Mini Blog Sale

Hello everyone, and welcome to my small blog sale.
Sorry for the delay, but this connection is so slow that it actually took 1 hour to upload the pictures. Click on them to view them larger.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.I will do all my best to clean the items and make them presentable, and giving them at least general sanitanization, but if you want more of that, that is up to you once you've received the item.
2.The only method of payment accepted is Paypal, so if you want to buy an item, you comment below telling me what item are you interested in, your paypal address, and I will send you an invoice. Also, tell me where you are from.
3. I will only send things within the European Union. Postage for Italy is € 2,50; postage to other EU countries is € 4,00.
4. First to comment gets the item, I will keep orders pending for 12 hours and then I'll move on to the following person who asked for it.
5. No refunds!
6. Once the package leaves my hands, I am not responsible for anything that happens to it, that includes if postal services from anywhere decide to make the package disappear.

PS: don't panic if your country is outside the monetary union, paypal will tell you how much that is in your currency once you press the pay button, but if you want look for a convertor on google.

Now, on to the actual blog sale

Pupa "Bon Ton" make-up kit - used 3 times - € 11,00
- includes 4 e/s (two of them have never been used);
3 lipglosses (97% left - used with a brush, but I will sanitize them more)
1 black eye pencil
1 shimmery translucent powder
1 travel size comb
1 sponge applicator and the mirror

Pupa Diva's Lashes Volumizing mascara in black
80% left - € 7,00

Pupa LIMITED EDITION eyelash primer - used twice - € 13,00

Clinique Stay-true makeup foundation - used ONCE - € 19,00 (retails for € 27,00)
Color is 29 - Stay sable

(sorry about the picture, I forgot this item at my parents' house, but I'm going there this weekend)
Calvin Klein's CK Make-up finishing powder - used 3 times - € 11,00
Color is medium

Calvin Klein's CK Make-up compact foundation pot.
You can buy fillers and pay half the price for the foundation, but still have the pot.
I will clean the sponge and sanitize it of course.
€ 5,00


Hope you find something you like! Remember I won't keep the items pending for more than 12 hrs.

xoxo, Lydia

Attention, please: mini blog sale tonight!

I just want to tell you that I'm going to have a small blog sale tonight, at around 9,30 pm Italian time, which means 8,30 pm for UK residents. I guess all of those who are in the same NY meridian time need to take off 6 hrs, and those who are in the LA meridian need to take off 9 hrs to that. But you better check that out. Don't know about eastern countries, sorry :(

I'm telling you in advance, just in case someone needs to fill in their debt cards to participate.

Paypal is the only payment I will accept.

Of course, it's first come, first served.

Products I will be selling are from: Clinique, Pupa, CK makeup.

Later, bloggettes!

a giveaway to check out

Get gawjus is hosting her 100 followers giveaway.
The prize is amazing, check it out here

If you want to earn your chance of winning, follow the rules.
Good luck everyone!

fotd: Urban Decay campaign inspired.

I love Urban Decay, and eventhough they do not sell in Italy I have decided to replicate one of the looks for their recent campaigns, which are genious!
We have no such product as Ink for Eyes, but I do have a navy blue matt eyeshadow from Pupa, which has just the same color. Unfortunately, I didn't have anything to make it a little big glossier.

Pardon the messy eyebrows, I really couldn't fix them today.

[I look so much older in this pic! :S And what's that fatty looking chin there? yuck!]

[visible pores, how do you cope with them?]

This look is awesome for a night out. I didn't wear this today, I just gave it a go, because the navy tricotted vest reminded me of that look (as you can see, I was wearing it on a grey shirt).

The products I used are:

Face:
Clinique Stay-True makeup foundation in 29-StaySable, mixed with Neal's Yard Remedies Hydrating cream

Eyes:
e.l.f. eye primer
Pupa Matt Extreme e/s in 07 - navy
Revlon black eye pencil (upper and lower waterlines)
Lancome Virtuose mascara in Black Carat (review coming soon)

Lips:
Jane Iridale Lip Color in Emily (the real perfect nude!)

I'll do more U.D. inspired looks, because their campaigns are stunning!

I'm sorry for these pictures, I should really improve the photography skills, and maybe get a tripod ;)

xoxo,
Lyd

Spread the word: Sunlove drama

I thought it was only fair to post this because the thing's getting hectic.

You'll find all about the Sunlove Twitter drama, reading the post on Gem's Maquillage's blog. Click here.

I really think that whoever is running their twitter account is trying to run their business down... :S otherwise they're really insane!


By the way I want to post a fotd and a review, but Picnik hasn't been working all day, and I can't crop my pictures! Grrr

spamming or fraud?

Who else received an email from Zalina Idris (wawaariena@gmail.com), under the subject "product sk11, Estee (I think there is an accent there, it's Estée) Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown etc"?

