Epic FAIL #1: Brushes

I believe in second chances. I do. And looking always on the bright side, I try to find a (good) purpose in everything, when it dissapoints me.

Well, this is about the brushes I showed you in my JUMBO Haul.

They cost almost nothing, so perhaps I should even bother writing a post about them. Let me elaborate on that:

The packaging included 2 double ended brushes.So, 4 brushes.

However, the eye brush had a sponge applicator on the one side. I never use such things. So -1.

Then the face bush. Oh, the face brush! It looked ideal and felt soft.

Almost a perfect purchase!

MAC haul

Well yes, before even spending my money on the Fantasy of Flowers collection, as I intend to, I did succumb to a MAC shopping splurge..
This is where I "invested" this time:

Ε, ναι, λοιπόν, είμαι για δέσιμο...

Αντί να φυλάω τα λεφτουδάκια μου για να κακομάθω την κόρη μου, να τα σκάσω σε ένα ταξιδάκι βρε αδερφέ, υπέκυψα σε ένα MAC shopping splurge..Πριν ακόμα ενδώσω στη συλλογή Fantasy of Flowers, όπως σκοπεύω..

Ιδού τι πήρα μαζί μου φεύγοντας απ' το κατάστημα:

Mineralize Rich Lipstick-Style Surge
Spring is slowly here, so bright coral-y colors are inevitable. For me, that is! It's described as a neutral coral cream and that's exactly it! I must admit, I've already worn it and I got a compliment from the last person on earth who would pay me one! It's gorgeous!

Κραγιόν Mineralize Rich-Style Surge

Η Άνοιξη φτάνει και τα κοραλλι θα είναι στα φόρτε τους! Τουλάχιστον στο δικό μου μακιγιάζ! Είναι της σειράς Mineralize Rich που σημαίνει ότι προσφέρει έντονη ενυδάτωση κι έχει καταπληκτική χρωματική απόδοση. Το αγαπώ ήδη!

In Synch Lipliner
The "bright yellow pink" description is not how I see it, but I think that this lipliner is the perfect peachy pink color to outline your lips when you go for a nude color
In Synch Μολύβι Χειλιών
Περιγράφεται ως φωτεινό κίτρινο ροζ. Έχω το βρίσκω ως ανοιχτόχρωμο ροδακινι/ροζ, τέλειο για περίγραμμα σε nude χείλη.

Mineralize Blush Dainty
Since a mineralize blush is what I have mainly used lately (check here!) I opted for another one. Dainty is a light pink with yellow undertones and gold shimmer. It's beautiful!

Ρουζ Mineralize- Dainty

Ένα τέτοιο ρουζ είναι από αυτά που χρησιμοποιώ καθημερινά σχεδόν τους τελευταίους μήνες. Οπότε, δε θα μπορούσα να μην αγοράσω κι αυτό το ρουζακι σε αυτό το φανταστικό ανοιχτόχρωμο ροζ με χρυσές λάμψεις.

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
The one I already own (in "light") has majorly hit pan, so I needed a new one, asap! I went for the light plus shade but it was out and since I wanted to get rid of that ghostly Caspery (or should I refer to a character from the Twilight saga or The Vampire diaries?) look I naturally have and usually love I got "medium". I will be using it for contouring...
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Η πούδρα που έχει βρεθεί στα αγαπημένα μου και παραμένει ακόμα κι αν δε σας τη δείχνω... Έχω ήδη το light, που έχει πιάσει πάτο και για να μην ξεμείνω πήρα αυτή! Πήγαινα για το light plus, τελικά πήρα το medium δεδομένου ότι όσο κι αν μου αρέσει η λευκή μου επιδερμίδα, πολύ στενοχωρήθηκα σε κάτι φωτογραφίες τελευταία που ήμουν σαν τη φιλενάδα του Casper (για τις νεότερες σκεφτείτε κάτι από Twilight ή Vampire Diaries για να καταλάβετε..)

