Prize Giveaway #1: Win 2 Seventeen Ultra Glosses!

Today I purchased two seventeen ultra glosses as a prize for my very first blog contest. Having to choose among many different brands was hard, but I chose Seventeen because it is a Greek company that creates and launches a few amazing products plus it is quite hard to find in other countries, so you will have the opportunity to try something new!!!!. The Ultra gloss is a long-wearing gloss with a very liquid (non sticky) consistency that has nice color pay off plus it is enriched with UVA-UVB filters.

One (1) lucky winner will win two neutral shades of the ultra gloss, the 45 (golden rose) which is a shimmery darker beige with pink undertones and the 20 (starry pink) which is a light pink with pretty sparkles (as they appear on the picture). Both shades are totally wearable and suit almost every skintone.

Rules

This contest is open to everyone who wants to win! All entries must be submitted by October 21th, 2010 at 11:59 PM (EEST). The winner will be chosen randomly and notified via e-mail.

How to Win

It is really simple! If you are not a follower already then just become one and leave a comment on any of the posts.... and win the two ultra glosses!

I love Rouge Dior Lipsticks

A couple of days ago I purchased the new Rouge Dior lipstick in the color 296 (beige quadrille). I have to admit that I bought this lipstick because I loved the color rather than for the innovative technology behind it. But after applying it for the first time, I immediately felt the difference on my lips, a slight instant plump and a great hydration. A hydration unlike any I have ever tried, not the kind that offers a temporary smoothing effect that does not work deeper on your lips. This lipstick smoothed any lines there were and although my lips were not in their best condition, it seemed to help them appear hydrated. According to Dior’s official site, the secret behind is a new generation of plumping hyaluronic acid microspheres. Generously coated with pigments on the lip surface, they help boost the radiance and depth of color.

The lipstick had a great color payoff, the 296 is a nude beige with warm pink undertones that looks very pretty on the lips and suits most warm complexions. Moreover, it has a delicate shimmer to it and the result is so shiny and smooth there is no need for lip gloss!! Finally, I must confess that I absolutely loved the smell, a rose smell that used to accompany lipsticks in the old days.

Rouge Dior comes in 32 shades -inspired by colors of Dior Haute Couture gowns- most of which are so perfect, it is really hard to leave the stand with just one. I am sure that nobody will be disappointed in this collection because there is a wide range of shades. In the collection, pinks seem to rule, reds follow, beiges come after and dont let us leave out some pretty oranges and corals. I think that my next buy, since winter is just around the corner will either be the 862 or the 874 both of which are deep burgundy colors.

Best on-the-spot treatments

Just got a zit in your face two days before the big day? It is red, painful and to you it seems like everybody will focus on this point? Relax, I am sure it is not the only point of attention in your face, although I always feel the same way. Trust me a break out can often ruin my day!

Well, I guess there are no miraculous treatments that can make it disappear in a day but there are some on the spot treatments that can DEFINITELY improve the situation and give you a confidence boost up!

After trying a million different products from drugstore all theway to the high end brands I am sharing with you those that worked perfect for me.

1. Spéciale 5 by Payot

This product is probably my favourite on the spot treatment. It dries and purifies all imperfections and also helps them disappear more quickly. I usually apply it before I go to bed and for some reason I am always amazed by the results the next morning.

2. Drying Lotion by Mario Badescu

This lotion is really effective! It works miracles on whiteheads. I usually apply it overnight and by the next day I always see a difference, it is as if it has shrunk and it is not as red. Also, this lotion is supposed to heal and prevent the spreading of acne on your face or body.

3. Drying Cream by Mario Badescu

This is a similar product to the drying lotion although it does not dry the area as much. Some people find that the lotion dries their skin too much and so prefer this more gentle soothing aloe formula. This product too, promotes the drying and the healing process.

4. Acne Spot Treatment by Murad

This product doesnt actually dry the blemishes but rather speeds up their healing process. To me this product works best when the blemish is not fully developed and it is at an early stage. And although it clears active breakouts it doesnt work as fast as the MB lotion and cream.

5. Pâte Grise by Payot

Pate Grise is another favourite product. It works great on painful and red imperfections, in other words at blemishes that are at an early stage and speeds up their maturity process. It's scent I must mention isn't the best, but who cares!

Treat and Cover

These concealers are great because they conceal the red areas and treat them at the same time. Sometimes when we have a blemish we tend to use thick products that offer more coverage. Unfortunately, these products have more oil in them, making the condition of the blemish worse.

