A Happy New Year !

     May the New Year 2015

     Bring you joy, make all your wishes come true,

     Be full of happiness, kindness and forgiveness!

     May you and your loved ones have A Happy New Year! 

Business Cards are a blogger's best friend

When I attended one of the workshops for beauty bloggers organized by Ana Maria from Beautybarometer I found out how important it is for a beauty blogger to have at all times in the purse a business card with all the contact information to give out at the events so that everybody can find out who you are and what you do.

I  hadn't really considered the business cards to be so important for a blogger until I took part in several events and I felt the need to present somebody a card with my contact information and I didn't have one! It was really frustrating for me! And I realized I had to order some business cards for me and fast!

There is a vast variety of shapes, models, colours and other decorations you can choose from when ordering your card. Your business card is very important : the image it portrays echoes your own so you have to make a good impression even  with a simple card. The model you choose is very personal, it should represent you who you really are and what you do. So don't think about money if you really want to be different, choose what makes a lasting impression!

Searching through the ocean of companies who sell business cards I found one that caught my eye: Carti de vizita de Lux . It sells luxury cards but what I like about them is the fact that they are different and interesting! You cannot go unnoticed with a card like that! The cards can be made unique and interesting through a variety of methods: using metalic folio over a matte card, painting the edges of the card, using transparent and semi-trasparent plastic for the cards, cards cut in special shapes, embossed cards, multilayered cards or ones with raised print and many others. Interesting right ? Yes, they are expensive but I think they're worth it if you want to stand out from the crowd!

I especially liked the ones called Carti de vizita multistrat . Look at this one: so cute and elegant. Very me!

Oh yes! Another shower gel: Fa Greek Yoghurt with Almond

Since I hit pan on one of my older shower gels I thought I would dig another new one out of my stash. It is a newer addition to the Fa brand : Fa Greek Yoghurt with Almond , which I received for testing at the Beauty bloggers meeting by Beautybarometer . But let me tell you something about the brand :
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Since the birth of Fa in 1954, its inspiring products have been liberating vitality in consumers by giving them freshness for body and soul. Over years Fa expanded into the main body care categories: deodorant, shower gel, foam bath, soap and body lotion, which won the admiration of consumers.

The 50s  In 1954, a "Fa"-ntastic new style fine soap is born in Germany. It not only cleanses, but cares for the modern woman’s skin. 
The 60s  Fa is giving a new image with groundbreaking campaign in 1968: the iridescent lime green and yellow soap is given the wild freshness of lime. A woman with long, blond hair, on the beach in the Bahamas becomes the leitmotif of the campaign. The most expensive and admired advertising concept of the era increases the market share considerably. 
The 70s The Fa family is born. In addition to the deodorant spray, the bubble bath promises revitalizing freshness with ingredients which are particularly skin-friendly and provide care to the skin. The Caribbean freshness of the Fa line is now sold in 46 countries around the world. 
The 80s The Fa line is consistent with the spirit of the time in every way. The products are dermatologically tested, pH-neutral and the deodorant is free of CFC. The lime Fa is joined by a steel-blue sister: Fa soft, with special ingredients for skin which needs more intensive care. 
The 90s Fa is extremely successful with "The Spirit of Freshness". Fa combines exquisite, aromatic fragrances from all continents of the earth with care substances. A pleasant feeling for body and soul. The new Fa Body Splash line is aimed especially at the young, trendy and sport-oriented target groups. Its innovative packaging design in the form of beverage cans makes the line unmistakable. Fa introduces "Fa MEN", a complete body care line especially developed for men. 

2005 Fa is back! With brand new products, Fa now satisfies more individual consumer benefits: more feel good freshness and skin care, more innovative fragrances , more power. The 2005 product range is more innovative than ever: and the claim "Fa Feel good Freshness" is rolled out worldwide, starting with a huge campaign in spring 2005. 
2006 Fa launches the unique and innovative Yoghurt line. Its assortment ranges from fresh to sensitive variants intensifying the "Fa Feel good Freshness" claim. The Yoghurt line is popular with consumers all over the world and enjoys unparalleled success. 
2007 Fa is inspired by the power of nature. The natural ingredients are brought into the everyday lives of consumers with the launch of two natural lines: Natural & Soft and Natural & Pure. 
2008 Fa enhances the caring qualities of its products by adding more caring ingredients. Now the Yoghurt line contains more than 50% of Yoghurt, which intensively cares for the skin leaving it irresistibly smooth and soft. 
2010 Fa launches the new Fa washing line with precious Gelée Royale. The soft and creamy formula provides intensive care even to the most demanding skin. The scents of honey with almond blossom or moon orchid are sensual and intriguing. Fa rolls out an innovative antiperspirant line Active Pearls. Its unique and innovative formula provides consumers with a reliable 48 hour protection and unique long lasting fragrances.

Today Fa is one of the best-known brands in the world of body care and a leader on the European market. Its products can be found on the shelves in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America . source : http://en.henkel-mea.com

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Fa Greek Yoghurt with Almond is a shower cream , a thicker formula enriched with yoghurt proteins. It comes in a 250 ml plastic recipient and it has a valability of 12 months.

Masticspa Mastic Hand Cream - review

Another winter, another hand cream in another bag ... Due to the cold temperatures I feel the need to moisturize continuously (especially my hands which are very sensitive to cold and wind). I have already one of my all time favourites L'Occitane en Provence 20% shea butter hand cream which I love but I need more.

I often feel the need to apply a hand cream and if I change my bag and I forget to switch all my contents into the new one I am left without a hand cream ...Oh no! What do I do now?? Well, I buy a new one of course! Fortunately I didn't have to do that - at Beautybarometer's beauty blogger meeting I received a new hand cream to try : Masticspa Mastic Hand Cream . Lucky me! A new hand cream to the resque! Let me  tell you something about the brand:
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Mastic Spa – the only cosmetic line based on mastic, a timeless and treasured Greek wonder ingredient that for centuries has provided those in the know with astonishing health and beauty benefits – has a comprehensive range of effective and unique natural beauty products.

