In and out - january

In:

1.taking my last exam;

2. joining a gym;

3. sales!

4. probably receiving my swap package from Michelle (can you believe its saga dates back to August?), and arranging another swap...details for this one shall remain secret until it happen. Anticipation anyone? LOL

5. had a brilliant idea for the first chapter of my MA thesis. Need to start writing it!!!

6. drinking more than 2 liters of water per day.

Out:

1. the people who live on my floor at the students dorm. I f***ing hate them! They're the loudest, most disrespectful, and filthy people I've ever met. Geez, this is not your own house, we SHARE IT, you better start paying your respect before I blow your arses on fire!!! *YES, I AM FUMING*

2. Eyeko customer service. Yes, there's more to the story. But I'll save it for when I finally have my package and review. Of course, customer service will be taken into consideration during the evaluation process.

3. still not eating 100% properly. I need to improve and go back to my super healthy habits

4. Having to go to the toilet every hour because of the massive amount of water I am drinking LOL

some sales purchases

I know it is not a great picture, but I had no hangers left into my closet!!!

Big black bag with chain & bow strap: Zara

Long purple cardi: Zara

Small 60's dress (it's some sort of beige color): Zara

Classic short sleeve knit sweater: Zara

Ethnic metal&wooden earrings and necklace: Koan @ Coin


Not much (I really don't need much) but I'm lovin it. Especially the dress and the knit sweater. I find them classy.

My small Sleek MakeUP collection - reviews heavy!

Hello bloggettes!
Sorry for the lack of posts recently, but life has taken over. I haven't forgotten about my blog though, I still read everything, but have no time to post all the reviews I want to. I haven't worn make up in 5 days, imagine how busy I am (geez how I miss my eotd posts!)
Anyway, I have decided to do a post on my small Sleek collection, which is not that small if you consider I am not from the UK.
I first discovered the brand watching my beloved Pixiwoo's videos, and I started my search for the brand. I really wanted to get my mitts on the eyeshadow palettes, and as my first followers may remember, I asked if someone can pick one up and send it to me. However, I got lucky enough to be sent it from the lovely Leon (PR for Sleek MakeUP), as a way of wishing good luck for my new blog. And that is when my ADDICTION to Sleek started and reached ridiculous levels.
When I went to London in October, I picked some things on my own, and then, when Anna went, she kindly picked some products for me, which I hadn't had the chance to buy while I was there (thank you so much, you are so so sweet Anna!).

So, I will review each product quickly for you.

1. New Skin Revive - silicone based foundation (my shade is called "Sand")
This is a silicone-based, oil-free, light to medium coverage liquid foundation. I had never tried any silicone-based products before, so it felt a little awkward at first.
This foundation is not bad at all, it can be a good alternative to your HG foundation, to wear everyday. Its coverage is really buildable, but be careful with the amount you put on. You don't want to get streaks all over your face.
That doesn't happen all the time, but it has 1 little fault: it dries up in a second! This is why you can get streaks, if you don't find a way to work with it properly. I still have to improve on this side, and it does bugs me a little that it dries so fast, as it makes it hard to blend on your face, because it's a bigger "canvas". When you try it on your hand it is not hard to blend at all, because you have time to work with it.
Other than that, once it's on it will slowly improve the coverage, even out your skin tone, and feel light on your skin. Almost as you wore nothing (almost). It also has great staying power.
It retails for a little more than £6 i think...I am not sure, as this is one of the items Anna gave me.
vote: 4/5 for the super fast dry.
P.S.: it comes in a vast range of colors, from super pale to super dark!!!

