I think I will stick to the Brazil Nut one for a while just because it smells delicious! Well, what's from The Body Shop that doesn't?

 

More body care products. I have used up yet another deodorant from Impulse. This one is quite girly with palpable floral notes and I loved using this for everyday because it is very subtle and will not have my colleagues sneezing as soon as I walk through the door :P

 

This month I have also used up Bioderma Atoderm Levres which is one of the best lip balms I have ever tried. I bought this while in Paris and I have frequently reverted to using it whenever my lips need a moisture surge. The only downside to it is that it leaves that whitish residue on the lips if you apply too much...not a good look. But otherwise it is an excellent lip balm.

 

 

As for makeup, I have used up yet another Essence Stay Natural Concealer as well as E.L.F. Eyelid Primer in Sheer. While I really like the eyelid primer for its action with prolonging eye shadow wear, I will refrain from buying it again because I have found another one which works even better. However, I would still recommend it if you are still experimenting with makeup.

And that concludes my January empties!

Review | The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream in Shade 01

I'm sure all of you are well acquainted with BB Creams now and I for one, have tried a fair amount but I still wasn't totally convinced with them, primarily because they all have a grey undertone and most of the Japanese and Korean brands I have tried, all have a thick texture which resulted in a caked look most of the time so I gave up on them...

 

...until I learnt that The Body Shop have launched their own version that is actually a colour-adapting tinted cream. I added it to my Christmas wishlist and Mum and Dad included it in their gift :) They bought me Shade 01 which is suited for lighter skin tones and is the second shade out of the four available.

 

Packaging is very simple yet I think it still makes a statement with the reflective silver tube. The nozzle through which the product comes out is the perfect size in my opinion as the product is a little runny so take care when squeezing it out.

 

 

The BB Cream looks white at first glance but if you look closer, you will see tiny pigmented particles in it and these are what will make the cream adapt to your skin tone. The pigment rich capsules burst when applied to the skin to provide a light to medium coverage with an even finish. A little really does go a long way with this and most of the time, I apply it with my fingers the same way as I would a moisturiser.

 

It blends perfectly with my skin and I cannot really tell I am actually wearing makeup of my face. I do recommend setting it with a little translucent powder though as it tends to look rather shiny on its own. I love this product both for everyday and night use especially when my skin is on its best behaviour and I don't even need to apply concealer! I just apply a tiny amount of this BB Cream, set it and I'm good to go!

My skin falls in the combination category with oily being the predominant type while other areas tend to be quite sensitive. I find that the BB Cream lasts all day on me and I haven't experienced any breakouts or allergies.

 

Featuring this BB Cream in my December favourites after trying it for a few times in a span of a few days, is pretty self-explanatory! So, yes I definitely recommend you check it out!

 

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream is available for sale at all The Body Shop outlets in Malta & Gozo and retails at €13.50 for 25mL of product.

Sunshine Bloggers Award

Good afternoon everyone :) How is your Sunday progressing so far? Mine has been quite relaxed and I started the day with a walk near the sea. This has fast become my favourite therapy to help me relax and ease my mind and it makes me feel good too. So with iPod on, I am trying to start my days this way whenever possible.

 

Senglea from Vittoriosa yesterday morning

The sea relaxes me to an extent that mind thinks so much better and I get to reflect upon certain events that have taken place in my life recently. However, my mind always drifts to the same thing...the special people who have always been there for me as well as other who have made their way into my life unexpectedly and I am grateful for each and everyone of them. Family, friends, colleagues, fellow bloggers, I am thankful for each and everyone of you!

 

Earlier this week, the ever so beautiful Dorianne from Ask Dorianne has tagged me in her Sunshine Bloggers Award post. This award is given to bloggers who inspire others in a creative and positive way so thank you sweety for thinking my blog fits this bill :)

 

This is how it works:

1. Share 11 facts about yourself

2. Answer 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you in the first place

3. Come up with 11 questions for those you intend to tag for the Sunshine Blogger Award

4. Tell those who inspire you that you’ve tagged them ;)

 

 

11 Facts

 

1. I have only recently got my driving licence at 24 years of age.

 

2. Lately, I have been enjoying wine whenever I dine out and my favourite is a White Zinfandel Rose' which tastes sweet at first but has a dry aftertaste.

 

3. I am addicted to chocolate yet I do not like chocolate flavoured ice-cream and cakes.

 

4. This is the first year that I haven't done any resolutions and I am making lifestyle changes as I go. So far it has proven to be more effective.

 

5. I have fast become a fan of scented candles and my favourites are anything related to the sea such as ocean breeze fragrances, fruity scents and anything vanilla based.

 

6. I am obsessed with having my skin in tip top condition and I always make sure to exfoliate at least twice a week and apply body lotion all over everyday.

 

7. I would like to own a cabin cruiser one day and spend the rest of my life living on it and travel the world one port at a time.

 

8. Paris is my favourite city in the world and I never get tired of visiting it. This year, however, I am looking forward to more adventurous travels.

 

9. Currently I am obsessed with the colour rose gold. I think it goes with a lot of pieces in my wardrobe and it has a more juvenile feel to it than yellow gold.

 

10. Orchids and roses are my favourite flowers and I love decorating with them in simple vases.

 

11. As much as I say I hate the colour black, my wardrobe is 40% black. I need to shop for brighter colours in winter :P Yes, I am a strong believer in the mantra that you help the economy when you shop...especially for shoes :D

 

Answers to Dorianne's questions

1. Name one thing which makes you smile.

 

Babies and little children make me smile no matter how low my mood is. The look on a child's face makes the world such a better place in its innocence.