Mastic Spa is a one of a kind company – a product of both tradition and the latest research. The key ingredient to every product made by Mastic Spa is mastic, a legendary substance in Greece, which has been celebrated for centuries.

Mastic is the legendary and mysterious elixir that seeps from the mastic tree, found in the southern region of the Greek Aegean island Chios, and nowhere else in the world.
Mastic has been known since Antiquity for its medicinal properties and for its therapeutic benefits for the skin. Thanks to modern scientific research, we now have a better understanding of how mastic works its magic.

Mastic Spa products range from the very first product and best seller Masticdent toothpaste to luxurious shampoos, fragrant and colorful bath and body treatments and effective facial skincare. Mastic has been scientifically proven to have strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. In combination with other natural ingredients, mastic oil provides superior cleansing, hydrates skin and hair, slows the effects of aging on the face, aids in the healing of burns and scars, and protects the teeth and gums.      source : http://oliveoilspa.com
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Let's go back to the hand cream. It comes in a plastic tube of 100 gr./3.38 oz. of product. It is a moisturizing hand cream. Rich with mastic oil and plant extract, this hand cream strengthens and protects the skin. The allantoin calms the skin, Vitamin B softens it and soothes irritation.

Lookfantastic Beauty Box December 2014

Something new for today: as an early present for myself I ordered Lookfantastic's beauty box. I was very curious to see what the box was about, especially when the boxes from the months before were very interesting.
    
So I present you : Lookfantastic Beauty Box December 2014. It costs 15 pounds (plus the shipping 8.99 pounds for Romania), in total 24.23 pounds. Yes, I know very expensive but I thought I deserve a little bit of pampering! And I consider it to be a Xmas gift from me to me.
     
It arrived in the right amount of time and in perfect shape.

My favourite Xmas decorations

May your Christmas be filled with peace, love and joy! 

I wanted to write today since I couldn't be parted from you my lovely readers! So I'll keep it short and simple: I will show you my favourite Xmas decorations. Some of them are old, inherited from my parents or my grandparents (which I will pass on to my children) and some are new bought by me these recent years.
    
I wanted to start a tradition of my own at Christmas time so I decided I would buy one decoration per year, something really singnificant and special. I feel really happy about it and I could definitely pass this tradition onto my children later! If you want to see what traditions we have for the holidays read this tag: http://beautyinfiveminutes.blogspot.ro/2014/11/holiday-traditions-tag.html
     
This is my Xmas tree this year: small and cute.

Season's Greetings !

May you have a Merry Christmas
Filled with love and cheer
With all your loved ones
And A Happy New year!

My very early Xmas present : Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No.7 The Starlet - review and swatches

Today I have a very special treat for you : a high-end palette from Marc Jacobs : The Beauty Style Eye-Con No.7 palette in The Starlet . For over half a year since I had seen this palette shown in one of my favourite Youtubers Tarababyz , I had wanted it badly. So badly that I searched for reviews and Youtube videos daily. Yes I had it bad!! The colours seemed so different and interesting that it was my favourite of all Marc Jacobs palettes, even over The Lolita - the ever favourite of all neutrals lovers!

So when I had the opportunity to travel to Italy in a project, this palette was on the very top of my long, long list of thigs to buy. Of course I raided continuously the Sephora.it and its shops in Rome where I was going to arrive during my trip. And yes I had searched through around three or four Sephora shops until I finally!!!! found it, the last one in the shop!! And YES!! it was mine!!!!! I felt sooo happy!!

My Xmas Tag

  Ho, ho, ho!

  This Christmas time I really want

  Santa to bring me quite a lot :

  Fun, joy and lots of love

  And blessings from up above

  To my loved ones family and friends

  And the wishlist never ends.

  Santa I was really good this year

  Hurry up and come quite near

  Oh I hope you're young and fit

  Down the chimney you will fit

  I will sing you lovely carols

  You'll be here for many hours.

  

 My wishlist is here so you'll better hear :

 Fill my Xmas tree with Pandora jewellery

 All high-end perfumes will dissapear

 In my room to magically appear

 Make-up, creams, masks and other things

 You will bring for my blog testing.

 Make my blog shine like a star

 On the beauty calendar

 Grow it slowly day by day

 So the end will be ok

 My readers to enchant and attract

 So they'll be back for the next act

Nivea Aqua Effect Cleansing Milk - review

I have had this cleansing milk for a while and I'm hitting pan: I think, holding it upside down, I still have enough for one use or two. It is the Nivea Aqua Effect Cleansing Milk (the older version of the bottle). It comes in a plastic recipient of 200 ml of product and it has a valability of 12 months. It was tested under dermatological and ophthalmic supervision.

The life in pink : Chloé Roses de Chloé

... Quand il me prend dans ses bras
    Il me parle l'a tout bas
    Je vois la vie en rose

    Il me dit des mots d'amour
    Des mots de tous les jours
    Et ça m' fait quelque chose (Edith Piaf - La Vie En Rose) ... 

I am nostalgic today. In this grey, misty day I need to see life in pink, to feel that every dream can come true, that every love story will end in happily ever after, that good can be found in every person around me. I need to see the light around me chasing the darkness away. I need to feel happy, sunny, cheerful and carefree.

So I turn to one of my favourite perfumes Chloé Roses de Chloé . It is so pretty, feminine and light that it boosts my mood immediately. I adore both the packaging and the bottle : dainty, femine, sexy, demure, light, happy and carefree. 

One of my all time favourite concealers : Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-place concealer

I have to confess I adore the Estee Lauder brand! I have really bad dark circles and so far the concealer is the best I've tried!

