7 Days Of Summer Beauty Classics '08 - Day Seven

Summer for me is not all about wearing bright colors. On those days when I don't reach for the warm colors such as those from MAC's Neo Sci-Fi collection (reviewed), I found myself craving for the cool tones in Christian Dior's 5 Couleurs Palette in #220 called Precious Hope. This palette is not a new release but it has been a staple for me for quite some time now. It has proven itself to be resourceful especially for the times when I want to create a natural but interesting pastel-ized smoky eyes.

One of the main reasons that I would need to use such a subdued combination of colors on my eyes is to accommodate the brightly-colored mouths of Summer '08. These pastel shades work particularly well because they are matte but not in any way chalky. Looking at the dustiness of the compact, you can tell that this is a well-used and loved palette. However, you may notice that the 'CD' on the white glittery shade in the middle is still almost intact. I cannot seem to get any color payoff with that one.

As with all shadows from Christian Dior, they have very soft textures that are incredible to blend and play with. The great thing also about their shadows is that the fine powder does not seem to want to settle into any fine lines.


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)
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7 Days Of Summer Beauty Classics '08 - Day Six

A little spritz here and there with a facial spray really gives a welcoming relief to a hot, sticky complexion. I love to carry a facial spray in my purse during the hotter months simply because of that.

The MAC Fix+ spray contains ingredients that draw moisture onto the skin and to help makeup adhere to the skin. Not only is it a handy freshen-upper, it is my must-have because I use mineral foundation. The smell of the product isn't half bad either. Three spritzes on my face after the application of mineral foundation takes away that powdery look and prepares the skin for the next step: setting powder. I know that many use mineral or spring water sprays such as Evian or Avene however, my personal preference is for MAC's because of the extras on their ingredients list. I sent BFOG for a few bottles of this while he was in New York earlier this week. He returned only with one bottle (the last on the shelves) after having visited 3 different MAC counters there.


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)
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7 Days Of Summer Beauty Classics '08 - Day Four

I had frizzy hair when I was younger partly because I was clueless in the haircare department and didn't think that it went beyond shampoo and conditioner. The other part of the reason was that I didn't have extra money to invest in quality hair appliances.

Now a little older and perhaps a tad wiser (thanks to being kept up-to-date by information from other bloggers), I have found quite a few Holy Grail-title worthy haircare products/appliances. One such appliance is the T3 hairdryer from Bespoke Labs. Thus this is the one that wins spot #4 on my Summer Beauty Classics '08.

I have the T3 hairdryer in the overnight version because I live in Europe. It is also handy since I know I can bring it with me anywhere I go with its dual voltage capability, is lightweight and folds in half! What makes their hairdryers work so well is that their insides are fitted with tourmaline, which emits a stream of negative ions onto the hair. That is the secret to drying our hair dry faster and smoother, without boiling the hair dry as conventional hairdryers do. What I have noticed while using mine is that it doesn't release a strong/big flow of air. I find that that is a good thing since too strong of an air flow creates frizziness. The funny thing is, it has cut down my drying time and my hair is looking healthier than before.

I found my Bespoke Labs T3 Overnight Hairdryer at Misikko


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)
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7 Days Of Summer Beauty Classics '08 - Day Three

The Body Shop Vitamine E Moisture Serum

Hanging around in the intensity of summer's heat wilts the best in me. What makes it more uncomfortable and at times unbearable, is that greasy feeling some moisturizers leave on my skin. I know it is tempting but this is not the time to skip moisturizers as it is always important to keep our skin hydrated.

This is where skin serums come in. They nourish and feed the skin and generally gets absorbed so well by our skin that they almost become undetectable. The texture of the Vitamine E Moisture Serum is somewhere between a gel, serum and a lotion. The liquid applies firstly like that of a lotion and when it is warmed up by the skin, it becomes a gel. Finally, when it is fully absorbed, it feels like you only have a serum on the skin. The Vitamine E in the serum is a nice bonus because of its anti-oxidative properties. The fluid also contains Wheat Germ Oil and Tara Bush seed extract.

This potion is a firm Summer Beauty Classic of mine and it keeps my skin well-hydrated, soft to the touch and fresh. It also works well at night under a heavier moisturizer or under makeup during the day.


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7 Days Of Summer Beauty Classics '08 - Day Two

Using Aveda's Pure Abundance Potion definitely takes practicing and a lot of getting used to. I think the initial learning phase scares people away. Well, at least it did me. The pale green powder delivers Ooomph (package states 17% thicker) and that is why it takes a spot on the 7 Days of Summer Beauty Classics '08 list. But using it meant that I had to enlist my baking skills.

