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.

PR Sample

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.