Antioxidants may be essential for maintaining wrinkle-free skin as free radicals can be damaging to our skin. Experts agree that antioxidants, when taken internally, do a great deal to protect our body's cells from breaking down. Many beauty products now boast their topical antioxidant properties to help in our fight against aging.
I enjoy the simplicity of Greenland's line of body care and their belief of using no parabens, mineral oils, artificial colorants, harsh preservatives or synthetic fragrances in their products. Pomegranates are said to be one of the best sources of antioxidants as they contain almost half of our daily requirement of vitamin C. The antioxidant effects may be minimal in a wash-off product, so it could be an idea to choose ones with formulas which are readily absorbed and stay on the skin such as body butters, serums and lotions.
The Pomegranate line from Greenland has a fruity scent of pomegranate with the added zing of tangerine. I particularly enjoy its scent as well as the fact that the shower gel works itself in nicely in with my favorite Weleda Seabuckthorn Creamy Body Wash.
Greenland is a company who produces natural body care in Wateringen in the Netherlands.
Claus Porto Soaps - One of Oprah's Favorite Things of 2007
French Skincare - Caudalie & the Benefits of Wine
Monday
Adding Anti-oxidants to Your Daily Routine
Friday
Friday Feature: The Alqvimia Approach
The most popular item from my Favorite Things of 2007 list was undoubtedly the Cleopatra Body Oil from Alqvimia . So today as a special Friday Feature, I want to talk about what they are about as well as a new product that they have just launched.
The heart of Alqvimia lies in Catalonia, in view of the Spanish Pyranees, where the plants are still gathered today. Alqvimia believes in empowering and bringing forth the inner beauty of women. The body and soul are treated as a whole and that is why it is a true hollistic beauty approach. Not only does Alqvimia recommend that their products be used for specific issues (e.g. pigmentation), they are also advised to be used for general enjoyment. Alqvimia emphasizes the importance of healthy eating (lots of fruits,veg and grains), and exercises that help to bring out our inner strength (such as yoga, belly dancing and Tai-chi). Now this hollistic approach may or may not appeal to you, their products can surely be enjoyed just because they are each formulated beautifully. Did I tell you that they make some of best quality natural products, in my opinion?
This gorgeous little red bottle is their newest creation called "Sensuality Body Nectar" and it is especially designed to enhance female sensuality (as the name implies). The liquid is a concoction of the essences of Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine from Mysore, Neroli from Morocco, Egyptian Geranium, Ylang-ylang from Indonesia, and Palmarosa from India.
I will surely be picking up a bottle of these soon!
If you missed mine and others' list of Favorite Things of 2007, you can get to it from here!
Read About Caudalie from France
Thursday
A Look at Spring Makeup Trends: Inspirations from H&M
All these looks were created using H&M's own brand of makeup. Their prices are certainly easy on the wallet (3.90 eur for a nail polish) and the colors are often trendy and fun. The textures are also very workable. The next time you are at their store, it might be worth checking these out!
Lilac, dust & apricot.
Golden brown, eggplant & wine.
Pretty pink, beige & peach.
Charcoal, metallic silver & muted gold.
Tomato, black ink & cherry blossom.
Read about an interesting lash-gadget I spotted!
Photos from hm.com
Monday
Favorite Things 2007 - The Finalists
This is probably one of my most difficult posts yet. I spent some time scribbling a list of my Favorite Things of 2007 on a note pad before I dozed off one night. Each one of them had an emotional component to it as well and reflecting on them was quite satisfying. It was easy because I hold dear in my heart my must-haves products I discovered in 2007. However, it was extremely difficult because I had to limit the number of items on my list to the finalists (or else the list would be too long). I may post the other items at a later time but for now, these are the finalists and why:
1. Imju (Dejavu) Fiberwig Mascara
Because of my wimpy lashes (The 3 S's - straight, sparse & short), mascaras have always been such a struggle for me. Maybe this is a little dramatic, but if you have small eyes like me, you would understand!