I think that the Double Wear range is a godsend for all of us oily/combination complexions!! I cannot live without the concealer and I am desperate I'm hitting pan!! I try to scrape from the recipient the last precious drop!! It is so long lasting and it covers amazingly my lovely dark circles! I get depressed thinking I will finish the concealer...I also love the Double wear foundation, again light on the skin, natural looking if moderately applied and blended, buildable up to full coverage, very long lasting! LOOOOVE! 

Also new in my make-up routine is the Sumptuous Extreme Volume mascara, which also starts to become an addiction for me (review soon!). But let's find out who is the woman behind this amazing brand :

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Born for Beauty

The niece of a Hungarian chemist, Estée was trained in the art of face creams at an early age. 

Josephine Esther Mentzer was born in New York City. Her parents, Rose Schotz, a Hungarian beauty, and Max Mentzer, a Czechoslovakian businessman who carried a cane and gloves on Sunday, called her Esty, which was changed to Estée when she enrolled in school. 

“The first beauty I ever recognized was my mother,” said Estée. Some of her earliest memories were of her mother’s grooming ritual, which revolved around applying rich creams to her face and hands to keep her skin soft and smooth. “Hands [are] as telling as any written pedigree,” Rose would tell her impressionable daughter.

While her father owned a hardware store where Estée would arrange window displays, she was more interested in taking after her uncle John Schotz, a chemist. He had taught her to cleanse her skin with oils rather than harsh soaps, and to mix up batches of his unique, all-around skin cream. “It was a preciously velvety cream, this potion, one that magically made you sweetly scented, made your face feel like spun silk, made any passing imperfections be gone by evening,” Estée recalled, and she soon dubbed it the Super-Rich All Purpose Creme. It was her first glimpse at something that provided “the power to create beauty.” 

“Success depends on daring to act on dreams,” according to Estée, who turned a homespun cream into a global cosmetics empire. Estée built her company with the perfect mix of know-how, dedication, persistence, passion, family commitment–and a lot of free samples.

In 1946 Estée officially launched her namesake line with four hardworking products—The Cleansing Oil, The Creme Pack, her uncle’s Super-Rich All Purpose Creme, and The Skin Lotion. She was her own publicist, often showing up to beauty parlors around New York City to perform makeovers while women sat under the hairdryers.  

Estée believed “3 minutes is all beauty should ever take.” She created quick routines for makeup and skincare, which she eagerly demonstrated on women—at every store where an Estée Lauder counter opened, while riding on a train or an elevator, or simply walking down the street. She loved nothing more than transforming a woman’s look with her personal touch, and doling out bits of advice along the way. 

After Estée’s “millionth” request, Robert Fisk, the cosmetics buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue, finally agreed to place his first order of her product—$800 worth,  to be exact—in 1946. To announce her arrival at the upscale department store, Estée sent out elegant white cards with gold lettering to inform the store’s preferred-customer list that she would be offering a free cream-based powder with every purchase. Within two days, the entire stock was sold out—and the industry’s “gift with purchase” marketing concept was born. 

Convinced that European women were as “face-conscious” as they were “fashion-conscious,” Estée launched her brand at Harrods in London in 1960, after years of charming its buyer. Next came Galeries Lafayette in Paris. The brand would expand into the rapidly emerging markets of Moscow in 1981, and Shanghai in 1993. Today, Estée Lauder is sold in over 150 countries across the globe.  source: esteelauder.com

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Drawing its inspiration from such a fascinating woman the Estee Lauder brand is associated with the highest quality in products, femininity, class and timeless elegance.

But let's go back to my miracle worker the Double Wear Stay-in-place concealer spf 10 in Light. It comes in a plastic recipient of 7ml/24oz. of product with an applicator, making it easy to apply onto the skin. It has a 24 months valability.

yes it is very abused

QI cosmetics - a Romanian 100 % natural brand

On Wednesday 10th of December I participated at the launch of a new Romanian natural brand : QI cosmetics (you can find them here : http://qicosmetics.ro/). It is a Romanian brand who values nature and respects and fulfills the needs of its clients. All their products are 100% natural, in a concentrated and efficient form. All the products are manually prepared in small quantities.

New in town: Anca Radulescu's professional make-up brushes

I took part last night at a beautiful event : the launch of the first professional make-up brushes line done by a Romanian make-up artist : Anca Radulescu (and yes she is married to Mihaela Radulescu's brother and she is her make-up artist).

In a lovely atmosphere, full of beauty and art lovers we eagerly awaited for the brushes to be revealed. The event was opened by Mihaela Radulescu with her usual charm and joie du vivre, she presented the story of the event and the team that was behind it. Of course since we are talking about Mihaela Radulescu we should mention charity : both Anca Radulescu and a team of art students created drawings and paintings to be sold or auctioned for the ones in need. Then the lovely and emotional Anca Radulescu finally revealed what we were looking for : the professional brushes!

Smokey make-up? A piece of cake

On the 29th of November 2014 I was a pupil again at Startline Academy (Anastasie Panu street no. 50), under the supervision of my lovely teacher the talented Dana Stancu. She is an experienced make-up artist and beauty blogger (you can read her blog here : http://danamakeup.blogspot.ro/) and I felt really happy to learn the secrets of the make-up trade from her.

The workshop took place at Startline Academy, the make-up school I attended, which organizes make-up courses all year round, you can read more here : https://www.facebook.com/AcademiaStartline or here : https://sites.google.com/site/academiastartline/

The theme of this workshop was the making of the smokey eye make-up, which is easier said than done. A well-made smokey eye that can look good and not age a person is very hard to do. We arrived early in the morning eager to find out more. Dana started the demonstration of a classic black smokey eye on a model, giving us detailed explanations and tips on the way.

