Mastic Spa Products Review

Hello everyone!
Mastic Spa is a greek skincare company with natural cosmetics based on....mastic!! Their products always catched my eye when shopping but I didn't have the chance to try them out until recently. Let me tell you my opinion about some of their products :

Moisturant - 24h moisturising cream

In the begining I was quite skeptical about trying this product, as the description claims it is for normal to dry skins and mine is normal to oily with a tendency to break out. I have been using it for quite a long time now and, honestly, I think it is one of the best face creams I have ever tried (and I have tried a lot!!). It contains mastic and greek olive oil and it is addressed to people 27+ (ughhh...I'm in that group :P).
It has a divine smell. I did a little research online but couldn't find anything about mastic and aromatherapy, but I'm quite sure there must be something. It lifts spirit the moment you smell it.
While using it, I've noticed that breakouts almost stopped and my skin looked and felt better. It has a light texture (it reminds me of mousse). It's paraben free, which is a + for me.
Would I purchase that product? I already did!

Snatch Up Your Kiss Lipbalm

This was my least favorite product. It has a delicious smell, but it's not as nourishing as I would like a lipbalm to be. It has a light texture and it gives a glossy finish on your lips. It contains beeswax and cocoa butter. Also, I found the packaging a little hard to use ( I had trouble putting the lid back on). I might bought it if the price was a bit lower.

Bellagio Body

Ok this product didn't have me at once, but it definitely deserves a second chance. First time I tried it in winter and I wasn't impressed. Then, I gave it another try now that the weather is warm here in Greece. It is not a super moisturising cream ( after all it is a lotion ), but,in my opinion, it's great for the summer when you don't need something super moisturising. It also has a slight tint in it which makes my skin look a bit tanned (yeah!!). The smell is gooood too!

Cocoa Wine Scrub

As you might have guessed, this product contains wine...duuhh!! :P It is a very very moisturising body butter, which leaves the skin amazingly smooth and good smelling. I didn't know how to use it in the beginning, because it contains small beads, but I just followed the instructions and everything worked out fine! You have to massage it for a while and then you have the smoothest skin you can ever get. It is a great product for elbows.

You can find Mastic Spa products in beauty stores or online here. Check the site often because they have great offers and discounts!!
Let me know if you have tried any Mastic Spa products or which is your favorite moisturiser!
See you soon!
Lydia
xx

ps: The products were sent to me by the company.

My first Inglot haul

Hello hello!!
Inglot is one of the brands I always wanted to try. A looong long time ago they had sales, so I decided it was time to pay them a visit. At first, I was very disappointed because almost everything was out of stock. So, I didn't buy anything on my first visit. The second time I went, I found almost everything I was looking for, except for palettes to put everything in. The only availiable palettes they had were the 20 eyeshadow ones (hmmm....). After contacting the company via facebook, they told me to visit another store (which is aproximately 1h and something away from where I live), and I did. I found some palettes there with no discount though ( the only store that had palettes in stock sold them at full price hmmmm x2 ). That was something really frustrating. That and the fact that the staff wasn't helpful at all. Furthermore, they didn't have any blush palettes, so my blush is still "naked" many months after I bought it. My experience wasn't what I expected it to be, but let's talk about the products now!!

I bought five eyeshadows, one blush, one lipstick (in a pan) and one concealer.
First of all, I like the fact that the eyeshadows come in a square shape. They are really really pigmented, smooth and easy to work with. The palettes are magnetic, not at all convenient. Once you put the eyeshadow in it it's impossible to remove it, plus the magnets are so strong that I frequently hurt my fingers. Despite all that, I still believe that the quality of the product overcomes the packaging issues.
The colours I bought are :
- no 355, a matte nude colour (I love to use it on the brow bone).
- no 501, a light grey with silver shimmer.
- no 487, a cool toned pink with silver shimmer.
- no 68, a very pretty cornflower blue (it also has some silver shimmer)
- no 65, a bold black colour with silver shimmer. (it is very pretty when used as an eyeliner)

They had a big blush collection! I bought just one for starters and I am pleased by its quality, so I will be back for more! I bought colour no 55 which is a dusty rose pink colour. It looks good with any make up look I create. The consistency is veeery smooth. A great product with a low price.....I just wish I had a palette to store it!

The concealer isn't anything special. I bought it for highlighting purposes, so I don't really care that it's not covering everything up. The pan contains very little ammount of product in my opinion, but I thought to give it a try, since the price was very appealing.

