Some pretty exciting news- eeeeek!!!

I've got some exciting news to share with you today: for the last few months, along with my gals and fellow greek bloggers Tina and Arietta, we've been working on a secret new project that we're finally able to share with you:

Meet our new beauty website, Beautytalk.gr!!!



So, what is Beautytalk.gr? Well, as the name suggests, it's a beauty site written in greek (for my international readers: we'll be incorporating a translator button asap). You'll be able to find beauty news, the latest makeup trends, tips and tricks, and step-by-step guides to achieve the most beautiful hair and makeup looks; in short, everything us three would like to read in a beauty webzine!

What you can do on Beautytalk.gr?
You can subscribe through email, comment on our articles, or even contact us if you wish to see a particular subject to be published (info@beautytalk.gr). Plus, we have a special section where you can ask away all your beauty-related questions and we'll try our best to answer them!

I'd really appreciate it if you gave our new website a couple of clicks and share your opinion with us- what you think of the name, layout, articles and such? We've given it a lot of effort, so we'd love to have your feedback!

You can also find Beautytalk.gr on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates.
Hope we can see you there!!!

Evi   xx

A little Mac haul

It's been a long time since I last shopped at Mac and I kinda missed that feeling! So it was the perfect timing for me to drive my butt round to Attica and head to the Mac counter to stock on a couple of "necessities", as I like to call my Mac purchases. It doesn't strike you that bad as such!

FYI, this was a very calculated haul I've been planning to do months ago.
Impulse purchases at Mac? Dear Lord, nooo!!!

First stop, a Mac lipstick. You all know how much I love 'em! Having tried all lipstick finishes except those from the Lustre family, I had a close look on every Lustre and went for Patisserie! What a beautiful and classy MLBB shade; now I can see why Tanya Burr raves about this one for her bridal looks! Next, as I was out of my under-eye concealer, I thought of giving the the new Prep + Prime Highlighter a go. Surprisingly, both the yellow and apricot shades didn't seem to match my skintone, so I went for the pink version. I'll keep you posted on how I get along with it, goes without saying!

However, what excited me the most were these cute foundation samples- aww!!! I'm a sucker for anything that comes in mini packaging, so naturally I was smitten by these two little things ;)

So, tell me:
have you shopped anything from Mac recently?

Evi   xx

My Spring/Summer wishlist: part 2

Oh God, I've finally come to that stage where I'm putting together wishlists with high-end products only; THE END IS NEAR!!! Seriously now, it seems I'm having a €€€ kick lately, I'm hoping it's just a phase- otherwise my wallet will mutiny against me and I won't blame it!

To be fair though, this is more like a this or that list.
So, not all hope is lost! lol

You might remember from my previous wishlist that I had my eye on the Vit C Daily Moisturiser with spf 30 by the Body Shop. Thank goodness I checked the tester before purchasing it- as soon as I applied a tiny amount on my hand, it rubbed off in pieces! Enough is enough, I'm done with crappy day creams; I've decided to finally invest in a proper, well thought and technologically up-to-date daily sunscreen. After a little search online, I came up with two options: the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector is brand new and sounds very promising: it's water resistant (so it's going to hold well during the hot summer weather), it's invisible on the skin and has a broad spectrum of 42 PA+++. The Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection has more or less the same claims as the Shiseido one, but I'd rather go with the pebble-like packaging of Shiseido than that of Clarins!

I've been also tempted by some purrrty eyeshadows- namely the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley and the Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Illusoire. About the latter, I'll test it in-store; if it swatches too purpley for my liking, I'll be saving myself the €30+. The Pale Barley eyeshadow, omg... I need this in my life! 'Nuff said ;)

And of course, the biggest temptation of the moment: high-end lip products. Sigh, where do I start? I want a YSL lippie so bad- don't know whether it's going to be a Rouge Volupte or the new Vernis a Levres but I'm so getting one! Lipgloss-wise, I've been eyeing the lovely Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors that have that spongey applicator like my beloved Elf Luscious Liquid lipstick! And lastly, gimmicky or not, the Dior Lip Glow is my current lip balm crush!

So, what have you been lusting over lately?
Do share your spring/summer wishists, I'd love to read 'em!

Evi   xx

Boy, oh Boy... My first Chanel Rouge Coco Shine!

[pun intended! Get it?]

I'm sure you've already seen this lipstick a million times before, but I-just-couldn't refrain from posting about it anyway! This is my first proper high-end lipstick, it deserves its own post, dammit! Meet Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in the notorious shade "Boy"!