1. Acne Treatment Concealer by Murad

This concealer comes in three shades and so it provides a  long lasting coverage while it heals the blemishes with acne-fighting Salicylic Acid. Among its primary benefits, according to Murad official site, is that it controls and prevents acne breakouts.

2. Stick Couvrant Purifiant by Payot

This product too, masks the blemishes but without offering a great coverage. Since it neutralizes imperfections, it is great to use when the blemish is not at its pick but rather has entered the maturity stage.

3. Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer by Clinique

Finally, this product is also a medicated concealer that helps clear and prevent blemishes. Like the Murad concealer this also comes in three shades plus a green one which helps balance the redness in a blemish.

This serum actually works!

I have been using Loreal’s Double Extend Lash Boosting Serum for about three weeks now (I missed a few days) and I must admit that this product is really working. I can definitely tell a bigger difference in the thickness of my lashes and a smaller one in their length. They seem stronger and when I actually remove my eyemakeup I rarely see any lash fall out. My lashes definately appear MUCH longer as soon as I apply my mascara, then they look really big!!. Unlike Lilash, this serum does not guarantee to make you grow more lashes but rather to improve their condition, which it actually does. And the best thing? You have absolutely no side effects, no swelling, no redness....Nothing. To me, it is like taking extra care of my lashes and actually having results. Oh, at an affordable price too...

PS: Too bad I did not take some pics of my lashes before I begun using the serum

Latest Obsessions…

Les Khakis Nail Collection by Chanel

Again a wonderful nail collection by Chanel who came up with three fall colors, inspired by the color of the leaves ready to leave the tree and hit the ground… Khaki Vert is definitely high on my list for this fall!

Superslick Liquid Eyeliners by MAC

As I mentioned in a previous post, these eyeliners are trully amazing. They will definately follow us all through the next months. Now that I have tried them, I cannot go back to any of my old eyeliners.

Crystal Baby Lipstick by Estee Lauder

As you can understand from the name, this lipstick has a very delicate color. A nude color that looks healthy on the lips and is a perfect smoky eye match.

Ombre Hair

I only recently discovered the name of the hair I have liked for such a long time. The kind of hair that tends to lighten naturally (or artificially) as it reaches the bottom. So laid back, so stylish… like a girl that spent all of her summer under the sun.

Siwy Hannah Cropped Jean

A torn, soft and sexy jean… perfect for all occasions, all styles and all seasons. I WANT IT!

A lipgloss that lasts...

CHANEL is well known for its innovative and high quality products. A couple of years ago, it came out with Rouge Allure Laque, a satin lip lacquer that had a great colour pigmentation and a delicate shine that lasted for hours. BUT, although it was promoted as a lipgloss, it did not have the shine we all seek in a gloss. Additionally, Rouge Allure Laque’s shades where not the best, at least not in the neutral and pink range. The reds on the other hand are a different story! Coromandel and Dragon are probably among the best reds out there!

A while ago, CHANEL came out with Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss.
Trust me, this lipgloss has all that which we expect from a gloss:
super shine, silky texture, non sticky, full coverage
and all that which we ever dreamed from a gloss:
long... long... long lasting

And the best part?

This time they came out with a total of eight shades (some of which are bold) that happen to cover most color ranges! So choose from the three in the red range, the two in the beige, the three in the pink or the one in the brown! Below, from the left to the right (clockwise) are the: EXCES 60, INSOUCIANCE 51, IMPERTINENCE 59 and the INSOLENCE 57.

Run and get the Superslick Liquid Eyeliner!!

MAC recently came out with the Fabulous feline collection which is divided into three divisions: Palace Pedigreed, Leopard Luxe and the Burmese beauty. The collection is pretty nice and there is quite transitional about it, something that takes you from the summer to the fall in a smooth manner.

I can’t say I was thrilled with the collection except from the Superslick liquid Eyeliners. OMG, you guys have to get these. Which color? Oh ,I don’t know which ever color you like and have. They all look sooooo good. I wouldn’t go for the black because you can find a good black eyeliner almost everywhere….but the rest? Truly amazing.

I bought the smoky heir (wonderful purple), the nocturnal (shiny silver) and the marked for glamour (anthracite). But to be honest I could not decide. The pure show, the treat me nice and the desire & devices were next on my list- but this is according to my taste and makeup needs!

What I liked about it:

1. It has a very thin consistency yet has a great color pay off
2. It is easy to apply
3. It dries within 15 sec
4. It is ideal for great precision
5. It is water resistant
6. It comes in amazing colors

I could compare it to the MAC’s Liquidlast liner which also had had a hirich colour pay off, was long lasting and non smudge, came in nice colors but had a terrible brush and it was way too thick!