The cap flips open on this tiny bottle to reveal a single hole that lets the powder out. One has to be careful to not shake the bottle too much as unnecessary motion turns its content into liquid. It is a 3-step process: gently turn the bottle upside down, sprinkle a small amount of the product directly at the roots by gently tapping on the bottom of the bottle (think dusting powdered sugar over a cake without the proper sifter), work the powder in by tousling and teasing the area where you want the Ooomph. As soon as the powder touches the skin, it feels cooling, as if fine ice dust has touched it. Set the volume you have just achieved with a flexible hairspray (Though I was advised against using the one from the same collection).

It brings the Va-Va back into my mostly straight but somewhat wavy medium-thickness hair. I have found it to be great at creating volume for messy buns, as well as when I leave my hair down (to past my shoulders). This is a definite Summer classic product because it also helps to fix humidity-induced greasy roots.


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)
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7 Days Of Summer Beauty Classics '08 - Day One

It is sad to have to almost say goodbye to Summer. Seeing that I am not quite ready to do that just yet, I decided to do a series on the products that saw me through Summer this year. All of these products have been tried & very much tested and are absolutely my favorite go-to's. I am calling it 7 Days of Summer Beauty '08 Classics.

Looking back, I realized that I had (and still am having) a lot of fun with beauty this Summer. I discovered bright colors this year, and found products that kept me hydrated, dry, glowing, and ones that helped me get ready fast. Knowing how to be ready fast is a real plus especially when we cannot tolerate spending tonnes of time getting ready, or when we get a last minute invite to a BBQ.

Without further delay, let me introduce you to Day One of 7 Days of Summer Beauty Classics '08


Day One: Cheerful Summer Colors of the MAC Neo Sci-Fi Collection

Spaced Out (blush)

This is a true peach blush. It may not be one that is usable all the year round but it looks damn good on sun-lit cheeks. It is the color of happiness and hugging someone you love on a sunny day.

Magnetic Fields (eyeshadow)

The coolness in this color comes from the sprinkling of silver shimmer. In a base of blackened taupe, the pearlized shimmers show up as random fine diamond dusts. This shadow gives great cool contrast to the warmth in this collection.

Evening Aura (eyeshadow)

Such a beautiful shimmering peach champagne color. It is sheer but stunning if packed on the lids. The frostiness makes this color unique and different from the warm peaches out there. It is lovely!

Pleasure Seeker (lipstick)

A nude and sheer peach jello color that is so easy to wear. This is no MAC 3N lipstick (which is my personal ultimate nude lipstick), but wearing this with Evening Aura is gorgeous. They complement each other so well and the result is soft, pretty and sophisticated.


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On A Positive Note, The Launch Of Summer 2008 Beauty Classics

So I let the copycat dampen my mood. This blog has been around for almost a year now so I guess if this is the first horrible thing to happen to it, it isn't so bad. I want to thank all of you who lend me an ear and support. Your advice came in the form of everything from links to useful resources, sweet sweet words, to encouragement to give his behind a kick. I drank up your words until I hit the bottom of the glass!

I love how when a wave gets thrown my way, that I become stronger and even sometimes learn to surf that wave. Gaining new experiences and friendship is something that is well worth the challenge (as long as I survive it!).

So in the attempt to revive my mood and my fellow bloggers', who have also been affected by the copycat, I am launching a series of posts to sum up the Best of the Best beauty 2008 Summer classics. I hope that you are as excited as me and will feel the need to contribute what your Summer '08 beauty classics are as well!

The song to kick off the event is "Superwoman" by Alicia Keys. I love the positivity in the song for women.




Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), youtube.com

I don't feel like writing much today. I feel invaded because I came across a website that had posted an article of mine on their site without my permission (including my photos and title from my article). Those of you who maintain a website and are involved in creative writing must know what I mean when I say that the results you see on our websites are a product of a lot of hard work and time spent fine-tuning details. Whether intentional or not, not taking the care to ask for permission before republishing someone else's work is mean spirited and disrespectful.

I have contacted the owner of the site and am hoping that it is a mistake and that it was not their intention to republish or copy my work.

I will leave you with these dreamy images I took when I visited Paris earlier this month. These are images of some of my favorite spots/sights/experiences whilst there. Glancing through these today has worked wonders at making me feel better.

