Clinique - BB Cream

Okay, I was going to wait with writing this post until I had made some decent before- and after-pictures so I could show you how amazing this product really is... 
But, as I can not stop talking about it - I decided to do it now anyway!

Practically all my friends on FB and Twitter have been spammed by me about Clinique's BB Cream, Age Defense SPF 30. 'Cause I am in LOVE! 


I love how my skin looks more toned, more healthy with a natural glow - even when I take it off in the evening, you see the effect. Never ever have I used foundations before during spring or summer, but this BB Cream is so light, it feels like I'm applying my daily dose of Moisture Surge! 


I'm almost through my BB-supply, and the last days I have been very careful applying it because I don't want it to run out. You'll have to wait just a few more days thus, before you can see the before and after but if you're curious, go ahead to my sister's blog and check out what Clinique BB has done for her! 


You can find Clinique's BB Cream exclusively on Clinique.be. 
I use shade 1, for very pale skin like mine. Perfect match!

Smets & Bobbi Brown

Finally, I managed to head over to Smets! It seemed like the entire blogosphere had been talking non-stop about the concept store and it felt as if I was the only one in Belgium that hadn't been there yet - and this while our office is only 5 minutes down the road.

Well, what can I say that hasn't been said before? The store is amazing: beautifully decorated, a great selection of brands, huge store ... bliss! If I ever would open my own store, this is how it would look like; a dream one-stop-shop!

And did I mention there is a Bobbi Brown corner too! I could help myself and walked out with the best concealer. I had already had a Bobbi-make up consultation before and this indispensable beauty item was on my wish list ever since. Dark circles no more!

Make sure to check the Bobbi Brown site for handy how-to videos!

my make-up the day of the Bobbi Brown workshop

perfection

Next on my wish list: more Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners. Even after the longest hot showers, the eye liner is still there, so faithfully. 

Clinique - Chubby Stick

Presenting my new favorite lip balm: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm. I've been meaning to start bragging about this amazing new lip color ever since I first tried a sample a few months ago but what's the point in getting everyone's hopes up if it wasn't for sale yet. Great news: now it is!

The reasons why I'm totally in love with the Chubby Sticks are simple:
- the jojoba-oil, shea and mango butter ingredients render my lips soft and moisturized (very important during harsh wintertimes!) while nourishing them with anti-oxidants.
- the colors are amazing! I hope you can tell from the picture below: the Chubby Sticks have a soft, natural yet intense color, and this while feeling as light as a regular lipstick (I've never been a fan of super shiny and sticky lip glosses by the way!) And so, I'm planning to get this balm in even more tints, and for my mom and sister as well.
- the Chubby Stick's crayon shape is not only cute - I keep one at work in my pencil case - its design is also handy since you just twist the cap on the bottom to use it (no smudging!).

And so my beauty wish list expands: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Chunky Cherry.

Super Strawberry and Woppin' Watermelon

M*A*C Cosmetics

 Great news! One of my favorite make-up brands just launched a brand new website for Belgium and The Netherlands! Visit http://www.maccosmetics.be/ and http://www.maccosmetics.nl/ to find out more on their latest products and collections (make sure to sign up for the newsletter) and to view Do It Yourself-videos.

Wishlist - Bobbi Brown Book

I know there is no chance that I'll find this item under our Christmas tree tonight, since no-one in my family, nor my boyfriend for that matter, knows that this book exists. But I really would love to have a copy of Bobbi Brown's Beauty Rules-book. And the Makeup Manual-book too.

At work, I got a sneak peak of what the books are all about and they are perfect for everyone, not just for make-up fanatics. I'm a huge fan of Bobbi Brown's foundations and since she has the best make-up tips and tricks, I'm pretty sure that this book is a must!

Be sure to check out Bobbi Brown's Learn-page before doing your make-up for your Christmas party tonight!

picture from BobbiBrowncosmetics.com

I recently got the Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15 in 0 Porcelain and this superrich foundation is perfect for harsh weather conditions. Some foundation make cause your skin to dry out, especially during the winter but the Moisture Rich Foundation is the absolute best! My skin feels hydrated and soft, and looks flawless the whole day through. Belgium really needs its own Bobbi Brown-store asap.

Fashion Film - Black Swan

3 reasons why I want to see this movie:
- I love Natalie Portman. Closer was just amazing.
- What girl doens't like looking for houres at lovely pink tutu's.
- Rodarte (<3) did all the outfits for the Swan Lake-piece in the movie ... which, once again, makes me wish I could update my beloved and dearly missed thesis

Oh and the make-up is by M*A*C!

Clinique - Quick Eyes

The holidays are just two weeks away and I'm going mad over what to buy for whom. One thing I luckily don't have to 'worry' about anymore is what make-up I'll wear to those many parties.