2. i-Divine eyeshadow palettes (l-r Acid, Storm)
At this point, we are all familiar with their super palettes, I will keep this short and sweet. They are my fave!
12 eyeshadows, GREAT color range, GREAT color payoff, GREAT staying power, velvet to the touch, the possibility to choose matt and shimmery shades from the same palette, and they always come with a black eyeshadow for smokey eyes or to use as a liner, and also a highlighter shade. They retails for under £5, so they are GREAT value for the money (I do insist on great, on -subliminal- purpose LOL)
vote: 5/5

3. Sleek MakeUP blush (my shade is Flamingo)
Oh my goodness! This is the best blush I have ever tried! It is so pigmented, so silky, and so bright, that the tiniest amount brightens and defines your cheekbones, leaving an almost natural glow.
I am not sure how much this is, as I received from MissVirtue as the runner up prize for her giveaway, but I read somewhere it is under £4, so again, it is bargaineous!
vote: 5/5

4. Eye Drama mascara (shades I own Blackout, Purple Haze and I got the Blooz)
Now, this is where major improvement is needed. I was so excited to try it, that I asked Anna to pick up all the shades available!!!
This mascara has an ultra flexible silicone brush, and I also got to try both normal and waterproof formulation. I am usually a fan of silicone brushes, although I admit, it is hard to work with such a flexible one. Although, I don't think this is a problem, I would suggest Sleek to add more raws of "bristles" to the brush, as one of the tricky issues with it, can be that it is too sparse, as you can see from the picture. Also, the consistency is way too gum-like, eventhough I noticed that the difference is not between waterproof and normal formulation, but between colors. Probably, the chemicals used for making them purple and navy are to blame.
As it is now, it does not give any volume to my lashes (I have more volume without it!!!), does not curl, and the lenght provided is good, but nothing exceptional. Blackout is the only shade that worked better for me. At least, it is good to separate. I will give the black one more rounds, but the other two? Mhm....they have no great payoff either. The blue one is actually a navy, and comes almost black on lashes. The purple one looks so bright on the brush, that you think it is lovely, but when it dries the color is not that great. Probably it will look better with a flash in photos, but I am not a model. Nor a make-up artist.
I hope they will consider making some adjustments, as the mascara has potentials.
It retails for around £4.
Vote: 2/5

5. Ink pot cream liner (my shades are Dominatrix-black-, and Espresso-dark brown-)
Short and sweet: good cream liner, great value for the money. It is a little less creamy than my Shiseido one (but also, costs more than 3 times less!), but that is just because it is waterproof.
Espresso is lovely when you create thick lines, as it really brightens up your eyes if you have them blue or green. It won't smudge all day, and it is available in a vast variety of colors. Some of them can be used to create a flawless base. It comes in a very sturdy pot, which is small, but still contains a lot of product. I love it.
It retails for less than £4
vote: 4/5

6. Pout Polish Tinted Lip Conditioner (my shade is Pink Cadillac)
Lovely! Lovely colors, awesome consistency, it does condition very very well. The scent would not be to everybody's taste, but I still love it. It's yummy...
It's only downside? It comes in a pot. Maybe they should consider making a lipstick form of it?
Again, it retails for under £4
vote: 4/5

All of the Sleek MakeUP products can be purchased at Superdrug, in the UK.
Check the list of the stores that stock the brand, on their official site: www.sleekmakeup.com

I hope this has been helpful, and I apologize for the lenght of this post!



Disclaimer:
1 - New Skin Revive foundation, and all of the Eye Drama mascaras have been given to me from a friend of mine.
2 - the i-Divine Acid palette has been sent to me for free from a PR to review - I am not an affiliate of Sleek MakeUP.
3 - the Blush in Flamingo has been sent to me for free as a prize from a giveaway.
I have not been paid to do my review on these products, I am not an affiliate of the brand, and these are my genuine opinions on each product I own.

Please, read: good news on Eyeko!

I am sure some of you read my post last night, about my experiences with terrible customer care at Eyeko.
Well, it seems like mine was not the only case, and a lot of other customers complained publically on Eyeko's Facebook page.

The good thing about it is that, after all those negative feedbacks they decided to improve their customer care service! From today on, free shipping will not be available outside the UK and European Union, and all the orders will automatically be sent via Signed For, for a symbolic fee of £3.50.
Signed For tracking number will be provided in the email you receive when your order is dispatched, so that you can check your packet's status whenever you want to.
Also they are really improving their direct customer services (replying promptly and such).