I looked up the email address on facebook and it is listed as "Estee Lauder Cosmetics Malaysia". Again, with no accent - typical of phishing....

Do you think this is spamming, phishing, or FRAUD?

Let me know, I think we should all send this to the Estée Lauder group, they need to know someone is trying to scam bloggers under their name!

Make-up turn off

Doesn't it suck when you buy something from a high-end brand because you think it does one thing, and then you find out it is no good at all on your skin?

This is what happend to me yesterday. I asked for a Clinique foundation, namely the "Stay-True Makeup" one. It was said to cover your open pores fully, and I have this stupid combination skin that leaves me visible pores on one part of the apples of the cheeks. I hate it. There's nothing that can cover it. They're minimizing because I'm using Normaderm by Vichy, but still...my skin isn't flawless.
Little did I know about this foundation, it was for oily to very oily skin. Of course that IDIOT shopping assistant didn't stop me and said "this is not what you want really. Your skin is DRY TO COMBINATION, not oily to combination". She just couldn't wait to sell. What a fool, I would have bought another foundation, just not that one.
So now I'm kind of crying because I have paid this foundation a lot, and it is not good for me. It completely dries my skin out, because it doesn't contain any oil.
I guess I could mix it with the Neal's Yard Remedies hydrating cream Louise sent me, but I really hate doing that because the coverage factor will be less efficient, and ...what did I really spend my money on? I could have gotten a new Pupa smart skin, which I know is perfect on my skin!

So...if anyone's interested in buying this NEW in the box foundation, in 29 - Stay Sable, please tell me. I'll send it for € 20,00 (it's NEW! Full. I have used just a tiny little spot to see it was no good for me) so you're saving € 7,00 which you can buy other things with.

Let me know... :(

Italian make-up collections for fall '09/'10

Hello lovelies,
I jumped into Linea Bellezza today because I needed a new sharpener for my pencils (by the way, I highly recommend the Revlon one...my pencils look like they're new!!!), and I stopped a while longer to scrutinize the new collections from Italian brands.

So basically this fall is all about colors that are on the colder side, whether they are pale or dark (because these seems to be the two alternatives for the season).

The three Italian brands I have taken into consideration are Pupa, Deborah, and Collistar, because you can get Armani, D&G and other brands on counters of Dept. stores all over the world, so there is no point in talking about them at all. They're no news!

Of the three, the only one that left me a little disappointed was Pupa. Pretty much because they haven't launched anything that is really "new".

Pupa's new collection is called "Visionary Wood", and claims to be a collection for women who choose dusty grey and green tones for a sophisticated look (take a look at the products here).
Overall, this collection is a big "turn off", as the vast majority of the products were already available in the permanent line. They're just paler versions, and surely nothing you couldn't "tone down" on your own. The only two new products are their white "eyelighter" (white eye pencil for your water line and brow bone), and a grey version of their best selling mascara, Diva's Lashes.


Collistar has also launched its fall/winter collection, called "Couture". The English version for their site is up, so you can get detailled information by clicking here.
Couture is based on purple, grey, kahki, navy blue colors, and everything is on the shimmery or glittery side.
Must haves from this collection: the purple pencil, the three silk effect eyeshadows; the smokey patchwork eyeshadow, and the purple and grey glittery lipglosses. Yes, you heard it: GREY lipgloss! Great quality, awesome packaging, but even more expensive than Pupa, so if you're a student on a budget...wait until your scholarship is into your account! ;)


I have saved the best for last. Deborah, the cheapest of the three brands, is the one that came up with the most brilliant cheaper alternative to MAC's Style Black collection! Their collection is called "the 80's are back!" (although I really think this has more to do with early 90's...at least for as much as I can recall of my childhood)
Products are not up on their site yet, but I have managed to get some shots from ads, courtesy of "sfilate.it":

The eye pencil, eyeshadow duo's, and black lipgloss are limited edition.
The other items are going to be in the permanent line, or were there already. The Definitive Volume&Curl mascara is currently on offer in Limoni stores, and is being sold for less than €9,00 (its retail price is €11,20)
Of course, the black lipgloss is the main item in the collection. I couldn't help, but swatch it in the store and it does what it claims. It is really scary, but it may come handy at halloween or carnival, eheheh. But it really is a cheaper alternative to the MAC one, and I really didn't think any Italian brand would dare launching such a product!
It retails for €9,50, although you can buy that for less in Limoni stores.


So this is what is being launched in Italy for the moment. I really hope there is more to follow, although I am planning on leaving my 2009 make-up purchases for when I go to (cheaper) London.