Out with the old : Yves Rocher Volume Vertige Mascara

As I am about to finish this mascara ( it has first gooped, then it has dried up and has become very difficult to apply, so I decided to let it go), I decided to share with you my thoughts about it. I love Yves Rocher products so I was very excited to try this mascara Yves Rocher Volume Vertige Mascara (if you want to find out more about the brand you can read here : http://beautyinfiveminutes.blogspot.ro/2014/12/yves-rocher-jardins-du-monde-orange.html)

The mascara comes in a silver plastic recipient of 9 ml/0.3 oz. of product and it is supposed to give maximum volume and spectacular curve. 

2 months anniversary!

        Thank you again for taking the time from your busy day to read my little blog. I really appreciate it! This is my little retreat from the daily problems of life, where I can be me, happy and carefree. Thank you for sharing it with me! I would love to hear more from you, so don't be shy! Happy 2 months anniversary!

Yves Rocher Jardins du Monde Orange from Florida - review

As I told you before I simply love to test new things ... I have an extensive shower gel collection and I switch them every day according to my mood. And my mood took me these days of grey sky and bitter cold towards the warm, sunny summer days, when the sky is blue and you feel happy, optimistic and carefree. And yes I took out from my stash my beloved Yves Rocher Jardins du Monde Orange from Florida shower gel. 

I have to say that Yves Rocher shower gels are an important part of my collection: they are fabulously smelling, they wash and hydrate decently and they can be found at a good price (if you shop online, there are always great promotions in all their products). Love them! But let's find out something about the brand:
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It was 50 years ago, in the attic of his family’s home, in the heart of Bretagne, France, that Yves Rocher created Botanical Beauty, based on the treasures of the botanical world and its infinite potential. From the very beginning, he insisted on controlling every step of the production cycle in order to guarantee quality and safety of all products for a respectful and accessible brand.

Harvester: For the past 50 years, we have harvested our own organically grown plants.
Manufacturer: We extract the best ingredients from the plant world and offer you products that are manufactured in our very own factories in Bretagne.
Distributor : We have always distributed our own products (by mail orders, stores and Beauty Institutes, and online) without any intermediaries, to ensure that you get the best of beauty care at the best possible price.

50 years ago, the Yves Rocher brand was born of the vision of a man who believed in botanical-based cosmetics and the democratization of beauty for all women. These two views are the pillars of Botanical Beauty.

Yves Rocher Researchers have a thorough knowledge of botanicals, essential to understanding them, but also protecting them. That is why in 1977 a Botanical Garden was created in La Gacilly. And beyond La Gacilly, Yves Rocher botanists and ethnobotanists travel the five continents to explore the botanical world and discover the most efficient plants for you.

Botanicals are alive. They are packed with vital energy and thanks to their incredible properties, Yves Rocher is constantly creating ever more effective active ingredients that work intensely on the skin.  source: yvesrocherusa.com
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But let's go back to the sweet smelling summer days of warm sunshine and cloudless blue sky. The Orange from Florida is one of my favourite shower gels. It comes in a 200 ml plastic recipient that closes with a sturdy cap. It has a valability of 12 months (it never reaches this deadline, the shower gel is gone in a month or two).

THE ROMANIAN TAG

Today is the 1st of December, the national day of Romania. Great Union Day (Romanian: Ziua Marii Uniri, also called Unification Day) occurring on December 1, is the national holiday of Romania. It commemorates the assembly of the delegates of ethnic Romanians held in Alba Iulia, which declared the Union of Transylvania with Romania.
       
This holiday was set after the 1989 Romanian Revolution and it marks the unification of Transylvania, but also of the provinces of Bassarabia and Bukovina with the Romanian Kingdom, in 1918.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Several other places around the world observe similar celebrations. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and on the second Monday of October in Canada.

Holiday Traditions Tag

Since the holiday season is fast approaching and here in Romania we love festivity and we keep the customs and traditions alive for the holidays, I thought I would do a holiday-themed tag :      

The Holiday Traditions Tag 

1. Favorite holiday destination? 
Actually, here in Romania the majority of the people prefer to spend Christmas in the family at home and the New Years Eve with friends in restaurants, clubs or other destinations. So yeah, I love to spend Christmas with my lovely family and enjoy every second of it! I adore Christmas! 

2. Any family traditions?
We put up and decorate the tree together and sometimes we sing traditional carols too. Some of the most loved ones are: Domn, domn sa-naltam, Trei pastori, O ce veste minunata, Sus la poarta raiului, Trei crai de la Rasarit and many others. Some of the best known carol singers are Stefan Hrusca, Tudor Gheorghe, Fuego, the Madrigal choir and many others. You can look them up on Youtube if you want to.

3. Favorite ornament of decoration?
My shining golden angel that we put on top of the Christmas tree. I started a tradition myself to buy every year one very special ornament. This year I am still searching for it ..

New in my Christmas wishlist : Untold perfume by Elizabeth Arden

I love Elizabeth Arden, I adore the Eight Hour range (I have both the Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm at my night table to put on when I go to bed - it keeps my lips moisturized  and kissable; and Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF 15 to use during the day, just wonderful!!).

I have many products from them on my wishlist from the make-up range, to the skincare and of course the perfumes . But I let my mind wonder into the wonderful, magical world of Elizabeth Arden and I moved away from the subject ...
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Everything started with a vision and a woman : Elizabeth Arden
A legendary innovator and a tireless entrepreneur, Miss Elizabeth Arden established the American beauty industry a century ago. Born Florence Nightingale Graham, she traveled from rural Canada to New York City, where she opened the first Red Door salon on Fifth Avenue in 1910.

Elizabeth Arden's fundamental belief was that beauty should not be a veneer of makeup, but an intelligent cooperation between science and nature in order to develop a woman's finest natural assets. She lived by her mantra, "To be beautiful is the birthright of every woman."

Miss Arden created skin care products that benefited, not masked, the skin. She not only promoted her concept of Total Beauty, including diligent skincare, nutrition and fitness, but lived it prudently as she persistently sought to bring a scientific approach to skincare formulations.

