PAI Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream

Having ordered this around three weeks ago, it was only last week that it found itself in my mailbox. With winter approaching, I was on the hunt for a good hydrating day cream – specifically for daytime and for combating dehydration that tends to come with the colder months. 

Pai’s Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream is the man for the job. Although I have combination skin, it does tend to get dehydrated in winter, but I was still a bit worried when I read, “Hydrates and protects DRY sensitive skin”. However, upon applying it to my face the following morning, my skin absorbed it within seconds. It felt so quenched and revived afterwards without the cream sitting on my face that I could just go ahead and apply my foundation straight away. I’m already noticing a difference in my skin – I’m not sure whether it’s due to this cream, or some other new products I’ve been trying out, but it surely is not doing any harm.

The avocado is rich in vitamins A, D and E that moisturizes and gives life to dull skin. Jojoba’s composition is close to that of the skin’s natural sebum, hence why it absorbs quickly, leaving me with a smooth, glowing complexion.

The scent is very floral, being infused with Jasmine and May Chang, which I don’t mind at all. It’s quite refreshing to have on your face early in the morning.

What makes me trust Pai products is that they list all their ingredients, one by one, together with what they are derived from. I’ve never seen this with any other brands. Pai's Hydrating Day Cream is a definite repurchase!

What are your favourite hydrating day creams?

MODELS OWN Pinky Brown

As we ease into the colder months, I tend to reach for darker, 'more appropriate' autumn shades. This MODELS OWN nail polish in Pinky Brown from the Beetlejuice collection always makes the cut. Unfortunately, ModelsOwn have stopped shipping to Malta for reasons I'm not aware of, but last year I managed to place my order without any obstacles.

MODELS OWN nail polishes do what they say in the description. They are long lasting and hardwearing indeed - this has been on my nails since Saturday evening, and there aren't any signs of chipping yet. I did need to apply three coats before the colour came out fully opaque, however the drying time is amazing. I always seal my nail polish with the Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Anti-Chip top coat, which does help in reducing the drying time. But excluding the top coat, these polishes do not need more than five minutes to set. This beauty changes shade in different light - the main colour is purple, but it does have some orange and bronze undertones. 

Since this is glittery, extra care needs to be taken when removing the polish. The ideal way is to soak a cotton pad in nail polish remover and press it to your nails for around one minute. Then rub the remaining product.

What are your favourite autumn/winter nail polishes?

The Buy: A/W Revlon Lip Colours

Having a stationary that sells makeup just outside University is not financially healthy at all. I had 30 minutes or so to kill this afternoon so I decided to go have a look at the Revlon stand. There were a few items I've been eying up for a while, and I've been wanting to update my makeup in the lipstick department for autumn/winter.

Color Burst Lipstick in Soft Nude 070, Lip Butter in Pink Champagne 047*, ColorStay Liquid Lipstick in Brilliant Bordeaux 040

I ended up getting two lipsticks and received a free lip butter, which I believe is discontinued (I stand to be corrected). 

Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in Soft Nude (070)

I find nude lips to be a staple for every season, whether you're going for a 'no makeup' makeup day, or whether you're going for a heavy smokey eye, therefore I got the Color Burst Lipstick in Soft Nude (070). Having tried another colour from this range, I'm already in love with their perfect-for-winter formula - moisturizing, soft and sits well on the lips, it's one of the few lipsticks that doesn't give me flaky pouts.

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Lipstick in Brilliant Bordeaux (040)

This, on the hand, is something I needed to spice up my makeup bag. Perfect to ease into fall and winter, this red-plummy colour is something I don't usually go for. It's a liquid lipstick, thus it initially applies like a gloss, then it dries up, staining the lips. The first application was a complete mess, and I almost regretted buying it. However, when I got home I gave it another go as I needed to take pictures in order to write this post. Second time lucky. I'm now in love with this colour. The only hitch is the formula; it leaves my lips slightly thirsty, but my lips are quite dry naturally. I think I will be purchasing the ColorBurst lip gloss in Bordeaux  to apply on top of this. Who'd want to see this beauty go to waste anyways?

Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Champagne (047)*

This definitely is a colour I wouldn't have noticed at all, since I'm not the type that tends to go for pink coloured lips. HOWEVER, I may have been converted. The divine formula aside, I'm loving this natural coloured lip. I can see myself wearing this with a heavy brown smokey eye, and it's quite a nice change from always opting for a beige nude lip. It being a butter, it's perfect for the cold winter weather, which favours sucking all the hydration out of those rims. 

Soft Nude (070), Pink Champagne (047)*, Brilliant Bordeaux (040)

Have you tried any of these Revlon products? Which are your favourite autumn/winter lipsticks?

*free gift with purchase

VERSATILE BLOG AWARD 2013

 

I have just been nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by the lovely UrbanBeautyBlush. I'm so pleased and I'd just like to thank her for that.

I'll just post the rules first to avoid confusion, then I'd get on with the post;

1. Display the award certificate on your blog.
2.  Announce you win and thank the blogger who nominated you.
3. Present 15 deserving bloggers with the award.
4. Link you nominees in this post and let them know of their nomination with a comment.
5. Post 7 interesting facts about yourself.

The 15 nominees

Claire Caruana 

ACosmeticAffair

StereoLove

Francy&Stef

Eltoria's Secrets

KittensInTopHats

KatherineUnique

Liv Kirby

Josie

Rosie

Shannon Spooner

Nicola

Talia

OhSweetRemedy

FashionGamesBlog

7 facts

1. I have a 16-year old cat called Poochie.
2. I'm studying Bachelor of Communications (Honors) at the University of Malta.
3. I became obsessed with Youtube videos as of the beginning of this year.
4. My favourite colour is blue (but depends what kind of blue).
5. I drive a blue Toyota Aygo.
6. I want to live in London.
7. I prefer winter to summer.

9 Ways of Coping with Stress

Where do I even begin? I've decided to do this post around 15 minutes ago, after realising how stressed I've been these past two weeks. If things were worth stressing over, I do not know. Probably not, though. I have the tendency to make a mountain out of a molehill, and it seems that I will never learn otherwise.

Anyway, since this post is about ways of coping with stress and not me rambling, let's get down to it.

1. Take deep breaths 

When you are on the verge of breaking down, stop, take a deep breath and relax. Although it may sound silly, it's like a slap in the face - it gets you thinking about stuff in a rational state.

2. Cherish your loved ones

These are the people we tend to take it out on. Afterwards, I'm plunged by a guilty sensation worse than how rubbish I was initially feeling.

3. Find a hobby

If you're anticipating one of those moments, stop what you're doing and go do something which you actually like. It could either be watching YouTube videos, television, reading books or blogs, going for a walk... anything as long as it takes your mind of things. Some hobbies are less accessible than others, so I suggest finding something that you could do anytime at the comfort of your own home.

4. Make lists

Being an organised and undiagnosed OCD freak, I enjoy making lists, and ticking off my efforts once accomplished. Having things systematized puts me at ease, rather than having uncounted things to do and not knowing from where to start, let alone finish. 

5. Set deadlines

After making your list, set deadlines for your to-do acts. If things are related to school or work, they will probably already have their own, but I prefer to set virtual limits for myself. This will prevent you from leaving things up to the last minute.

6. Do separate research after lessons

Okay so this is aimed for those still at school - don't just rely on your class notes. They are not enough! I have developed a habit where I find time to gather my notes and start researching and elaborating on what I wrote in class. Doing it subject by subject prevents you from getting overwhelmed with all the extra information, but it makes you feel much richer knowledge-wise.

7. Take long baths

I still need to indulge in this, but I presume it does work. 

8. Take an early night

Avoid staying up late when feeling at the end of your rope. Make a cup of your favourite hot drink, whatever it is, and tuck yourself in bed. I find that hot water with honey and a slice of lemon eases me into my sleep.

9. Learn to say "NO"

There was a time when I embarked on a bountiful of to-do items, then wondering how the hell I'm gonna do everything in time. Now I'm learning to not take on more than I can chew, and if I feel that I don't want to do something, or go somewhere, I just don't. If you feel that that little something is going to send you over the cliff, just don't do it. There's nothing wrong in saying "no" sometimes.

These are most of the things I exercise when I'm under stress, or to avoid stress altogether. 

Are there any other things which you find useful? Let me know! Until then, it's good to remember that 99% of the things that we worry about don't happen.