If anyone's interested in these items and is not able to get their mitts on them, feel free to tell me....

xoxo,
Lyd

eofn

I wanted to try out the Dazzle Dust I received from Louise, so I created this tonight:

[excuse my badly groomed eyebrows. I hate how amazingly fast hair grow in that time of the month]

Products used:
e.l.f. eyebrow kit in medium;
bronze random pigment I think I bought in a street market in Rome aaaages ago in the inner corner;
Valentina dark brown (kind of on the copper side) pigment on most of the lid;
Barry M Dazzle Dust in 82-Mint Green on the outer corner and on the lower lashline;
Pupa Lumynis baked eyeshadow as highlighter;
Deborah black eyeliner;
Pupa Diva's Lashes mascara.

I absolutely love them!

Because they made a fool of everyone!
Muse were on a popular Italian tv show today, and they were forced to do a playback. Since they have dignity and pride, they decided to exchange roles and made it clear for everyone that they were forced to sing on playback instead of live.

That imbecille Simona Ventura and everyone in the studio did not even realize that. How could she possibly claim she has a music culture? Just cos she's been an X-Factor judge for two years?
OOOh please...

Anyways I could watch this over, and over again. It's cracking laughters! I love them! BOOOOO Italian TV, booooooooooooooo!!!!

package from Louise

I have just come back home from a weekend spent with the family, planning my little trip to London, booking the hostel (most annoying part of planning a vacation)...and here is what I found on the key box of my student dorm: a package from Louise, @ Lou Lou Land!

She won the prize of my giveaway this summer, and she was so amazingly kind to send me a few bits as a "thank you". I am very impressed with her kindness and generousity!
So here is what she sent me:

A lovely handwritten letter in a cute purple Hello Kitty envelope and letter paper;
a tube of Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Hydrating Cream;
a sample of The Body Shop Wild Cherry body scrub;
a sample of The Body Shop Cherry body butter;
a MAC lipglass in Languish (this is the first MAC item I ever have the chance to try!!! thank you Louuuuu);
a Barry M Dazzle Dust in 82 - Mint Green: amazing color!!! I'm gonna do a eotd with it, because it is wonderful!

Everything is so so beautiful, I can't wait to try all of the items!


Thank you so much, Louise, you're so kind!
Click on the link above to check out Louise's blog, and subscribe to it if you haven't already!


Wild Cherry Kisses,
Lyd

changes

I will be in London from Oct, 17th to Oct, 20th.

Still looking for a hostel. Best options for now:
Astor Quest hostel : in a 6 mixed room ensuite. If 3 of you wants to go to London for those days and be our room mates, that would be great! I'm not really comfortable knowing that other males that are not my two clean brothers could use the bathroom;

or, I've just found this: http://www.hostelbookers.com/property/index.cfm?fuseaction=accommodation.search&strsearchby=destination&intpeople=1&straccommodationtype=hostels&strdestination=London&intpropertyid=6746&strtab=overview&intdestinationid=1&availType=Book&languageid=1&dteArrival=17%2F10%2F2009&intNights=3

is it possible, in your experience? Nice hostel, safe place and all and a 4 room ensuite for little more than 17 euros???? if you say so, I'll book right on! ahahah

Please, I need help! My brothers are letting me search everything all by myself, cos we all know males are lazy!!!!

simple eotd

Products used:
e.l.f. eye primer
Mabelline Expertwear Duo in 10 - Cashmere brown
Shiseido Accentuating cream liner
Rimmel Exaggerate waterproof eyeliner in 250 - Emerald sparkle
Corolle Pastel pour les yeux (a jumbo pencil) in Luce oro on the inner corner (eventhough it's too subtle on the photo...weird)
Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara in Black.

I am loving the eye primer...I hadn't used the Mabelline duo in ages because it was very very subtle. Now I can take out all those nice pigments, and it looks gorgeous. It hasn't creased or smudged all day long!

xoxo,
Lyd

London calling...

...is not just a popular song by The Clash, but also what's going on in my life :)

I have just booked my tickets, and I will be in London from Oct, 10th to Oct, 15th.

Does anyone have suggestions for nice and cheap hostels? I'm looking for a 6 mixed room ensuite. I am currently keeping my eye on the Astor Quest hostel in Bayswater - never been to that area of the city, is it safe?

Also if anyone wants to meet up, I'd be more than glad to!
Of course, we are a group of students on a budget, but shopping for make-up and clothes is a must-do in London! Weeee can't wait!!!

xoxo,
Lyd

PS: I will also have my trial fitboxe class next week. Has anyone ever done fitboxe? Is it as good as it seems?

Lipstick Rules' contest

Goodmorning angels,
just want to let you all know that Michelle, at lipsticrules.com is hosting a contest, for which the prize will be a surprise goodie bag, containing some of her fave items, including some MAC and Body Shop products.

If you want to know more about this, and enter the contest, then just click here, follow the rules...and good luck!

PS: subscribe to her blog, regardless of the contest! She is a looooooooooovely blogger :)

xoxo,
Lyd

Blog award: I think you are an awesome girl

I have been tagged by the beautiful Catanya, at Catanya's Things for this blog award :)

For this award I have to tell you 10 random facts about me, and tag 10 blogs that I like to read.