Miss Arden was uncompromising in her vision to create the new and absolute best products, packaging and services that women not only needed, but desired; whether it was the cult-classic Eight Hour Cream, her legendary Blue Grass fragrance, or a bold red lipstick to coordinate with the uniforms of the women serving in the armed forces during World War II.

Elizabeth Arden's list of beauty innovations is long. She was the first to introduce eye makeup to the women of America and pioneered the creation of the "makeover." With the launch of Ardena Skin Tonic, the company became the first to incorporate its founder's name into a product name. Miss Arden developed the first travel-size beauty products, and was the first in the cosmetics business to train and send out a team of traveling demonstrators and saleswomen.

By the 1930s, Miss Arden had opened Red Door salons in the majority of the fashion capitals around the globe, and proudly acknowledged her accomplishments by proclaiming that there were only three American names known in every corner of the globe: Singer Sewing Machines, Coca-Cola and Elizabeth Arden.

Through it all, Miss Arden created both an empire and a new industry. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation, quality and excellence remain the soul of the company today.   source : elizabetharden.com
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Today I will present you the latest perfume launched by Elizabeth Arden : UNTOLD. It comes in three versions : Untold, Untold Absolu and Eau Legere (not available in Romania). The woman this fragrance represents is sweet, feminine but also sophisticated & tantalizing, a modern woman sure of herself and of her power of seduction.

Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover - review

This evening I will tell you about the eye make-up remover I currently use. I had tried drugstore products before like Balea (DM brand) and the Romanian brand Farmec, both doing a very good job removing the eye make-up for the money (can't say they work for the water-proof mascaras since I use only regular ones). Since I am a curious person by nature I wanted to try other brands so I bought the Nivea eye make-up remover. But let's start with the beginning:
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NIVEA is one of the world’s most trusted skincare brands, but it took three minds with one shared vision to make it happen. It all began in 1911, when the pharmacist and visionary entrepreneur Dr. Oscar Troplowitz recognised the potential in Eucerit, an emulsifier developed by the chemist Dr. Isaac Lifschütz. Eucerit made it possible to bind water and oil into a stable cream, and was first intended for use in the medical field.

Dermatologist Prof. Paul Gerson Unna appreciated Dr. Lifschütz’s expertise in his field and introduced him to Dr. Troplowitz, who immediately recognized that the water-in-oil emulsion would make the perfect basis for a cosmetic skin cream. All it needed now was a name. To find it, Dr. Troplowitz didn’t need to look any further than the cream itself. Inspired by its snow-white colour, he called it NIVEA – a name derived from the Latin words nix (snow) and nivis (of snow).

Finally, the years of research and creativity had paid off. In December of 1911, NIVEA was launched. The legacy of our first skincare cream was born. From the very start, it was Dr. Troplowitz’s goal to develop high quality products that were affordable to all. With NIVEA’s vast product range, which provides expert care no matter what your skin needs, Dr. Troplowitz’s vision has lived on. And it will continue to for the next 100 years.

One blue tin, 100 years of memories

When we launched NIVEA Creme in 1911, it was originally packaged in a yellow tin decorated with green art nouveau tendrils. It wasn’t until we decided to introduce a more contemporary design in 1925 that the blue tin was born. Since then, NIVEA Creme’s blue tin, unique scent and velvety texture have remained largely unchanged.

Perhaps this is why NIVEA Creme resonates so strongly with so many people. It doesn’t just provide reliable, nourishing care – it evokes the sights, smells and textures we associate with childhood, too. Whatever the reason, the blue tin has now become one of the most successful skincare products of all time.      source : nivea.co.uk
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The make-up remover comes in a plastic transparent recipient with a sturdy cap (very useful since it effectively prevents leakage) and it has 125 ml of product. The composition is part water and part oil which, they say, quickly dissolves even extreme waterproof mascara without any rubbing needed.  They advise you to shake well before usage. Apply to a cotton pad and gently cleanse the eye area from the inner to the outer side of the eyes. No rubbing needed. Also suitable for contact lenses wearers.

Out with the old : Deborah Milano powder

I had this powder for quite a while and since hitting the bottom of the pan and getting more and more difficult to swipe the sides for product I decided to let it go and buy another new powder. But before retiring the powder I will talk to you about it after using it for a long time.
     
The powder is from Deborah Milano in number 42. But first a little history lesson:
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The company started up with a simple yet ambitious goal, neatly summed up by the Latin saying: Vive Valeque, or, live and be well. This is the story of how a company has thrived for four generations and one hundred years to achieve its current goal: the perfect cosmetic.

1903 - Brothers Giovanni Battista and Cornelio Bonetti established a company, Bonetti Frères, in Paris. Their core business aim was to manufacture pharmaceutical and health care products. The fourth generation of the Bonetti family now runs the business.
1920 - In 1905 Bonetti Frères scored a hit with Diadermine, the multi-purpose cream that became an instant international hit. Diadermine advertising campaigns featured larger-than-life celebrities like Bette Davis, Olivia De Havilland and Anna Magnani.
1930 - The Diadermine brand added a few exciting new products: blusher, skin cream, toothpaste, hand cream and sunscreens.
1962 - Birth of the Deborah brand: A make-up range embodying the deep social changes taking place at the time. The brand rapidly acquired a huge fan base. The first automatic mascara marked a definitive achievement: beauty stopped being an impossible dream. Make-up was now affordable and within every woman’s reach. Deborah became known as a “young brand with a young price” attracting a target group that no other brand had yet addressed.
1982 - Birth of the Debby brand- the first play & dream make-up line specifically targeted at teenagers.
1998 - The Deborah Group created the HC high-tech cosmetics brand. Cosmetic excellence in terms of innovation and performance, distributed through the pharmacy channel.
2006 - Deborah launched a new nail care line, Deborah Nailspace. At last, a professional manicure without having to leave your home.
2007 - The Debby brand underwent a total revamp and opted for a new target: The fashionista market. The decision turned out to be a real winner.
2008 - Alfabeti (Alphabets): Small visual counterpoints blending graphic art with architecture. Deborah took the distinctive atmosphere of Milan to a whole new level: The very heart of the fashion & design arena. Since 2008 Deborah has livened up the funky Fuori Salone events that run alongside Milan’s main international furniture and design fair.
2010 - From Deborah Group Laboratories came Dermolab, the new face treatment line embodying excellence in terms of innovation and technology.             source: deborahgroup.com
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It is described as feather-light silky smooth powder to even out tone and leave a no-shine finish. Dermatologist tested. The powder has a lighter colour, suitable for light complexions. It comes in a 14 grams plastic recipient and has a valability of 24 months.

