Beauty: YSL Kiss&Blush and Black Opium

I think I talked about this before. A fragrance can do so much to your personal style and feeling throughout the day itself. I think we all might get the feeling sometimes of wanting to change or spice things up a little. As my personal style is different from what I can wear in my office environment, I especially have the feeling this happens at least twice a year. The feeling to break free and just experiment with myself and style. YSL is a beaitiful example for that. I used to love Calvin Kleins Obsession for later in Fall as well as for nights out and evenings. Now I do still love that one, its just very hard to find and I was looking for something new. And I just remember having YSL Black Opium for a year now. Bying it last christmas for myself and taking the plunge in spending that money on one bottle only. I think I never had a perfume that long, is that saying anything about my social life? I hope not. Never the less, loving this fragrance right now and I thought its time I talk about it :)

B

Beauty: Clinique`s Take the Day Off Balm

Its finally time to talk about a product I have been loving so much recently that its become one of my "must have" products. When I think back on my skincare routine in the early days, I always loved new products or cremes that supported what was already there. I never really had bad skin when I was a teenager, and I am glad I can still say that now. I do suffer from breakouts every now and then, but this usually comes from bad food, sugar or stress. So I know how to take care of them and as I mentioned in my last post, theu usually dissapear within 2 days. Lucky me ey? Probably. Thinking of make up I didnt start to early, back in school I had friends that werent allowed to wear eye shadow when being in school and to be honest, it was a big big deal back then to do so. Dont ask me why, because if I see young girls nowadays, I am shocked of how much they wear on their faces. But nevermind. I used to take my make up off with make up wipes, different brands like BeBe or Nivea come to mind on that one, liked the smell and I always thought they did the job. But in the last two years, ever since I probably thought and tried more different brands as well as techniques, I come to invest more in this time of my life as well. 

 This is where Clinique comes into place. I have been a big "fan" since my early years, because I could afford it and I believed in the products itself. Years later I still have loads of products from them, either make up related, like the pop blush and lip colors or skincare wise, like my rich eye cream as well as this little helper. Clinique -Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is truely amazing. I first was a bit skeptical; a balm? Wont that make a mess? Maybe around your eyes but at least you look like a little panda by the end of the day. -little side joke there- I usually rinse it off with warm water or make up wipes and then continue my routine. The feeling of the balm is very soft and you really only need a little to get your make up of the day off. Which I think is great, because its a good budget buy for everyone who is sick of baby wipes/make up wipes.

Hope you liked this little review. Lots of love,

B

Lifestyle: Instagram

I uploaded my Instagram update a little late this week but the weekend was so short and you know, sometimes life just comes in the way. I try to be as constant with my updates as possible, and I hope you still enjoy them.

Hope you have a great start in the week, B

Beauty: Skincare routine update with Origins

Long time no see would be the right way to start this post. I will update you on a separate post on Monday morning what I have been up to, sadly I wasn’t able to upload as much content here as I wanted to, but I have a lot coming for you all, it just doesn’t always go well with my actual job and my little side passion which is my blog. Never the less, I wanted to update you on my current skincare routine which changed a little over the past few months, one reason which was breakouts made me consider different products as well as more care.

I can`t believe how much difference it all makes to my skin. It has a little shine to it and most of all is spot free again. It feels well hydrated during the day, still a bit oily around my T zone, but that has always been the case recently.

Firstly I start with the newly discovered Clinique Take the day off balm; Oh how I love this. I saw it over at Samantha Marias Blog; and I think in one of her favourite videos. I always loved the brand itself and to be honest I don’t like those baby wipes on my skin, nah thank you. It easily cleans the skin and mostly gets my make up off perfectly; it doesn’t hurt my skin or eyes either as it is very soft. I usually go over with a wet pad to get all the rest of my eyes.

