Sephora haul

For years I have been watching hauls and reviews of products bought in Sephora, and heard amazing things about this beauty store. I once went in myself few years ago while I was in Catania, but I was so overwhelmed by the amount of products that I asked for a few samples but didn't manage to decide which products to buy. And after that one time, I never set foot again in a Sephora store until this April. And with several lists of products to try and buy, written both recently and a while ago, this time I definitely didn't come out of the store bare handed!

 

 

While on a trip to Palermo, I had 2 hrs free before attending a 5hrs meeting so I wanted to treat myself and so went shopping with the main intention of finding a Sephora Store. The one in Via Roma was closed and there was a sign directing clients to a newly opened store in Via Maqueda 443-447. So after walking and walking, while discussing the coming meeting with my colleague, I finally found the store and that's when I parted away with my colleague for a few hrs. I knew it would take me a while to shop in there and I wanted to just embrance and enjoy the whole experience especially since I had already prepared for the meeting and had a long day of work following. And so I did.



                 SEPHORA VIA MAQUEDA, PALERMO

After staring and browsing around the store for a few minutes while looking at my list, I was approached by a nice lady, whose name I don't recall, who helped me try and choose among the many products they have in store. I told her I needed a primer, a concealer, a powder, a BB cream, a face cream, a powder brush and that I wanted one of the naked eyeshadow palette and may be a cream blush too. They do not stock certain brands like Nars and Bobbi Brown so I had to mark off a few options on my list. And after testing different products by Sephora, Benefit, Urban Decay and Makeup Forever, this is what I ended up purchasing:

 

1. I finally bought the Benefit Porefessional Primer, about which I have heard many raves but also many unsatisfied reviews. It was Missglamorazzi's recent review who made me decide to try it. So thanks Ingrid!

 

2. I decided to try the Sephora 8HR wear mattifying compact foundation after having it applied in the store to test it. I got this in the shade 10 light, which is a tiny bit dark for me right now.

 

3. For concealer I ended up sticking to the Sephora brand, as the lightest shade available, 13 light, was the one closest to my skin tone.

 

4. I also bought a flat contour brush to apply my powder. This is the same brush used by the lady to apply the Sephora powder on me and I loved how smooth and compact it felt.

 

5. And finally, I repeat finally, I was able to get myself a naked eyeshadow palette. I was unsure whether I should buy the naked 1 or naked 2 but I decided to go with the 1, as also suggested by the shop assistant, as this comes with the urban decay eye primer and has amazing colours.

 

At checkout, after paying for my goodies, I was happy to receive a few samples. The lady gave me a set of Chanel Le Rouge lipsticks to try and a Biotherm hydrating face kit which came with a a good sized toner, a face cream and a serum.

 

It was great to finally shop at Sephora. Plus I really needed to stock on few makeup essentials, especially since I am using them everyday for work, and the products I got from Vienna last October are almost used up. The only problem was finding a place in my bag for all these products.....Thankfully I am a good packer, so I managed to fit everything between my luggage and my carry on bag. Here is how I pack.

 

I will be reviewing the products I bought later on. I also plan on comparing a few of them with other high end options. So if you are interested in those kind of posts stay tune, and follow my blog..

 

STAY FAB

Fall Skincare and Makeup Haul

Last Saturday I had a really nice day with my husband. To make the day even better I spent the morning doing some shopping, and I must say it was a successful one. I finally got things I really needed to get for a long time but which I have been postponing and I also got 2 things I fell in love with, a small one and a bigger one. I will share with you the small one in this post together with the rest of my haul (except for some underwear I bought but which I am definitely not going to show you). I will share with you the other thing I got in another post.

If you are interested in seeing what I wore on my shopping day, you can check this post. Below are the things I bought. 

What I got:

Toleriane Soothing Protective Skincare (for normal to combination intolerant skin)

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Concealer in shade 015 Porcelain

The Body Shop Foundation Brush

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in 166 Temptation

After the whole Summer spent without a moisturizer since it was so hot and sticky to apply one, I really needed to get one. And the above one was the only option I had since all my other choices were not available. Since my Maybelline Affinitone concealer (Review here) is almost empty, I needed to buy another concealer so I decided to try a new one. After sampling on my wrist various drugstore concealers I ended up buying the above one because it seemed the best option among the ones available. I have also been looking for a foundation brush for a while. I wanted to purchase one by Max Factor but I ended up buying this Body Shop one. It looks and feels soft so I hope it also works well. I will definitely give you a review on each of the above three products. And finally but not least, I bought myself a beautiful lipstick in a gorgeous deep red colour. I am really looking forward to wearing this, also because I am really loving all the wine, burgundy and other shades of deep red this Fall.

