Daily skin care routine

Hey Beauties,

Exams have finished, so I can direct my attention on writing some posts at last.

Hope you are all doing great :)

Last May I was browsing around the shelves at our local supermarket, and stumbled upon some products which I never heard of before: Good Things skin care. I have to admit that the main thing that caught my eye was the packaging. However, when examining the product further I noticed that these products were from:

• Parabens: Research has shown that these chemicals have displayed estrogenic activity in several tests. In other words, these chemicals mimic the body's own hormones and can thus disrupt endocrine functions in virtually every system in the body. (1)
• Sodium Laureth Sulphate: This chemical has been found to breach the protective layers of the skin. When you use products with both SLS and other chemical toxins and preservatives, you are inviting these other toxins to more easily penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream.
  SLS has shown up in the tissues of the brain, liver, heart and other vital organs. This strongly suggests it is retained long term in several bodily tissues. (2)
   
• Mineral Oils: this ingredient is more suited for dry skin. Therefore, it is ideal for oily skin to use products without mineral oils.

• Animal Ingredients: means that these products are cruelty free.

So, I decided to test them out. After about a week, my skin felt healthier, more supple and moisturized and have been using them since.

 

Daily Routine:

 

1) Stay Clear Purifying cleanser

 

I use this anti- blemish cleanser in the morning and evening. I massage it into the skin for a minute (yes I count) and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. The active ingredients that prevent acne are mango (helps in moisturising the skin and keeping it supple), blueberry (acts as an antioxidant and has anti irritant properties), willow-bark (it is a source of beta-hydroxyl acids including salicylic acid) extracts.

 

2) Deep Pore anti- blemish Cleanser

 

I use this product as a toner after cleansing my face, therefore in the morning and evening. I pour it on a cotton pad and pat it on the skin. The active ingredients are fig (rich in Vitamin B6  and calcium) and wild strawberry (rich in Vitamin C and Potassium) extracts.

 

3) Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser

 

Usually I don't apply moisturiser because I feel like it sits on my skin and makes it oilier. However, this moisturiser moisturises my face whilst not increasing the production of oil. Active ingredients in this product are blackcurrant (have anti- inflammatory benefits) and goji berry (tonic for the skin since they calm the skin with its anti-inflammatory actions) extracts.

4) Spot that spot clearing gel

 

I use this only when I have a breakout, not everyday. After about 3 days spots almost disappear. Active ingredients are Papaya (Rich in enzymes therefore has an exfoliating action) and Acai (Rich in B-Vitamins and minerals and help sooth inflammation) extracts.

5) Bright eyes eye cream

 

Its purpose is anti puffiness and minimise dark circles, which I definitely needed during the recent exam session. Its moisturises the eye area and decreases puffiness. However, have not noticed a decrease in my dark circles. I need to test it out more. Active ingredients are Raspberry (used for its skin calming qualities) and Lychee (contains Vitamin- C and skin boosting mineral- potassium)  extracts.

I like the smell of all these products, it is a fresh and fruity type of smell which slightly lingers on the skin. Also, they are inexpensive products which is an added advantage. Good Things also offer an skin care line for normal, not acne prone skin. I recommend these products to any one.

 

That all for today,

 

Hope you liked this post,

 

Let me know your thoughts if you tried this skin care brand,

 

Until next time,

 

Take Care,

 

Jessica xxx

 

Sources:

 

1) http://www.naturalnews.com/022113_parabens_cosmetics_chemicals.html

2) http://www.naturalnews.com/033932_sodium_lauryl_sulfate_shampoo.html

 

FYI: I have bought all these products with my own money. I have not been contacted to do this post. All opinions are my own.

Pin up Makeup Look: Makeup Tutorial

Hey Beauties,

So it has been a while since I purchased the Lime Crime Velvetines and I still had not worn it out (Read Review Here). Last Wednesday, my friend encouraged me to wear it and so I did :)

I paired it up with a very simple eye look:

Step 1:

Applied NYX Jumbo eye shadow pencil in 'Milk' and set it with a white eyeshadow.