What helps to brighten up your day? Share your thoughts in comments.

The Famous Window Displays of Louis Vuitton on Champs-Elysees

Window Display of Hugo Boss on Champs-Elysees

Irresistible French macaroons from La Duree on Champs-Elysees

The Sephora that is like a night club for makeup lovers - the legendary branch on Champs-Elysees

Display of Givenchy's new Phenomen’eyes mascara that caught everyone's attention

Montparnasse, the neighborhood to visit for the best Crepe Bretonne.

The crepes with crispy edges are made with buckwheat flour and are stuffed with ingredients of your choice. The Tower of Montparnasse (standing at 210-meter) is also in the area and provides a wonderful view of Paris and of course, of the Eiffel Tower.

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Secrets Travel Fast In Paris

Image of macaroons from a window of a french shop

(the title is a quote from Napoleon Bonaparte)

The thought of leaving for a short vacation in Paris always enlivens me from the inside. The feeling flutters in my heart and this is a feat that no other city can deliver. The thought of diving into flaky croissants and sweet macaroons has joy swooning in my stomach and me on a strict diet for the last couple of days. I have booked a few days with BFOG to celebrate my birthday in Paris and we chose a hotel where our room window opens above a Boulangerie (where they sell croissants)!

"The heart of Paris is like nothing so much as the unending interior of a house. Buildings become furniture, courtyards become carpets and arrases, the streets are like galleries, the boulevards conservatories. It is a house, one or two centuries old, rich, bourgeois, distinguished. The only way of going out, or shutting the door behind you, is to leave the centre." John Berger (b. 1926).

I have a long list of beauty items to bring back with me and I promise pictures and details on the secrets and of the heart of Paris when I return.

Image: Dorie

Grooming For Sickies

Woah! I have really been caught in a whirlwind of activities this past week (I was at the Amsterdam International Fashion Week & played bridesmaid at a wedding) and my house currently looks as if the Tasmanian devil had run through it! But the week was so much fun, even if I was sick the whole time.

Being that I had to attend those events meant that I had to look presentable. The key to grooming or beauti-fy-ing ourselves when we are sick is to use products that counteract common "sickie" issues such as flaky or sallow skin, as well as products that deliver results quickly. Forget about spending forever in front of the mirror!

Here are a few tips & products that helped to get me through the week:

A Hair Dryer With Extras

One that helps to dry hair quickly and gently is a god-send for a sickie. T3 hair dryers are actually infused with tourmaline which emit effective negative ions. For me, that translated to smoother and quicker results, which meant I was able to sleep in a little longer in the morning. Since I have the overnight travel version, it goes with me when I travel.

Double-Duties

My week's blush of choice is from Tarte. My shade is called "tipsy" and it is a solid cheek stain. I love it because it doubles as a blusher and a lip stain in one go!

Worn over foundation (pat on with a synthetic foundation brush), then set with a dusting of powder, this stuff lasts and looks naturally glowy. This went on the road well with me at Fashion week and it smells like divine bellinis! (I hear that Selma Hayek likes them as well).

Got mine at: Sephora Toronto

Creamy Coverage

A common problem when one is sick is flaky and/or sensitized skin. I could not be bothered with exfoliating my face as it takes too much effort, as well as it would have hurt too much on my sniffly nose.

A creamy foundation answers my call in this case and produces dewy skin that powdery makeup cannot. Because they are usually thicker in consistency, they conceal redness well; without emphasizing flakes. This one from Shiseido went with me to the catwalk shows.

Got mine at: DA Amsterdam

Easy Does It

A quick way to groomed eyebrows is by using a tinted eyebrow gel. Since they are usually quite sheer, application without a mirror is possible and easy. The one I have from Miss Helen kept my brows in place all day and lent just enough definition to my face; perfect for summer!

Got mine at: Hema Amsterdam


Extra tip:

Try to stay away from grays or fleshy pinks as these colors bring out the redness in our eyes we may have when feeling ill; making us look even more tired.

H & M Beauty School - Summer School

Above is the finished look from H&M's Beauty School using their summer colors. Their summer collection, made up of peach, purple and pink are feminine and colorfully mesmerizing.

The relieve here is on knowing that re-creating this look will not cost a fortune. The makeup set in the makeup artist's hand in photo #3 below, for example, costs only 5.90 euros!

Below are screen shots taken from their Beauty School video, with step-by-step instructions on how to achieve this look.