I use the Origins United States Toner for about a year now, but I needed my second refill about half way through, which can get expensive of course. So I am currently looking for a second option which is less pricy. Because I do use it daily in the evening to rub the bad skin and dirt of my skin it would be great to spend less money on this part of my routine. Great product though.  The next step is usually my also newly added Oskia Cleansing Balm; again you will have heard of this over the past few months around bloggers and I firstly agreed that this would be to expensive for me to purchase; I mean do I want to invest so much money in my skincare? I did after all :) after I experience a really bad break out over all my skin and different areas of, I figured its time to change things up.  I find this balm very funny tbh as it has a very funny colour (which is Orange) also the feeling of it on my skin, when It turns from balm to oil was a surprise at first, but I gained to like it, and after only two days I saw a massive difference in my appearance. So highly recommend this one for cleansing the skin, it is very gentle but does the job perfectly, so far I wouldn’t be able to describe it with any other product I have used.

Next up I kept on using the Origins Original Skin Serum, why change something you love. Perfect for the day to add a bit of glow (natural glow) and hydration to your skin. Afterwards I usually ad a moisturiser by Origins as well followed by either Eye Crème Rich from Clinique or Origins GinZing itself. As a little add on, I found a great and not to pricy oil treatment (you can use it as a facial or daily routine) on the Cult Beauty webpage. Aesop is a product I have seen around a few time but never really was sure if to purchase or not. After reading a few reviews and knowing that, Sunday Riley will make me poor I thought I have a try. I sometimes feel it dries my skin out or it feels a bit “sticky” if I applied a Serum before; but if I leave this in for the evening/over night, I am in for a great healthy looking skin the next morning. Just check it out on Cult Beauty of you want to know more about it.

Updated Skincare Routine

Hope you enjoyed this post; went a little over board today :) let me know what you think? :)

B

Lifestyle: Instagram

Having a busy week ahead I tried to keep this weekend again low profile. Hope you have a great start in the week. Over the next weekend I will be in Munich and Stuttgart for my jobl traveling around for some meetings. So hopefully there will be way more to share over Instagram and on here 

Beauty: Valentino Donna

Do you know this feeling when you have to many choices and you dont know what to choose from? Yeah this is me when I walk into Boots or Debenhams when it comes to picking a new perfume for myself or a present :) Now that I slightly change my personality; just kidding. The way I approach new brands and products; I came across Valentino Donna. Its a amazing fragrance; of course. One of the reasons why I picked it up is the actress/model Asdrid Berges Frisbey; which I adore. She has a very natural way about her that I envy very much. Anyway; this lead me to this perfume, not nec. the choise because it reminds me a little of Victor&Rolf Flower Bomb (which I also own) but its much darker and more feminine; less girly I would say. It smells like fresh flowers; in a rainy garden -or something like that anyway :)

Just love love love it :) 

Any current and new favorites from your side?

I think a perfume can change so much of a persons personality and style; its crazy and I love it 

Lots of love 

B

Beauty: Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener

If you belong to one of those people who can sleep however long and still get dark eye circles; this is for you. If not? I envy you; but please read on. I have always been part of the first group to be honest. Friends and colleagues would ask me if I am ok or just tired when they saw me everyday; well I generally sleep bad or not much anyway; habbit of someone who cant shut off after work or on the weekends; but that didnt help the cause of my eye area. Now I alrady talked about the Bobbi Brown Corrector (Tinted Eye Brightener) which I love; its so easy and quick to apply that I use it everyday as part of my routine. Still I always used to wear liquid concealers and always will; ever since I run out of the Clarins one which was one of my favorites in coverage and application this while year; I decided to try the Bobbi Brown one. And I am honestly impressed. I went to the Bobbi Brown counter where a great person helped me find the right fit(aka color) for me to cover my tired eyes. One thing I hardly realised is that it does make a difference if you go for one that covers rather blue(ish) eye circles instead of dark red ones; a huge difference actually. I chosse the "Bisque3 " which suits me just perfect. Using it on my "make up " free days as well it just makes me brighten up a bit and I look so much more less tired.