1. I have never smoked a sigarette in my whole life, and I intend to keep it up.

2. I am very intransigent when it comes to culture. I don't think that everyone should go to university, but at least finish their high school years, and know the basics. Ignorance is no bliss, it is the decay of society.

3. I have decided to boycott all fast foods, for many good reasons, the first one being health. Nevertheless, I eat tons of chocolate and I love pizza...and need to get back to my healthy nutritional habits.

4. I am a good cook, I can cook yummy vegetables (yes, vegetables can be yummy if you know how to cook them and make them tasty), quiches, risotto's, sauces, but I need to improve on the meat cooking. :)

5. I love paintings. I used to paint on everything, including canvas when I was a little girl. I was also selected at school to paint big replicas of famous paintings on the walls of the corridors, and in the teachers' room. I quit painting after some time in high school, and I regret it. I took up make-up though ahahahhah...and history of arts!

6. I am a rock chick. I listen to lots of songs, but I am very very picky, and my music tastes are generally shared with men rather than women. Probably because I was raised with males? Oh I don't just like rock, music has no boundaries, but I do prefer rock and classic rock.

7. I used to sing in a gospel choir. I know that it doesn't fit with rock music, but it helps you understand how to modulate your voice, and I just happen to be better at that kind of singing.

8. I hate the Italian government with a vengeance. I am not an anarchist, but I am certainly a rebel with a damn good cause!

9. I love Harry Potter movies.

10. I am sure I am deeply in love with my current boyfriend. And he's in love with me, "and I feeeel fiiiiine" (quoting The Beatles here).


So for this award I tag:

Emma @ birds decorate branches
Nicola @ F.A.B. by Nicola
Anna @ Italian Beauty Blog
Michelle @ Lipstick Rules
Louise @ Lou Lou Land!
Tacky Blue Eyeshadow
Jess @ Ohh...pretty!
Alice @ Paper Heart
Sara @ The Makeup Snob
xshakespear.and.stilettosx

Sorry I could not write messages to you telling that I tagged you, but I need to get out the house now :)

Thanks Catanya, for this award. It's nice to read facts about everyone!

Our perception of beauty: how it has changed over the years

Miss Italy in 1973: curvy, slim, healthy...looks like a real woman!

Miss Italy in 1983: despite the hideous hair, her body is very fit!

Miss Italy in 1993: that's when it has begun. The 90's imposed the skinny-is-good stereotype!
(this girl has later gotten a boob job that make her looks so unreal!)

Miss Italy in 2008: if you hadn't seen her pretty face, would you think this is a woman?Where are her curves? Where is the difference between waist and hips? She looks like she needs to eat a whole restaurant! Totaly unhealthy looking.


Miss Italy 2009 will be elected tonight. The participant to the peagent this year are even skinnier than this girl.

This is how our perception of beauty has changed throughout the years. Do you really like it? Do you think it is a faithful representation of how people look in real life?
In my opinion, all this mainstream media exposure to unhealthy skinny bodies is misleading us all. Not only does it make us feel like we are ugly, and do not fit the epithome of beauty, but it also leads to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or obesity caused by depression.
Is this how we want to be brainwashed? Is this what men likes? Is this how we want our future daughters to be/feel? The answer to all questions is a "DAMN NO!".
This is just how the medias want us to be. They set stereotypes and force society to create outsiders.

Fast foods such as Mac Donald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Subway etc love this! Why? Because more and more people are unsatisfied with their body appearance and comfort themselves with food they think is tasty, and help them feel less depressed (Mac Donald's burgers have been proven to create an addiction, causing depression when are not eaten).
Designers, papers, some pharmaceutical companies base very lucrative business on our perception of beauty!

Beware of all these things, because we don't really have to be skinny to be beautiful; we don't have to be Miss whatever to be beautiful; we don't have to wear designer clothes to be beautiful; we don't have to be like celebrities to be beautiful, and we certainly do not need medicines to be slim!
All we need is getting back to the real world, where you are beautiful your own way, confident in your curvy body (and trust me, men want curves in the right places), set your own style, and have healthy nutritional habits that lead you to be fit and happy!

I know I always say I want to go to a gym because I have put on some weight recently, but that is not because I think I am horrible, and super fat...but just because I realize my body and metabolism change with age, and I want to be fit in a way that also helps my heart, lungs and muscles keep me diseases-free for at least most of my life!

Boycott all stereotypes, and see how your life will change for the better.


I hope you will think about this, and you're surely free to have your say on the topic.
I'm very curious to know what you girls in the make-up community think about it.

xoxo,
Lyd

'gainst my window, I can feel the rain....(eofd)

It is pouring! It's a bit of a waste because my boyfriend is at home, and won't come over as he has a dinner at his friend's, but I like it. It hadn't rained in 3 or 4 months here, and I am loving it now.
Mainly because all that heat, with no possibility to go to the beach was like a slap on my face! LOL
Not that it's cold, in fact, there is a very pleasant temperature outside, plus it will finally sterminate my number one enemy: mosquitoes!