Good lashes frame the eyes and open them up to make them appear larger. The tools you need for this is a lash curler, a good mascara base and a good mascara. This takes up the first place on my list because this is that incredible mascara I have searched for all my life! Read my previous post here .
2. Kanebo Kate Mascara Base
I never attend a party without armour on my lashes. I never attend a party without pretty lashes as well. So this one here is my lashes' new found love of 2007. I used to deal with flaking and white peep-through with mascara bases. No longer. You can read more here from my previous post on this.
3. Alqvimia Cleopatra Body Oil
I discovered this one when I visited a dear friend in Barcelona, Spain; who could not wait to show me this brand when I got off the plane. It was a damn hot summer there and beach hopping was the main event. I needed good skin to show off in! We went in and me not speaking a word of Catalan, my friend did all the talking. We walked out of there with 2 handfuls of samples each. She is such a smooth talker!
This body oil is the most feminine in texture and in scent I have ever encountered. Incense and Myrrh in an almond oil base gives it such deep femininity. The liquid is golden in color and has a way of nourishing my skin that I have not seen before. The scent lingers all day until it is showered off which I love for lazy days. I posted in November about Alqvimia here if you are interested.
Alqvimia's website
4. Rituals Hammam Body Mud nourishing shower mud
"Oh wow" was all I could say when I felt this touch my skin as the SA applied it to my dampened skin. I quickly imagined my simple shower at home filled up with this refreshingly energizing scent as it transformed into a Turkish hammam! By the way in case you don't know, a hammam is a Turkish steam bath where for a long time religious cleansing rituals and social gatherings were held.
I bought the box set earlier this year and have been in love with it since. The lady at the shop told me that this is the best selling product line from Rituals (among others such as the Rise and Shine and their new makeup line which I also adore).
5. MAC Emote Blush
MAC brought our attention to their smoldering side in their Smoke Signals collection. I did not want to know anything about contouring my face before I was introduced to this contouring powder called Emote. I thought they were only for Dynasty ladies (see my post in November on this here). Believe it or not, this is now my blush/bronzer for my "natural day" makeup. Who knew such a humble shade can win my love?
6. Chanel Lèvres Scintillantes Chanel Glossimer #108 Constellation LE
My heart holds dear this Levres Scintillantes from Chanel; which has landed itself on #6 on my 2007 Favorite Things List! This was a birthday present from my boyfriend who not only managed to go to the Chanel counter by himself (no arm-twisting or bribery involved!) and surprised me with what turns out to be my favorite lipgloss of the year! This was the limited release item that Chanel so expertly introduced. The ads were everywhere; a pair of shiny shimmery lips clasping a pearl and diamond gold chain got many writing about it. Many of us already knew how elegantly Chanel Glossimers wore. This one however has a big punch of shimmer that is not gritty or over-the-top. Chanel has a special place in my heart for creating such elegantly wearable products.
You can find more Chanel products online at FragranceX.com
7. MAC Heirloom Face Brush Set
This was another surprise from my boyfriend who now at the end of the year have the courage to go to makeup counters by himself (the second time this year). He was tipped off by me a few weeks back that I had liked the look of this brush set. He arrived at the MAC counter and saw that there were only 3 left on the shelves at MAC in the Bijenkorf of Amsterdam. Without hesitations, he purchased it.
I opened my present and found this lovely treat! The cute ivory/gold clutch holds 4 travel-size MAC brushes with gold handles; 194SE, 190SE, 187SE, 168SE. Now I know these are not handmade like the MAC full-sized brushes are, but who said handmade is always better anyways? All the essentials for the face in one set makes it great for traveling and touch-ups. That is why this is my favorite brush set of 2007.
The full selection of MAC brushes can be viewed here.
8. Weleda Seabuckthorn Creamy Body Wash
I bought my bottle when I visited Germany (where Weleda is based) this year. The scent is uplifting and the creaminess is so soothing. Did I mention that this is also good for your skin? I step out of the shower with a smile every morning!