I have proof of that, as one of their staff emailed me again today, to tell me that she has done a refund for the shipping cost I paid, and that if I do not receive my parcel within next week, I can contact her and she will personally resend my order.

I think that is some sort of improvement, and I like this new attitude of theirs.
So, all of you, Eyeko lovers...you don't need to worry anymore, as from today ordering at Eyeko.com will be much safer, and hopefully won't lead you to the kind of frustration I experienced (in the end, I only wanted to give myself a happy birthday gift!!!)

I can't wait to try the products I ordered!!!

quick question!

Hello everyone,
just a very quick question: has anybody else had a terrible experience with Eyeko customer service? I am getting quite fed up...

*EDIT: I'm less impressed then ever! After having emailed them 1,000 times to get my tracking number, and not having had a reply, I had to leave tons of negative feedbacks and tell what happened in public, on their Facebook page. Eventually, but not soon, they have replied. Guess what? No tracking number! They don't have it. There has probably been a mistake and my order was not dispatched with a signed for shipping, therefore I cannot control where my order is, and neither do I know where it is going to be here! NOT FUNNY!
But hey, at least they are refunding the shipping fee! Improvement, anyone?

about the contest

The person who was picked as the winner of the first prize didn't claim it on time, so I am putting it up for grabs again. I will announce the new winner tonight :)

Good luck everyone, again!

Blog award: Your blog is over the top

I have received this award from the lovely Amandita at Done N Done

Thank you so much for nominating me!

The rules:
answer the questions below and tag 5 other bloggers whose blogs you love reading.

1. Where is your cell phone? on my desk
2. Your hair? a long, long flat mess...

3. Your mother? needs to sort out her sorrow for the recent loss of her sister
4. Your father? there's more to him that meets the eyes
5. Your favorite food? mhm I have many: Mashed potatoes, peas, peppers, quiches, nutella, pizza, aaand cannelloni al ragù :P *drools*
6. Your dream last night? was actually a nightmare: somebody wanted to kill me
7. Your favorite drink? Natural water ;) (bored already?)
8. Your dream/goal? too many
9. What room are you in? dorm room
10. Your hobby? Blogging on makeup and reading
11. Your fear? too many! Heights, insects, and many others
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Travelling somewhere with my own family

13. Where were you last night? Boyfriend's
14. Something you aren't? Self-confident
15. Muffins? Chocolate and chocolate chips, of course!
16. Wish list item? aaargh too many....

17. Where did you grow up? Olbia. Definitely not the place you want to grow up in if you're sensitive, shy, and totally not interested in following trends like a sheep. Oh, and if you're not a slutty slutty girl.... :/
18. Last thing you did? before this post, was writing my essay on Loin d'Eux by Laurent Mauvignier. If you understand French, or you can find a translation of this book, I do recommend. Although it's one of those tiny tiny books that needs reading at least 3 times to get the hang of it. Genius!
19. What are you wearing? My PJ's
20. Your TV? is on, and I'm not really paying attention to it. NCIS is on.
21. Your pets? I have none, although I'd love to have a cat.
22. Your friends? are a select few
23. Your life? is a rollercoaster
24. Your mood? swings, like I said, life's a rollercoaster
25. Missing someone? My aunt has recently departed, I am.
26. Vehicle? Feet?! LOL
27. Something you're not wearing? *blushes* bra...
28. Your favorite store? Max&Co, Zara, H&M, Primark, Oviesse (mix and match of different prices here)

29. Your favorite color? I love all colors!
30. When was the last time you laughed? this morning
31. Last time you cried? two days ago
32. Your best friend? I've always despised the concept of a BEST friend...I'd go into a phylosophical talk, if I continue, though
33. One place that I go over and over? my boyfriend's house
34. One person who emails me regularly? my friend Malcolm from the UK
35. Favorite place to eat? HOME!!!