See, I renamed my little bloggie to Lipstick Wardrobe for a reason!
I might as well indulge into different kinds of lipsticks other than Mac ;)

Much like all other reviewers before me, I confirm that it's a lovely moisturising lipstick that, pigmentation-wise, it almost verges to a lip balm. I was a little sceptical at first about purchasing a sheer high-end lipstick that equals to 3-4 of say, Revlon lip butters; then again, most of my pigmented lipsticks collect only dust- aka team Violetta... Hence buying a €€€ lipstick that's sheer doesn't sound like a bad idea after all, right?

Since this is a sheer lipstick, the final outcome depends on your lips' pigmentation. Mine are fairly pigmented, so on me Boy turns into a transparent shiny rosy shade with some tiny, delicate, grown-up shimmer (as you would expect from Chanel!). Also, I don't get why some people insist of Chanel lipsticks smelling like "grandma's old makeup", cause this is definitely not the case! Granted, the one I have does have a faint smell of roses, but that scent is universally identified as "classy". Since when classy is supposed to be a grandma thing exclusive, I wonder...

     Got my little samples, too! Don't you just love to save these for travelling? Not that I travel much, but still...

All things considered, I'm happy to report my first encounter with high-end lipsticks has been a positive experience! Next on my list: a nice, pigmented lipstick (YSL Rouge Volupte, me thinks) and a fun lip gloss- the Clarins Lip Perfectors, to be exact!

Have you tried the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks?
What are your thoughts on the new lipsticks-slash-lip balms that have flooded the market at the moment?

Evi   xx

MAC Technique seminar!

@%F&;#!@%!!!
I've been trying to compose this post for three days now and not a single word comes out right! Goes to show you that writing about a Mac seminar is not as exciting as to actually participate in one... Nevertheless, if you're interested in finding out more info about the Mac Technique seminars, then read on!

The photos below are the face charts from the booklet we took home as loot ;)
Click to enlarge!

* I'll start by stating the most important bit: anyone can attend these seminars, free of charge! If you're a Mac lover, you'll feel "at home" with the Mac language spoken by the makeup artists; I consider myself a Mac newbie, so I faked some nodding action with every confusing term mentioned...

* The seminars take place on days the stores close at 5 pm; they start around 6 pm (coffee and little snacks included), and they last around 30'-45'.

*The spaces are very limited (I recall there were 10 of us there- tops!), so make sure you sign up early!

* You can select one of the 6-7 available seminars' scenarios. I went for the one with the latest makeup trends; we were explained by two lovely Mac makeup artists about the 4 big trends for this summer (shown in the pics). Each of them executed one face chart on attendants that modeled for this purpose.

* At the end of the seminar, all makeup artists were at our service to ask any silly little question that rose our mind- though according to them, we were one of the most quiet, non-demanding crowd they've come across... Oh well, we knew better than the rest!

* Last but not least, all attendants were able to shop with a 15% sale!!! Imagine that: an almost empty Mac store, browsing around with no supervision on your back, all makeup artists free to accommodate you personally- AND to spoil you even more, you're offered a 15% off purchase? In my book, that's a deal not to be missed- who doesn't want to be spoilt every now and then?

If there's anything to conclude to, it's encompassed in this statement: go sign up for a Mac Technique seminar asap!!! Even if you're not that accustomed to Mac, it's a great opportunity to see how makeup is professionally applied, plus it will definitely insipe you to experiment with what you already have.

Have you ever been to a Mac Technique, or any other beauty-related seminar?
Do share your experience!

Evi   xx

My Spring/Summer wishlist: part 1

I'm still not over the fact we spent the Easter holidays with the worst possible weather ever!!! In an attempt to cheer up my mood, I decided to "think Spring" and start compiling lists of everything I'd like to own till warmer days arrive. (Can't help it really, it's the little list-making geek inside me that kicks in!)

Naturally, my first Spring/Summer wishlist is TBS-exclusive!
Old habits die hard...

1. Limited-Edition Summer Fragrances: Ahhh, they all sound lush: Love Etc... Sun Kiss holds a blend of jasmine and nectarine, Dreams Unlimited Sun Fresh contains notes of neroli blossom and watermelon, and White Musk Sun Glow blends together peony, peach and lemon. As with all perfumes from TBS, they come in a travel-friendly size and at a reasonable price. I think I'm gonna have a trouble picking just one!