Step 2:

I chose a very soft brown and applied it in the crease of the eye and blended it.

Step 3:

I applied a slightly darker brown in the outer 'V' of the eye and blended it with the soft brown colour I applied before.

Step 4:

Applied a black eyeliner and winged it out more then usual.

Step 5:

Loads of coats of mascara.

Then, of course, I applied the Lime Crime Velvetines. A downside that I noticed about this product is the applicator. It is a doe foot applicator, therefore extra care must be taken since it is much easier to not applying the product perfectly with this kind of wand, at least for me.

Last step, I applied a dark pink blush, contoured my face slightly and applied a highlighter on my cheek bones.

I think this is one of the easiest tutorials so far since the main focus are the lips.

That's all for the post,

Hope you liked the tutorial,

Until next time,

Take Care,

Jessica xxx

The Liebster Award

Hey Beauties,

I have just found out that I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by Styles of Summers. I am really grateful and honoured to be nominated for this award and thank you Jessica for nominating me.

 

The Liebster Award is an award for up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The award's aim is to raise awareness for nominated blogs, and enable the blogger to enhance its audience.

The nomination's rules consist of the following:

 

1) List ten facts about myself.

2) Answer the ten questions that Styles of Summers gave me. 

3) Nominate bloggers who have under 200 followers and link them in my post. 

4) Come up with ten new questions for the people I nominate for The Liebster Award. 

5) Tell the nominees that I have nominated them so that they can answer the questions

 

So let's start:

 

Ten facts about myself

 

1) I am from Malta which is a very small island in the middle of the Mediterranean. Our neighbours are Sicily and Italy.

 

2) I love travelling. I try to at least travel once a year, however it always depends on the situation of my finances ;)

 

3) My favourite places that I have visited so far are London, followed second by Paris.

 

4) My main aim in life is to work abroad for at least 2 years.

 

5) I have graduated last year with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) Degree in Insurance and Finance and currently I am reading an ICAEW ACA Degree in Accountancy.

 

6) The first You Tube guru that I followed was Panacea81. I didn't have any idea how to apply eye shadows and experiment with colours. She was my first inspiration.

 

7) My favourite eye look is a black smoky eye with subtle pink lips. I like how it makes my eyes stand out and it is ideal for a night out with friends.

 

8) My favourite outfit is a flowy dress with a high- low hem line.

 

9) Favourite colour: Royal Blue

 

10) The car I drive is a Blue Kia Piccanto 2004 Model.

 

Ten Questions asked by Styles of Summers:

1) If you could have dinner with any celebrity/designer, past or present, who would it be and why?

 

I would have dinner with Kate Hudson. She is my all time favourite actress, love her style and hair. 

2) Lipgloss or lipstick? 

Lipstick because it can be worn in any weather condition. If it is windy weather, then lip gloss would end up smeared all over your face.

3) Favourite holiday you've been on?

London and Paris :)

4) Bright or nude nail varnishes? 

Bright colours for sure.

5) Actual book or kindle? 

Actual hard copy book. I collect them and hope to have a personal library in the future.

6) What's your favourite song? 

At the moment: Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars

7) Satchel or backpack? 

Neither. I don't like the look of them.

8) If you could have a free subscription to any magazine, what magazine would you choose and why? 

Cosmopolitan. I used to purchase it in the past and I find it interesting.

9) What is your favourite film and why?

Something Borrowed: I have watched it more then 5 times I think, I love the story line.

10) What is your favourite item you own and why? 

MAC Lip stick: it is my favourite brand.