If you want to know which is the other thing I fell in love with and bought keep your eyes open for the next posts.

STAY FAB

FALL 2012 2013 NAIL POLISHES HAUL....KIKO

As you might know if you follow my blog, Kiko is my favourite nail polishes brand. Until yesterday I only owned one Kiko nail polish which you can read more about it here. You might be asking yourself why on earth I only own one colour of my favourite nail polish brand. The reason is simple. I bought my first Kiko nail polish in Sicily while visiting my father's family. And although I fell in love I couldn't buy more because there is no Kiko in Malta and I do not like to buy online. So when my parents told me they were going on holiday again in Sicily this Summer I asked them to buy me a few nail polishes. I gave my little sister a list and she went in the shop in one of the many shopping centres and bought them for me. I know she is very sweet and a great sister and so are my parents. Anyway, last Sunday I got to see my parents and sister after 2 weeks and they gave me my nail polishes which I loved. Only one wasn't exactly how I had expected it but I still love it. I have already applied one on my nails and I love it.

Kiko not only has gorgeous colours; in fact you can find practically any colour you'd like in their shops. Their quality is great: the consistency is perfect, not too tick not too runny; it's not streaky at all; it dries quickly and lasts a fair amount of time, if topped with a good top coat. Anyway after this small review, here are my Fall Nail Polishes Picks from Kiko. 

I think these five nail polishes are a great addition to my nail polish collection especially for what concerns the coming seasons. The nude pink and pastel pink are great colours for work or when you want to have your nails look put together without too much colour. The green one is perfect to complement the military trend during Fall and Winter 2012 2013. The dark plum is also a very fashionable colour and great for the colder months. The fourth one, although not what I expected, is very beautiful and because I have nothing exactly in that shade I am happy to own it. I think that the above colours together with a black, a silver, a nude grey, a darker beige (like Kiko 220), a burgundy and a dark blue will be my go to colours for the colder seasons.

What about you? Which are your nail polishes picks for the coming Fall? Let us know in the comments below.

STAY FAB

Summer Haul....Zara, Calliope & more

Here is the second part of my Summer Haul during the sales. The sales are almost over and sadly so is Summer. That's why I tried to purchase mostly pieces I could wear this coming Fall and Winter. If you haven't read my Summer Haul Part 1, you can find it here. Below are the items I bought and their prices.

 Finally I got a tweed/fantasy jacket I have been wanting for so long.

This was 30 euros discounted from 120 at Zara.

 One style I am also attracted to is the African Safari especially for jackets and shirts.

Only 6 euros from Calliope.

 This will be a great piece to throw on when in a hurry but also to dress up.

Only 10 euros from Calliope.

 This is so me. Polka dots and this colour are my favourites. 

It was 13 euros from Zara.

 A good quality pair of leggings to dress up for the colder months in navy. 

These were 15 euros from Zara.

Comfty shoes to wear around the house.

5 euros from Darmanin

 I really needed a comfortable pair of wedges and since I don't have any bright shoes I got these for 12 euros at Tip Toes.

I went inside the shop looking for a maxi dress in black or blue but ended up buying this for only 5 euros. The quality is not great but it's great for the price.

Have you started thinking about Fall or are you still enjoying your Summer?

STAY FAB

Summer 2012 Haul.....Sales Shopping Part 1

Everyone loves sales and so do I. The cheaper prices allow us to stretch our budget and buy more for less. Moreover, the bargain prices make us feel less guilty. This year I have been trying to purchase pieces which are not only versatile, but which will help me achieve a smarter more put together style. This season I have been trying to make my shopping trips shorter since shopping can be exhausting, even though exciting, especially when temperatures are around 40 degrees Celsius and you have to walk under the sun from shop to shop. The entire days of shopping have been swapped with few hours (maximum 3) spent going around few shops. This way I avoid the sun and stay under the AC and I get to browse more attentively each shop I decide to go into. Below are the things I have purchased after 5 to 6 short shopping trips, along with few other clothing pieces for lounging around the house.