Using the Bronzing & Highlight powder, the contours of the face are shaped to give dimension.













When contouring is finished. Pucker up your lips and throw a glance at the mirror!














The purple shade is applied to the lid, up to the brow bone. A chocolate brown shade is used in the crease for added definition.
















Dust face powder only where necessary. Try not to look bored.
















A rose shade is applied on the lower lash line, extended outwards to meet the outer V. Brow bones are given dimension with the peach as well as the cream shades. Black liner is rimmed around the eyes.

Now pucker up your lips again just like her!















Finish the look with a light application of tinted gloss and figure out how to put hair up easily with a chopstick!












Credits: hm.com

The Best Of The Bestest

It is an honour to have received the Brillante Weblog Premio Award '08 from the talented bloggers at Fashion Binge, who's writing leave me giddy and eager for more.

I am not too good with acceptance speeches (because of my lack of practice), but I would love to experience what Halle Berry did when she accepted the Razzie Award for Worst Actress in Cat Woman. Only a woman who has been at the top of the game can truly have so much fun with the situation.



So now I have the difficult task of handing this award out to my fellow bloggers. A task like this is much bigger than me. But first, the rules:

1) When received, you may post the premio to your blog.
2) Link to the blogger you received it from.
3) Give it to 7 blogs
4)… link to those 7 blogs
5)…and leave those seven bloggers a comment about receiving the brilliant premio.

I have the pleasure to present to you:

Category: Best MAC News Source
SPECKTRA BEAUTY NEWS featuring Janice, Jamie & Jennifer

Category: Best Detailed Beauty Reviews
BINARY STAR featuring Izar
(who by the way, has been spotted in a new blog outfit!)

Category: Best Poses & Inspiring Outfits
SEARCHING THE INNER ME featuring The Seeker

Category: Best Closet In Blogsphere
TIMES OF GLORY featuring Miss L

Category: Best Relatable Beauty Reviews
LILY LOVES MAC featuring Lily

Category: Best Beauty Resource For Women Of Color
CLUMPS OF MASCARA featuring B

Category: Best Place To Admire Pretty Things
MUSINGS OF A MUSE featuring The Muse

Color Pink Now

Now is the time to whip out all of our pink lippies and wear them as much as possible!

Pink lipsticks look pretty with dewy summer skin and during this time of the year when we have a lot more sunlight. Scanning through the upcoming Autumn/Winter makeup trends, I quickly got the hint that we will soon not have as many opportunities to wear pink. So whether you like it bright & bold or soft & pretty, this is the time to let pink shine!

The 2 that I am wearing at the moment are both from Sephora.


This is the Lip Attitude Glamour G08

It gives an innocent "how could I have done wrong" look. This is a light to medium blue-based pink with fine silver shimmer that is not overdone. It is not a pastel pink at all and because of its sheer texture, it will look great on a variety of skin tones.

This is the Lip Attitude Star S04

It is the color of creamy raspberry punched with silver and gold shimmer. The shimmer is detectable when you rub your lips together but that doesn't bother me too much. Because of its sheer texture, it is relatively foolproof to apply and great for those trying pinks for the first time.

So what lip-look is everyone rocking these days?



Photos: Grayburn

The Look Of The Day

This weekend will have me at a Hen Party for a friend of mine who will be getting married. The dress code has been planned in all white for the party so this is what I have planned for that day:

All Eyes On - MAC Magnetic Field, Dior 5 Couleurs in Mystic Jade, MAC Nanogold, Bourjois Contour Clubbing Waterproof liner in Gris Tecktonik #42, CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara


Cheeky Monkey - Everyday Minerals blush in Natural


Lip Service - Max Factor Lipfinity Color & Gloss in Shimmering Pink


A Hairy Issue - Sebastian Laminates Potion 9 braided into slightly damp hair, then dried until set.



Painting of this and other works by Jude Cowell can be found at cosmicpersonadesigns.blogspot.com/

This Month's Picks For Eyeshadows

Featured here are a few of my favorite shadows for the month of June. This is the time of the year to skip heavy makeup but instead opt for a few swipes of natural colors in the crease. These colors are universally flattering and will enhance almost everyone's eye-color. With already heat-flushed cheeks, the entire look will be healthy and vibrant! Make it look effortless, as if you applied the colors with your fingers!

jane. BE PURE MINERAL EYE LIGHTER SHADOW
in 04 Emerald Forest

Lovely choices all in one compact! These have a gorgeous texture that is smooth to blend and pigmented. This is the best buy for this month!