Devilishly Dark Eyeshadow quad

A versatile quad, I'vealready used it both for day and evening looks, including the shades Manila Paper (Icy pale gold-Veluxe Pearl finish), Goldmine (Intense gold with shimmer-frost finish), Honey Lust (bronzed-dipped peach-Lustre finish) and Devilishly Dark (deep red-brown with gold frost-frost finish). I am not crazy about the Honey Lust eyeshadow; the color is pretty but it's quite gritty....
4πλή παλέτα σκιών Devilishly Dark
Περιλαμβάνει τις σκιές Manila Paper (Icy pale gold με Veluxe Pearl τελείωμα), Goldmine (Intense gold with shimmer με frost τελείωμα), Honey Lust (bronzed-dipped peach με Lustre τελείωμα) και Devilishly Dark (deep red-brown with gold frost με frost τελείωμα). Αυτή είναι η πρώτη παλετίτσα σκιών MAC που αποκτώ και χάρηκα πολύ!!! Η μόνη σκιά που δε με ενθουσίασε ήταν η Honey Lust- υπέροχο χρώμα, αλλά "μαδάει" λίγο, δεν απλώνεται με ομοιογένεια. Θα προσπαθήσω να σας δείξω ένα μακιγιάζ χρησιμοποιώντας τη.

That's all I got; there is an endless wishlist though!! What do you think should be the next item in my cart?

Ουφ! Αυτά τα ... λίγα απέκτησα, αλλά δυστυχώς παραμένουν πολλά ακόμα στη wishlist μου!

Έχετε κάποιο από αυτά; Τι μου προτείνετε να δοκιμάσω;

Andriana

xoxo

Radiant Professional Illuminator- A Review

I don't know about you, but a few years back (OK, maybe more), I wasn't really 100% sure what an illuminator does or why I should have one in my makeup bag.

Then, one after the other my favorite concealers of the time were named "illuminators".  And a love affair begun.

See, since my face is quite pale, I always remember having difficulty finding the perfect shade. Even more difficult was to find a lighter shade for the eye area. So, my choices for "concealers" is what most would look for as illuminators. If this makes sense.

The Radiant Professional Illuminator is more than an illuminator.

When I don't need much coverage, this thing is all I need as a makeup base. It covers, lightens the areas where applied and blends in perfectly with your skin, so it looks flawless!
It is thicker in consistency than what I ideally would look for in such a product, but its moisturizing properties make up for it.

What I appreciate is that it comes in shades like yellow, peach, rose, green to help various needs, but mostly that it contains 8ml in a price lower than 14 Euros!

All that from a Greek company. I'll say Bravo!

I've used it for years and will definitely repurchase.

Have you ever used it?

What is your illuminator of choice?

Andriana
xoxo

Mini Online Pharmacy Haul

Truth is, that because of my baby girl and the care products she needs, I find myself browsing often to find the best prices in online pharmacies without additional shipping charges.

The last couple of times I wanted to pay cash upon delivery, so there were only a few stores that would nor charge extra for that.

I went for ofarmakopoiosmou.gr because not only did it have very good prices, but there is free shipping for orders over 30€ plus no extra "cash-on-delivery" fee for orders over 50€.

What has blown me away is how fast I get my package each time! And I live on Crete, so at times it's taken (others) even a week.

Plus, depending on my order they kindly send me samples as gifts.

This time, apart from things for my baby (that I will not show you) I got:

The Bioderma Micellar Solution (that I showed you I run out of)

I was really happy to find it in a 1+1 offer, at 15,50€

The Bioderma  Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel (as always in the quest for the best one, have a look at my crash test here!), that cost 14€  

The Apivita Propolis soap bar

I got it for cleaning my brushes, after seeing it in the lovely Irene's blogpost. I have to say that without even opening it, it smells soooo good!

Can't wait to try the new additions!

Have you tried anything yourselves?

MAC (LE) PETAL POWER MINERALIZE BLUSH

As I've already admitted, I'm a sucker for LE collections, especially the Spring-Summer ones, because I love orange, coral, bronze hues...

I showed you here which items I'd love to get from the Fantasy of Flowers Collection by MAC and I was lucky enough to find the collection, before its launch in Greece in the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport!

Of course, almost all the ones I wanted to buy were already sold out (just my luck), apart from the blush that I was dying to get!

So, Petal Power became mine!

And in a fair price, too!

I paid less than 20 euros for it! A bargain, I tell you!

It's a stunning color, with really nice pigmentation! I absolutely love it!!!

The collection will be in stores next week, and I'll probably pay them a visit to get some more goodies!

Anything you're craving for?

L'oreal Skin Perfection BB Cream-A Review

The Skin Perfection Series is the newest addition to the L'oreal skincare line.

