April's Favorites

Revlon Colorburst Lip butter in 015 Tutti Frutti

Rimmel London 60 seconds nail polish in 250 Pink Punch

YSL Creme Blush in #02 Powdery Rose

YSL Pure Chromatics in #13

YSL Glossy Stain in #12 Corail Fauve

Lancome Le Crayon Khol Waterproof in #01 Raisin Noir

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multipklying Volume Mascara in *01 Extreme Black

Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator in #01

YSL Forever Youth Liberator Cleansing Foam

Lancome Eau Micellaire Doucer Express Cleansing Water Face, Eyes, Lips

The YouTube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFP48sBihnI&feature=youtu.be

My Palm Sunday OOTD+FOTD

FOTD:

Face:
Guerlain Lengerei De Peau foundation in 02
Guerlain Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator in 01
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place concealer in Extra Light

Eyes:
YSL Pure Chromatics in 13
Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Black Ebony
YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils

Cheeks:
YSL Creme De Blush in 02
Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder in 03 Brunettes
Guerlain Meteorites Perles D'azur (on all highlight areas: Bridge of the nose, Cupid Bow, Chin, and Cheeks)

Lips:
YSL Rouge Volupte in 08

OOTD:

Any stretchy black tank tops will do

American Eagle Embossed Miniskirt 

Payless Fioni high heels white sandals

Silver Jewelry

Happy Palm Sunday :)

Nail Polish Review: Ga-de Nail Enamel - 432 (Ice Cocktail), 439 (Mint Green), 377 (Melrose)

Living in Israel, one is probably more exposed to Israeli brands, and in the world of beauty, specifically nail polish, I guess than in Israel, Israeli brands are probably more popular than other. And to be honest, the quality of some Israeli brands' nail polishes is quite good. For instance, I wanted to share with you my favorite Israeli nail polishes' brand, which is Ga-de. I was not the girl to go buy nail polishes up until recently, and recently I did purchase three nail polishes from Ga-de, and I decided to share them with you, even though you may not have access to them, at least I'll show you the colors I purchased for the upcoming spring and summer, though I do plan to buy more.

left to right: 432 Iced Cocktail, 377 Melrose, 439 Mint Green

So first I want to show you the three colors applied lightly, using only one layer:

And here is a picture of the colors applied in two layers:

(left to right: 432 Iced Rose, 377 Melrose, 439 Mint Green)

Now as I mentioned, the quality of these nail polishes is rather good. They dry relatively quickly, and the colors are generally opaque after two layers, though in the case of Melrose (the coral one), I think I personally am quite content just by the a single layer. The lasting power is also quite good, of course not of you are washing your hands and using chemical cleaning products and what not. They do last from 2-3 days without chipping, and 4 with minimal chipping, but I would suggest removing them on the third day, also because changing you nail color can be quite an enjoyable thing.

Now into the colors themselves:

Number 432, Iced Cocktail, is a shimmery super light sky blue/pastel blue, it is quite sheer, and even when built up, the color remains relatively sheer, and the only think that is opaque is actually the shimmer. I think it could pass as a blue toned gray, which probably means that this color is pretty versatile, but to me, this was definitely my least favorite out of those three, also because it never gets truly opaque, and it requires more layering than the rest of the colors do. However, if you're into a sheer and shimmery pastel color, this is quite pretty

Number 439, Mint Green, is gorgeous, I'm not sure if its a true mint green, but it doesn't matter to me much, I still love it and I think its spectacular. The first layer is not opaque, but not totally sheer at the same time, I guess that some people might not mind wearing this like this. However, two layers are perfectly opaque. The application is smooth and easy, and I truly love it.

Number 377, Melrose, is a spectacular coral. Perfect for the spring and summer. I find the first layer to be opaque enough, but for absolute full opacity, two layers are perfect. The application is silky and smooth, dries quickly, and lasts for a good couple days. Overall, I do recommend corals especially for spring and summer, and this coral in particular is lovely!

YSL Glossy Stain: #12 Corail Fauve

As I have mentioned in my previous blog post, I have finally got my hands on the YSL Glossy Stains, and I did purchase one of them. And as you can tell from the title, it is number 12, Corail Fauve.

Corail Fauve is truly beautiful. It gives a glossy sheer coral tint if  you only wear one layer of it. But if you wear two layers like I do, you'll find that the color becomes rather opaque, and it'll transform into a rather red-coral kind of color. Very spring appropriate, but it would still look beautiful all year round.