Well, seems like the summer is officially over, even in super sunny Sardinia. My tan is officially fading too. That makes me sad. I loved it. It was so bright and goldy...and healthy looking as it was real! ahah...

So today I thought I'd wear a navy-golden stripes tshirt, and I decided to match my make up, as a chance to try out the new e.l.f. stuff.
In fact, I have tried the crease brush, the brow kit, and the seal end of the eye primer and seal thingy. I love everything. The latter, especially, is an amazing product!
I have a matt navy eyeshadow from Pupa which I think I wore like...3 times on me, and I have always applied that on my friend as she has dark eyes and pale skin, so I love that on her. Anyways, now I have the chance not to think that it was a waste of money! I turned it into a navy eyeliner, and it looks awesome!!!
I love this primer and seal product from e.l.f., it gives you the chance to play around and do different things with eyeshadows that you love, or love and hardly ever wear because you think they are just way too much for you. A line around your lashline is certainly not overpowering! Goodbye, buyer's remorse!
I feel sorry that the pictures do not do justice to the real colors of this look, but even in its simplicity I find it gorgeous, and I'll do that again in the future. It is also a very good look for when you wear glasses (no pics of that, I discovered it when I got back home and I took off my contacts).

On to the pictures:

[junk food indulgence broke out my skin!...I am getting back to my healthy nutritional habits though]

Products used:
Lumiere Cashmere mineral foundation in Medium Deep Golden
e.l.f. brow kit in medium
Pupa Lumynis eyeshadow all over the lid
Lumiere eye pigment in Foliage on the crease (for some reason it looked greysh today :S)
Jane Iredale PurePressed eyeshadow in Ecru on the brow bone
Pupa Matt Extreme in 07 (navy blue) used as eyeliner on the upper and lower lashline - using the seal end of the Eye Primer and Liner Sealer from the e.l.f. studio line.
Two or three coasts of Pupa Diva's Lashes mascara in black.


So if you like it, give it a go. It only takes 10 mins!

xoxo,
Lyd

My e.l.f. purchases and an update

Goodmorning angels,

Just a quick post to show you what I've got from e.l.f.
First off I have to say that this is the only package in a lifetime that arrived on time! Italy is having so many troubles with posts, and I am now thinking that it is because of the recent "security laws" that have been issues. Laws that actually bring Italy back to the fascism years, about immigrants and pretty much everything, including things that are sent to the country. I kind of feel like I'm under and embarg regime, and that it also breaks European laws, but anyway, this is not a political post.

I have selected the "sign for" method, and the parcel took 5 exact days to be delivered (it promises to be delivered in 3-5 work days). So whoever lives in my same country, if you want to see your order, pay extra cash for the "sign for", at least until the Italian e.l.f. site is under construction.

So on to the stuff I got:

[excuse my bare foot. ahah...no polish on it, it looks aweful]

Brow kit in medium, from the studio line, which contains a shaping wax/gel and a filling powder to create a natural look. It also contains a tiny brush, but I wouldn't bother using the angle side of it. I have a better brush which is great for this. I am very happy with this product! Although I feel the light shade would have been better for me eheheh. it's ok though.

Slant tweezers from the ordinary line, which is the only product I dislike. They do tweeze, but they're not replacing my professional ones for any reasons. I can't grab tiny hairs with them, so I think I'll pass this along to my brother who only needs it to take a little bit of excess hair in between the two brows. Men do not need perfection, so...

Contour Brush from the studio line, which is kind of a crease brush. it is also good for the V corner and lower lashline defining. I love it! The bristles are awesome! Great buy for just €4,00!!! I think I will order some more of their brushes!

2xBlending brushes, from the ordinary line. Great brushes for such a small value! They are so fluffy!! I took two of them, because no store sells blending brushes like those here in my island, so if you want them you'll have to spend big €€€€ ordering a Mac one, or the likes. I can't wait to do my make up and finally be able to blend easily and in less time!!

Studio eye primer and sealer: ooh great product! One end is for priming your eye (we do not have eye primer in Italy...paradoxical for the fashion country, isn't it?), the other end has a small eyeliner brush with the sealer formula, which you can dip into your preferred eyeshadow to transform it into your liner! How great is that?

I'll show you a very fast swatch:I think you can definitely tell the difference: first is the pigment on the primer, second is the pigment as a liner, third is the pigment on its own. Great stuff!!!

I am very very happy with my e.l.f. order and I can't wait to do a fotd with the products I got! :)



Now, as an update: I have reached my 100 followers!!! Thank you so much, girls!!! It is a lovely feeling indeed. I am planning to host a contest when I reach 150, and I already have an idea for the theme. It is going to be very interesting.