Lots of love ;

B

Lifestyle: Instagram

Hello peps; back to another week of my weekly Instagram Update. Hope you are all doing well. After a very relaxing weekend I should feel fresh and ready to start in the week; instead .. I am planing holidays :)

Over Sunday evening I found myself with two friends in a Spa in Douglas; which was a very great way to spent the day. My skin in general is not bad;but I still see and feel a little difference after the facial; probably because I halway smiled through it; it was just so weird to let someone else do my skin routine.

Otherwise I finally dudged the bullet and went for the Nutribullet; I am sure you have seen that on my Instagram feed lately; what can I say -I love it :

Bye Bye Spa

Hope you have a great start in the week; mine as usual starts with coffee

B

Lifestyle: The White Company "Fresh Fig"

Do you know this feeling when you are at your home; but you feel something is missing? Like a little detail in a corner or something that attracts the eye when you walk in? I belong to those people who spent an unknown amount on candles and flowers; yes they burn away or die eventually but its all about the details that make a home. At least in my eyes. I struggle from time to time to really feel home; most of the day I am away at work; when I return I seek the comfortable option; my bed. Instead I should opt for my living room; yet I dont really feel at home there. Dont get me wrong. Its only been a year since I moved in there; it requires work; but knowing I wont live there forever does changes things or at least my perspective.

Now I love a good homeware haul and luckly I found this brand called The White Company; they are your friend if it comes to blankets; candles or anything else that could be suitable for your home.

I spent a good amound of time on there before I made the decision to buy the "Fresh Fig" candle as well as the diffuiser. I do have loads of candles at home; but you know when you find a special one that is real nice so you dont want to use it to often? Yes thats the one. I am sure loads of you have heard of the Jo Malone candles; which I havent yet tried. I mean they look lovely but I just havent found the commitment to that scent yet; if you know what I mean.

With "The White Company" you have the perfect mix of both; a standout brand that still is reasonable to purchase in my eyes. -coming from me; a person who spents 40 Euro on candles ...cough

You can find both here on there UK Page; also they currently have up tp 40% off -a dream right?

Lots of love

B

Lifestyle: Instagram

Hello all; I dont know why and how; but I feel things are changing a little; or at least I have the feeling things in my life will change. I am trying to get the grip back into my life; meaning that all over September I hardly ever went running outside; I was a hard core sugar addict thanks to my work schedule and quarter end; now that we have October and a new quarter I feel like a lot is off my shoulders even though it isnt. If you know what I mean. I recently feel much better if I have a weekend where I just relax and clean my apartment; read a book and go to the cinema. Instead of doing anything amazing; and that scares me; I rely way to much on my quiet weekends and I already know; I will regret them because I could do so much more right?

So this is where I went crazy. I try to see some of my friends that life in Paris or London over October and November; so I get to see them as well as a different city again - not that I havent been- and I am still struggeling to find a good date to fly to New York and Chicago; any ideas on that? Always welcome.

Never the less; above you can see a little collection over the past few days as usual. Hope you like them; let me know if I should change anything about updating you guys on that one ;)

All the love

B

Beauty: Kerastase Resistance Shampoo and Treatment Review

I think we all have struggled with our hairstyles or hair products at some point in our lifes right? I recently have tried to find a new product for myself that helps me deal with frizz as well as uncontrolable hair; its thin and I just cant deal with it hair :) Now I came across the new range by Kerastase; a brand I love and trust for about 6 years now. They always deliver a great product that support every hair challenge you are facing. Now the Resistance Range is a special one; you dont go the usual way about it; you start with the conditioner first; which is meant to renew the hair and its appearance; afterwards you use your balm-in shampoo; which is another first; it doesnt foam very quickly in hand yet if you massage it in your hair; you can feel it cleaning your skull the way you usually do. When I first started to use the shampoo; I felt very excited; yeah right about washing my hair; boring right. But I love to try new products so thats that. After the first few days I did notice my hair being very soft and well managed; yet as my hair is thin to begin with and not really damaged as much; I felt my hair being weighted down a little after a day. Which usually happens anyway; so I was ok with that/ A great thing that happened is that I could wake up the next morning; easily not washing my hair again and just walking out (after brushing it) because thats what It did to my hair; I never have a shampoo that lets me not wash it day in day out -which is annoying if I imagine there are people out there who can wash their hair only every second or third day; much healthier I imagine as well. After this upside; I found only little downside; I dont really like the smell that comes with it. Do you know the feeling when you bough a great product but you cant stand the smell? Yes; thats it. I first fought it was something I wore my perfum; deo or something; but nope; its the shampoo. Its a bit of a weird smell for me personally that follows me around all day; so I began to use it a little less these days; but I am sure to use it until I need to repurchase something similar.