 (one layer)

(two layers)

The formula of this lipstick/stain/gloss is quite amazing. According to other reviews online, the formula of the glossy stains is quite long lasting, which I have found to be true. Well, I only have tried this shade, which could be considered on of the darker ones, hence it is technically red on me, and reds tend to do well in terms of longevity. But regardless of the fact that it is a red, the glossiness and shine do tend to last for 2-3 hours on me, which is pretty remarkable to be honest, and the color's opacity remain strong for another good 3 hours. And the color fades evenly, and does not sink in fine lines, or accentuate dry or chapped lips, which is awesome, since my lips are still recovering from winter dryness. So I would say that the Glossy Stains can last for 6-8 hours, and the color itself fades beautifully, leaving a gorgeous stain behind it.

 (freshly applied)

 (6 hours later)

In terms of the texture, I would say that it applies pretty liquidy, and after like a few minutes, it does feel a little tacky, but its not bad, its just slightly uncomfortable at first. And then the tackiness disappears, or that I just adjust and I stop feeling it, but it remains slightly sticky. Anyhow, I'd say that this lipstick is truly comfortable to wear, despite it being just ever so slightly sticky, probably due to its glossiness.

I am used to wearing scented lipsticks, hence I almost always use Guerlain lipsticks, and everybody knows that almost all Guerlain beauty products are rather heavily scented. But I honestly do not mind scents in general, and I find that Guerlain's scents are generally pleasant. However, I must say that the Glossy Stain smells terrible to me. I don't know exactly what it smells like, but I do know that I really don't like the smell. However, fortunately, the smell vanishes shortly after application.

In conclusion, I'd say that I am very happy with this Glossy Satin, and I am definitely thinking of purchasing more colors in the future. I don't find a need to reapply this lipstick more than once a day, after a really long time of wear, and only if I'm having a long day at work, or while running errands, etc. I do recommend it to everyone, and I think that it is definitely worth the price, its definitely worth the splurge, and it stands up to the hype. You honestly can't go wrong with  this product, as long as you choose a color that matches your skin color, and your own preferences, which I'm sure you will.

My First YSL Purchase & Pictures

Today is a very happy day, I have finally made my first YSL purchase, and it was pretty craaazy! However, I am in love, in heaven, you name it! I got 4 things, as you'll see in the pictures, I haven't tried them yet, which only means that there will be reviews coming up, so stay tuned for that. Now, lets dig into the goodies I got.

The first thing I knew I had to have was one of the chromatics. I originally wanted number 10, which has khakis, which would have hit right home, since I love khakis. But it just wasn't available. However, another quad that I liked was number 13, which has pinks and purples in it. So, luckily it was available, and I immediately picked it up. Here are some pictures of it:

The next thing that I wanted was a Glossy Stain. I initially loved like 8 of them, however, I had to choose one. So the one shade I got was number 12, Corail Fauve. Its a GORGEOUS coral, which leans more towards red on my lips. I applied two layers of it in the store, and it was just heavenly! However, I must admit that I did find it kinda sticky, so just if you do experience a little bit of stickiness, at least you're not the only one! But, for the product itself and the color, I dont mind it being sticky at all! and here are the pictures:

The third thing I got was the Creme DE Blush in number 2 Powdery Rose. I havent tried it out yet, however, it seems like a gorgeous settle pink shade, not too bright, and not too muted. I will be trying it very soon, and I will definitely be reviewing it, since it was definitely a different kind of blush for me, hence I dont have any cream blushes, nor have I tried any before. And here is a picture:

The last thing I got has one of the most gorgeous packaging I've ever seen, probably more beautiful than my Rouge G (Guerlain's infamous bullet-like lipstick packaging). It is the Rouge Volupte lipstick in shade number 8, Fetish Pink. It is GORGEOUS, and the color itself is new to me. Its not sticky at all, and the lipstick itself is much lighter than my Rouge G one. And here are the pictures:

The Dream of a Promised Land

I'm a missionary who lost her bible
In the galaxy of disbelief.
I'm a sinner, a harlot,
Who fled from the graced holiness.

I'm a coward who scorned
The blood that through me ran.
and now I'm a refugee
In an eternal occupied land.

All I have is a prayer to the gods of mercy,
The unforgiving gods of forgiveness. 
To walk me through the dark,
To walk me past my endless night.

Let us walk out and see the darkened moon
Turn into a million splendid rays.
Lets smell the blossoming flowers,
and taste the springing joy of days.

I was once in a dark reality 
Where lands were never to be mine.
Then one day I recalled,
All landlords must inevitably die.