I think 'glamour make-up' is the hardest kind, since those popular big black smokey eyes risk making you look a panda. And eye shadow always is something you have to take your time for, you don't just smear it on. Well, for a few weeks now I've found the perfect eye shadow which allows you to do just that. I got my hands on Clinique's Quick Eyes Cream Shadow. I think this product is very underrated and is easily overlooked when you're at your local parfumerie. It is an amazing eye shadow though, since it takes less than a minute to apply and you quickly get a nice, glamourous and finished look. Perfect I think for anyone who doesn't have the patience to apply eye shadow every morning before leaving for work at, let's say, 7 AM.

For a few weeks now, I've been faithfully applying this Sunlit Palm-olive-metallic green shade. I apply it very lightly on workdays and yesterday, for a birthday party I wore it more intensely, and a great plus, no touch-ups were needed during the whole evening! And since it has a creamy texture, it's perfect for contact lens wearers. As I said, perfect for a long NYE-party...

Aveda - Color Options

One of my favorite Aveda-products in action: Color Options Eye Shadow Transformer.

Clinique.be

When using skin products, it is truely important to use the right treatments for your skin. You can buy the best products in quality -or price- but if the make-up or the skincare products don't match your skin, it won't be worth a thing. So getting the right advice, regarding which product to use or what fits your skin type is crucial!

And that's what Clinique's Live Chat is all about.
On Tuesday the 23rd of November from 4 to 7pm, you can talk online with Clinique's most renowned experts in skincare and beauty. Just visit Clinique.be and you'll get advice made to measure from the lovely girls that taught me everything I know about given your skin the treatment it deserves!

See > My Clinique Favorites > Skin Care and Beauty

Aveda Make-up

At the end of this month, Aveda is relaunching its make-up line, paraben-free and as environmentally friendly as usual. And lucky me: I got the chance to take a peek at two of Aveda newest products and try them myself.

The new Nourish-Mint™ Lip Definer is a great solution to an omnipresent problem; getting your lipstick to stay put. Why is it different than a traditional lip liner then? First of all, it tastes minty, one of my favorite flavors, yet is subtle. I love the fact that your lips are well protected from the elements (hello fall.) and although the pencil has a creamy and rich texture, it's not as sticky as a gloss. But my favorite part is the sheer and transparent tint of the stick. So no need to buy separate lip definers for each lipstick you get. And since I'm totally addicted to the feel of this product, I'm even wearing it without any lipstick at all, nowadays.

But the newest Aveda-addition I'm really crazy about is the Color Options Eye Shadow Transformer, simply because it finally enables me get the exact color of eyeshadow as presented inside the little powder boxes. This is how it works: I just add one drop of the liquid to any eyeshadow and apply the fluid eyeshadow on the eyelid with the tiny brush. The great thing is that the color is super intense, perfect for an evening out. Plus, since the eyeshadow is no longer a powder and has been fixated, it will no longer run into the creases of your eyelid and fade away along the way. 

Below you'll find some proof. At the top I applied my favorite eyeshadow, M*A*C's Black Tied, as one normally would do. Below, I transformed the eyeshadow with Aveda's Color Options. 

As you can tell, the color of the eyeshadow has become much more deep and intense, and the sparkles are clearer and more visible. However, this is my favorite part: Below is an image I took a few hours later, and you can tell clearly that the transformed eyeshadow hasn't fade away as fast as the traditional one, which is an amazing asset when it comes to picking out the suitable make-up for a night out. 

Last night for a family dinner, I applied the eyeshadow as a liquid eyeliner and it lasted throughout the entire evening, as promised.  

If you care to know where you can find Aveda's new make-up line or the other Hair & Skin Aveda-products, just visit aveda.com or aveda.be and get in touch with your local Aveda-salon. 

Make-up

As promised.

This is my daily make-up routine / everyday look:


Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15 (in 0 Porcelain)
I love this liquid foundation since it matches my skin tone exactly, it keeps my skin from being shining at the end of the day and it feels incredibly light, al though it's 30°C outside now -note: normally I don't wear foundation in the summer, but I need the extra SPF to protect my skin.
(See: earlier post about this product)

Clinique Airbrush Concealer (in Neutral Fair)
I combine my foundation with this amazing concealer. It really opens up my eye and illuminates it. I can really tell when I'm not wearing it, so adding some concealer to the inner/top corner of my eye is a must.

Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15 (in Fair)
To keep my skin from shining during the hottest part of the day, I always carry this mineral powder with me. It works great on my forehead, underneath my bangs. A great tip someone once told me: never put a powder underneath your eyes, since it will make the fine lines more visible and makes you look older.
Note: I used to use the Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder (in Invisible Matte) which is great too if you like a sheer and invisible foundation.

