NOTD: Abalico Nail Polish 19

NOTD: Abalico Nail Polish 19

Yesterday my nails broke (which means my ManGlaze review will have to wait - again!), because I was walking with naked nails for the last three days! 

And well they had a close meeting with a very strong and playful dog and his harness.

I put on a nail polish I've had for some time, but never used it..  

I hope I got the name right (on the bottom it says 19 and then 226D, so I think 19 is the name?).

The apply was dream like. Very easy and mostly it was a 1 coater! Later I added a nail sticker and took a photo under artificial light. 

Sunlight

It's a weird color. In the bottle it looks deep red with a hint of brown and golden glitter. On the nails it's dark red and silvery glitter on it. Under artificial light it looks a bit purple...  weird.

Artificial light

Have a lovely day!

xoxo,

Tamara

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Review: Steam Cream

Review: Steam Cream

A bit more than a month ago, I received two samples of the Steam Cream. I wanted to test it for good, that is why I waited for so long.

What is Steam Cream?

• 
  
  A multipurpose cream uniquely formulated using pure, unrefined steam for maximum absorption.
• 
  
  High quality skincare for all skin-types.
• 
  
  Locally produced using fresh, natural and traceable ingredients.
• 
  
  Funky eco-friendly packaging designed in Japan and decorated with limited edition collectible designs.
• Handy-sized tin for on-the-go lifestyles at an affordable price.
  

What their website says about it:

STEAMCREAM represents the latest concept in skincare. Using a revolutionary steam-infused manufacturing process, STEAMCREAM provides a long-lasting, intensive and effective form of skincare that can be used on face, body and hands.
STEAMCREAM have pioneered the use of a steam technique to create this unique, gentle and loosely-bound emulsion. This looseness allows each ingredient – including a moisturising and soothing oatmeal infusion, orange flower water and healing lavender oil – to breakdown and penetrate areas of the skin that other creams find hard to reach.
Packaged in a compact, flush-lid aluminium tin featuring unique and collectable designs, STEAMCREAM is a perfect on-the-go product – convenient to slip into your bag, take to work, to school, on holidays or to the gym. And it’s hand luggage friendly at just 75g!

I got mine in two designs; Blanc which is a lovely white tin with a silver snowflake on it, very wintry and Planetarium which is a purple tin with some constellations drawn on it, and it's my favorite of the two!

They have lots of designs (and new are always coming!) of them the lovely Porky Rabbit, Masquerade and so on. You can check all the alvalibable designs here. 

Ingredients:

Oatmeal Infusion (Avena sativa), Orange Flower Water (Citrus Aurantium amara, Aqua), Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao), Glycerine, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Lavender Oil (Lavandula augustifolia), Chamomile Blue Oil (Matricaria Chamomilla), Orange Blossom Absolute (Citrus Aurantium dulcis), Rose Absolute (Rosa damascena), Neroli Oil (Citrus Aurantium amara), Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, *Coumarin, *Geraniol, *Citronellol, * Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. *Occurs naturally in essential oils

 The cream is white and has a very fine texture. It spreads easily and gets quickly absorbed. It also has a gentle lavender scent with a hint of artificial to it. 

I have combination skin on my face, normal skin on my body and dry skin on my hands. 

I used it mainly for my body, but here and there I also used it for my face where it didn't cause any troubles. It may have a bit too much perfume in it to be fine for sensitive skin, but otherwise it's ok!

On my face it did make my skin a bit oily on the T-zone, so I would use it only when it's very cold outside.

But on my body it acts very nicely!

The application of product leaves a slightly cold feeling and absorbs in very quickly leaving a smooth skin behind.

The tin compared to my palm

After one month of using it every day...

Pros:

+ Gorgeous designs

+ Travel friendly

+ Very Eco (it is made only out of aluminium)

+ You can collect the tins and reuse them

+  A little bit goes a loooong way

+ It's under 12€ and they offer worldwide shipping!

+ You can use it to moisturize your face&body

+ It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin smooth

+ They do not test on animals

Cons:

- The scent may not be appealing to everyone

- Doesn't contain SPF

- I used a tin of it in one month of everyday use for my body

Price: 3/5 ♥♥♥

Rating: 4/5 ♥♥♥♥

Overall: 

I think it's one of the best creams I've used so far for my body. When I first got it, I loved it so much that I used it for my hands too. But sadly I didn't want to carry it around to moisture my hands (I find  a bit unhygienic sticking my fingers into the package), so I ended using it for my body. For my body it works gorgeously! It calms down my skin, smooths it immediately and it leaves it moisturized, which is the most important thing of them all. I absolutely love that they are using vegan ingredients, they do not test on animals and are using a designer and Eco-Friendly package. If I had the chance to buy it in my country in person (I love shopping online, but I love shopping in person more!) I'd buy it again. I wish they would spread their stores more, but as long as there is online shopping it's fine.

I didn't really like the scent, but you get used to it and after all it is a very gentle scent too.

