Expiration dates for makeup

Spring is in the air, or at least I think that is what I smelt on the way to work :-). Cleaning up the makeu-up stock should be a regular thing, but when should you get rid of what?

So, to spell it out:

Liquid foundation: 6-12 months

Compact foundation: 24 months

Concealer: 6 months

Pressed powders: 12-24 months, natural 6 months

Nail polish: 1 year

Lipstick and lipgloss: 12 months

Perfume: 12-24 months

Mascara: 3-6 months

Eye/lip pencils: 1 year

Sponges: max 1 month

Réserve Naturelle palette review

One day I was killing time before my train arrived at the infamous Gare Central, so I popped into Réserve Naturelle (bling is so attractive :-)). As a relative newbie to Brussels, I was not familiar with the shop, nor its concept, hence I succumbed to the temptation of this palette.

It was very cheap, 7,90 EUR. It comprises 18 eyeshadows, 2 blushes and 2 powders. The start was so promising, however:

All eyeshadow colours are shimmery and the payoff is pretty strong. I did not really find any use for the powders, as they are both too dark on my skin (contouring remains a mystery to me). Due to a similar problem I only ended up trying one blush.

You will notice that the palette is dirty. That is because no matter how pretty the colours in the palette are, once you start using it, the fallout is plain crazy. I do not bother anymore with cleaning and using it. Worth mentioning is also a very particular odour, something not necessarily unpleasant, but definitely very noticeable and ever-present. You've guessed this by now - do not waste your time and money on this palette.

And here is my clumsy attempt for swatches:

Maybelline EyeStudio in Coral Drama review

There are so many Maybelline products that I love - Volum' Express mascara, Derniere Touche pressed powder, Terre indienne bronzer, Lasting drama gel eyeliner, Non-stop fond de tein - but just not their eyeshadows...I bought this quad (coral drama, no 20) about a year ago and I have not warmed up to it at all.

The biggest cons are: extreme fallout, quick creasing (even with a primer on) and a very sheer colour payoff (no intensity build-up possible). Most shocking is then its hefty price tag of 15 EUR. Which is a shame, because these shimmery colours are lovely by themselves.

A single swipe swatch is unfortunately misleading...

Simple every day makeup look

 

Utterly beautiful, endlessly inspirational and extremely addictive - that is the blogspot of Nic and Sam Chapman - PIXIWOO! Search no more for a simple, sophisticated every-day look. Or even better. go and check out their blog and look them up on YouTube! I love watching them, as they explain and show what they are doing in such an engaging way, and what's more, you feel like you know them in person, such a joy! Have fun and don't forget to blend! :-)

L'Oreal renewal lash serum review

Who does not want full, thick and long lashes? If Mother Nature has been a step-mother to you in this respect, you might have looked for ways how to achieve that Bambi look. With my lashes being short, straight and blond, I immedially jumped for joy when I bought L'Oreal's renewal lash serum.

It costs 15 EUR. L'Oreal Paris describes the product in the following way:

Give lashes a nourishing boost every day with L’Oréal Paris’s 1^st Renewal Lash Serum.

An intensive formula enriched with Arginine and Centella. Lashes feel fortified and look renewed. 

How to Use

1) Use rounded tip to treat the lash line
2) Sweep the curved brush from lash root to tip

By day, apply under your mascara.
By night, remove mascara and apply to bare lashes. 

 

I have been using it almost every night before I went to sleep, after I took off the makeup, for about a year now. I have not noticed any improvement in my lashes, to be honest. I would not go as far as saying it is a complete waste of money, but I will not be caught dead buying it again :-).

Advantage cards

I think it is always a good idea to be collecting points on bonus cards, however small the advantage (currently 1 point for 1 EUR, and you get 5 EUR off at 500 points). Here are my cards that I use when I shop at Ici Paris (20 % off ) and at Di. PLUS card can also be used at Planet parfum, Delhaize, Q8, Brico...For more information about the cards, visit:

CARTE-PLUS
Carte de fidélité Ici Paris



Dark circles be gone!

Bobbi Brown told me I had undereye circles - in her book Makup Manual, that is. I never noticed them before, but once you see pictures of different women with one dark circle concealed and the other not, you will want the same magic trick.

We all know that undereye area is very sensitive due to the thin skin that allows for any darkness or redness to show through. It is therefore extremely important to conceal the dark circles even if it is the one thing you do about your makeup in the morning.

It is equally necessary to apply your concealer on moisturised skin, to prevent the concealer from sinking into your wrinkles. Your concealer should be at least 1 shade lighter than your foundation.

My favourite concealer is Estee Lauder Stay-in-place concealer, with SPF 10. The coverage is medium to full and it is indeed long-lasting.