Project: Pan those Nail Polishes

*I am missing some of the bought nail polishes in this picture

It’s been about 4 months since I have started my nail polish challenge for 2015, perfect time for me to do an update on how it´s going.When I counted my nail polishes at the beginning of the year (here) I decided that 215 was too much nail polish to have so I set myself a pretty “simple” goal this year: to buy less and use up more. But that my fellow nail polish junkies is of course easier said than done, as I have now realized.

At the beginning of the year I got weak at the Essence and Catrice sale and while being on the “but it´s just one nail polish” train I ended up buying 26! 26! Not a great start, which is why I am now restraining myself from buying anymore nail polish. At least for the next update. I really want to accomplish my goal (having the same amount of nail polish or less than at the beginning of the year), so I need to be more consequent, even though I find it quite though at the moment.

On the bright side I was able to use up 5 nail polishes thus far which although it is not that much it is still progress. I loved Essie “Spaghetti Strap” because of beautiful color (pinky nude) and the easy application. Essie “Beyond Cozy” (mini size) and Catrice “Lavenderlicious” were limited edition colors that although they were very beautiful I wouldn’t repurchase as I have similar shades in my collection. Essence “Hazelnut cream pie” I am not sad to see go because I have another bottle which I bought by mistake two years ago. Essie (I can’t find a name on the bottle) was a bit of a problematic as the color would always chip after two days, so I am glad to see this one go. Last but not least I am tossing Essence “Hey, nude!” because it’s just a pain to apply due to the ridiculous long drying time. After 3 hours the polish is still not dry no matter what I do…

I know I didn´t exactly had a great start (I blame the sale and my weakness for beautiful polishes) but now more determined than ever to use up more polishes and stop buying them.  

CURRENT STATUS

OLD TOTAL: 215   

NEW TOTAL: 235

Added: 26 (worth: 50,86 Euros (61 Dollars, 42 Pounds))

Gone: 6 (worth: 22,84 Euros (26 Dollars, 19 Pounds))

Do you think it is possible to finish up 20 nail polishes by the end of the year?

 xoxo, 

Christina 

Monthly Empties: April 2015

I can´t believe another month has passed already. But as April comes to an end its time for an empties post.

Listerine “Zero alcohol” mouthwash // will repurchase
My favorite mouthwash. I like stronger mouthwashes and Listerine is definitely right up my alley regarding that. I remember reading somewhere that it is better to have mouthwashes that don´t have alcohol in them (have you heard that too?) so this zero alcohol version is perfect!


Baptiste “original” dry shampoo // already repurchased

In the past I never really used dry shampoos but ever since I purchased my first Baptiste bottle there is no way I would go back to my “no dry shampoo days”. It´s perfect if you want to extend the length of your washes and for those days you need to leave the house and don´t have time to wash your hair.

Essence nail polish corrector pen // already repurchased

I always try to keep one of these at hand because I find them super practical. I have already repurchased it and will continue to do so in the future.

Dove 2min intensive repair express treatment // already repurchased

Absolutely love this 2 min treatment. It reminds me a lot of my 2 min Pantene conditioner that I believe got discontinued because I can’t find it anymore. I am happy that I found an alternative that smells good, and leaves my hair feeling super moisturized and soft.

  

Dove Beauty cream wash // will repurchase

I have said it before and I will say it again. Dove is one of my favorite body washes out there. The classic version smells fresh and creamy. Perfect!

Gillette Satin Care Shaving Cream // will repurchase

I really liked this shaving cream. I didn’t dry out my skin, smelled good and lasted me forever. I will repurchase this, maybe in a different scent though.

Dusch Das “Traumland” deodorant // might repurchase

I liked the compressed size to keep in your handbag or at work. My only problem was the white residue it left behind. If you apply it sparingly you can avoid some of it. I am torn whether to repurchase it or not because of the nice flowery scent.

Fuß Wärme Balsam // won´t repurchase
This was supposed to be a self-heating foot lotion. Honestly, save yourself the money. I was very disappointed as I didn’t notice a tiny bit of warmth at all. I worked fine as a normal foot lotion but I expected more, mainly thta it did what it claimed.

What products have you used up his month?

xoxo, 

Christina 

Fabolous Teal/Mint Nail Polish for Spring and Summer

Time to bust out your minty nail polish shades. Over the cold months of the year I tend to skip these polishes but now that spring has arrived and summer is around the corner I cannot wait to start using these minty teal colors.

1. Essie “Fashion playground”

2. Catrice "Sandhopper"

3. Kiko “345”

4. Essie “Where is my chauffeur?”

5. Essie “Naughty Nautical”

What are your favorite polishes for spring and summer?

xoxo, 

Christina 

My TOP 5 MAC products: must haves!