WJCON : New store opening in Bucharest Romania - swatches

Wjcon, a made in Italy cosmetics brand excelling in high quality and convenience, has opened this week a new store in Bucharest, Romania, on Selari street no.7.

I had known the brand from my earlier trip to Italy in September so I was glad to hear they would open a shop in Romania. Glad and sad at the same time, sad for my wallet which would be very empty after each visit to the shop.

They have an extremely wide range of products from make-up, nail polish and care, face and body care, accessories, perfumes, to put it short: everything a modern fashionable woman would need to look and feel her best! The shop boasts with the latest arrivals to the make-up line The Makeup Artist collection :

Oldie but goodie: L'Occitane en Provence 20% shea butter hand cream for dry skin

One of my favourite hand creams for the colder seasons is L'Occitane en Provence 20% shea butter hand cream for dry skin. In the colder seasons I like thicker body and hand creams with a plus of moisturization and protection against the cold temperatures and wind. But first something about the brand:
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With nothing but an alambic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, Olivier Baussan, at the age of 23, distills Rosemary essential oil which he sells on the local markets of Provence. The L’OCCITANE journey begins.

1976 - Using an old soap factory, Olivier revives the traditional art of Marseille soap-making.

1977 - L’OCCITANE reserves its first harvest of lavender, the fragrant and iconic symbol of Provence.
1980 - While exploring the world for new ingredients and traditional techniques, Olivier learns about the women who produce shea butter in Burkina Faso, Africa. After discovering its incredibly nourishing qualities, he places a large order before returning to Provence, and the adventure in Burkina Faso begins.
1981 - The first L’OCCITANE factory and store open in Volx, Provence.
1990 - L’OCCITANE becomes a fragrance merchant, buying a barge to distribute its products, speading the aromas of the gardens of Provence.

1992 - The first L’OCCITANE boutique opens in Paris on Rue Vavin.
1997 - As a sensorial brand, L'OCCITANE is one of the first companies to feature Braille labeling on its products.

1999 - The verbena harvest collection launches.
2001 - The first L’OCCITANE Spa opens in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
2002 - International launch of the Immortelle Skincare Collection.
2009 - In order to benefit both our customers and the environment, L’OCCITANE begins to offer eco-refill packaging.
2011 - Immortelle Divine Cream receives the “Best Miracle Cream” award following user trials organized by the Anti-Aging Beauty Bible.

2012 - L’OCCITANE now has over 2,000 stores all over the world.         source: loccitane.com
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I now have the mini 20% shea butter hand cream from my earlier journeys, but as soon as I finish it, I will buy the normal sized one. My mini comes in a 10 ml/ 0.3 oz recipient.

Enriched with 20% shea butter, this super-creamy hand cream penetrates quickly to protect, nourish and comfort hands. An international customer favorite, one Shea Butter Hand Cream is sold every three seconds - 2012-2013. The formula includes honey and almond extracts, and coconut oil blended with shea butter for extremely effective hand care. The cream's rich texture is rapidly absorbed to leave the hands soft and smooth with no oily traces. 

Ingredients : 
Shea butter: nourishes, softens and protects (rich in vitamins and fatty acids)
Coconut oil: nourishes, rich in fatty acids
Extract of honey: softens
Extract of marshmallow root: softens
Flaxseed extract: nourishing and softening  
 
It has a valability of 12 months. There are also 30 ml (33 ron) and 150 ml ones (95 ron).

Kiko 30 Days Extension - Daily Treatment Mascara - review

While staying in Italy and having heard about the Kiko brand, I wanted to try some of their products. I promised myself to be good and not to spend too much on make-up since I had already done some damage in the shops...so I decided to buy a mascara since my current one was showing signs of old age...time for retirement I thought, so I bought a new one.

There were several mascaras to choose from, discounted too, so I opened the testers and let the wands do the talking...I don't like to use a very large wand since I have quite a small face and I could easily smudge the mascara. I prefer small, thin wands that can elongate and separate the lashes. With this one I saw, I liked, I bought !

So I present you the Kiko 30 Days Extension - Daily Treatment Mascara ! But first something about the brand :
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KIKO MILANO was established and founded in 1997 by the Percassi Group. It is an Italian professional cosmetics brand that features a range of cutting-edge makeup, face and body treatments. Safe and effective products of the highest quality, created to satisfy the beauty requirements of women of any age.

"Be What You Want to Be." This is how KIKO sums up its vision of Beauty. Through its extraordinarily wide and diversified range of products, KIKO allows everyone to express their own personality with custom-made products. A variety of colours, effects and sensations that are unique in the market to suit your style, skin tone, skin type and specific requirements, at every phase of your life.

KIKO's identity is rooted in "Made in Italy" values and the world of the capital for fashion, art and design. The research into original textures and colours is combined with research into quality formulas with guaranteed performance, for a perfect fusion of quality and creativity.                  source: kikocosmetics.co.uk
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Now back to our mascara. It comes in a golden tube with black writing on top. It contains 8 ml/0.27 oz of product.