MAC eyeshadows from the Neo Sci-Fi Collection
in Magnetic Fields (Veluxe Pearl), Evening Aura (Veluxe Pearl)

I have waited so long for these! The neon orange packaging is quite fab actually and the entire collection is so easy to wear. The idea with this collection is to enhance the skin with warm colors and great textures. I will get into more detail about this collection in a later post.

Bourjois OMBRE stretch ULTRA STRETCHABLE COLOR
(with nylon micro-spheres + expert brush)
in 09 brun nylon

Wow! These have fantastic packaging with built-in mirror and a pretty decent (non-sponge tip) brush for application. The collection has a total of 9 colors and they are all intensely pigmented, extremely blendable and an almost 'hugging' texture. The different shades have a personality of their own because they swatch differently than they look in the pan. These were only out for a couple of days and the turquoise shade was already sold out at one store.



Photo credits: Grayburn

Random News

You might have noticed that I have been MIA lately. I have been overwhelmed and really not had the best week. To top it off, there is a huge spot sitting next to my nose that no amount concealer is able to hide. I'm a beauty blogger, I cannot get zits right? Wrong!

I get quite a bit of news of current happenings in my inbox. But seldom do I see anything worthwhile to share. However, I would like to share this one with you because I think it would be great to take part in if you are going to be in the neighborhood.

Mode Marché 4 - June 29th in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

This is a sample sale with some of 46 best of the best new and well-known designers including Jeroen van Tuyl, NOIR from Denmark and Corsage. The event will be attended to by the Rob Peetoom salon in his hair & makeup room, an expo from Edwin Oudshoorn and Iris van Herpen. There will also be a culinary 'surprise' for everyone, and most importantly, live music and Evian-inspired cocktails!

The VIP Shopping Hour lets ticket-holders go into the event an hour prior to everyone else so that they can have the first dips on the garments. The rest will have to run mad through the store pawing at the leftovers!


Photo credit: Mode Marché

Trenchcoats, Bridesmaids, Archives & Bloggers Of Note

Wow our skies are filled with cold rain and gray, going from hot sunny BBQ weather to this in a matter of days. My best bet is that I should try to make the most of the situation and pull out from storage some of my "in-between seasons" jackets. That nice trenchcoat that I didn't get to wear all year is coming out!

Something else unusual has just happened to me. I have just been asked to be a bridesmaid. Weddings are such magical events to attend but I see the toll that it is taking on the bride and the maid of honor. They are both sleepless and glued to the phone making arrangements.

I felt honored to be asked to be a bridesmaid. Even if it looks like it is going to be a busy busy wedding, I do look forward to helping out with the event and giving my utmost support to the bride and the maid of honor. I have already planned a list of things to go into my artillery bag. Things like bobby pins, Bach's Rescue Remedy, safety pins, packs of Party Feet, and mini hairspray to stop a run in stockings.

When she called me to ask if I would play the part, I remember myself thinking about some very important questions: Will I be able to take the dress in for alterations after the event (or even before)? What type of entertainment do we give the bride on Hen Night? etc. etc. I really would love it if any of you would have advice for me on how to be a good bridesmaid and what do I do if I can't stand talking to one of the groomsmen anymore?


Keep On Reading:

If you missed this, here is a post where I wrote about a few self-tanners I have tried and where I found a winner!

A list of expensive products that have dupes!

An at-home hair treatment that makes my hair shine.

I wrote about a line of Japanese haircare products that is very popular in Japan.

How to spot the difference between a counterfeit vs. a real MAC makeup brush.

Bloggers Of Note:

Look to be fashionably-inspired and see what the Seeker is wearing every day of the week. And follow her journey through life in a rainbow of colors!

Izar is back and better than ever! Her recent post on her current lemmings may entice you to create one just like hers!

Brit at Clumps of Mascara has just celebrated her 1 year anniversary as a beauty blogger. This is where you can read about her personal makeup trials. Happy Anniversary!

Hillary at Jack & Hill talks about an intriguing skin powder that I must give a try. Now!

A Canadian blogger at Watercolor Sky will hopefully bring back lots of news for us when she returns from her trip to the Big Apple. I cannot wait!



Painting "trenchcoat" by: sivahstudio.com

Window Shopping - Amsterdam's Elle Pret-a-Porter

Store: Elle Pret-A-Porter
Display: feminine, crisp, & cool
For: Women

A recent addition to Amsterdam's multitude of retail pickings, Elle Pret-a -porter has finally opened its doors with 2 private shops in the city center.