Now...youtube...I have tried my digital to record a video and I have to tell you, the quality is horrible. You can't really tell colors from it...so I don't know if I will make tutorials with that. I will see what I can do. I can enclose pics to show the real colors...or I can get a good webcam and use my laptop's screen as a mirror ehehe...yeah right, because one has to develop good skills for that...getting the right angle, being able to work on a little mirror, and so on. And there is also the editing part. I don't know where to start with it. I have never recorded a video and edited it in my life!
And last, but not least...how much does it take to upload...let's say an 8-10 mins video on youtube? Because my connection here at the dorm is so slow that it takes 2 hours to upload a 10 mins video to watch. :S I'll do something eventually, but I need help and info's. ehehe..

Well I really have to go now, my bf is coming over in an hour and I still have to shower get ready.

xoxo,
Lyd

Anatomicals review

Hello lovely bloggettes,
you may have noticed the lack of posts recently. I apologize for that: I am kind of busy with my Arabic exam right now (which is no joke at all! :S), and I have also moved back to my dorm room, which means my connection is as slow as a 56k. It's no fun, and also very hard to upload pictures and manage the blog really. Sometimes I just feel like giving up, and blog on another day eheheh.

Anyways, it's been a while now that I have been testing out the Anatomicals products I have been sent, and I feel the need to post my reviews on them.

Let's start this off with Not another rough day please body moisturizer:
Its 200 ml tube retails for £ 3,00 - which I think is a very fair price, especially considering how good this product is. I have very dry skin on my legs, and my elbows and knees have never been the smoothest ones...well Not another rough day please helped me a lot!
At first I thought it was just a regular moisturizer, that would absorb very easily, and had a pleasant fruity smell which was not too overpowering. I consider that a good thing, because I am a perfume girl, and I don't like when moisturizers interfere with the fragrance I am wearing. I love how the fruity smell of this moisturizer is just enough to make you feel very clean for a long time, even in the crazy hot weather we get in Sardinia.
The more I tried this, the more I realized it is an impressive moisturizer actually. Not only have I got very less signs of my dryiness on my legs, but also I have noticed my knees and my elbows especially are beeing levelled and smoothed by it. I think it is the very first time in my life that I feel them as smooth!
For this action, it is a bargain and I suggest you all buy it!


Help the pow, hand cream:
this also retails for £3,00 and it is a 100 ml tube. It contains sweet almond oil and vitamin E, absorbs very rapidly without leaving your hands all creamy so that you can put it on and still be able to do whatever right after the application. It does work very well, the hands become naturally smooth, rather than creamy. I'd say I love it if it wasn't for the overpowering smell. I don't know, but there is something I hate about its smell. It could be just me though.
Nevertheless I'd repurchase this, just because it's the only hand cream I have ever tried that allows you to work with your hands immediately after the application and still does its job!

No old bags allowed eye gel:
15 ml tube which retails for £3,00
I have never suffered from bags under my eyes, so it's not like I'm the best person to give an insightful review on this. However I had some sleeping problems over the past few days, due to the incredible amount of mosquitos in this town, which were keeping me up all night (until I declared war, and won it!) so my eyes were experiencing a bit of puffiness, and certainly dark circles!
I have tried to put this on, and I haven't seen major physical changes, although I felt relief because I kept this gel in the fridge and gently patted it under my eyes.
I don't know if it is just me, but I can't say I am impressed with this.


Eye cream, you scream, we all scream for eye cream regenerating eye cream:
15 ml tube of eye cream. Can't find how much it retails for.
The first time I tried this cream I was really impressed with it. I had noticed a considerable change. However, now that I really needed it, I don't think it helped that much. Maybe it helped not getting them darker and darker, and soothed, but it didn't erase the dark circles. I guess sleep is the only remedy eheheh. I don't know, I have mixed opinions about this product now, so I think I will keep on using it and come back on it later.

Stop cracking up lip balm:
15 ml tube which retails for £3,00. Glossy lip balm that smells like strawberries. Very nice (and tasty ahah), but it doesn't stand out as exceptional. I am kind of using it as a lipgloss more than a lip balm.

That's when I fell for the leader of the (hair) pack deep conditioning hair pack:
6x15 ml sachets, retail for £5,00. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS! if this connection weren't so slow, I would have uploaded the pictures I took after I used it.
After 1 month spent at the beach, salt and sun dried my hair a little bit (my hair is very long and it is also very healthy for its length). Just one application of this hair mask and my hair looked gorgeous!!! So shiny, so healthy, soft and smooth, without losing volume. And if you have fizzy hair, your problem will be solved with this. I will certainly buy this again, and I also highly recommend it! I bet it can do miracles with bad hair.


I was also sent two sachets of "Farewell the scarlet pimplehell" deep cleansing mud mask, but I am under some other treatment and I don't really think mud does any good to my skin, so I will hand it over to my friend to test, and I will post a review based on her experience for this product.