Every once and a while, I use a blusher. Favorites: Soft Pressed Powder Blusher (in Pink Blush) and Fresh Bloom Allover Color (in Peony). The one in the picture is Shimmering Stripes Powder Blusher (in Cabana Pink).

Clinique Cream Shaper For Eyes (in Black Diamond)
After I've created the perfect base, I add some eyeliner pencil on the base of my eyelids. I love the shimmer in this color and the fact that it's creamy, which is perfect in combination with my contacts.

M*A*C Fluidline (in Blacktrack)
I finish off with adding some eyeliner on my top eyelid. I'm crazy for this long wearing creamy product. It stays put a long time, much longer than a liquid eyeliner, in my opinion. I use the 208 Angled Brow Brush to apply it: easy as one, two, three... If I feel a bit more daring, I apply Clinique's Brush-On Cream Liner, in one of last year's top colors, purple.

Clinique High Impact Mascara
Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara
A great mascara to add volume is the High Impact Mascara. But when I don't have my eyelash curler with me, I use the High Impact Curling Mascara, one of my personal favorites! If you're a fan of small brushes, I would recommend the Lash Power Mascara Long Wearing Formula. Next up, I would like to try Clinique's new High Lengths Mascara.

Clinique High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 (in Red-y to Wear)
I love the classic 50's red lips. But ever since I learned that your bottom lip is extra sensitive for the harmful rays of the sun, I always make sure to check if the lipstick features a protective SPF. That's way I love the High Impact Lip Colour, especially in Red-y to Wear. But I remember trying on every color of the line during my time at Clinique, and they have some great colors (e.g. Cider Berry)! My sister for example is a huge fan of the In a Nutshell-color. My mom and aunt both use the plum and nude-tones.
I also love and use: Colour Surge Bare Brillance in Tropical Punch.
Want: Long Last Lipstick in Red Hot. Different Lipstick in Angel Red.

Occasionally I use a lip gloss, for instance during cold and harsh winter days. So I've got another Clinique Favorite: Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine (in Playfull Plump). When I don't feel like a shiny gloss, I protect my lips with Superbalm Lip Treatment.

When it comes to nail polish, I don't use Clinique since they don't manufacture it (nail polish is not suitable for some people: allergies!). And I also use a lot of different colors in my eye shadow. My favorite brands are Clinique for the daytime looks, and they're also ophthalmologist tested for contact lenses. If I want a more bold look for a late night party, I opt for M*A*C's Eye Shadow in Black Tied or Swimming and Shadestick in Sharkskin.

By the way, if you're a big fan of beauty blogs make sure to check the Peaches Tells You-blog. I love Katerina's tutorials!

Off to New York City

I'm studying for my film history exam, which is tomorrow afternoon and is my last exam ever.
Therefor I've been supernervous for the last couple of days. The professor is also the promotor of my thesis so off course, I want to make a good impression.

At the same time, I'm also very anxious for tomorrow to come since -as I mentioned before- my boyfriend and I are leaving for New York City on saturday morning. I still have a million things to do and I haven't even packed my bag yet. Every time I go to my aunt's to borrow her super-sized luggage, she says: "Honey, you don't need to carry along so many things, you just need your passport and your credit card!" But last year, during our previous NYC-trip I learned the hard way, how much damage a VISA can do.

I'm still wondering if I should bring my little Chanel-bag. At least so I won't be tired dragging my bag around after a whole day of walking. My boyfriend on the other hand, prefers the Balenciaga cause that way he can drop al his stuff in my bag and don't have to worry about his wallet getting stolen...

Anywho,
I'm back to my studying. And I'll say goodbye with images from my new favorite "store/blog": The Bergdorf/Goodman-blog! I'll be back next weekend with some NYC-pictures...



The Sex and the City 2-windows at Bergdorf!

(source: Bergdorf Goodman Blog - Pictures: Julia Chesky)

Btw. what will Chanel come up with next? Chanel cotton pads for 20$, crazy!

(source: Bergdorf Goodman)

Bobbi Brown

Every spring, my boyfriend's family spends a weekend abroad and this year we all visited Den Haag, the political capital of The Netherlands. And like every year, my boyfriend and I fill one whole day with shopping. One department store I always visit when I'm in The Netherlands is De Bijenkorf, which has an amazing beauty department.

I finally got the chance to discover another great Estée Lauder Cosmetics' brand, Bobbi Brown. Since I needed a new foundation, I tried Bobbi Brown's Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15. And I must say I'm thrilled! Not only does it come in fairly pale shades, which suit my skin tone perfectly, immediately when you put it on your skin, the fresh and smooth feeling of the foundation gets through. Plus it protects my skin against the harmful rays of the sun, which came in handy the rest of the weekend.

I walked out with the '0 - Porcelain' shade and I can't stop bragging about the product. It's a keeper.