Another great product I just love and I am sure you know it as well. I think it has been around for many years now; and similar more drugstore priced products have been released in the meantime; but I always choose to get the more pricy but way better Kerastase Elixir. It is an amazing hair oil; for split end as well as healthy hair; that makes at least my hair more managable as well as treating it. A great way to soften your hair with this as an example is to leave it in over night; and wash it out with your shampoo the next morning; I heard about this a while back and it almost feels like conditioning your hair just better ;) 

I have tried the versions by Garnier or other; but they never did feel the same way after ; so for me it is worth the almost 40 Euro; and it honestly last forever as well; no matter your hair lengh.

All in all; great product for a smiliar price range as I usually buy them (I always go to Peter Mark my local hair stylist to buy them) great pro and one little downside overall.

Have you tried it yet> Anything you recommend to styling thin hair?

Buy them here online

Karastase Elixir 

Lots of love, B

Hope you liked this one ;)

Beauty: Essie Fall Collection 2015

I think I said this only recently; but I love autumn. Its just so cozy to sleep in over the weeken; relax at home with a nice dinner or just read a book. Jaaawn right? Well of course I go outside; go for a walk but then its such a lovely feeling to come back home. This is the winter feeling I have been waiting for; I am already much more excited this year compared to last.

I love the fall fashion this year as well; lots of layering and different colours; some old school returns like camel as well. But what I love most is a reason to buy new and more nail polish. I cant remember the last time I went into boots not buying one. I mean we all know where I am coming from right?

Above I have three new bees in my collection; which soon will need a proper clean out as well; that I just love. I think you can find them all in your regional boots I am sure; they belong to the new collection for this autumn.

You can find them online as well but I think its easier to look in store

Hope you like this little edit; let me know what you are looking forward to in autumn

Lots of love b

Lifestyle: Instagram

Yet another week pased in September and I really get the feeling of Autumn these days; the trees have less leaves; the wind and rain is the usual to be honest and I def. will wear more scarfs for sure. Now Cork isnt much of a summer destination anyway; so I dont think I need to adapt to much; I love Fall though so I am super excited to all the food and clothes; and different makeup. I am much more a winter person than a summer person for sure.

Over the weekend I also managed to finally read "The girl on the train" which took me forever to start; I bought it in January and now its Sep. crazy right? But its soo good; I do understand the comparision to Gone Girl to some respect; but its pretty awesome on its on.

Other then that I just had a much needed relaxing evening. I am looking forward to this (end) of the week; recently I cant really get excited about Mondays; I wonder why :)

Hope you have a lovely week

Lots of love

B

Lifestyle: Slenderteadetox

If you follow me a while back now; you know I am all about the 80/20 rule. Anyway; I would have never guessed of myself in young and unhealthy years; that I would really focus that much on my health and what I eat and drink. Most of my friends; as well as myself would say I follow the 80/20 rule. I eat healthy 80% of the time; so when I do what those chips as a side; or that pizza on a weekend; I dont feel to gulty doing so. Ok; I know that sounds stupid; why would I do that to myself? Some people dont take on any extra weight drinking loads of coffe with milk; or earting bread; I think my body isnt made for that; I really need to keep moving as well as looking after what I eat day in day out.