9. Tigi S Factor Creamy Molding Wax
I have lazy hair days on most days. I look at my colleagues and alot of them are always impeccably well tressed. Amsterdam is known for our tulips amongst other things as well as the wind. I find that using this fruity-smelling finishing wax gives me hair that looks well-managed and full yet soft and casual. I wrote about it in my December post here.
10. Kamillosan
I have sensitive skin and I hate using cortisone creams to suppress irritations. I believe in balancing rather than suppressing. This ointment from Kamillosan is a life-saver for parched, irritated skin. I often have this with me to bring my skin back to balance.
11. Opi Russian Navy Nail Polish
Simply the best blue shade made this year. Deep indigo blue with fine purple shimmer. Many compliments (from men) about my nails came from wearing this shade.
12. Sabon Body Scrub in Lavender/Apple
Their stores have popped up everywhere this year in the Netherlands. I walked into the store with my shopping buddy and we were instantly offered hand scrubbing/massages. How could we deny them of giving us pleasure? This particular scent is our favorite so we both bought one each. I have since gone back for another large-sized jar because I like it that much!
13. Bourjois Effect Metallise #53 Feuille de cuivre
Glides on with ease, comes in exciting colors, metallic finish, and is inexpensive. How can I argue with these people who also produce makeup for Chanel. What more can I ask for?
This shade is warm and shows up just enough to highlight the eyes. Perfect day or night.
14. Pop Beauty Eye Class Blue Eyes
Looking back on 2007, makeup palettes have really done a turn for the better. POP Beauty's palettes are fun and applies smoothly (read: doesn't settle into lines). Looking at my Eye Class Blue Eyes palette sometimes is like looking into my closet; too many choices and possible combinations.
15. Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hair Spray
I have impossible hair which doesn't like to hold a curl; much like my lashes. This if used sparingly (hold the nozzle far far away from your hair while spraying!) holds my heat-created curls. I can even sleep in it and wake up the next morning with sexier wavy hair!
16. i.d. Weather Everything liner sealer
I learned the trick with this one while I was in Chicago (what a great city for shopping!) earlier this year. We don't have a Sephora here in the Netherlands (can you imagine that?) so when I entered the store on Michigan Avenue (inside a mall), I shed tears of joy! This little bottle of clear liquid converts all my powder eye shadows into liquid liners and seals them in - so nothing moves until it is washed off.
17. Shiseido Tsubaki Shampoo & Conditioner
The panel of Japanese celebrities that joined forces to promote this new line of Shiseido haircare was gigantic! The red camelia flower oil takes main stage for this line. Check out my post here for more on this.
18. Viktor & Rolf Flower Bomb
Since Viktor & Rolf are from the Netherlands, I rushed out to Douglas (Europe's version of Sephora) to check it out right away. At that time they only sold it at the one in the center of Amsterdam. I fell in love with it right away and bought the largest bottle. This remains consistently my favorite fragrance. Top notes: Bergamont & Tea, Middle notes: Jasmine, Freesia & Orchid, Base notes: Centiflora Rose & Patchouli. Victoria from Bois de Jasmin sums it up perfectly:
"everything about it is cashmere and pearls—poised, sweet and pretty." Victoria of Bois de Jasmin.
19. Gianna Rose Atelier Le Chouette
A scrumptious lychee scented soap shaped into a grumpy-faced owl. Cheers up anyone that visits my bathroom!
20. L'oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Body Moisturizer + Natural Skintone Enhancer
2007 was the year of gradual self-tanners! Every brand from high-end to the lows jumped onto this bandwagon. My favorite is the one from L'Oreal. Although it is not sold here in the Netherlands, I get mine by begging my friend in the US (if you are reading this, hello and thanks!) to ship them over to me. It smells of mango and makes my skin glimmer. No nasty tanner smell or the common streaks.
Available at drugstore.com
21. Claus Porto of Lafco New York soaps
Another soap I love. Loved by Oprah and produced by a Portuguese family. This was in my November post which you can read here).