2. What's one beauty trend that you just can't stand?

 

I can never say this enough; nude lips and dark lip liner.

3. Dogs or cats?

 

Definitely felines...of all shapes, sizes and colours. Oh and the bigger and fluffier the better!

4. Your best bargain so far?

 

This has to be my latest acquisition from Nine West. I have been looking for a nice comfy pair of pointy patent black heels since forever and last Friday I found one at Nine West at 60% off. I paid a mere €38 instead of €95 and they are a dream to walk and dance in!

5. Your favourite childhood movie?

 

This has to be Sleeping Beauty. Mum and Dad used to leave it on repeat as I never got tired of watching it and then in the evening I would dance with my Dad to Once Upon A Dream :)

6. Who's your favourite author? (you can only pick one)

 

Dan Brown. I have read all of his books and although they may seem they always revolve round the same theme, I find it fascinating how he manages to come up with certain plots. I also like his writing style.

7. Have you made any new year's resolutions for this year?

 

No but I am making lifestyle changes as I go.

8. What’s something you’ve done that, perhaps, changed your life to the better?

 

This sounds mean but breaking up with my long term boyfriend has proved to be an eye opener. He is a good guy and I cannot complain about him but there were certain things on both parts that we just couldn't work out. It has changed me to a better person and with the support of people who I hold dear, I have managed to go through the break up swiftly.

9. Which is the worse: too much perfume or body odour?

 

Body odour. I can't stand it! Ewwww.

10. If you could be any influential person for a day who would you be and why?

 

I believe anyone is influential in their own regard so I'd choose to be me any day. I am who I am because of the influences of other people on me and there's nothing more rewarding than someone thanking you for being a positive influence in their life.

11. Something you're craving for right now?

 

Sushi! I have only discovered it recently and now I crave it all the time. I have even learnt to eat with chopsticks!

 

 

My 11 Questions

 

1. What is your favourite way to unwind?

 

2. Did you make any new year's resolutions? Are you keeping up with them?

 

3. If you could do any other job in the world, what would you choose to do and why?

 

4. What's the longest you have gone without shopping?

 

5. Plain nails or nail art?

 

6. Who inspires you and why?

 

7. What's your favourite type of holiday? City break or countryside retreat?

 

8. Something or someone you cannot live without?

 

9. Which makeup item do you have the most of in your collection?

 

10. What's your favourite piece of clothing?

 

11. What’s something you’ve done that, perhaps, changed your life to the better?

 

 

And now, these are the bloggers I tag to do this post:

Island Of Make Believe

 

Enigmatic Rambles

 

Drugstore & Bargain Lover

 

Natalie's Beauty Land

 

Makeup by Dyna

 

All Things Lady

 

All Things Fabulous

 

Pocalocca's Blog

Beauty She Wrote

 

Review | Milani Baked Blush 03 Berry Amore

Last month was all about trying out new products for me and one such product is Milani Baked Blush in the shade 03 Berry Amore which I got from Ebay last November I believe.

 

This was my first ever Milani product and I bought it because I needed a nice baked blush and at the same time try out the brand. I love the appearance of baked makeup products especially when they have a marbled effect and this blush really is a something my eyes could feast on all day.

 

 

 

I'm not a fan of the packaging though as in my opinion it feels a little flimsy. Having said that, I do appreciate the compact format where you also get a mirror and a brush. I have never used the brush and probably never will but it feels soft and could do for on-the-go touch-ups.
 

 

 

Now for the blush itself. I would describe it as an old rose with light pink touches and rose-gold reflects. It looks very shimmery in the pan but the shimmer is not really visible once you apply the blush however I would advise you to steer clear of it if you hate shimmery blushes. The texture is very silky and it is not powdery at all.

 

Pigmentation-wise, I am very happy with this blush as it can be easily built up and it suits my skin tone perfectly. The shade is perfect for this time of year where I look for warmer pinks to warm up my pale complexion. Milani describe this bush as being suitable for shaping, contouring and highlighting the cheeks. I wouldn't use it as a contouring shade but it definitely shapes and highlights my cheeks to perfection.
 

Overall, I am very satisfied with this blush and it is definitely one of my favourites both for day and night use. I am really looking forward to try more products from Milani!

Anyone else tried this blush? What are your views? 

Review | E.L.F. Essential Glitter Primer

Glitter is a girl's best friend especially during party season but we all know it can be a little messy to apply and stay where it is meant to without ending up all over the place. The solution? A glitter primer of course!

In my last E.L.F. Cosmetics haul, I got a tube of their new Glitter Primer as party season was approaching and I knew I would definitely wear glitter eyeshadows. As expected, I have used this primer countless times during December and now I am able to share my thoughts with you.

 

So, packaging is quite plain and consists of a frosty plastic tube with a silver screw cap and it comes in a blister type of pack. The primer comes out of a small hole in the slant shaped tip of the tube and has a very thick consistency compared to the usual eye primers. Despite the thick consistency, the primer feels very light on the delicate eye area and it is also infused with Shea Butter and Jojoba to nourish the skin in this sensitive area of the face. Although the primer is white in colour, it dries to a transparent finish.
 

 

 

A little goes a long way with this product and I have to admit the consistency feels like a tacky glue while drying. It takes time to dry so you can easily pack on the glitter but once dry, everything will stay put! Worthy to note is the fact that the glitter eyeshadow will not crease.

 

Removal is pretty easy; all it takes is just a cotton disc soaked in waterproof makeup remover and that should do the trick. I haven't experienced any irritation in my eye area when using this product and I think it does an amazingly good job. In fact, I dare say it is a very good budget alternative to the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue!

 

E.L.F. Glitter Primer retails for £2.50 from the E.L.F. Cosmetics website.