My tags:

xshakespeare.and.stilettox

I Heart Cosmetics

Italian Beauty Blog

Just a Girl

Lipstick Rules

Lou Lou Land


I know, I tagged one more... :)

Londoners help needed! Room for rent, anyone?

Goodmorning everyone,

once again, this is a quest for help. My friend Elena is in London for her 3 months' internship in a university. She has been staying in a hotel since Jan, 2nd and she hasn't found a room yet!

Most of the people do not want to rent her a room because she will only be there for 3 or 4 months and they only want fulltime contracts. Same applies to university dorms.

So, my question is: does any of you have a room to rend to a clean, nice, educated and fun Italian girl? Or at least, do you know someone who would rent her a room?
Please, girl's been through enough: she's been snatched upon arrival to the city, and she is paying way too much at the hotel! She needs a proprer room to start working properly!

Anyone who has a room or knows someone who would rent a room in London, please email me at krucialsteez(at)hotmail(dot)com, and I will link you to her.


Thank you so much!

Giveaway winners

Here we go, sorry for the delay, girls!
I've had quite a ruff week, too many sad things and misfortunes...but I did not forget about you, and I decided it was about time I published the winners!

Winners were picked using random.org, so yes, it's pure chance.

First prize goes to:

which was Lauren, from Lauren Loves

- the prize was: the Eyeshadow trio in Black Dalia from Deborah
& the Deborah Glitter Liner in Black

Second prize goes to:

Lu, from Just a Girl

- second prize consisted of: Deborah glitter lashes,
Debby lipEnvy lipgloss in Pink Sorbet+ Debby lipPencil in 6


Thanks everyone for entering the contest.

Winners please email me at krucialsteez(at)hotmail(dot)com
enter an appropriate subject so that I know it's not spamming when I don't recognize the sender.
Just put your address on the email, and I will send you the parcels as soon as I can.


Edit: you have until Monday (January 18th 2010) to claim your prize, after that, I will pass it on to another person (picked up randomly).

the coldest season.

Painting: Kathe Kollwitz - Poverty

In the loving memory of my Aunt G.
Nov 1949 - Jan 2010


Some of us grow up, and some others grow tired of life.
I knew this would have happened from the day I got that call.

In the span of two months you were taken away.
You smiled in October.
You fell unconscious in November.
You woke-up and spoke the last words of your life.
You were confined to a forced mutism in December.
I could see you following every single words with your eyes,
they spoke louder than what your mind could.
I know you understood everything we said, the terrible illness that affected you, and I know you were well aware of your early fate.
I know you were happy when we were there, and desperate when we were forced to go back home.
But I know that you left this world in peace, that your departure was the only present you could give to yourself.
With your family gathered all around you,
you decided that you had already dealt with too much.
So in January you left.

I still can't get over the sight of your body into that coffin.
I kissed that cold pain away from your forhead.
You left with an enigmatic smile.

Is that because it was a relief?
Or is that because you wanted us to remember your jokes?
Or is it because you were happy that you had wonderful parents,
sisters and brother,
the most affectionate husband who supported each and every decision you made,
loved you endlessly and unconditionally,
and had two strong, healthy, and intelligent kids with you?
I know that you are proud of your daughter, who has been teaching little children,
serving the community and helping, just the way you wanted her to be.
I know that you are proud of your son, who - just like you- took his courage and went far away to get the job he wanted, and be satisfied.
I know you were proud of me, when I got my Bachelor degree, and for the first time
I was no longer the shy child to you, I was a grown woman with a cause.

But do you know, auntie, that I love you?
do you know that this is the coldest season ever?
do you know that your husband is one of the strongest men I've ever met?
do you know that your son is now a mature young man?
do you know your daughter has so much love into her heart, but so much pain for your early departure?
do you know that everyone was grateful for your constant help?
You saved many lives for more than 30 years, and you kept serving the community through volunteering works.
Sometimes I regret being atheist, because now I wish there were a way for you to know how much you were loved,
a way for you to see the many tears that were shed to your memory at your funeral,
the infinite carpet of flowers at the cemetery, all for you,
the 1,000 people who came to mourn you,
to warm you up with their love,
on that freezing day.



