PAPER-ART LASHES

Jeg er en stor fan av løsvipper, og bruker det ofte selv.  Jeg synes det er kjempe fint og gir en ekstra løft til enhver anledning; en naturlig look til hverdags, og en mørkere og tettere look til fest.

//I'm a big fan of false lashes, and use it often myself these days.  I love the extra lift it gives a look, both for a  more natural everyday look, or a darker party version.//

Til tross for at jeg er glad i løsvipper, så er det en ting jeg ikke har testet, og det er "Paper-art Lashes" - løsvipper som er laget til å se ut som Paper-Art.

//Despite my love for false lashes, there is one type I still haven't tried out, and that's the "Paper-Art Lashes" - false lashes made to look like actual Paper-Art.//

Disse kommer i all slags varianter, alt ifra sommerfugler, blomster, blonder og til og med byer.  Hva sier du, ville du hatt Londons skyline på vippene dine?
En av stedene du kan få kjøpe disse finurlighetene er hos bland annet "Paperself".  Under ser du litt av hva de har å by på, med litt 2D design av moi selvfølgelig... klarer ikke å dy meg når muligheten byr seg.  ;)


//These come in all shapes and sizes; butterflies, flowers, lace, and even cityscapes... What do you think, would you like to be able to wear London on your lash-line? 
One of the places to find these little pieces of "lash-art" is at "Paperself".  Below you'll see some of the many types they have for sale, accompanied by some 2D design by moi... I just love to create a little something when I have the chance.  ;)  //

1 //LONDON SKYLINE    2//DEER & BUTTERFLY    3//ROSE    4//LACE GARDEN

Til tross for at jeg finner konseptet fascinerende, så må jeg innrømme at dette nok ikke er noe jeg ser for meg å bruke, hverken til hverdags eller fest.  Kanskje til Halloween?

//The bottom line is, that even though I do find the concept fascinating, I have to admit that I just can't picture myself wearing this type of lashes.  Maybe for Halloween?//

Så hva sier du?  Er dette noe du ville gått med til spesielle anledninger, eller blir det bare merkelig?

//So what do you think?  Is this something you'd wear for special occasions, or is it just to strange?//

HAPPY HALLOWEEN - TIM BURTON LOOK

I år blir det ikke noe Halloween styr for min del.  Jeg skal heller krype opp i sofaen og se på TV! Så det så! Ha ha :)

Hadde jeg derimot skulle gjøre noe i år, så hadde jeg nok gått for denne utrolig søte Tim Burton inspirerte looken av Michelle Phan - den er jo så enkel, og så fin!
For meg så blir denne looken mer en blanding av Tim Burton og Neil Gaiman (Sandman), og det er jo bare enda bedre spør du meg.  Jeg liker spesielt detaljene på neglene, de var helt utrolig søte.

Len deg tilbake og ny litt Halloween inspirasjon, og Happy Halloween peeps!


//This year I'm not celebrating Halloween, so no make-up, no party, maybe just some treats! :)  It's a fairly new thing here in Norway to celebrate Halloween, and it usually involves a party or two.

On the other hand, if I was going to do anything, I'd be going for this incredibly cute Tim Burton inspired look by Michelle Phan - so simple, and so cute!
For me this is more of a mix between Tim Burton and Neil Gaiman (Sandman), which makes it even better.
I just love the details of her nails, incredibly sweet.

Well, lean back and enjoy some Halloween inspiration, and have a smashing celebration you guys!  Happy Halloween! :)  //

HAUNTING HALLOWEEN LOOK

Da er Halloween like rundt hjørnet, og mange har allerede funnet fram sminke og kostymer.  Det er ikke alltid like lett å finne på nye ting å kle seg ut som, og enkelte begynner å bli lei korsettet og heksehatten. Heldigvis finnes det mye utrolig flott inspirasjon på nettet.

Talentfulle Michelle Phan har laget nok en flott video tutorial for sminke, en fantastisk Halloween look hun kaller "La Bella Muerte".
Jeg synes resultatet ble veldig flott, og tenkte jeg skulle dele videoen med dere i tilfelle dere har lyst på litt nydelig Halloween inspirasjon.  :)


/Halloween is right around the corner, and we all look forward to dig up our make-up stash and costumes.  It's not always easy to think of new ideas for Halloween, and several of us are getting kinda tired of seeing the old corset and the witches hat...
Fortunately for us there is so much wonderful inspiration on-line these days.

The adorable Michelle Phan just made another amazing make-up video tutorial, and this time the theme was Halloween.  The result was a beautifully haunting look she named "La Bella Muerte".
The look is so well done that I wanted to share it with you guys, in case you're in need of some Halloween inspiration.  :)  You can always trust in Mish to always deliver.  ;) //

"Captivating, beautiful and deadly…my newest makeup tutorial brings together Spanish heritage and the celebration of those who have passed on.  La Bella Muerte – or “The Beautiful Death” – is a look that was inspired by the sugar skulls from the Day of the Dead in Mexico.  I treated my face like a canvas in this tutorial and loved getting creative with all the different colors and designs."
Michelle Phan


Blir det Halloween feiring på deg i år?  I så fall, hva skal du kle deg ut som? :)

//Are you celebrating Halloween this year?  If you are, who will you be?  :)  //

REVIEW - KÉRASTASE MASQUE OLÉO-RELAX

I don't often write about beauty products, but when I do it's pretty guaranteed that it's an absolute favourite.