Lastly, the lipstick! The pan form is totally inconvinient, but I was looking for that exact colour for a long time, so I didn't pass the chance. You need a lip brush, unless you don't mind getting messy. And once again, the ammount of the product you get is poor.

I will definitely go back for more. I think the eyeshadows and the blushes are good quality and I recommend them 100%. I would like to try some of their lipsticks too. If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear them!
cu soon!
xx
Lydia

MAC Prom Princess Blush (Archie's girls collection)

Hello everyone!
You have probably already heard about MAC's latest collection, Archie's girls. I loved the packaging, but there was only one product I really wanted. So...my boyfriend surprised me on the release date and brought it home to me as a gift (yayyy!!).

It might seem a bit too much for some people, but I thought it was a pretty unique shade, and , using a light hand, it gives a very fresh and girly tone on your cheeks. It is a satin, though I found it a bit harsh working with it. You have to peek the tiniest amount, because it has great pigmentation. It is a dark violet pink, it has an almost unnoticeable sheen. To be true, it looks more like a matte to me.

I went yesterday at a MAC store here in Greece and it was still availiable, so go check it out as soon as possible if you are interested.
Let me know if you bought anything from that collection!
cu soon!
Lydia

Marie Dalgar Unlimited Extension Mascara

Hello guys!!
Well, I am that kind of person that likes super dramatic lashes even in the morning! I hate mascaras that all they have to give is colour and I find them completely useless.
Marie Dalgar company guarrantees 300% extension of your eyelashes! Quite promising, right? It comes in a luxurious magnetic case, when you open it you see two tubes. But what's the use of them? The one (the big one) is black mascara and the second one contains Fiber.

How to use it :
1- Apply a layer of the mascara.
2- Before it dries, apply a layer of Fiber.
3- Apply another coat of mascara.
Repeat as many times as you like until you get the desired result.
For me, usually once is enough, but if I am going for a false lash effect, I do it twice.
The result is great. It keeps the curve of the lashes and it stays in place even though it is not a waterproof mascara.

I thought it would be hard to remove it because of all these layers and fiber, but it's not at all. It costs 25 euros, which might seem a lot to some people, but I think it's worth every cent. I have very sensitive eyes and I didn't notice any irritation at all.
You can find more about the product here.
Let me know if you have tried it or what's your favorite mascara!!
xx
Lydia
*The product was sent to me by the company.

☺ My new love : Marrakesh Products! ☺

The first time I heard about Marrakesh I was like "whaaaa??" and that was because their products contain hemp oil which comes from cannabis plant. I was really curious to see how hemp can benefit skin and hair.

First impressions :

The packages of the products are very well designed and remind me something of middle east which I love. Everything smells a-ma-zing!

1. Hemp Lip Balm Sunripened.

It is a stick lip balm that smells like berries (yummy!). It is one of the most moisturising lip balms I have ever tried. It is creamy, not sticky at all, and it makes your lips soft the second after you aplly it. I often use it at night, waking up with the softest lips, ready to put the driest red lipstick ever.

2. KaHm

KaHm is  a straightening and smoothing serum for the hair. It really has the best smell in the world, warm and sensual, once I use it I cannot stop sniffing my hair :P 

It contains Argan, Hemp and Vegetable protein. It's results are temporary and it rinses out with only one wash. 

My thoughts about it? How did I ever live without that product. I have very thin wavy hair. I style it straight quite often, but the next day (after sleeping on it), my hair looks like hell (neither straight nor wavy). 

I use 3 drops on towel-dried hair and then I style it using only the hair-dryer (no flat iron needed). The result is unbelievable..my hair looks shiny, very very soft and super straight. I wash my hair every other day, but between that I shower. I went in the bathtub without a shower cap, and after I got out my hair was still as if I had straightened it that exact moment. I used it on super curly hair and the results were the exactly the same. I was always in search of a good straightening product, since humidity is one of my biggest enemies, especially in the summer, and I am very happy that I finally found it!

3. Tattoo Tonic Miracle Oil

This is a 100% natural oil that heals and protects tattoos and piercings, and...........not only! It can also be used for : minor cuts, chemical burns, sun burn, scar prevention, intense dryness, toenail infection, skin disorders. The product has a strong herbal scent, that reminds me of tea tree.