Choosing the right foundation

 

This very morning before the start of the 9am lecture, I went with a couple of friends browsing through beauty counters outside University. It was my friend almost ending up buying the wrong shade of foundation that tempted me to write this post. Going to a beauty counter to purchase a new foundation can be frustrating, and something that we tend to delay.

After seeing countless beauty videos and reading tips on choosing the right foundation, here are my main tips in a nutshell.

Skin type

 

Probably the most important thing to be aware of. Most foundations, if not suitable for all skin types, target:

• oily/combination
• normal
• sensitive / blemish-prone
• dehydrated
• dry

Firstly, if your skin is sensitive it doesn't necessary mean that it's oily - fact. In winter, my sensitive skin chooses to deprive itself of all hydration, but it still goes bonkers if I apply an unsuitable product.

Coverage

Decide on the amount of coverage you want - light, medium or heavy. If you're looking for a daytime foundation, the best route to go through is light-medium coverage. A little SPF is also beneficial to avoid slapping numerous products on your face. On the other hand, if you're looking for something to hit the clubs with, go for medium-heavy coverage. Also, avoid any foundation containing SPF if you're going to have your picture taken with flash. Ever wondered why your face turns out much paler than the rest of your body in photos? Yes.

Right shade

Take note: your hands are not the same colour as your face. It's useless trying to blend the foundation on the side of your hand; your chance of getting the right shade is second to none. The way to go is to apply the product on your jawline and blend it down to the side of your neck. Keep in mind we have different colour zones on our face.

Samples

It's not rude to ask for a sample, as long as you don't march up to the counter and demand it from the salesgirl. Take a small pot with you, and after trying different shades and showing interest, ask for a small pump of the product. It's best to try the foundation in your own environment and spend some time with it, see how it blends with your skin under natural light. Remember that the light in beauty stores is artificial. You'll also have time to ask people for their opinion. If you get compliments without asking, it's even better.

Making the decision

Don't be pressured to buy - if you don't like it, don't buy it. It's you who'll be pouring out the gravy. You should take your own time at buying a foundation, it's something which should not be done in a slapdash manner. There are plenty of foundations for each and every one of us.

The Article: Street Style: University Fresher's Week 2013

My article on eve.com.mt

 

Rather than just sipping coffee and catching up with friends during University Fresher's Week, this year I attempted something different. Along with those, I got a friend of mine to accompany me with her camera, and we went on a hunt for A/W'13 trends on campus.

Read more here.

A/W Makeup: Eyes

A while back I was not one that thought of makeup in terms of seasons. Not that I do so strictly now, but it's nice to actually play around and see what suits you. While in summer we tend to shift towards the cooler, more vibrant tones, winter time is perfect to experiment with darker colours. 

If you are in need of revamping your makeup bag, here are some bits and blobs which I think are worth investing in. Today, we'll be tackling those peepers...

POP Brighten Up Your Life Palette in Smokin Hot - €20.17

This palette contains matte and glittery shades, therefore it's perfect for both daytime and evening. The colours are perfect for autumn, and you can apply them with a damp brush to intensify the pigmentation.

While bronzey-brown eyeshadow looks great with all eye colours, it's especially suited for the blue-eyed folks.

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Surabaya - €30.55

Purpley and reddish shades are a nice alternative to brown-toned eyeshadow for those with brown eyes. While wearing such shades on the eyes can sound terrifying, finding the right shade can prevent you from looking dull, or worse, like you have allergy eyes.

NARS Due Eyeshadow in Habanera - €30.55

Cheaper alternatives that are worth investing in are the Rimmel London Scandaleyes Shadow Sticks. My favourites are Bulletproof Beige and Bad Bronze (at €5.84 each), which go perfectly well blended together. 

 

Little pots I can't wait to get my hands on are the Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24H Cream Eyeshadow in And On Bronze and Metallic Pomegranate. I believe they are around the €10 mark in Malta, which is quite expensive compared to the UK (£4.99 each). However, I've heard nothing but good things about them, so hopefully they would be worth investing in.