Nominated Blogs:

Island of Make Believe: http://islandofmakebelieve.blogspot.com/
Poccaloca's Blog: http://pocalocca.blogspot.com/
Passion to Beauty: http://passiontobeauty.blogspot.com/

Ten New Questions:

1) What do you like doing in your free time?
2) Do you have any pets at home?
3) How was your interest in makeup/fashion sparked?
4) Do you have any favourite celebrity?
5) What is your current favourite trend?
6) Who is your favourite youtuber?
7) What is your favourite song?
8) If you could take part in any film, what would it be?
9) Did you know about this blog before I nominated your blog?
10) What posts would you like to read in the future?

I have followed all the rules, the last thing that I still need to do is tell the nominated blogs that I have nominated them.

Thank you again Jessica for nominating Beauty is our Passion blog.

Until Next time,

Take Care,

Jessica xxx

 

 

 

 

Evening Smoky Eye: Makeup Tutorial

Hey Beauties,

Excuse me for not posting lately however, I have been too busy studying for my upcoming exams.

A couple of weeks ago I participated in a singing concert, were I wore a black, subtle cat eye, smoky eye. Hope you like it :)

Products Used

Step 1: Applied Essence Cover Stick Concealer and Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation.

Step 2: Applied NYX Jumbo Eye Shadow Base in 'Milk' all over the lid, and blended it out, to form a sticky base for the eye shadows to last longer.

Step 3: Used 77 eye shadow palette and applied a light beige color on top of the 'Milk'.

Step 4: Next, applied a dark eye shadow to the outer 'V' of my lid and blended it out as much as I could. Then, I built up the color little by little to the intensity that I wanted.

Step 5: Applied a black eye shadow on top of the grey and blended the two colors together.

Step 6: As a transition color I used a soft brown color and blended the grey and brown together below the brow bone.

Step 7: Used a highlight color from the palette and applied it exactly beneath the brow bone and in the tear duct, to reflect light. Then, applied a subtle code in the inner corner of my eye.

Step 8: Applied Essence Long Lasting eye pencil in the color 'Cool Down' under my lower lashes and blended it in between the lashes together with Essence Long Lasting eye pencil in the color 'Black Fever' on my water line.

Step 9: Next, applied Essence Gel eye liner on my upper lid in a subtle cat eye form, and then approximately 3 coats of Maybelline Colossal Mascara.

Final Look

 

Step 10: As for the lips, I applied MAC Lip Liner in the color 'Magenta' all over the lip. Then applied Essence lipstick in the color 'Flirty Pink'. At the moment, this is my favourite lip combination :)

Lip Combination

That is all for this post,

Let me know what you think in the comments section below.

Don't forget to follow this blog for the upcoming Essence Cosmetics Giveaway ;)

Until next time,

Take Care,

Jessica xxx

'At the Beach': Makeup look tutorial

Hey Beauties,

I know it may seem nonsense for some of you, but I still put on some makeup when going to the beach. So, I decided to show you the makeup look I like to do.

Step 1:

I apply 'Good Things Moisturiser' before applying any makeup and let it sink into my skin.

Step 2:

I start off with 'Essence Stick concealer' and apply it to scars and imperfections. Then, I apply a thin layer of 'Bourjois Healthy Mix' Foundation. I have tested the staying power of this foundation when going swimming, In a span of 6 hours at the beach I only retouched my skin once, so that is an added advantage that this foundation offers :).  I let these settle onto my skin whilst applying eyeliner and mascara.

Step 3:

I apply 'Essence Long Lasting' pencil in the color '09 Cool Down' on my lash line, after which I apply 'Essence Get Big Lashes Volume' Mascara in the waterproof formula.

Step 4:

Apply some powder all over my face


Step 5:

Last but no the least, I apply a lip liner since it leaves the lips tinted even after swimming, and also a lip gloss.

Hope you like this makeup look,

Until next time,

Take Care,

Jessica xxx

Fashion Haul: New look, Suite Blanco, Carpisa

Hey Beauties,

I have been craving a shopping spree for the past 3 weeks, but it is only yesterday that I found the time to actually go shopping. So, I decided to share with you what I bought.

I really needed a new bag, so I decided to check out New Look's selection. There was a vast selection of bags, however, this is the one that caught my eye the most. I like this bag since it is large, has a structured shape, and is embellished with small holes and sparkly studs.