I also found it interesting that Steam Cream is a sister company of LUSH!

I would suggest it :)!

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Formspring.me

Formspring.me

Hello!

I wanted to write a review today, but I'm so tied that I'll just go to bed...  Plus my nails are now naked and looking terrible. And I'm waiting for my paycheck to go some clothes and shoes shopping! :>

So for now I'll leave you with a link to my formspring, so you could ask me any questions! :D

How great is that?

And tomorrow, a review is coming your way! :)

So are you ready?!

Good night,

Tamara

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40 Beauty Questions

40 Beauty Questions

I wasn't officially tagged, but it seemed like fun so.. :)

Today's weather is just plain weird, first two days the wind was blowing like mad and now it's snowing. And I'm like 250m from the sea. So it's just crazy!

Anyhow off to the questions!

How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice daily

What skin type do you have?

Combination

What is your current facial wash?

I am currently using the Bebe 3 in 1 facial wash (foam) but I will soon run out and then I'll use the Sophyto deep cleansing foam.

Do you exfoliate?

Yes, once or twice per week.

What brand do you use?

Mantra

What moisturizer do you use?

Juice Beauty Oil Free Moisturizer

Do you have freckles?

No

Do you use eye cream?

Sometimes, and when I do it's Clinique All About Eyes

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

I did when I was younger. Now it's more or less ok.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?

I don't know what that is!

What foundation do you use?

I prefer using BB creams. But for now it's Innisfree Mineral Skin BB cream, Joppa Minerals Simple Radiance and Miss Sporty Matte Foundation.

How about concealer?

Dr. Dima's Cosminology correctors and Joppa Mineral corrector.

Do you know your undertone colour?

It's pink.

What do you think of false eyelashes?

Well I don't wear them daily, but I think they're a great way to enhance our eyes!

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes, tho I don't follow that rule each time.. I toss my mascaras out when they change smell or texture. I simply don't use all of my mascaras everyday, and yes I am cheap.

What brand of mascara do you use?

Estee Lauder, L'Oreal, Essence.

Sephora or MAC?

We have none here, but I'd say Sephora.

Do you have a MAC pro-card?

Nope

What make-up tools do you use in make up application?

Brushes and fingers to blend my eye primer.

Do you use make up base/primer for the eyes?

Yes, I have oily lids.

For the face?

Sometimes, but mostly no.

What is your favourite eyeshadow (colour or shade)?

I can't pick just one eyeshadow..

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?I use liquid eyeliners, here and there gel liners and seldom pencil eyeliners.

How often do you poke your eyes with a pencil eyeliner?

Not that often :).

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

I love them!!

Do you use mineral make-up?

Yes. For the face and the eyes!

What is your favourite lipstick?

I'm really not a lipstick person, but from all I own it's Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lip Color in Rose.

How about lipgloss?

Essence clear lip gloss.

What is your favourite blush to use?

Essence Go Snow Cream to Powder blush. It is fun, lol.

Do you buy your makeup on Ebay?

Yes.

Do you like drugstore makeup?

Yes. In our drugstores they sell high end make up too.

Do you go to CCO's (cosmetic company outlets)?

I don't know what that is.

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

I have considered that. Maybe one day when I can afford it :).

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

Sometimes, but only when it comes to BLACK eyeshadow, ew!

Name a makeup crime that you hate

Orange foundation on pale skin. Actually it's orange foundation on any skin that isn't orange.

Do you like colourful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?YES! I love colorful shades, but here and there I would go with a completely neutral look.

Which celebrity always has great make up?

I don't really follow celebrity make ups.

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?

Mascara.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Yes, my skin would look uneven and I would probably look a bit more sick but I did it and would do it again on my lazy days.

Do you think you look good without any make up on?

Well I look ok. Nothing special, but with make up I can enhance my best parts, lol.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

I can't really say. I'm still in the phase of experimenting.

What do you think of make up?

I enjoy applying it, since it's some sort of ritual for me. I calm down and enjoy the apply. Here and there I try something new too..  Well it's my little world of relaxation, a way to prepare for the tasks that I have to do that day.

[ ... ]

NOTD: Dots and a Heart

NOTD: Dots and a Heart

 Today I have upgraded my manicure from yesterday (Essence Very Berry).

I also realized that my left hand is more shaky than the right one (I am left handed). So the dots in the heart look way better on my left hand, lol.

Anyway here it is!

I used :

ManGlaze Matte is Murder for the black part,

Essence Jelly Berry for the berry part,

Pink and White acrylic paint for the dots mixed together,

Jessica Brilliance Top coat.

Matte

(The Hello Kitty thing is my Ipod)

Shiny

Baaah my cuticles look terrible!! But only on this photo the design shows better.. so yah...

I did the dots with a dotting tool I got in a set with nail art brushes for about 3$.

[ ... ]

UDPP vs Proof 10 Swatches!

UDPP vs Proof 10 Swatches!

Today I got my 2nd part of the swatch with Vanilla. In it there was the Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer. I wanted to try it, since I read so many great things about it.