It is described as a black lash lengthening mascara which combines its immediate aesthetic performance with a special lash growth enhancer treatment. A new miraculous cosmetic with proven efficacy that acts on the natural development cycle of the lashes bringing them to new length targets.

K² pro-growth complex acts like an out-and-out concentrated nutritional supplement containing substances that are quickly assimilated by the structure of your lashes. Thanks to a sophisticated "mobile" micro-encapsulation system, the valuable active ingredients penetrate into the lashes and move along them toward their roots, where they can undertake their action. 

The special highly flexible elastomer mascara brush coats the lashes with intense black giving them instant length and definition.

It's just me : Monica

I write my stories in my little corner of the world : what I feel, how I feel, what I love or hate and what interests me. This is me! I don't make up complicated stories, long descriptions, fancy words ... It's only me, myself and I. I don't hide ! I tell you only my truth, my experiences good or bad and I FEEL GOOD!

me testing an eyeshadow

This is how it should be: the beauty blogger is a storyteller: he tells the story of a brand, of a product and of himself, he talks about his relationship with that product/service. He is an honest storyteller, he only speaks from his experience and from his heart. He doesn't make up false stories. He doesn't pretend, he only tells the truth as he sees it. We all need stories in our lives.

We need different opinions and attitudes.We are different and that's ok! We need to express ourselves freely and without restraint! We shouldn't apologize for being ourselves and different from the rest! We are unique! Don't be a copy, be an original! Tell your own story and live your own life! Don't let others live it for you! Go ahead and be your own storyteller! 

An evening to remember : Beauty bloggers meeting by Beautybarometer

I had been waiting anxiously for this meeting #beautybloggersmeetingbybeautybarometer since I was invited by Ana Maria Tatucu (http://www.beautybarometer.com/). I was very excited since I would participate at the meeting as a beauty blogger, not a passionate reader of beauty blogs as I had been before.

With Ana I have a special relationship : I was one of her first readers when she opened her blog, I still love the way she writes and read her all the time and she was the one that inspired and helped me to open my blog by attending one of her workshops for beauty bloggers (http://www.beautybarometer.com/2014/05/sunt-beauty-blogger-cine-mai-stie-asta.html) where I found out a lot of practical and interesting information (which is very hard to find since not all beauty bloggers talk about their secrets of sucess).

THANK YOU ANA FOR INSPIRING ME TO FOLLOW MY PASSION FOR ALL THINGS BEAUTY!!

It was a lovely evening where I met and spoke with some of my favourite beauty bloggers and I also met new ones: Alina from Alina-Anghel.com, Ioana from The Beauty Tag, Anne from Lola's Box, Dana from DanaMakeup.ro, Maria from Blogul Pandorei, Florina from FlorinaFecioru, Oana from OanaStan.ro, Ana from TheMakeupAdvocate, Stefania from Stephanine.co, Mirabela from CherieBelleMarie, Cosmina from Cossa's Blog, Irina from Kind of Ira and Tavia from Chicprofile.com (who also writes in English).

Marionnaud make-up removal cotton pads - review

One of the products that never leave my little beauty corner in the bathroom are the make-up removal pads. Since I love to put on make-up I have to take it off at the end of the day and continue with my night routine. So I am always trying new brands of make-up removal pads searching for the perfect ones : soft to the skin, thick and well-made, 100 % cotton, pads that don't shred or become flaky and of course at a decent price since I go through them at a high speed all the time! Piece of cake, right? Wrong ... Actually it's quite difficult to find ones that check all the boxes ...

As I was browsing through the Marionnaud store near my house I remembered that I had almost consumed my make-up removal pads. What to do? Marionnaud make-up removal cotton pads to the rescue! Found them, bought them and took them home with me! Were they the perfect ones? Hmmm ... But let's start with a history lesson:
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Marionnaud, Europe's largest perfumeries & cosmetics retailer has built a reputation on accessibility. Its history dates back to 1950s in France, where Bernard Marionnaud opened his first store allowing women to find beauty care products, make-up and top brand perfumes, all in one convenient location.
 
1984: Marcel Frydman buys for his wife a perfume shop in Montreuil – a Paris suburb
1985: Frydman buys the second shop in Paris
1992: The Company opens the 16th shop
1995: The company  takes over the Bernard Marionnaud perfumeries adopts the name of the Marionnaud brand
1998: Marionnaud is listed at the Paris stock market
2005: Marionnaud is taken over by A.S. Waston and joins one of the most extended networks of beauty shops in the world

Today, Marionnaud has over 1,200 stores in 11 countries across Europe, including France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. In France alone, they have established as the leading perfumery chain. Among the drivers that have shaped their market-leading presence are the competitive pricing, personalised service and professional advice.     source: marionnaud.ro / www.linkedin.com/company/marionnaud
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The 100% cotton pads I have bought come in a plastic bag containing 70 pieces. They are extra soft ones that do not fluff up.

The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel - review

Since the colder seasons have begun, I have taken out of my cupboards the shower gels I like to use in this period. I prefer sweeter, spicier scents in normal or thicker textures. One of the shower gels I was looking forward to start using was The Body Shop Moringa Shower Gel. 
But let's start with the beginning:
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The business of business should not just be about money, it should be about responsibility. It should be about public good, not private greed." - Dame Anita Roddick. Human Rights Activist. Founder of The Body Shop 
The Body Shop International plc. is the original, natural and ethical beauty brand, with over 2,500 stores in over 60 markets worldwide. It is part of the L'Oréal family. 

Against Animal Testing
Every one of the products is animal cruelty free and vegetarian. The Body Shop  was the first international cosmetics brand to be recognized under the Humane Cosmetics Standard for the Against Animal Testing policy. 