2. Honey & Oat 3-in-1 Scrub Mask: ever since I saw that Bubzbeauty vid where Lindy said she used oatmeal alone to cleanse her face, I've been intrigued to try out this Honey & Oat multi-purpose mask. I bet it smells amazing, too!

3. Vit C Daily Moisturiser spf 30: after some recent tiny little moles that were brought up on my face, I realised that a mere spf 15 is not enough for everyday use under the mediterranean sun. Fingers crossed this Vit C moisturiser won't leave a white cast on my face like the Korres sunscreen did :(

4, 5. Shimmer Cubes #22-Green, #23-Purple: you know me, I love my Shimmer Cubes! These are the last ones I've yet to own...

6. Colourglide Shine Lip Colour: I have a feeling the Body Shop got it right this time! The previous Delipscious lipsticks were such a failure, I'm glad they were replaced by the Colourglide Shine range. You guessed it- I'm planning to get ALL shades as well!

7. Baked-to-Last Blush: I've been hunting this baby way before Christmas; thankfully, my blog-friend and fellow TBS-addict Mariza (<3 you girl!) informed me about a store that still stocks this blush, so now I'll have to get my butt over at Marousi area and finally purchase it!

I'll be posting a couple more wishlists with non-TBS items soon ;)
Will you be getting anything from the Body Shop for this summer?

Evi   xx

Kiehl's LIP BALM #1: everything you need to know

My fellow lip balms lovers, this post is dedicated to you!
Ever wondered if the oh-so-famous Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is actually worth the hype? Well, you can stop wondering because I'm here to give you the ultimate 101 guide on one of the world's most popular lip balms ever made!

Hmmm, that came out too cheesy...
Take 2:

Because the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is so hyped among beauty bloggers, it's only natural to expect nothing but grandeur and perfection once you try it out, and in concequence be easily disappointed by the product. That's why I've collected all the facts and trivia about this lip balm, so you know what to expect beforehand.

Here we go:

1. The Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 has been around since 1969- keep that date in mind.

2. Without doubt, it's one of the brand's best-sellers; I've read claims of one lip balm sold every minute- or every 15 seconds, even one in 9 seconds! Whatever the case, this baby is selling like hot cakes for sure.

3. The 15ml tube packaging is the most popular format, but it comes in a 17gr jar as well. According to the website, we also have the option of the Scented Lip Balm #1 with fragrances like Coconut, Vanilla, Mango and Mint.

4. The packaging: it's a sqeezy tube with a screw-on cap. Some people are disappointed because there's no slanted applicator in the opening, which means that you have to sqeeze some product on your finger and rub it on your lips. To me, that's not all bad; I think it adds to the whole "retro" feel of owning and wearing this particular lip balm, so I don't mind.

5. The formula: the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is based on petroleum jelly; this is where the "glorified Vaseline" attributes begin. I personally find that statement quite harsh, and here's why: first of all, this lip balm doesn't pretend to be anything else- it reads "Petrolatum Skin Protectant" on the front. Secondly- remember the date when it was first produced? You can't expect a modern day formula from an old-fashioned lip balm. Lastly, the petroleum jelly enables the product to stick on the lips for the rest of the ingredients to act upon- namely Squalane, Lanolin, Almond Oil and Vitamins A and E.

6. Consistency: it's a transparent jelly with a yellow tint that melts on body temperature. I imagine that during summer heat, it's going to turn to liquid. It's also odourless and has no taste.

7. On the lips: it doesn't penetrate the lips (is there a lip balm that really does so?), it rather sits on top as a protective film. It offers a pretty shiny finish- not as glossy as a clear lip gloss, but a more muted shine that looks appropriate for that "no makeup" makeup look.

8. Much like the Elizabeth Arden 8-hour cream, the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 can also be used to heal cracked skin, treat dry cuticles, etc.

9. Now for the most important part of this post: some reviewers have mentioned that their lips got chapped after using this lip balm. I'm here to tell you that my lips got chapped, too. Does this mean that the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is a bad/faulty product? Absolutely not! You see, what happens is that it takes some time for your lips to get accustomed to petroleum jelly lip balms, if you've been using wax-based lip balms for a long time. Once your lips "acknowledge" the new protectant, the petroleum jelly lip balm will keep your lips healthy and moisturised. So if you experience some chapping, don't let it discourage you because it's only the transitional stage!