Stradivarius 9.99 euros

Stradivarius 9.99 euros

Bershka 13 euros

Bershka 13 euros

Parfois 3 euros

Accessories 3 euros

Parfois 2 euros

Promod white sequined skirt 12 euros

Calliope blouse in coral 6 euros

Stradivarius light wash jeans 16 euros

Check the above outfit here: Modern Whimsical Outfit

Calliope Blouse in black 6 euros

Elle's necklace 3 euros

Check the above outfit here: Simple Black and White Outfit

Accessorize bracelet 3 euros

Accessorize bracelet 2.50 euros

Zara black cigarette pants 16 euros (including a camel belt)

Check the above outfit here: Summer 2012 Black Outfit

And you what have you been purchasing during the Summer Sales? Share your bargains in the comments below.

STAY FAB

JUNE Favourites......Beauty, Fashion & Life

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

The Oceana Restaurant at the Hilton Malta

I really enjoyed having my birthday dinner there. It has always been one of my favourite restaurants and it was a long time since we last went there.

FAVOURITE SHOP OF THE MONTH

New Look

This month I purchased 2 dresses, a clutch and few accessories from this shop. I really enjoyed looking around and loved many pieces which I will try and get during the July Sales.

FAVOURITE WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

Daily Look

I subscribed this month and have been enjoying checking my looks every single day. It gives me an extra source of inspiration.

FAVOURITE PURCHASE OF THE MONTH

My New Messenger Bag from Pull & Bear

It was love at first sight. If you want to know more about this bag read here.

FAVOURITE CLOTHING OF THE MONTH

Stradivarius light wash skinny jeans

These not only look good both casual and dressed up (see my look here) but are also super comfortable and pretty light, thus great for summer. Plus they were only 16 euros on Sale.

FAVOURITE EARRINGS OF THE MONTH

My new yellow stud earrings from Tenda

I wore them 2 times: once for my birthday (you can see the outfit here) and another time with my favourite jeans, a white top and my comfty flat trainers.

FAVOURITE SHOES OF THE MONTH

My flat ballerina sneakers from Sicily market

I bought them last Summer but only wore them this month for the first time. They are super comfortable and although casual they still look cute. Plus they were a steal for under 10 euros. My other favourite shoes of the month are these.

FAVOURITE  NAIL POLISH OF THE MONTH

French Pink by Professional Nail Care

This has been my go to nail polish for all June. It's easy to apply, it goes with everything and I love the colour because it is pink but not too pink. Plus it goes nicely with fair skin like mine.

FAVOURITE LIP PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

The Style Light Lipgloss in Red 01 by Missha

This is the perfect lip gloss colour because is so versatile. You can wear it in the morning and in the evening, dressed casual or elegant. You can wear it on its own or on top of a lipstick. It warms the complexion, gives some colour to the lips (it also leaves a stain on the lips even after the gloss is gone) but is very wearable.

FAVOURITE FOOD OF THE MONTH

Maypole Cherry Ripple Ice cream

I have never really liked cherry ripple until this Spring. I am loving this flavour at the moment and I have a great semifreddo recipe you can check here if you like. The cherry ripple ice cream from Maypole is by far the best I have had. I have tasted it at my mum's and I am really looking forward to purchase it myself although it's a little bit expensive since it is locally hand made.

FAVOURITE WORKOUT OF THE MONTH

10 min Booty shaking Waist Workout by Tiffany Rothe

This workout really works your waist and lower back. It also helps you keep you abs toned. Although it is not super heavy you can really feel each move. You can see it here

FAVOURITE BLOG POST OF THE MONTH

Healthy Eating....Summer 2012 Update!

This is my favourite blog post simply because it has been so helpful so far too me. I really hope it can be helpful for my readers as well. I am enjoying my new balanced meals and I am also getting to try new things. I have incorporated healthy bread again in my weekly meals and my bloating is almost gone since I stopped eating beans.

FAVOURITE SERIES OF THE MONTH

The Secret Circle Season 1

I started watching this after I finished all episodes of the Vampire Diaries. I watched the first few episodes while cross training on my elliptical machine. I really started enjoying it from the 5th Episode.

The Ringer

I am loving this right now. You should check it out. The main character is Sarah Michelle Gellar who was my favourite actress at the time of Buffy.