22. Shiseido Automatic Lip Crayon in LC3 Rose
Carrying around a big purse isn't my thing; I am proud of the fact that I travel light. When I go abroad I pack up all the little packets of samples I have been collecting (they are all in a large shoe box) so I never worry about spilling anything. This lip crayon takes the 3-step process of lipstick application down to 1 (see my post from November here to read more).
So there we have it, these are the finalists for my Favorite Things of 2007. I hope you enjoyed my list and don't forget to tell me some of your favorites as well. These are my greatest finds which I cannot imagine living without. Wise words from a wise man (my boyfriend) are: "When you find something exceptionally wonderful, don't let it go!". Advice taken.
Thank you Annie from Blogdorf Goodman for organizing this event and please also visit the following bloggers who also participated in this event:
Saturday
A Recap of Favorite Things 2006 - Don't Miss Favorite Things 2007!
Bloggers around the world are working our butts off to compile a favorite beauty list for the 2007. I have seen last year's list and every single post had items that I was either drooling over or I was already in love with the beauty picks just like they were.
This will be my first year participating in this event organized by Annieytown of BlogdorfGoodman so please don't forget to visit my site on December 31st for my comprehensive list! Join us all in welcoming 2008 with a bang and with style!
I guess I should get back to working on it so until then, have a great weekend!
See YSL's Spring 2008 Collection
See RMK's Spring 2008 Collection
Friday
From the Heirlooms Face Brush Set - Brush #187SE by MAC
Following up on the MAC #187 brush (my previous entry here), I promised a review on the Holiday edition of the brush in the Heirloom Face Brush Set called #187SE. The "SE" stands for special edition; represented by its shorter handle.
The brushes in this set all have gold handles and although the quality is not as good as the original-sized MAC's, they work well for traveling and touch-ups. Since the duo fiber-ness (2 separate layers of different types of white and black bristles) is one of the reasons the 187 is so famous, consumers buying the 187SE for this reason may be disappointed here. This 187SE's duo-fiberness is less obvious so if it is not what you're looking for, then it may be best to get the original. Otherwise, after testing the 187SE with different types of powders and liquids, I can truly say that it is a wonderful brush to work with as it applies those products in the sheerest of ways.
On Shiseido's Maquillage Liquid Foundation Brush
2 Other Ways to Use Loose Face Powder
picture from maccosmetics.com
A Look at Celebrity Makeup Artist - Paul Starr
Paul Starr's makeup artistry amazes me. These are just some of the looks he has done for countless famous beauties and a video of him talking about essential makeup tools.
Click on image to enlarge
Read About Eye Shadow Trends and Ideas
Where Celebrities Shop for Drugstore Items
Read about my Favorite Things of 2007
pictures compiled from paulstarrmakeup.com/
Thursday
The Dirt on Counterfeit MAC
I received the Heirloom Face Brush Set for Chirstmas and I am so excited because I have been meaning to test the infamous #187 brush for some time now. Now I am not a mineral makeup user but I know from testing the brush at the MAC counter that it would be a winner for liquid foundations.
I usually like to do some research on the products I get just for the fun of it. I was happily reading glowing reviews of the #187 until I landed on a page which burst my bubble! There are infact counterfeit MAC brushes out there; especially the beloved #187! You must imagine my horror when I started reading and realized that the counterfeit looks quite similar to the original if we don't look carefully.
Have a look at the picture from blog.pixnet.net above. The 2 brushes look very similar but the difference is in the quality of the bristles. The counterfeit apparently is less "bouncy" and when viewed from the side, the hairs are crooked. The fake ones also have slightly different printing on the handle which may be pretty difficult to tell. The original MAC #187 is known for their duo-fiber look of white and black hairs in 2 separate layers. However, the fake ones have bristles dyed half with black and half with white (see picture above) and not in separate layers.
More on the MAC #187SE Heirloom brush tomorrow......
A Note on Lipstick
The Beautiful Shiseido Maquillage Foundation Brush
Another Lash gadget - D Feel Mascara