10. What you also need to know is that Kiehl's in Greece has lowered the prices for many of their products, including this lip balm! I got mine for around €10, which isn't as scary as I thought it would be.

     [Not to mention the loads of samples you're given at Kiehl's! It's their policy to be generous with samples in every single purchase,
     be it big or small like mine.]

To conclude, this is my verdict:

If you love collecting lip balms like me, the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is a must-have. The "cult" value of this product is hard to pass by! Simply put, you just have to be aware of its formulation and take it for what it is.

And kudos to YOU if you've made it this far ;)
Have you tried this lip balm by Kiehl's?

Evi   xx

March '12 favourites.

Lately, I've been trying to incorporate more bronzey tones in my makeup- must be the sunny weather that pushes me to warm up my face! So last month, I dug up a couple of some forgotten bronze makeup products and put them to the test.

This is everything that I loved using during March. Enjoy!

TBS Brush on Bronze: I've been using these beads a lot during past month; to me, they're way too orange to be classified as a bronzer- however, it looks so pretty when worn as a blush for that warm, coppery glow. FYI, this thing holds 28 gr, there's no way one will ever go through it! Is it a good or a bad thing, I wonder...
Elf palette with TBS bronze eyeshadows: This is the last custom palette featured on my blog, I promise! To be honest, bronze eyeshadows don't really flatter brown eyes (especially when combined with pale winter skin!), but I made them work with the following product:
Elf Duo Eyeshadow Cream in Black Licorice: if you have a brown eyeshadow that falls under "Team Woodwinked" -aka too orange when applied on the lids-, try layering it over a black or silver cream eyeshadow; that way, the orange hues subside and you're left with a more cool-toned shade. Obviously, you won't need this little tip if you have blue or green eyes- did I mention how lucky you are when shopping brown eyeshadows?
Mac Strobe cream: I recently attended a Mac seminar, where we were told that glowy/healthy skin is the #1 trend for this season- old news probably, but it was nice to be reminded of it. Anyway, I've been trying out Strobe cream mixed with my foundation and it works great! This "glow from within" is visible even after powdering. Brilliant!

Copy-cat perfume: this is a legit copy-cat, it smells pretty close to the original Cool Water cologne and it cost me less than a fiver! It's a nice alternative to your €€€ perfumes when you don't want to waste them on unimportant errands. I HIGHLY recommend you to check out the copy-cat cologne corner at Hondos Center, you'll be amazed by the available scents they sell!
Apivita hand cream with olive & cocoa butter: smells nice and does help to heal dry hands- though as soon as I use it up, I'm going for the new Korres hand cream with Almond oil! I'm trying my best to use greek products whenever I can ;)

Now, do share:
What have you been loving during March?

Evi   xx

A spring-ish kind of haul!

Thank goodness, the weather got finally warmer! Just the perfect excuse to start making excessive spring and summer shopping lists, am I right? I know, shopping won't buy you happiness, but it sure does help to put a smile in your face! Non?

This is my first batch of spring essentials!

   Here's the break-down:

H&M eyelashes: I think I came one step closer to rock the Louis Vuitton makeup trend for this spring! Now I need to put these to the test- someone ask me out somewhere fancy so I can wear ma falsies!!!
TBS Tea Tree concealer: despite feeling 100% satisfied with my old concealer, it was time to try something new. My girl Athina raves about this one, so I have a feeling I'm gonna love it ;)
Kiehl's Lip Balm #1: one of the most popular lip balms ever! Full review to come.
TBS Baked-to-Last eyeshadow in #04-Quartz: for the record, I only bought it for the gorgeous burgundy shade on the right... Expect a detailed post on all baked eyeshadows from TBS within the month!

Korres Pomegranate tonic lotion: you might have noticed that Korres has recently revamped all of their skincare range. I'm glad to see they've expanded the Pomegranate range to cater for combination to oily skintypes! My only gripe- this tonic lotion contains alcohol.
H&M makeup bag: I purposedly wanted to buy a teensy-tiny makeup bag so as to motivate myself to pack less makeup when I'm traveling. Thought it would be nice to feel like a "normal" person every once in a while ;)

Also, now that I grew accustomed to tinted moisturisers thanks to the Garnier BB cream, I've been thinking of getting a new one- any recommendations? Oh, and if your local TBS  has in stock their gorgeous Baked-to-Last blush, please do let me know! I've been dying to get my hands on it way before Christmas and I can't find it anywhere!!!

Anything you've shopped recently?
Do share!

Evi   xx