Well for today here are only some swatches and comparison pictures, but the review will have to wait some time. 

And I have just created a watermark! :D It is nothing special, but so far I like it. What do you think about it?

Here are both of them

Applied

Both have creamy structure, UDPP is a tad darker (more like my skin tone, and Proof 10 is lighter). They both have the same artificial scent. UDPP is a bit thicker too, but not a lot.

Comparison

Closeup 1

Closeup 2

As you can see UDPP 'eats' shimmer eye shadows. I mean not literally, but on mine they do not show up all that good.  I applied the eyeshadow with my finger tapping it on the spot. 

And now a bonus picture

I used (From left up to right): LimeCrime Siren, SweetScents Cactus blossom, SweetScents Teal Shimmer, SweetScents Pink Topaz.

Which eye primer is the best in your opinion? Does it matter if it is a well known brand or not?

[ ... ]

NOTD: Canmake pink

NOTD: Canmake pink

I got this pink nail polish from Vanilla in a swap! :D

It is very sheer, so I applied a nude color under it, and then it took two layers to be completely opaque.

 

Alone it was quite boring, so I added a sticker. Now it's cute, and I'm pretty sure my dear would love this manicure. 

How do you like 'safe' nail polishes? The ones that are barely there, and are in nude tones?

[ ... ]

EOTD: Brown and Pink

EOTD: Brown and Pink

I know the title isn't really creative. 

This way my work make up, and the pictures were taken about 9 hours after I applied it.  So it looks a bit washed out, and there are some mascara clumps on my eyes o.O!

I used Lime Crime no name eyeshadow dry (so it's not as visible) and Sweetscents Cactus Blossom with wet apply.

All pictures are taken under natural light (even if it was cloudy).

 

 

I don't know what is with me and brown =). But I do like brown, tho it doesn't really suit me (except some cool toned brown).

Well have a nice day!

xoxo,

Tamara

[ ... ]

NOTD: Ruffian Manicure with Man Glaze

NOTD: Ruffian Manicure with Man Glaze

Yesterday I just had to try the new IT manicure. And with what else than with a Man Glaze nail polish?

Sadly, I have just one picture, but for the first try I think it is okay. I absolutely love the Matte Is Murder nail polish. It's very pigmented and it has a matte finish!

Well I will tell you more about Man Glaze nail polishes next time, but you can buy them here.

 

Oh and I really need longer nails, lol!

Now they look chubby (tho not in RL).

How do you like this new style of manicure? I know it looks pathetic on my nails, but on long nails it looks just simply divine!

[ ... ]

EOTD: Brown and Greenish

EOTD: Brown and Greenish

I was really bored a couple of minutes ago.. so I decided to play with some mineral pigments!

And here is what I came out with!

 

 

I used:

Lime Crime Mermaid,

Lime Crime Duchess both in inner corners of the eyes,

Lime Crime no name thing (I got it from their 09 Action) under my eye and over the lid,

Lime Crime Dragon scales (which I absolutely hate since it just fell off!!),

Essence Metal Liquid eyeliner.

How do you like it? It looks wearable or not?

[ ... ]

Swatch: Kleancolor 35 Rainbow Palette

Swatch: Kleancolor 35 Rainbow Palette

Today I had some spare time, so I decided to swatch my latest palette.

It's the one for which I paid something like 3$ + 2$ shp. A steal, right?

Anyhow here are the swatches. Click to make them bigger!

The 1A doesn't really show up. It is a matte white, but since it doesn't show up alone I use it over other colors to give them the matte look.

So as you can see the first three lines aren't really opaque.

 

 

Not bad, no? 

The last two lines show up great! They are very pigmented, which I simply love!

Well I think the palette is pretty good, especially for such a price. It's great for those who love BOLD colors and for those who want them to be GENTLE.

Well I hope someone found this to be useful. 

Oh and if you'd like to see the updated Lime Crime swatches, click here.

♥

[ ... ]

Joppa Minerals Swatches

Joppa Minerals Swatches

Last month I ordered the 6 samples kit from Joppaminerals.com. With it I ordered the concealer base sample. The items came in one week!

They included a free sample of their Complexion Enhancer.

Foundations & Concealer Swatches:

1.  Simple Radiance Finishing Silk in SHEER
2.  Concealer in PORCELAIN
3.  Full Coverage in LIGHT#1
4.  Simple Radiance in CREAM PUFF

As you can see the lightest one is too dark for my skin tone (it is actually darker in RL), so I'm guessing that next time I will have to order the Lightest #1. I think the Simple Radiance is clogging my pores, but I need to test it out for real before I can say that for sure. The concealer is a bit sticky, which is actually great!

Blushes & Complexion Enhancers: 

1. Blush in HUSH

2. Complexion Enhancer in GOLDEN HORIZON

1. Blush in TICKLE ME PINK

I love the Tickle me Pink blush most! It suits my skin tone really nicely, so it's a great hit for all of us pale girls out there.

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