My hair is far from the most co-operate sort, and usually dry, hard and dull.  I've been trying a lot of different products that is supposed to soften the hair, and there are so far two that has my stamp of approval... but there is one that is my favourite and that really does the trick.
Trust me, if you have dry and unruly hair like me, this is going to be your favourite too. :)

Hard, dry, dull hair...  needs a helping hand.

If there is only one product I could recommend for dry hair out of all the things I've tried, it would be this beauty from Kerastase:

KÉRASTASE MASQUE OLÉO-RELAX.    

"Kérastase Masque Oléo-Relax is a smoothing masque to discipline dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair. Its smoothing formula will leave hair soft and silky whilst the Anti-Frizz Protection properties prevent it turning unmanageable in humid weather.

Kérastase Masque Oléo-Relax is formulated with Nutri-Huile Complex, containing shorea and palm oils and Anti-Frizz Protection formula, a soluble silicone derivative, which work to smooth and nourish your dry, frizzy, unmanageable hair. Hair will benefit from improved softness and long-lasting volume and control."

My hair is the kind where you will end up getting a comb stuck if you even try... except from after using this treatment.  It really does make my hair a lot softer.  It's a bit on the expensive side, but it's worth the money.

Even though it says on the box to only leave it in for only five minutes before you rinse, I'm going to let you in on a little secret on how to get an even better result...

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A HAIR TREATMENT

1. 
Wash your hair in comfortable warm water (not hot) and squeeze as much water out of it as possible after you finish.
The warmth will help rinsing away all old products, dirt and grease from your hair and will open up the pores and the cuticle of your hair shaft.
(Warmth is also drying out you hair, little by little as you wash it, that is why washing your hair too often will dry too often leave the hair overly porous, causing it to be dry and brittle.)

2. 
As the hair now is all opened up, it's time to apply the Oléo-Relax hair treatment.
Put enough treatment to cover all damaged hair, and preferably do not massage into scalp if you suffer from more greasy hair.

3.
Bundle the hair up, grab a towel, and wrap it around your head.  For the little extra, take a warm fresh towel straight out from the tumble dryer.

4.
It's time to kick back and let the treatment work it's magic for about twenty minutes.
Snuggle up in a large fluffy bathrobe with a cup of tea and read your favourite blog - the fuzzy corner, of course - while you're waiting.  ;)

5.
Rinse your hair in warm water and make sure you get out all of the product.  Towel dry, and let your hair air dry if you can.  If you use a blow-dryer, remember to apply heat protecting products.  If you have very dry and damaged hair, try to do the treatment about two times per week.


A little extra tip:

(6.)
If you suffer from frizzy hair there is one more step.
After you have rinsed your hair of the product, you will finish off with a second rinsing - in cold water.  Not the scalp, just the hair.
(If you suffer from greasy scalp, the cold water will increase the amount of grease being produced.)
The cold water will help closing up the pores, and make it more sleek.  Be aware that this can make your hair a bit more flat, so if you're going for big and voluminous, this is probably a step you can skip.


Now, we can all hope and dream for silky soft and shiny waves like this...

...or be a bit more realistic and be glad we can all pull our combs through our hair and get all giddy seeing that it has some shine.  :)

WEDDING NAILS

I just finished Gel Nails for a dear friend of mine - a little test for her upcoming wedding - need to make sure she gets them exactly how she wants them for the big day.  :)

Doing Gel nails is fun!  I just love being able to do it myself.  I think I might have to start exploring with additional tools and gels soon, not only sticking to the more natural looks, but trying out something a bit more bold.


I think she was happy with the result, which turned out very pretty if I may say so myself.  ;)

I just love the classic natural gel nail look for weddings.  Which is your favourite?

MARBLE SUMMER NAILS

I'm often popping by LuLu's online store, drooling over all their gorgeous stuff... that I never end up buying for some silly reason.  Oh well, you can always do some "window-shopping" right?  :)


Anywho. :)
While browsing around at LuLu's, I came across this really fun post on their blog!  How to create a marble look for your summer nails - really cool, and apparently really easy too.


Of course, I had to share.  ;)

"Fitting with this week’s theme, Pool Party, this water marble nail tutorial is sure to make a splash at any summer soiree. Try this with any of your favorite polish colors to create a different look to match your hottest summer outfit!"

"Repeat on each nail and clean up any excess polish with a Q-tip or angled brush dipped in acetone. Add your favorite top coat and you’re done!"

Original blog post by  //LuLu's  & //wondrouslypolished



Cool huh?  Think I might have to give this a go at some point.  

WANT CURLS?

If so, I recommend you try out these pink and funny looking things from Glitter. 