I am a tattoo addict and I try to take good care of my tattoos. Even though I didn't have any fresh ink, I put it on and it made the colour of my tattoos look more vibrant. I use it from time to time in order to keep them moisturised, and I think it's going to be great as an after-sun tattoo treatment. Another surprise : I remove the hair from my mustache area using wax. After I am done, the skin turns red and the next days the area becomes really dry and starts to peel off. I used 1-2 drops after waxing and I never had the same problem again.

~~The products contain natural ingredients, no mineral oils, dyes, sulfates, propylene glycol, phthalates or parabens. They are 100% vegan and drug and cruelty free!~~ 

If you are interested in any of the products you can find them here. They usually have discounts or special offers!

Let me know if you have any further questions about the products or your opinion if you have tried any of them.

See you soon!

xx

Lydia

*The products were sent to me by the company.

Orofluido Conditioner & Beauty Elixir

Hello everyone!
So......lately I have this obsession over hair stuff. I am always in search for good hair products. Orofluido was kind enough to send me their conditioner and beauty elixir to try out.

First impressions :
-their packaging is really luxurious (gold and black). They are definitely the kind of bottles you want to display in your bathroom :P
-they have a really delicate (kind of addicting) smell. It reminds me of almonds and vanilla.
Orofluido products contain Argan oil ( which is supposed to strenghten the hair, leaving it light and silky), Cyperous oil ( which provides natural protection against free radicals, makes the hair smooth and voluminus, manageable and flexible) and Linseed oil ( which smooths and seals hair cuticles and gives shine). After using both products for a long time I noticed that my hair looked healthier, shinny and super soft. I don't know if that really happened, but it feels like my hair has gotten thicker than it used to be.

The conditioner has a pump, which turned out to be very helpful, as it lets out as much product as needed for one use. It has a semi thick consistency, almost a bit runny, which was the only downside for me, as I often use my conditioner as a hair mask. Another thing I liked about it is that it made it really easy for me to detangle my hair after using it. It costs 13 €, which might be a little pricey for some people, but, in my opinion, is quite alright for a professional hair product. (watch out for offers and discounts)

The Beauty Elixir is a thick amber coloured oil. It can be used before washing your hair as a hair treatment, before styling it (on wet hair) as a heat protector or afterwards, to smoothen your ends. A little bit goes a long way though, so be careful not to put a lot because it might make your hair look greasy. Another plus is that after use, my hair doesn't lose its volume. This is a more expensive product, it costs 29 €, but it will last you over a year for sure.

If you are interested you can visit their website or facebook page (here you can find out about the offers they have from time to time). If there are any other questions you have about my orofluido experience, feel free to leave me a comment and I will answer it right back.
Have you ever tried any Orofluido products? What is your opinion about them?
cu soon
Lydia

AVON Perfect Kiss Lipstick - Red Embrace

Hello you guys!!
    Last week Avon was having a mini contest - giveaway on twitter and I won their new Perfect Kiss Lipstick! The official launch of the product is on March 2013 and the price will be 7,80 €. There will be 24 different shades.The lipstick is infused with fruit enzymes and natural oils.

    I was sent Red Embrace which is an orange based, bright red. The formula is smooth and veeery moisturizing. The pigmentation is excellent, you just have to be careful when applying it (you'd better use a lipliner if you pick a red) because the lipstick tends to bleed. That didn't happen when I used my lip pencil though! The packaging is simple and elegant (shiny silver). Another thing I like about it is the smell, light and fresh!
     I can't wait to try more colours!
Have you tried any lipsticks by Avon? Any recommendations?
xx
Lydia

Eyeslices by BioIn

Hello everyone! I hope you are doing fine!
    A long time ago, I was sent some products to try out and tell you my opinion about. After testing them, I decided to make a post and tell you everything about my Eyeslices experience.
   First of all, let me tell you some things about the product. It is an eye mask which is supposed to reduce the appearance of red eyes, dark circles, tired eyes, wrinkles and puffy eyes within five minutes of use.
   Each package contains a case and 2 eye gels (one for each eye). If you keep the product refrigerated you can get 10-12 uses out of it. For better results, use it in a daily basis, and throw them away 2,5 weeks after opening.
   I have very sensitive eyes, susceptible to allergies, so I was very sceptical about trying them. But I did :P. The thing is that they felt really comforting and relieving!! They helped a lot with my eye puffiness, and my eyes looked a lot brighter and moisturised after the 5 minute use, as if I have had a full 8 hour sleep. I don't have a problem with wrinkles yet, so I can't tell you how it works on signs of ageing.
  I saw they have a version for irritated eyes which I will be definately getting!! The price is around 18 euros and you can find them either on cocmetic stores and pharmacies or at their website.
  I am the kind of person that enjoys staying in at home and pampering myself with beauty masks, bubblebaths, etc......so they are a must have product for me, especially the days of the year that I suffer from allergies. (allergy brothers and sisters know what I am talking about :P)
  Anyway!! Enough with the rambling. Do I recommend them? Yes! Would I buy them? Sure!
I would like to hear if you have ever tried a similar product or any recommendations about eye allergies or (y not?!) homemade eye masks!
  See you soon!
xx
Lydia