For Spring-Summer '08, Elle sees us in the cheeriness of lemon curd yellow and contrasting toned down gray. This combination will surely see us comfortably through the season with their mix of structured coats and airy silk or cotton shirts. Throw in some buckled flats and a few edgy bangles, and we are styling in comfortable chique!


What are you favorite styles for this summer? Please share in comments.


Credits: ellepretaporter.eu

Current Lemmings

My current list of lemmings consist of a few items that I think will be perfect for the Summer. What about you? What are your current lemmings?


No 7 Dream Lash Jet Black Mascara
I really enjoy using mascaras with rubber bristles and especially like the way this one looks. This will be great for defining features for nights out, because it is supposed to be punched with extra carbon for intense black lashes.


Diane von Furstenberg's Knotted one-piece swimsuit
As much as I love a 2-piece swimsuit, I find the 1-piece sophisticated and glamorous. This one from Diane von Furstenberg is sultry and confident. I could take this from the beach to drinks by adding a pair of dressed-up shorts or a skirt and heels. The color of the suit will compliment from my current state of paleness to a late summer tan.


Lash Tint Kit by Lip-Ink International
Lash kits are not usually popular because they take time at night to apply. Most people would prefer to use a water-proof mascara and call it a day! Personally, I think lash tinting makes sense (even for those with darker lashes) because they enhance our lashes on days when we just don't want to wear mascara. They are great when you know you will be swimming or sweating a bit. Having no mascara melt-down to worry about will leave you with a peace of mind to worry about other things!


Viktor & Rolf T-Shirt
My love for the creations from Viktor & Rolf doesn't only come from the fact that they are a famous Dutch fashion house. I love the magic and glamour that they represent; especially their sweet-smelling Flower Bomb perfume. This t-shirt is on my list and I would take the skirt as well if I could.


Easy Looks Makeup Shop Kit in Shimmer & Glow
The Scandinavian countries have some of the most interesting and innovative companies who produce products of great quality. I discovered the makeup kits from this company and I want it so much that it hurts! This company produces 5 kits and all of them have user-friendly shades - SilverGrace, Electric, Sun-kissed, Smokey eyes and Shimmer & Glow. Since they come packaged in blisters, they are handy to pack on vacation and on the plane. My only worry about these is that the foundation that comes with them will not match a wide variety of skin tones.


Guerlain Meteorites Poudre De Perles, Illumiating Perfecting Pressed Powder
Last but the most lemming-worthy is this luminizing pressed powder from my beloved Guerlain. The center of the one shown in the picture above contains a green pearl that promises to whisk away redness. All of them have different shades of illumination, depending on your desired look.

The shades available are:

01 Mythic Parfait: instant radiance
White and pink powder with a center green pearl.

02 Rose Frais: freshness
Designed to illuminate slightly tanned skin tones. White and pink shades with another pink center pearl gives the face a freshened appeal.

03 Beige Lumineux: creating a luminous matte effect
Two matte beige shades with a center purple pearl gives a wash of brightening, without the use of shimmer.

Window Shopping - Amsterdam's Diesel Store

Subject: Diesel
Display Style: hip, casual, old school revamped
For: Men & Women

A brand renown for its cool-sexy take on casual dressing, the Diesel store in Amsterdam has 2 floors worth of uninterrupted Diesel experience. An Amsterdam shopping itinerary will almost always have this shop on its list en-route to MAC cosmetics, as they are almost next door to each other.

From the moment that you enter the store, you will likely be greeted by bright-faced, enthusiastic SA's and loads of jeans styles to choose from. However, my last experience in their change room was less encouraging, as I found the lighting inadequate to see what I was trying on. One thing that you should notice is that they carry some pretty cool-sexy casual things to sleep in.

Diesel really made its mark on the fashion market since the late 70s by introducing its various styles of jeans. The woman's jean style named Louvely and the man's jean style named Zathan are two of the brand's more popular choices. Recently, Diesel sponsored a design contest which features the Diesel Wall; outdoors walls in New York, Zurich, Barcelona, or Manchester that feature submissions of expressive work from locals .

My pair of Diesel jeans that I bought almost 8 years ago are still in great condition today. They are certainly one of my favorite brands for jeans. What is/are your favorite brand(s) of jeans?


Credits: Grayburn