It's hot pink, girly, offers plenty of benefits in a bufget friendly price. So what's not to like?

I got the BB cream, as I was really into trying something from this line, but I've already got a stash of creams and serums.

First of all, it comes in a tube, with a twist lid; you must unscrew it; not the most practical packaging, ever.. It contains 50ml, which is not bad at all and costs 12 Euros.

It's made for younger ages, so from the early 20s to mid 30s and is suitable for sensitive skins also, apart from being non-comedogenic. It's supposed to help with  imperfections, enlarged pores and an uneven skin texture while protecting from premature aging with an SPF of 25.

According to L'oreal "The tinted lightweight formula perfects complexion for a healthy-looking glow"

It is indeed lightweight. Although really moisturising, it does not feel greasy.

It has kind of a weird smell, though. I mean, there's no artificial perfume, so what comes to mind is a pharmaceutical cream. It does not smell of alcohol like the Garnier one for oily skin. It's a completely different smell, not necessarily bad, but not pleasant, either.

I got the lighter shade, "Light", it comes in "Medium" as well.

I must say, it is just a tad darker than my skin-great, regarding that most of the others out there are either too dark, or too yellow, or too pink!

Now, for the negatives:
I see no improvement in the appearance of pores and a really light coverage. So, any imperfections shine through. It does give a smoother, even skintone, but then again I don't really have any obvious discolorations.

All in all, it keeps you hydrated, smoothes out your skin but "Skin Perfection" isn't achieved. 

It does have good elements to it, so I use it as a sunscreen/moisturizer and continue with my foundation, concealer, etc.

I don't think I'd repurchase, though. Perhaps another product of the series!

Have you tried anything?

Estee Lauder Make-up Haul!!!

Well, as every makeupjunkie can imagine and relate to, I totally gave in and made some makeup purchases after my skincare haul that I showed you here... I just could not resist!

And this is what I got:

Εννοείται ότι όπως κάθε κολλημένη με το μακιγιάζ, δε θα μπορούσα να μην υποκύψω σε ένα όργιο αγορών σε είδη μακιγιάζ Estee Lauder έπειτα από τις αγορές σε προϊόντα περιποίησης...
Ορίστε τι αγόρασα:

The Wednesday Post: Clinique LE Neutral Palette + HAUL

If you recall, Wednesdays' posts are mainly all about alerts on LE products and various discounts.

Last week there's been a discount around, I 'm sure you heard, so although late to give the heads up on that, I thought I should let you know of what I bought on Saturday, hoping that it's still available for you also! A unique neutral eyeshadows palette, that you 've perhaps already seen on Instagram.

I first saw it on a blog a few months ago, but was not yet in Greece and had no information whatsoever on when it would hit the Greek counters. Now a small confession: I have really limited time to browse actual stores, and I may be behind on the time of actual launches. So, I never saw that this beauty did come!

Thanks to Sofia (aka Beauty in Crisis), who posted her palette after being excited for buying it, I knew that it was available in Greece and afterwards, I was on pins and needles on whether I could get my hands on it myself!

Here, I have to admit that my small daughter was recovering from the flu (?) and I wasn't feeling great myself, but since hy hubby was kind enough to babysit, I rushed to Hondos Center, with no make up on (I think I even scared the ladies there, haha!) and it became mine!

The Neutral Territory 2 Palette is part of the 16 Shades of beige LE collection, which is completed with 8 neutral nail polishes, ranging from off white to deep cocoa, that are safe for sensitive skins.

The palette itself ranges also from very light to darker shades, making it perfect for both day and evening looks, while it's pretty compact, so it's the best companion for travelling. The palette is compiled from shades that are available in the standard line of Clinique, so if you miss it.. well, you could find your favorite shades out there, but I suggest you get it now; the price is right!!

Let's see the details and swatches:

It's definitely worth it, as you can see!

I also got a couple of the eye chubby sticks, that had caught my eye when I bought my first one.

Finally, mascaras are always necessary, right?

That was my "Wednesday-When to buy" post, including my LE alert and the rest of my haul.

Liked it?

Let me know!!!

Andriana

xoxo

Περιοδικά Μαρτίου + Δώρα!

Καλή Σαρακοστή κορίτσια!

Όπως καταλαβαίνετε, ενέδωσα κι εγώ!

