Expired makeup

Sometimes I open my makeup drawer and think to myself that some cosmetics have been in there for years….its heartbreaking to toss them away, especially if they are like new….

BUT, a couple of days when I was ready to apply a YSL concealer I was shoched to discover that it was out of date. Its smell was awkward and I threw it right away. Since then I have been going through each one of my cosmetics and throw those that look, feel or smell differently than they used to.

In the packaging of your cosmetics you will find their expiring dates. It is good to have them in mind, but in my opinion the most important thing is to try out the cosmetics in question. If they are cakey, do not apply well, smell funny or do not have a good consistency then avoid wearing them.

On the other hand, you spend all these money on some cosmetics for a quantity that is often too large to consume before the product is expired. For example you buy a red lipstick, will you finish it in one year? The chances are that you wont! Unless you wear it everyday, all day! So, try to prolong the life of your cosmetics by storing them in a dark and dry place!

MASCARA

• Switch mascara every two to three months.
• Bacteria growing on the brush can cause redness and itchiness, or even conjunctivitis.
• Out of date mascaras will have a distinct gasoline-like smell

FOUNDATION

• Switch foundation every 6 to 12 months
• Bacteria love water-based foundations
• Keep foundations out of moist environments (such as your bathroom) and away from heat
• An off smell or a change in color tells you the formula is expired.

CONCEALER

• Concealers in powder and stick form can last for up to two years
• Liquid concealers should be tossed after one year
• Old concealers will cause breakouts not cover them
• When it has gone bad its color will start to shift

POWDER

• Powders are the toughest cosmetics, can last up to two years
• Once it is bad it will not apply well

BLUSH

• Same applies for powder blushes
• Cream blushes on the other hand should be replaced after a yearOnce it has gone bad its texture will become too hard

EYESHADOWS

•  Bad news! Eye shadows can transfer bacteria to the product and then back to the face’s most sensitive area, the eyes.
• If you use your fingers to apply, wash them thoroughly before use. Same stands for the brushes.
• Should be replaced about every three months. (Ldue to growth of bacteria)
• Pencils last longer than liquid due to regular sharpening, plus liquid eyeliners tend to dry out.

LIPSTICK and LIPGLOSS

•  Last longer because they contain no water
•  Once it has gone wrong it will start to smell like stale cooking oil over time
•  Pay attention to texture, if there are changes throw it away.
•  Out of date lipstick get hard and lose their pigmentation.
•  Out of date lip gloss will feel streaky and globby.

Makeup your day

Lets be honest! We all look better in makeup.

WHY?

Because makeup can can hide an unwanted breakout or our dark circles from when studying all night. It can also hide any discoloration and make us look flawless......and the list goes on and on.....

Also, when makeup is used wisely it can emphasize our very best facial assets and therefore boost our confidence!

Aren't there times when you feel unattractive and unhappy with the way you look?

Probably, yes.
Well often the reason for that is because we all tend to compare ourselves to the gorgeous photoshoped models and actresses we come across in various magazines, tv etc.

Guess what? All of these women may look amazing in photos but trust me they also have their bad days, so if it makes you feel any better some of them where captured on camera!!!





Anna Kournikova

Halle Berry

Kate Moss

Marilyn Monroe

Beyonce

Heidi Klum

Lanvin for H&M

Get ready for shopping.....

In less then 20 days (23rd of November) H&M will present the Lanvin collection in Europe. How exciting is that? Unfortunately, in Greece only a couple of stores will carry the collection, so as you can imagine many people will wait outside for the doors to open, which isnt really my favourite....

But some clothes and shoes apparently worth the waiting...

So, dont miss out on this collection. It is said that it is one of H & M's best collaborations ever.

Fashion Obsession: Nude Pumps

I have been going over the internet these past days trying to find the ideal skin color pump. I love these shoes because they can easily be wore throughout the year plus they make your legs look extra long and skinny.

I must admit that I immediately fell in love with the Sophia pumps by Alejandro Ingelmo. Aren’t they gorgeous? And their color totally matches my skin color, but they are quite expensive….. 595$ (420 euro).

After a lot of search I discovered the Prosprus pump by Steve Madden which has a smaller heel and a much smaller…..price 150$ (105 euro). Its color is on the pinkish shade of nude, but I guess it still makes the trick!