You will always be remembered.
You will always be loved.

L.

contest closed

Hello everyone,
as you may have noticed the Christmas giveaway is officially closed.
Thanks to everyone who entered, and I will announce the winner at some point next week.
I'm going out for my birthday tonight, so I am kind of busy with the last minute study before I get wild LOL

PS: does anybody have a good suggestion for a volume hair product? I hate backcombing (I am bad at it, anyway) and I also hate sprays........

Giveaway from Wonderland

Hello lovelies,
I just wanted to let you know that another representative of Wonderland (LOL), Elle, is hosting her giveaway. She has a first and second prize for both UK and International followers.

It's lovely and you can check it out here:

http://www.elleinwonderland.com/2010/01/new-year-new-contest.html

good luck!

Best and worst of 2009

I know it's now the 7th of January (ooooh I'll turn 26 in 3 days...I feel old!), but I really wanted to have my take on the best and the worst of *sighs* LAST year.

THE BEST

Best Make-up Brand: definitely Sleek MakeUP! Great discovery: amazing quality for such a small price, huge color range, lots of different products. The only downside is...I can't really have access to it unless I go to London!

Best Skincare Brand and Products: the Normaderm range from Vichy

Best Foundation: Dior's Diorskin Nude & Pupa Smart Skin

Best Blusher: Sleek Blush in Flamingo*

Best Eyebrow product: e.l.f. studio eyebrow kit

Best Eyeshadow: Hard one, I love so many...Misdemeanor from Urban Decay, the whole Sleek Storm palette, Plumsmoke from Elizabeth Arden, Pupa Lumynis baked eyeshadow in 04 Purple( LE), and the whole Nature Temptations palette from Clarins

Best Eye Primer: e.l.f. eye primer (I'd choose this over UDPP any day!)

Best Eye Liner: Shiseido Accentuating Cream Eyeliner (comes with a very good mini brush)

Best Mascara: Rimmel Sexy Curves in Intense Black, and Max Factor False Lash Effect (review to come soon)

Best Lipgloss: Dior Addict Ultra-gloss in 873 (although I hate how the packaging leaks so you can't bring it in your purse)*

Best Lipstick: Rimmel Long Lasting Finish Lipstick in Tempting (the most gorgeous black)

Best Lip combo: Debby Lip Pencil in 6, Gosh Darling lipstick, and two drops of MAC lipglass in Languish* over it (smack the lips together and you'll see a wonderful color!)

Best Nail varnish: Rimmel Lycra Pro



THE WORST

Fortunately, I don't have a worst for all the above categories, but I have some.

Worst Skin Products: Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion

Worst Nail Varnish: Rimmel 60 Seconds

Worst Lipstick: Chanel Infrarouge (whisperlight lipstick)...the worst ever! So freaking drying, I use it as blush :S **



Do you agree or disagree on something? I want to hear your opinion, and your faves or hates ;)




Disclaimer:

The products marked with a * have been sent to me as either a gift or a prize won in a blog giveaway.

The product marked with a double * has been given to me from a store as a sample.

random things

Under a creativity spell some days ago, I decided to use some materials that my parents were throwing away to do something nice.
I thought of the easiest thing to do as an experiment, and I realized they were brooches.
So here we go...I drew some circles with a compass on a cereal cardbox, cut them all around, and coiled some wool that my mother is not using anymore. I bought 10 brooches pins, and...here we go! They should look nice on jackets, but next time, I'll make them smaller. I'll try to do flowers maybe...My brother said I can do earrings that are the same shape as these brooches, and they would look nice ( I don't know why, but he has this thing for women with earrings LOL).
What do you think?


Next random thing is: seeing how I won't be able to send the prizes for my giveaway until Jan, 7th I have decided to extend my contest to that date, so make sure you spread the word.

Thanks ;)