For Trading Fairly
The company launched Community Fair Trade in 1987. It is their commitment to trading fairly with suppliers. They seek out small-scale farmers, traditional artisans and rural co-ops that are experts in their field. In exchange, they offer good trading practices and independence-building prices. Today the program gives them some of our finest ingredients and accessories in the world, and brings real benefits to over 300,000 people.

Their Five Core Values
The Body Shop is a leader in promoting greater corporate transparency, and they have been a force for positive social and environmental change through campaigns around their five core Values: Support Community Trade, Defend Human Rights, Against Animal Testing, Activate Self-Esteem, and Protect Our Planet.

The Charitable Foundation
They also have their own charity, The Body Shop Foundation. Launched in 1990 (registered charity no. 802757) it gives financial support to pioneering, frontline organisations that otherwise have little hope of conventional funding. The Foundation's focus is to assist those working to achieve progress in the areas of human and civil rights, environmental and animal protection.     source : thebodyshop-usa.com
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     I had bought the Moringa Shower Gel when it was on sale and I kept it in storage until the colder seasons, since I had other gels open and I wanted to finish them before starting new ones.

Venus Tonico Delicato Rinfrescante - review

While I was staying in Italy I ran out of my toning lotion so I ran to the nearest supermarket to get a new one. Searching though the available ones I saw a brand I didn't know, an Italian one so I decided to try something new and I bought it.

                                               Here it is : Venus Tonico Delicato Rinfrescante 
Unfortunately I cannot tell you something more about the brand apart from being drugstore and Italian since I couldn't find a single thing about Venus on the internet, apart from pictures of the products.

The 'Me Time' Tag

Life is so very busy for all of us these days. We occupy our time dealing with the job, the house chores, the family and friends and other unexpected problems which causes us stress and at the end of the day we discover we have no time for us. And the years pass and we go on daily doing what's best for others and forgetting our own needs and joys.

Girls stop! We have to consider our own little pleasures in life, we have to love us, to take care of ourselves too, of our bodies and of our souls! We have to enjoy life and find time for us, our 'me time'.

Nuxe Reve du Miel lip moisturising stick - review

I declared my fascination and love for the Nuxe brand so I will talk to you today about one of products I adore. It is Nuxe Reve du Miel lip moisturising stick. It is the brother (in stick form) of the famous cult product Reve du Miel lip balm (the jar version). I decided to buy it since I am on the move a lot and the stick form is more travel friendly and easy to carry in the bag, no matter how small it is.

The stick comes in a plastic package with the Nuxe logo and product details on the front. It has 4 gr./0.14 oz. of product and it expires in 12 months.

Focus on ... NUXE

Nuxe - Nature, Performance and Sensuality

I have heard about Nuxe watching a number of famous youtubers or beauty bloggers I love to follow. Nuxe is considered the embodiment of French luxury and elegance. The products combine natural elements (Discoveries of valuable active plant ingredients; Unprecedented selection and utilisation of the active plant ingredients:"Flowering sections" from Passionflower, "Seed" from the Blue Lotus, "Polyphenols" from Blue Everlasting) with the latest innovations in tehnology (45 patents filed to protect NUXE's research; objectivized results of finished products, biometeorological assessment methods in vivo and in vitro) in order to make all women feel pampered, feminine and well taken care of.

Many of their products have become cult products, world loved and famous all over the world.

I have on my wishlist many products from them, starting from their Huile Prodigieuse to their Reve du Miel lip balm and many others.

One month anniversary!

                                   Tonight my baby blog turns one month! Thank you for reading it!

Neutro Roberts Extra Fresco deodorant - review

While I was staying in Italy I woke up one day and discovered that my old deodorant was finished. Panic! It was the end of August, the beginning of September but the weather was still pretty hot and I desperately needed a new deodorant. So I headed towards the nearest supermarket and bought the Neutro Roberts Extra Fresco deodorant.
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Neutro Roberts is a leading personal and skin care brand in Italy. The first to introduce  Neutral pH over 30 years ago, it has become synonymous with gentle and natural skin care. Neutro Roberts' high quality range of products caters to the whole family with an extensive choice of deodorants, soaps, bath foams, shower gels and hair care products.

Between 1960-1970 the Neutro brand created the range of neutral pH skin products for the entire family starting with the shampoo, deodorant and then shower gel. Between 1980-1990 the brand further develops, renaming itself Neutro Roberts, its values being all about gentle and natural skin care.

In 2011 Neutro Roberts launches Dermazero its first range of products that are hypoallergenic, high tolerance for sensitive skin. In 2012 the brand launches Neutro Roberts Men the first range of products designed exclusively for men. In 2013 and 2014 Neutro Roberts launches the Bio Life range (with Bio ingredients) and Bio Fresh (a new deodorant range that combines Bio ingredients with a 24 hours fresh protection).
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The deodorant promises an extra freshness to the skin, a long wearing protection against sweating, a transparent formula with 0% stains on clothes, it is suitable for sensitive skin, its formula is enriched with vitamin E and it is dermatologically tested. Sounds pretty good, right? I thought the same and bought it straight away.

Pandora ...the stuff dreams are made of ...

''I close my eyes, then I drift away, into the magic night I softly say. A silent prayer, like dreamers do, then I fall asleep to dream my dreams of you.'' Roy Orbison

                                                               My Pandora dream 

Since I found out about Pandora jewelery, I dreamed, I hoped, I imagined, I created it in my mind, I yearned for my Pandora bracelet. Finally I managed to have it but now I am in a great dillema about which charms to buy to complete my story. Virtually my bracelet was created after long consideration and reconsideration, adding and scrapping items, going back and adding them again...such misery! They are so lovely I just want them all!

And now that I finally found a little peace of mind and finished creating my own bracelet ....the Christmas collection has just appeared and has thrown all my careful plans to the drain! They found inspiration for this collection in the dark blue sky with its shiny stars guiding our destinies from up above!