Finally, a pointy toe variation of the nude pump that costs 290$ (205euro) is no other than the chic Daisy pump by Stuart Weltzman.

I really dont know, I love all of them......

Glamoxy snake serum: the new botox

How do you feel about botox injections?

I am personally terrified of botox and do not fall in the category of people who would undergo this procedure, because it has side effects, the results can sometimes be fake looking and finally because it is a neurotoxin. I mean we try to get rid of all these toxins inside our body, why add some more?

I must admit though, that the cosmetic results of botox can sometimes be impressive. But the question is would you undergo this procedure knowing the short and long term side effects?

Rodial, an innovative cosmetics company came up with the glamoxy snake serum.

It is a revolutionary serum that contains a neuro peptide which mimics the effects of a snake's venom to basically freeze the muscles. The serum provides an instant face lift, plumps up fine lines and wrinkles,adds instant radiance, moisturises the skin, and even corrects the skin tone.

But, do not expect to buy this 25 ml serum at a low price....

It costs 125 pounds (200 dollars or 145 euros), which is a lot of money!

But imagine this....In just 90 seconds wrinkles are less noticeable and within 28 days they will be reduced by 52 per cent.

So for all of you out there who are considering botox, give this product a try.

I mean if celebrities like Cheryl Cole, Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Katie Holmes and Naomi Campbell have gone crazy about it, maybe you will too!!

For additional info on Glamoxy snake serum, visit:  http://www.glamoxysnakeserum.com/

PS: One of my next posts will be on botox, its history, medical uses and possible minor and serious side effects.

Affordable luxury: Booties

You don’t have to spend a small fortune to be fashionable and wear the latest trends. You just have to look around and spot worthy products. I love expensive shoes and bags and most of the times believe that they can make all the difference in the world when it comes to smart outfits. It is often said that one can dress up in very cheap clothes as long as the bag and the shoes are of good quality - since they can upgrade the whole outfit. And although this is partly correctly, I recommend paying money only for those items that will stay in your closet for a while, like a black leather bag (Chanel) or a good quality pumps etc. Now for those products that highlight a fashion season try to go cheaper... A couple of years ago fluo accessories were hot, and although they may be again in the near future I wouldn’t spend 500 euro on a pair of shoes because a) they wouldn’t be as wearable and b) they would be stigmatized by the specific season. Same stands for this year's hot shoes, the booties. And although they are definitely more wearable than the previous example, chances are they will not work for next year.

Tips for choosing cheaper shoes:

1. Avoid faux leather, especially when it is too shiny.


2. Avoid buying bright colors. Cheaper shoes always look better in black.


3. Be very careful with the shades of brown, they often reveal the price of the shoe.


4. Avoid choosing very complicated designs. (straps, zippers, braids etc.)


5. Pay attention to the glue tha connects the main body of the shoe with the heel. If you are able to notice it from day one, chances are it wont last you a long time.


6. Be sure they are comfortable. The last thing you want is to get a knee or back ache just by wearing a poorly designed shoe.

Searching around the internet I found a few cute booties under $200. Trust me there are so many out there, you only have to discover them!

TOPSHOP

Strappy ankle booties

Studio tmls cindy

FOREVER 21

Sexy peeptoe booties



Cut out booties



ASOS

Alto leather animal booties

Ava suede lace up booties

   Endless.com                                     

Michael antonio Mckey booties



Max studio Crotia booties

 

Pelle moda Wager booties



Rosegold genie booties

Steve madden chelseey ankle booties



Makeover #1

I am so excited!!!

This is my blog’s first makeover.

My sister –who is a photographer-, asked me to do Katerina’s makeup for the photoshoot. Katerina (K.atou) is an electronic music DJ with international status. Every year she tours around Europe and the US and performs in some of the biggest festivals and clubs around the world. Sooo exciting! To learn more about K.atou and listen to her great music visit her page:

http://www.myspace.com/katoumuzik

Katerina, hardly wears any makeup in her everyday life and usually avoids lipsticks. For this reason, it was a great challenge for me to create two bold lip makeup looks for her, a pin-up and a glam rock.

Katerina all natural

During the process



Pin up look

As if she belongs in a different era

Sexy rock glam look

PS: Poor Katerina was a little sick on the day of the photoshoot and we tortured her quite a bit by exposing her in the cold for such a long time! Sorry Katerina!

But, I must say that the photos turned out amazing!!!