And when I die, will I be remembered
For my sins, or will my soul light dimmed beacons,
Harbored paths that cast infinite shadows upon the invincible 
Lights of the Gardens of Grace.

And when they all die, will they still be 
Landlords? or will its scented soil lock them within
Their Own sinful greed as they melt, dissolve,
And nourish the land that nourished all their lives.

This land may not be mine today,
This land may never be mine,
But for this land I promise,
For the delightful taste of soil, I will give
My body, my soul, all of me, as a whole. 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk0HkXzgZq4&feature=youtu.be

March 2013 Favorites

Skincare: 
1. Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover
2. Dior Instant Gentle Exfoliant Eith Pure Lily Extract


Makeup:

1. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
2. Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder in 03 Brunettes
3. Guerlain Rouge Automatique in 141 Quand Vient l'Ete
4. Guerlain Meteoritez D'azur 
5. Lancome Le Crayon Khol Waterproof in 07 Curacao 
6. Estee Lauder DoubleWear Stay in Place Eye Pencil in 04 Black Plum
7. Ga-de Crystal Glow Nail Enamel in 377 Melrose
8. Dior Hydra Life BB SPF 30 PA+++


Accessories:


A silver ring!


YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ayuucqo324


Pictures

Dior Hydra Life Sorbet Cream

I have stated earlier (during the winter) that I did not like this moisturizer due to the fact that it did not moisturize my skin enough at the time. However, now that the weather has changed, I decided to give this cream a second shot. I really do like it right now. I think this is just not meant for severely dry skin, because its not overly moisturizing. I think it basically offers the average moisture that normal skin would need, but if the skin was dry, it will probably need an extra boost. I do like it over my Dior Capture Totale serum, I feel like it absorbs faster than just by itself, and it makes my face glow, though its completely not greasy. I havent settled for a moisturizer yet, since I did have like a ton of samples that I was using, and I still have like a dozen more. I would love to give the Givenchy Hydra Sparkle moisturizer a go just to compare  if I still like the Givenchy one better, but so far I've been really pleased with this moisturizer, it was definitely a pleasant surprise!

Dior Hydra Life Sorbet Cream vs. Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Velvet Luminescence Moisturizing Cream

As I mentioned in a previous post, I recently started using the Givenchy Sparkling Moisturizer, and I raved about it right away. Now, I am glad to announce that so far I was right! This Moisturizer is truly an amazing one, very lightweight, absorbs in a wink of an eye, and does not leave skin feeling greasy, even though its really moisturizing. Before I tried this I was trying the Dior Hydra Life Sorbet Cream moisturizer, and I really wanted to like it. it was really nice for my oilier t zone, which is not that oily, hence I only have combination skin, and no area is especially greasy. But the Dior moisturizer was not moisturizing enough for drier areas of my skin, like my cheeks. I was really determined that it should work, so I started to think that maybe the toner is a bit drying, or maybe its just the fact that the weather in Israel is kind of fickle! Anyhow, I just didnt want to believe that maybe its the moisturizer. Then one day my mother comes home and gives me a couple samples that her friends from a Givenchy counter gave her, and I have to admit that I was quite skeptical. But, it all changed in a couple hours, right after I actually used this cream. I have been using it for a week now, and I dont have dry cheeks anymore, and my t zone is not greasy at all, and the cream itself is really fresh and reviving, I love it! 

The texture of the Givenchy moisturizer is slightly thinner than the Dior one, though it doesnt run in your palm or on your face, but it feels like there's more moisture in it than in the Dior one! I also have to say that I prefer the scent of the Givenchy moisturizer over the Dior one as well. In terms of application, I'd say that they are very similar, in the sense that they absorb quickly, and they do feel nice, but the Givenchy feels nicer I'd say, especially on the cheeks. 

I was prejudiced at first, thinking that my Dior Hydra Life moisturizer was better for my skin especially because I have a t zone which is not perfect, and I really liked how my t zone felt while I was using the Dior one. But despite the prejudices, Givenchy won me over rather quickly, and I an very content with this moisturizer. However there are a couple more moisturizers I'd like to try before I decide to commit and buy the Givenchy moisturizer, like the Dior Hydra Life Energizing Moisturizer, and the Dior Skin Perfect Pore Refining moisturizer, Guerlain Super Aqua Day Refreshing Cream, and I am still reading about a few other moisturizers as well.

Well, overall, I'd have to say that the Givenchy moisturizer is a lot better for my combination skin, it delivers enough moisture to keep my cheeks nice and hydrated, while keeping my t zone matte and never greasy! So far, if I do not discover a better moisturizer, I will be purchasing this moisturizer, definitely!