Κακά τα ψέματα, στην τωρινή εποχή, αλλά και λόγω έλλειψης χρόνου, προτιμώ να ξεφυλλίζω σελίδες στο ίντερνετ, παρά να αγοράζω περιοδικά. Νομίζω ότι πολλές κάνουν το ίδιο, οπότε τα περιοδικά πλέον, συχνά-πυκνά έχουν όμορφα δωράκια ώστε να μας δελεάζουν να τα αποκτήσουμε!

Έτσι συνέβη και τώρα, ε, και λόγω τριημέρου είπα να τα πάρω μπας και προλάβω να τους ρίξω και μια ματιά εκτός από το να εκμεταλευτώ τις προσφορές τους.

Δικά μου έγιναν το InStyle & το Cosmopolitan, που είχαν μια μινιατουρα κόκκινο κραγιόν του YSL κι ένα μανό Essie αντίστοιχα. Το πρώτο κόστισε 5,90€ και το δεύτερο 2,90€. Καθόλου άσχημα!

Το κραγιόν, ομολογώ ότι δεν το δοκίμασα ακόμη, αλλά το μανό που διάλεξα, ήταν ένα πολύ ιδιαίτερο χρώμα, οπότε κι έβαψα τα νύχια μου αμέσως!

Η Essie το περιγράφει σαν tahitian blue, εγώ θα έλεγα ότι είναι ένα gunmetal gray.

Στη φωτογραφία είναι μόνο μία στρώση, που στέγνωσε και πολύ γρήγορα!

Να σας ενημερώσω ότι κυκλοφορεί και το Marie Claire με 3 jumbo μολύβια, ένα για τα χείλη & 2 για τα μάτια, κι ακόμα ένα με 2 μανό Erre Due! 

Σπεύσατε!

Ή μήπως αγοράσατε ήδη κάποια;

Jan/Feb Faves!

After my 2013 faves, it's only reasonable that I showed you my favorite products for the first couple of months of 2014.

It is, of course, mainly makeup stuff, however there will not be a foundation included, since I experimented with various from my stash (as you have seen here, for example, plus there will be such a post soon).

Καλή Αποκριά και Καλά Κούλουμα!

Καλημέρα!

Ο ήλιος λάμπει σήμερα στο Ρεθυμνάκι και είναι ότι πρέπει να γιορτάσουμε και να χαρούμε τα

Η παράδοση του καρναβαλιού είναι πολύ μακριά εδώ και ζεις πραγματικά φανταστικές στιγμές, γι' αυτό αν ακόμα δεν έχετε λάβει μέρος, σπεύσατε αν είστε κοντά, ή προετοιμαστείτε για του χρόνου!

Αξίζει τον κόπο! Δεν είναι ότι είναι ο τόπος μου, αλλά είναι ευλογημένος τόπος! Παντού ομορφιές, ιστορία, καλό φαγητό και φιλόξενοι άνθρωποι!

Αν με ακολουθείτε στο Instagram, ίσως έχει δει μερικές φωτογραφίες με το άπειρο μου χέρι, που σας δίνουν όμως μια εικόνα!

Όσο για αύριο, ελπίζω να έχετε ετοιμάσει τα σαρακοστιανά σας και έχετε τον χαρταετό έτοιμο για δράση! (για όσες έχουν όρεξη ή μικρά παιδάκια, θα μπορούσατε απλά να ζωγραφίσετε το χαρταετό σας, με οδηγό τις εικόνες αυτές!)  Ή τέλος πάντων, να βρίσκεστε εκεί που θέλετε, όπως θέλετε!

Διότι, κακά τα ψέματα, τα καλύτερα πράγματα στη ζωή δεν είναι πράγματα, είναι στιγμές, που τις περνάμε με αγαπημένους μας ανθρώπους..

Τις ευχές μου για καλή διασκέδαση!

Α! Και με το μαλακό τα κρασάκια και τα ουζάκια!

Ανδριάνα

MAC Fantasy of Flowers Collection

Happy March everyone!

I don't know about you, but I'm a total sucker for Limited Edition Collections!

When it comes to MAC and bright Spring/Summer colors, it's double the trouble!

This is what the Fantasy of Flowers Collection will include, that launches here in Greece and international now in March.

As you can see, the colors are beautiful and we are kind of lucky to get it now, since it's already been out for a while abroad and you can browse the web for lots of swatches and reviews.