So far, I think Anatomicals, with their quirky names and packaging, release quality products which are very affordable, so I do recommend buying them!
They're available on www.anatomicals.net and I think they're also available at ASOS in the UK.
You'll love them, and love the colorful packaging, and humor in the names and descriptions.

Youtube?!

A friend of mine told me I should make video tutorials on youtube. What do you guys think?
I don't even have a camera, I only have my digital camera that shoots some videos too, so I really don't know. I wanted to ask for your opinion anyway.

Should I make video tutorials, should I make picture tutorials (and I still have no idea of how you make/edit a video), or should I stick to post fotd on this blog? :)

xoxo,
Lyd

Sorry I couldn't find a better video. There is no official video for the speech yet (although there are plenty of opposition videos).
This is the best school speech an American president has ever given so far (well, isn't he the best American president so far, afterall?!). It is brilliant, there is nothing wrong with it, no hidden agenda, no propaganda...it is right! America needs every kid's intelligence to finally make that change! To stop giving that false hope called "American dream", to stop taking over every country in the world by the false motive of "saving it" (from what? from its natural evolution?!), to stop being the nation it has sadly become over the past decades.
And I am so astonished at how DUMB can some Americans be. "spending public money for a socialist speech"...how is this a socialist speech? This is called giving kids MOTIVATION, a damn good one, and a right to every human being to know why they should fight ignorance. And take responsability for your work (because being in school when you should be, is a kid's work) and your own education.

And how can this be considered "indoctrinating"? We only wish our President, or Prime Minister, or the School and University Minister asked us for ways to improve our schools, instead of driving them to decay, ruin the system, and leaving us all unemployed.
We hate them, because they don't have their kids in public schools. They have them in private ones, where they can pay for their titles (althought they remain as ignorant as they can be) to take over all the good jobs, and still they have this indecency to claim to know what's right and what's wrong for our public schools and kids! For our education!!
So if this is indoctrinating, then I really hope I can be indoctrinated too, and that so will be my future kids.

But, you, Americans...you haven't learnt a thing from Bush, have you? Now that you have a good President, that wants to clean the economy mess, to give the opportunity to everyone to have health care, and a good education so that they can do something with their lives, and be motivated....you don't want him anymore. Maybe you enjoy being used and abused by crooked politicians...maybe you enjoy fighting wars that weren't really yours...maybe you enjoy living the American nightmare...Wake up y'all!!!

I only wish Italy had such a good and responsible President, that can save us all from our moral dictatorship...



Of course, I'm not saying that every American is dumb, but let's face it: those who criticize the good work and effort Obama's making...is! I don't mean to offend anyone personally, I am just making this little rant, because I think it's such a shame! It is only my opinion, based on objective facts!
I think that there is so much potential in the US...please, don't waste it. Please, don't be ignorant!

tag - 50 questions

I found this on a blog, and the tag was for anyone who wanted to do it, so...
I love these things because it's a way of getting to know who's behind "the reviewer" or "the self-taught MUA" in us :)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 10...I had a sleepless night due to mosquitoes.
2.How do you like your steak? Of course, I do!
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I can't really remember
4. What is your favorite TV show? Lost, Prison Break, Weeds, Life on Mars, Gossip Girl, The Secret Life of the American Teenager...and soooo many more...I love series!
5. Where would you like to live if you could choose anywhere in the world? I'd love to be in London right now.
6. What did you have for breakfast? Same thing I always have: plain yogurt and cereal
7. What is your favorite cuisine? My own country's: Italian!!!
8. What foods do you dislike? Cauliflowers, Artichokes, seafood, any chinese food...it's just not for me.. :S
9. Favorite place to eat? Home! I'm a home-made meal kind of girl!
10. Favorite dressing? Mayonnaise?!
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? I don't drive (you should all thank me for that!)
12. What are your favorite clothes? Dresses and skirts
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Canada again, France, Romania, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Irealand...I know, that's a lot!
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? You know I've always hated this question. full.
15. Where would you want to retire? In Sardinia, I guess.
16. Favorite time of day? Night
17. Where were you born? Ozieri. Small town in Sardinia, I know you have no idea where it is. I was only born there by coincidence.
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Soccer I guess. I don't really like watching sports.
19. Who do you think will not tag you back? What do you think I care? I'll make this an open tag! LOL
20. Person you expect to tag you back first? again...silly question!
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? No one in particular. I just love reading these things from anyone.
22. Bird watcher? ?!Does this question have a subtle meaning? And not really, although sometimes, some birds catch my attention.
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Mhm depends...
24. Do you have any pets? Nope
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? I won the runner up prize in Miss Virtue's giveaway, yay!
26. What did you want to be when you were little? Oh lots of things: plane pilot, singer, actress, doctor, teacher....eheheh
27. What is your best childhood memory? Probably when my brothers came to life.
28. Are you a cat or dog person? cat definitely!!!
29. Are you married? nope!
30. Always wear your seat belt? Of course!
31. Been in a car accident? Yeah, twice
32. Any pet peeves? a lot! People who don't know what they're talking about, yet they keep talking, liars, time wasters, show off's....ahahah lots!!!
33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Peppers, eggplants and zucchini, or pepperoni. Even a margherita is fine really....
34. Favorite Flower? Tulips, but I really like all flowers
35. Favorite ice cream? bacio.
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? None. Boycott them all!!!!
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? None. Although Ive never really used my driver's license..aahahah
38. From whom did you get your last email? Facebook (lame)
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Max&co. and any beauty store?!
40. Do anything spontaneous lately? I'm always spontaneous...ahha
41. Like your job? I'm a full time student now
42. Broccoli? Yuckyyy I forgot to list them before. "Dear broccoli, mama says you're good for me.Well I'm afraid I'm no good for you uaahhahah!!" (quoting Stewie Griffin).
43. What was your favorite vacation? Edinburgh, Montréal, London
44. Last person you went out to dinner with? My boyfriend
45. What are you listening to right now? Back in the USSR - The Beatles
46. What is your favorite color? I kind of love them all
47. How many tattoos do you have? none. I hate tattoos
48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? open tag
49. What time did you finish this quiz? 0.04 what kind of question is this?
50. Coffee drinker? Nope! I'm all about water, fruit juice or Whittard of Chelsea tea ;)