Sleek MakeUp i-Divine Ultra Mattes V2 Darks Palette

Well hello there!!! I hope you are all fine :)

    I think you can all imagine my excitement when I found out Sephora was bringing out two Sleek palettes here in Greece. It was the first sleek item added to my collection and it was totally worth it. The other one availiable was the Au Naturel Palette, but I have too many neutral eyeshadows, so I passed. About the Darks Palette? It was love at first sight! This item is totally right up my street!

    The packaging is the classic sleek one (matte black). It comes with a mirror (perfect size to do your makeup when you are on a trip), and a sponge applicator. The eyeshadows are very pigmented and blend well, even though they do kick up a lot of powder. 

    Let's take a closer look :

There are 12 matte colours in this palette.

1) Orbit : A deap teal.

2) Ink : A dark royal blue.

3) Highness : A purple with blue undertones.

4) Thunder : A mid-tone grey.

5) Maple : A dusty burgundy.

6) Flesh : A yellow - tan shade.

7) Noir : A dark charcoil.

8) Dune : A light sand - vanilla colour.

9) Pillow Talk : this is a bold white colour.

10) Paper Bag : A chocolate brown with red undertones.

11) Villan : A violet/eggplant purple.

12) Fern : A deep green.

     Overall, I think it is a great product . Be careful, it may not be "safe" for people who like settle, everyday makeup. This is a great value for money product (only 10 € for twelve 1,1g eyeshadows). It won't be around for too long, as it is a one shot product here in Greece, so check it out next time you visit your local Sephora.

    Have you tried any Sleek products? I would love to here your opinion about them, and any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Take care!

xx

Lydia

Geeky Chic

Hello everyone!
   Lately, I had this obsession over getting a pair of geeky glasses, so when Firmoo contacted me, I got really excited! What is Firmoo? A webstore that has a huge range of glasses and sunglasses (perscription or not). The prices are very reasonable, and the most exciting part is that you can get your first pair for FREE, paying just the shipping!!
   I was very skeptical about getting glasses online.....would they fit me? Firmoo has a virtual try-on system that helped me decide which pair to get. It was fun ! :)
   After choosing the frame, I sent the company my prescription, and a week later...ta-da...the glasses arrived in an envelope, with 2 cases (a hard and a soft one), a cleansing cloth, 2 screws and a mini screwdriver-keychain.

So if you want to get your own glasses or sunglasses by Firmoo all you have to do is visit their website and give yourself or your loved ones an early christmas gift! If you do so, I would love to see your photos wearing them :) Here is mine.. (first time posting my face here..hehe...quite nervous)

Take care!!
xx
Lydia

Dior Grand Bal False Lashes

Φέτος τα Χριστούγεννα θα κάνω grande εμφανίσεις με αυτά εδώ τα "μωρά". Είναι απο το εποχιακό μακιγιάζ του Dior και είναι ό,τι πρέπει για ρεβεγιόν!!! :P

Η συσκευασία είναι απο σκληρό πλαστικό και περιλαμβάνει εκτός απο τις βλεφαρίδες, κόλλα και ένα φυλλάδιο σχετικό με το προϊόν. Οι βλεφαρίδες είναι πάρα πολύ απαλές, σχεδόν όσο οι φυσικές.

Το ένα ζευγάρι έχει πυκνές  και μακριές σε φυσικό σχήμα βλεφαρίδες, ενώ στην εξωτερική πλευρά έχει μικρές πέρλες.

Το δεύτερο ζευγάρι έχει πιο μακριές αλλά λιγότερο πυκνές βλεφαρίδες που στη βάση έχουν μια σειρά απο χρυσά στρασάκια.

Ανυπομονώ να τις φορέσω! Περιμένω να μου πείτε ιδέες για μακιγιάζ!
xx
Lydia

Flormar look (Bronze smokey eyes)

Η εταιρία Flormar είχε την ευγενή καλοσύνη να μου στείλει κάποια προϊόντα της. Αποφάσισα, λοιπόν,  να φτιάξω ένα look για να σας τα δείξω. Έμεινα πολύ ευχαριστημένη απο την ποιότητα τους, ειδικά απο τις σκιές.