 

Also, from New Look, I bought these Summery flats. One can never own enough flats right? I really like the color and also the bow detail.

 

Carpisa have a 50% sale at the moment. Since I never buy anything from this brand, I took the opportunity. As you all know, I am obsessed with the Royal Blue color, so as soon as I entered the store, this bag stood out to me. Of course, this is my favourite purchase. Looovveee this bag!!! :)

From a small boutique I found these inexpensive shirts. I always try to find unique pieces that have that 'something special'. These sure fit the description, small details make a difference. They have a small exposed zipper on the back, and scattered studs on the straps. These were only 10euro each, so I decided to buy two of them.

Last outlet I visited is SuiteBlanco. I found this mint, chiffon blouse, and skin fit leggings. I love the blouse's gem detailing along the buttons. This would be a perfect Autumn outfit.

I was also searching for some new heels, however I was quite unlucky since all the shoes that I liked, my size wasn't available. To be honest, I was quite frustrated. Oh well, a good excuse to go on a shopping spree again this week hehe ;)

Until next time,

Take care,

Jessica xxx

 

 

 

Haul: Essence Cosmetics

Hey Beauties,

It has been quite some time since I purchased some Essence Cosmetics. So today while I was at Pavi I decided to pick up some makeup (as if I don't have enough already.. oh well.. haha). These are the products I bought:

1) XXXL Shine Lip Gloss

Last week I saw my cousin using this product and I also tried it myself, and I really liked it. Therefore, as soon as I saw it available on the stand I grabbed it without thinking twice about it. It is in the color '021 Red Blossom'.

XXXL Shine Lip Gloss

First Impressions: I love this berry color especially for Summer, and I was impressed by its pigmentation. It also has a nice, not over bearing, scent. Most important thing is that it does not have a sticky consistency, but rather it feels smooth on the lips.

021 Red Blossom

2) Get Big Lashes Volume Mascara.

A colleague at work has these nice full and long lashes, and I always wonder what mascara she uses. A few days ago I decided to ask her and she recommended this mascara.

First Impressions: I haven't used it yet, however I like the wand, it is full and round, perfect to build up volume. We'll see how I like it.

3) Long Lasting Eye Pencil

Lately, I have been obsessed with the color royal blue. I end up buying everything in that color from clothes, to makeup, to nail polish, even my car has a very similar color. Therefore as soon as I saw this color in an eye pencil form, I had to get it. It is in the color '09 Cool Down'.

First Impressions: It is a very pigmented, true to color product. I really liked its creamy consistency and it glides on without tugging at the skin. When I washed my hands, it did not budge. I had to really rub at my skin to remove the product. It is truly long lasting.

4) Eyebrow Designer

I got this product on a whim, just to try it out. It is in the color '04 Blonde'.

First Impressions: Again, it is pigmented, and I like that it has a small eye brow brush attached to the cap. Value for money product ;)

5) Coverstick Concealer

I never tried any face makeup from Essence, apart from blush and bronzer. I thought I'd start with a concealer, also I needed a new one. It is in the color '01 Matt Sand'.

First Impressions: Have not tried it yet, however, it felt good on my hand whilst swatching it and it blended quite well.

6) Lipstick

Last but not least, of course, I had to buy a lipstick. I really like Essence lipstick and I have a couple of them. It is in the color '64 Flirty Pink'.

First Impressions: It smells really nice, like all Essence lip products. I like the color, and it is also pigmented. The only thing that I didn't like as much is that it has small sparkles, I thought it was a creamy or matt lipstick.

Overall I am content with my purchase. The fact that never ceases to amaze me is that these cosmetics are so inexpensive, which is a rarity in Malta to find inexpensive makeup. Even drug store brands are quite expensive, unlike other countries. For the above 6 products, altogether they cost me 12 euros. Great price right!?

Until next time,

Take Care,

Jessica xxx