So long story short; I found Slendertoxtea online; while browsing on EmShelx blog -amazing by the way- and thought I give them a try.

Now here comes the TMI; it is supposted to energize you in the morning; so instead of your coffee; you would drink tea; naturally wakes you up with your own energy instead of forcing you. Followed by the evening tea; which every two days gives your bowel as well as your metabolism a good cleanse and refresh. And rightly so; I think I have never felt as well balanced with tea before. Ok; I do go more to the toilet as before -way more- but as I have a tendency to experience some IBS syntoms; I am very happy about that. 

Ever heard of the saying; happy gut happy mood? Or something like that. I think that sums it up. 
I am very happy I tried the brand; and I still love it; I even ordered a second time. Now I dont know how depended it would make you; but if you experience some problems with hydration; and dont want to nec. drink 3 litres of water then this tea is worth a great deal.

Overall; It comes also with a cheap price in my eyes; for maybe 7- 14 days. The shipping was amazingly quick and I gen. had a good experience; but if you want more reviews; maybe have a look around online.

If you go on their page now; use Sep20 as code. You also get 20% off.

You can buy them here as well.
Hope you liked this little sidestep to the health department 
Lots of love, B

Beauty: Bumble&Bumble

So by now you all know I have an addiction to beauty products; if it comes to hair products; shampoos or body lotions in particilur; I have it all. Which is bad right? I mean it all smells great and does its purpose; but do I need it all? 

But as much as I envy people who dont do that; I love just trying all of that.

So its no wonder I am a fan of Bumble&Bumble as well. Obove I have three products; I either had tried before or wanted to give a try. Let`s start with the BB Sunday Shampoo. I have heard of this ages ago; might be a year by now; and the first instinct was; this is pricy. With around 25-30 Euro; it is a lot of money for a hair shampoo; but then having converted to Kerastase Shampoos about 5 years ago -whaat- I figured about 5 euro more will be ok. Since then; I think I bought the Sunday Shampoo about 3 times? I actually do use in on Sunday; which is funny. What it actually does> It is supporting your scalp while getting rid of all unnatural incredients in your other products; like if you feel your hairproducts weight your hair down for example. Incredients like Ginseng Root Extract or Rosmarinus are cleansing and treating your hair well. And I honestly would have never believed that; if it wouldnt work for me as well. It is a great product and I serisoulsy love the routine.

Another great product is the BB Dont Blow it Haistyler. I only bought it recently; before I went to the Electric Picnic in Dublin; more to that soon guys. All you do is wash your hair like usual and then work it in from the roots to the hair ends- about hazlenut size for midlong hair- and let it dry. It gives you a air-dried look without blow drying it yourself. I usually dont like products that I dont wash out after; my hair doesnt like it tbh; anyway; this really makes it look great; or better ;) But also; if I dry it with my hairdryer still; makes them look good.

Now to the last one; I tried maybe twice so far; not much of a hair styling person as you notice. I have quite thin hair; so I always look to get more volume in shampoos or hair products. The BB thickening mouse does exactly that. If you work it in your roots with towel dry hair; then blow dry them as usual; helping them to naturally lift them up. 

I really enjoy using it so far; I will see how often I use it and how I get along with it; but I can see myself trying many more of their products soon.

Hope you like this very detailed information about Bumble&Bumble and my hair condition ;)

Lots of love

B

Lifestyle: Instagram

So last week was pretty stressful; I mean it must have been for people wgo went to the Fashion Week over the weekend as well right? I dont think I could fully relax over the weekend as well. So hopefully I manage to leave work on time and just relax; I should most def. go for a run though -lazy me-

Last week was pretty special though as well; I went to see Maze Runner -which was pretty good- as well as going to a concert; Orchestra so to say. Which was amazing; but it went on till midnight; so that was pretty late as well. Other then that; my weekend was full of food as always and I am happy to start the new week.

Lots of love;

B