Η ροζ σακούλα είχε μέσα μια τριπλή σκιά, ένα κραγιόν και ένα eye liner. Εδώ είναι και τα swatches για να δείτε τα χρώματα λίγο καλύτερα αφού οι φωτογραφίες με το μακιγιάζ...μπάζουν λιγάκι απο άποψη πραγματικής απόδοσης χρωμάτων :

Η σκιά είναι η Terracotta Trio Eyeshadow - No 08, το eyeliner είναι το True Color Dipliner - Brown και το κραγιόν το Selection no46.

Και τώρα το μακιγιάζ που έφτιαξα....

Θα με ενδιέφερε πολύ να μου πείτε αν έχετε δοκιμάσει κάποιο προϊόν της συγκεκριμένης εταιρίας και αν έχετε να προτείνετε κάποιο. Έχω βάλει ήδη αρκετά στην λίστα μου!

Επίσης, θα ήθελα να μου πείτε τι χρώμα κραγιόν θα προτιμούσατε με ένα τέτοιο look!

xx

Lydia

That's better!!

Πριν φύγω για διακοπές (τον καιρό εκείνο..), έλαβα ταχυδρομικώς μερικά (οκ πολλά!) δείγματα απο την εταιρία that's better. Είχα την ευκαιρία να δοκιμάσω 4 διαφορετικά προϊόντα. Καταρχάς, να πω οτι ένα πράγμα που μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ σε όλα τα προϊόντα ήταν το άρωμα τους. Και τώρα ας τα δούμε αναλυτικά :

• After Party secret : Είναι ορός αποκατάστασης που σβήνει τα σημάδια της κούρασης, καταπραΰνει και απαλύνει ερυθρότητα και ερεθισμούς. Αυτό ήταν το πιο αγαπημένο μου προϊόν απο όλα. Το χρησιμοποίησα μετά απο ξενύχτια (εεε ξέρετε πως είναι το καλοκαίρι και οι διακοπές...χμμμ). Συνήθως μετά απο ξενύχτι, ποτό και λοιπά το δέρμα μου είναι θαμπό και αφυδατωμένο. Δεν ξέρω τι συμβαίνει με αυτό τον ορό αλλά αναζωογονήθηκα και βγήκα φρεσκαδούρα στην παραλία :P
• Plump&go face&eye cream : Είναι κρέμα προσώπου και ματιών με αντηλιακή προστασία, διορθώνει τις ατέλειες και καταπολεμά τα ορατά σημάδια γήρανσης. Παρόλο που μυρίζει υπέροχα, δυστυχώς ήταν πολύ λιπαρή για την επιδερμίδα μου (έχω μεικτή επιδερμίδα με μια τάση λιπαρότητας στο Τ). Ίσως να δουλεύει καλύτερα σε κανονικές/ξηρές επιδερμίδες.
• Skin workout - This is a face scrub : Scrub προσώπου που ενισχύει τη διείσδυση των βιταμινών στο δέρμα, καθαρίζει τους πόρους σε βάθος απομακρύνοντας τα νεκρά κύτταρα. Η γνώμη μου? Ένα scrub απαλό, ιδανικό για ευαίσθητες επιδερμίδες. Δεν έχει "άγριους" κόκκους, οπότε δεν ερεθίζει την επιδερμίδα και γι'αυτό ήταν οτι πρέπει για να το χρησιμοποιώ περισσότερες απο μια φορές την εβδομάδα.
• Creme de la creme - firming body cream : Κρέμα σώματος για πλούσια ενυδάτωση και σύσφιγξη με άμεσα αποτελέσματα. Μια αρκετά ενυδατική κρέμα, κατά τη γνώμη μου. Εαν τη χρησιμοποιήσεις σε νωπή επιδερμίδα έχεις ακόμα καλύτερα αποτελέσματα. Το δέρμα γυαλίζει πολύ όμορφα μετά τη χρήση ενώ φαίνεται πιο σφιχτό.

Για το τέλος, άφησα ένα πολύ όμορφο μήνυμα που βρήκα στο facebook fan page της εταιρίας και ήθελα να το μοιραστώ μαζί σας! Θα τα ξαναπούμε σύντομα!

Φιλιά

Λυδία