NARS Eye & Cheek Palette - At First Sight - €54.95

I know, I know, this is cheating. A multi-purpose palette featured in an 'eyes' post. But I just couldn't resist. Although it looks expensive at first glance, this NARS palette would be a gem to invest in. Considering the prices of NARS eyeshadows and blushes, this palette is a fairly good price. It consists of four eyeshadows (All About Eve, Nouveau Monde, Bellisima & Condura), a blush in Deep Throat and the famous bronzer in Laguna. With all these products, it would be the perfect palette for travelling.

Do you own any of the above products? Are there any others which you think are worth investing in? Leave your A/W must-haves in the comments below. In the mean time, keep your peepers open for A/W lips and cheeks.

Fresher's Week In Pictures

I don't usually take photos during Fresher's Week, but this year it was concluded otherwise. While I decided to combine A/W trends and Fresher's Week (more info later on next week), we also got our pictures taken ourselves. My friend Laura got her Nikon camera and started snapping away. As an aspiring photographer, she is seriously competent at what she does. Here are some pictures that made the cut. 

Day 1

First day of Fresher's Week; with Laura & Lara (taken by Insite)

Day 2

Writing notes

Day 2: Stopping students for my article

Snapping some pictures of ourselves; with Lara

Day 4

Chatting over a cappuccino on Thursday morning

In between lectures on campus with Annabel

Day 3 is missing as there weren't any pictures taken. We only had one lecture, and were at University for only about three hours. On day 5, which is today, my only lecture got cancelled and I stayed at home to work on an article for Eve, which will be up by some time next week.

I have a feeling this photography spree is about to become a habit. Photos are possibly the only physical way to keep track of memories. In the meantime, while I'm currently contemplating which camera I should invest in, Laura... we could put your beloved Nikon to some more use.

How To Style Camo

Camo print can be a bit tricky to pull off, but if done properly, it can take your outfit to a whole new level.

If you're feeling experimental...

 

River Island Green Camo Print Boiler Suit - €30.00

The jumpsuit, or boiler suit as it's called here, is especially for those fashion risk takers. Expect strange looks from people, especially in Malta... but it screams "CONFIDENCE". Top off the outfit with a pair of boots and a leather bag.

If this is too androgynous for you, fear not -

Only Floral Camo Print Maxi Dress - €31.23

Rihanna Camo Print Bodycon Dress - €55.00

Camo Parka

 River Island Camo Print Parka Jacket - €35.00

The parka is something I would totally wear. I have never bought one for myself as being only 5"2, the ones I came across always seemed to swallow me up. However, I think the ones below are a decent size, and most importantly, they're in camo print.

Asos Camo Army Parka - €44.89

Only Camo Print Parka - €104.10

I cropped the whole picture for the purpose to see how you could put the whole outfit together. Apart from this, I find leather and camo to be a fit combo.

River Island Leather Look Skinny Trousers - €45.00

River Island Black Coated Full Skater Skirt - €30.00

Camo Jumper

Asos Shell Top in Camo Print Lace - €49.45

A jumper could also be worn with a pair of leather pants or leggings. In case of leggings, go for an oversized jumper - you don't want to moon anyone with your buttocks. 

... or Camo Skirt

River Island Khaki Camo Print Chiffon Skirt - €18.00

Wear with a plain white top or shirt, depending on the style of the skirt. If the weather gets chilly, top off with a leather jacket, and you're good to go!

River Island Black Leather Biker Jacket - €120.00

If you are apprehensive about camo, but find it tempting...

River Island Green Camo Shoulder Bag - €18.00

Rihanna Camo Barely There Sandals - €80.00

Zephyr Camo Stud Snapback Cap - €36.44

Fashion is all about taking the trends and adjusting them to your own personal taste. It's common to not like camo just because you don't like the colours, which can sometimes look dull in one's eye. Camo does not have to be on the scale of green and brown - it can include a combination of other totally different colours.

Asos Camo Print Jumper Dress - €59.86

Aqua Daisy Woven T-Shirt in Circle Camo with Open Back - €63.76

Aqua Joker Shift Dress in Camouflage Print with Deep V Neck - €41.64

Aqua Circo Leggings in Camo Print - €27.33

Asos Pleated Kilt in Camo Print - €52.05

Nike Bright Packable Camo Print - €84.58

Asos Shirt in Camouflage Print with Contrast Collar - €41.64