I tag everyone who wants to do this... :D (you can call me a lazy ass...eheh)

fotd: dramatic blues and green

Hello lovelies,
sorry for the lack of posts, but I have been busy moving back to my place for university and all.
Anyways, I've tried this look today.I saw this look on a TiffanyD's tutorial on Youtube and I had been wanting to do it for ages.
Now that I have the Sleek Acid palette I can do it whenever I want....Obviously mine's not as pretty as hers, because I don't have a blending brush (ordered mine today from e.l.f.), but it's a good start and I will definitely try this again with proper brushes.
I wanted to put falsies on, but obviously I can't get the hang of putting them on...how do you girls do it? I never seem to make it!!!

Click on the images if you want to see things closer.






Products used:
From the Sleek Acid Palette: the two blues, the green, and the matt black e/s
From the Clarins Nature Temptation palette: the teal e/s
Jane Iredale Pure PressedMineral eyeshadow in Ecru
Lumiere Veena foundation in Medium Deep Golden
Lumiere blushing bronzer in Firebrick
Lumiere blush in Terracotta
Deborah eyeliner in black
Pupa Diva's Lashes mascara in black
Jane Iredale lipcolour in Emily

Lou Lou Land's giveaway!

To celebrate her 100 followers, Louise is hosting a wonderful giveaway, with prizes including Sleek, MAC, Elf, Barry M and much more.
If you want to know more, and earn your chance to win, just click here and follow the rules!

If you haven't already, you should subscribe to her blog regardless of the giveaway, because she's a great and sweet blogger,

So good luck everyone!

Lumiere Skin&Beauty bar make-up contest!

I have just received an email from the lovely Sarah, at Lumiere, saying to pass the word on this contest.
I'll copy and paste the email, so that there will be no misunderstanding of rules or anything, because this is exactly what she wrote:

"LUMIERE SKIN & BEAUTY BAR’S DAY AND NIGHT MAKE UP CONTEST!

Lumiere Skin & Beauty Bar is hosting its first make up contest featuring two looks: “A Hard Day’s Work”, & “ A Night Out On the Town”! The contest will begin August 20th, 2009, with a deadline of September 20th, 2009. “A Hard Day’s Work”, should be a look that embodies a natural, sophisticated day look. A Night Out On the Town”, Should be a sultry, more intense look that you would wear at night. YOU MUST USE LUMIERE PRODUCTS TO CREATE YOUR LOOK (and you must include a list of the products you used to create your look)! There will be one winner chosen for each look, you can enter for both looks, but one person may not win both looks. The winners will be announced on October 1st, 2009, and the winning looks will be posted on our site!

Please email your entries (pictures) to:sarahrivera.lumiere@gmail.com, make sure you use the email that you want us to contact you at if your entry is chosen. You must also include your mailing address, full name, and age, as you must be 18 years of age to enter this contest, or have written permission from your parents. The winner of each look will receive a prize pack consisting of two full size Lumiere eye shadows/pigments, and a full size Lumi Lip gloss, one will be for a day look, and one to create a night look!!! GOOD LUCK!!!"


Don't miss this chance, and good luck everyone!!!
xoxo,
Lydia

just another giveaway post :)

Giveaway suggestion everyone: I heart Cosmetics is hosting a giveaway for her 20 followers!
The prize is made of MAC, Barry M, and Botanics products. Sounds lovely enough? Then click here, follow the rules...and good luck!