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.

PR Sample

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?