joi, 27 noiembrie 2014

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 ..

miercuri, 26 noiembrie 2014

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.

luni, 24 noiembrie 2014

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.

sâmbătă, 22 noiembrie 2014

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.

joi, 20 noiembrie 2014

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).

marți, 18 noiembrie 2014

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.

duminică, 16 noiembrie 2014

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! 

sâmbătă, 15 noiembrie 2014

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).