FAVOURITE BLOGS OF THE MONTH

Nany's Klozet

I have discovered this blog this month and I am enjoying the relaxed comfortable outfits. They are easy to recreate and take ideas from.

Atlantic Pacific

Although a little bit more difficult to recreate, her looks are amazing. They are classy, chich, modern and edgy but also girly.

Which are your favourites of the month? Tell me in the comments below...

STAY FAB

SS12 White Bag.....My New Baby!

Yesterday was my birthday and since I needed a new purse to go with my evening outfit, which you can see here, I bought myself this beautiful white and gold clutch from Pull & Bear. It was love at first sight.

I bought my birthday dress about 2 weeks ago and since then I have been looking all over the country (it's a small island though) to find the perfect clutch to go with it. I went inside my favourite clothing and accessories  shops but nothing which I liked seemed to complement the dress. I had almost found one last Thursday at New Look but it was all scratched. I am very happy that it was the last one because otherwise I wouldn't have been looking inside Pull & Bear yesterday as my last resort.  On the morning of my birthday I was still running around looking for the perfect handbag. I went inside Parfois, Stradivarius, Elle's and finally when I was almost settling for a yellow mini imitation of the Chanel quilted bag I quickly went inside Pull & Bear, ran  down the stairs and immediately as I entered the women area my eyes spotted this gorgeous white and gold messenger bag. I knew instantly that that was the right one as I could not keep my eyes off it. So I happily ran up the stair and reached the cash to pay for my new baby. And when I say ran I mean it since I had to meet my grandma before she flew back to Sicily. Thankfully I managed to do both things in time, get myself the star piece of my birthday outfit which made me feel like a million dollar baby and say goodbye to my Sicilian grandma.

What about you? Which is your favourite bag at the moment? Have you been eyeing any new one to buy? Let me know in the comments below and if you have pictures leave links too.

STAY FAB

Spring Summer 2012 Shoes Haul.

Every year around May and June I like to go around shops (mainly 2) that is Gallaria Darmanin and Tip Toes and buy a pair of heels for the sandals. That's what I have been doing for the past 3 years and each time my trip is very successful. I must say that it's easier for me to buy summer than winter shoes. It might be because I like to invest into winter boots, so I take longer to find something I like in order to make sure I get the best quality since the price tends to be higher. In Summer, on the other hand, I feel I can get away with paying less for my sandals (both flats and heels) and still get good quality shoes. Notwithstanding this, I still end up buying more shoes in Winter than in Summer. Yesterday, I was going through my summer shoes and I realized that apart from those shoes I don't wear (because they are not comfortable) I only have 3 sandals with heels and 2 pairs of flat sandals. So after a little bit of shoe shopping this week, here are my 3 new additions.....

As I said on My SS12 Wishlist post, as funny as it may sound I didn't own a pair of black sandals with heels until today. I wanted something dressy and I was inspired by Chriselle simple sandals for the floral one shoulder dress in her prom video. Moreover, I have been seeing sandals like this a lot.......very simple but so flattering on your feet (at least on mine). What I like about these is that they have flowers which adds volume and make the shoes more feminine and romantic and also more dressy. Plus, they also seem very comfortable to walk in although the heel is slightly higher than what I normally consider comfortable. I guest it's due to the heel being thick. And if you noticed in the last picture above, the heels are slightly green (some kind of colour blocking going on them too). I got these for 20 euros, a steal I know. These are perfect for me to wear on a date night with my husband, especially now that both our birthdays and our anniversaries are coming!

I was so excited when I saw these shoes, I quickly picked one shoe only to try it along with another 6 pairs. Sadly, though my size was too large and the shoes kept coming out. I ended up buying a size smaller although a bit tight (in Malta half sizes are not common). Finally, I have my nude patent heels which I have been wanting for so long since they are both a classic shoes and are great to pair with most put together outfits. The heel is perfect for me. I have puchased higher ones and I can only wear them for one hour and then my feet really hurt (being flat footed).These were around 23 euros, a great price again.

And then I also got these flip flops for only 4 euros. They are gold and they seem pretty comfortable, great for Summer evening walks.

And you, have you purchased any Spring or Summer shoes? If yes, you can share your purchases in the comments. This way we will all get ideas for other future shopping trips...

STAY FAB.