When I first started getting into make-up, I pretty much only had MAC products, so it is safe to say that I have tried a bunch of them. Today I wanted to share with you my TOP 5 products that I would recommend to anyone but especially to those who are starting to build up their collection as I know how overwhelming it can be to walk in for the first time into a MAC store. 

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural 

So far the best powder I have tried. Ever. I feel that the value for money is good as the powder lasts me for year. The coverage is rather sheer but you could build it up. What I like most about is the natural finish it gives. It doesn’t look caky at all but rather flawless. In summer I even skip the foundation and just use this (and some concealer). 

Pro longwear concealer 

Talking about concealer. This is also an all-time favorite of mine. I am really picky with my concealer. I like to go for ones that have a high coverage, last all day, don’t set in my fine lines and preferably be moisturizing and all that is not that easy to find. Trust me I have looked. Which is why I was super happy when I tried out the MAC Pro long wear one as it fulfill all of the above. The only downside is the packaging (seriously, a glass bottle?). I hate the pump as you are not able to pump the exact amount you need out of it but pretty much always end up with more than you need. Nonetheless the product makes up for it and you could always pump some in an empty container and use the excess the next time. 

Pro longwear Paint Pot 

Totally worth every penny. I have the shade painterly and it has latest me for about 4 years without drying up. Not bad for a cream product. It cancels out my blue veins on the eyelids and thereof provides a “clean” canvas for my eyeshadows. Plus it makes the eyeshadow color appear more vibrant. Because of my oily eyelids I have to wear a primer underneath otherwise after 4-6 hours it starts creasing on me but I know many other how don’t have this problem. If you are looking for a good eyeshadow base this one is perfect. In particular I would check out these shades: Painterly, Soft Ochre, Rubenesque 

Lipsticks 

I absolutely love MAC lipsticks. The texture, color payoff, lasting power are great! The take up the biggest chunk in my lipstick drawer and I do not regret it. I especially enjoy the luster finish as they have a creamy consistency. 

In particular I would check out these shades: Blankety, crème de nude and crème cup. 

Eyeshadow 

I know there are many good eyeshadows brand out and I believe MAC is one of them. They have a wide range of different shades and finishes that (at least most of them) have a really nice quality. In particular I would check out these shades: patina, all that glitters, club, contrast and haux. Products that almost made it into my Top 5 are: blushes, brush cleanser and pigments.

What are your Top 5 MAC products?

xoxo, 

Christina 

Hot bright lips for Spring 2015

Bright lips and spring go together like cookies and milk or at least they do so to me. In order to celebrate the beginning of spring, my favorite time of the year I pulled out 6 of my favorite shades that I am sure will get plenty of use over the following months.

Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids “Vivid Rose” 
If you were not able to get MAC “party parrot” and are intrested in a dupe for it, this one is the way to go. Only downside? I am not a fan of the smell of the Maybelline lipsticks because they remind me of playdoh, so I always have to wear a gloss on top but if you don´t mind that definitely check this one out. 

MAC "Party Parrot" (LE) 
“Party Parrot” was a limited edition shade that came out in 2013. I absolutely fell in love with it since the first time I have worn this lipstick. The color payoff is amazing and due to the matt finish the color lasts forever on your lips. No, seriously I only need to touch up twice a day (maybe even three times) when I wear this. I also believe, that although matt shades tend to have a drying formula, this one doesn´t feel as drying as other ones I have tried. To keep my lips nourished I just apply a bit of lip balm between uses. 

Catrice “Picadilly Circus” 
The first Catrice lipstick I have ever purchased. I discovered my love for bright lips with this lipstick, a lot of memories here. The great thing about this shade is that you can wear it sheer or layer it to get a more intense result. 

Maybelline “175 Pink Punch” 
An impulse buy at the drugstore when it was 25% off. Same as with the Maybelline “Vivid” I don´t like the smell, but the color is amazing. 

Catrice Lipstick “Charleston Fame” (LE) 
This was also a limited edition shade that came out two years ago during Christmas. I am really happy I ended up buying this shade, especially because I as about not to. Apart from the beautiful color I love the smell of this lipstick. It has a flowery, perfumy scent that it very subtly. I honestly could smell this forever. A big plus for me, this one barely runs into my lip lines. 

Catrice Lip Colour Pen "I got a flower" (LE) 
Last but not least, the Catrice lip pencil is a lipstick I kind had lying in my drawer for a while but I really enjoy the lightweight formula, color payoff and the subtle blueish undertones this one has to offer.

What is your favorite bright lipstick? Any recommendations?

xoxo, 

Christina