They may look strange, but they really work, and even better - they cause 0 harm to your hair.  Curls with no heat involved, and nothing to tear at the hair strands as they're super soft.


You simply put your hair through, roll it up, pull the end bit through the end loop, and voila - there you go, a hair friendly little roll.  Really easy.  You can find them //HERE.

They are soft and comfortable, but I wouldn't nessescary sleep with them on.... unless you want to wake up to this the morning after!

Ha ha ha ha, it was just hilarious! Good morning Curly Sue - you could say I was a bit shocked when I looked in the mirror.

   

I got some serious flashbacks to my days with perm.... *shiver*

I see no perm for me in the near future, but I might have another go with these pink rollers to try another look... without keeping them in overnight this time...  ;)

30 DAY CHALLENGE - DAY 25 - YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT RIGHT NOW

My favorite product right now is the same as it has been for years.  I would say it's the product of the decade.  Without a doubt:

- Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant -

 

This baby just works.  There is no other way of putting it, it just works, plain and simple.

I really don't mind giving Dermalogica some serious credit and free advertizement here, as it's thanks to them that my skin is a better and happier version of itself today.

This is one of those times when the product just does what it's actually supposed to do, and you just love it for it.

I'll be putting all relevant links for you at the end of this post.  



DESCRIPTION
"Gentle, daily use exfoliating powder for all skin conditions. Unique Rice-based powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. Our unique Skin Brightening Complex helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation while a super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal helps to calm the skin, leaving it extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Not recommended for users of medically-prescribed exfoliation products. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.


BENEFITS:
Removes dulling surface debris and evens skin tone.
Reveals brighter, smoother skin.
Gentle enough for daily use.

HOW TO USE:
Dispense about a half-teaspoon of Daily Microfoliant® into very wet hands and create a creamy paste by rubbing hands together. Apply to face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Massage gently for one minute, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with Multi-Active Toner or UltraCalming Mist and prescribed Dermalogica Moisturizer.
- Dermalogica.com -




REVIEW
First of all I should mention that I have very sensitive and problematic skin.  Some areas are very oily, others very dry, and it constantly changes and acts up.  I also often tend to get an uneven skin tone.

Some years ago when my skin was seriously wreaking havoc, I got the Dermalogica product line recommended through a dear friend of mine who was no stranger to problematic skin. I am so glad I followed his advice and went for it.

My next step was to seek out a local skin therapist in Canada, making sure to find one that was using the Dermalogica line.  She did a face mapping for me, or a skin analysis if you will, so that she could determine which products would benefit my skin type the most.

The Daily Microfoliant was one of the products she recommended for me, and I started to use it daily together with other Dermalogica products, as at the same time I was going for regular skin treatments with the skin therapist. 

I found that Dermalogica has a great range of products, but the absolute best one, hands down, is the Daily Microfoliant.
It really calmed my skin down, gave it an even skin tone, and I could just feel how my skin loved the treatment.  It was really amazing to experience after so much frustration I had gone through at the time.

As I mentioned I did use the product daily in the beginning, but as my skin got better I started to use it less and less.
Now I use it at random, a couple of times per week max.  It's important to remember that even though this product can do wonders for your skin, overuse will lead to drying out your skin.


It actually does these things, it doesn't just have a nice packaging and some pretty text on top.  It really does;

• even out your skin tone
• makes it feel amazingly clean and fresh
• minimizes pores and blackheads
• brightens up your skin
• decreases oiliness
• calms down irritated skin (not skin rash)

Every person that I've talked to that use the Daily Microfoliant have been so happy about it, and really glad I recommended it to them, and now I have to opportunity to recommend it to you! :)


SO THERE YOU HAVE IT
In the end, all I can say is that the Daily Microfoliant is a wonderful product for most people.  In general I would recommend a face mapping, no matter what your skin type is, to get the best product suited for your skin.

If you have normal skin and just want a great but gentle exfoliation while reducing pores and blackheads - this is perfect for you, but take care to not overuse.

If you do have problematic skin, I cannot urge you enough to go and seek out a skin therapist, and have them perform a skin mapping on you.  You skin will love you for it.

LINKS
Dermalogica.com
Daily Microfoliant
Locate a Dermalogica Spa or Store near you

RISE OF THE SOCK BUN

You gotta love a good Sock Bun!  :)

I sure do.  It's an easy up-do that can be made to be made to look sleek and preppy, or messy and casual - you can basically use it for any occasion - love it.

Small, big, low on the neck, high up on the head, or another fun version; low on the side like beautiful Kate Beckinsale on the picture below.

Sock buns are getting increasingly popular, rising to the challenge both in fashion and with the celebs - how often haven't we seen these two ladies below with their hair up in a twist?  ;)

There are several techniques on making the perfect sock bun, and one thing is for sure - you'll need some tools!


You can either use the donut....

The Donut covered by fake hair....

Or you can go old school, and make a proper Sock Bun by creating your very own sock donut!

I have to admit that I'm a fan of the donut below on the left, though the sock idea is really neat.
 
I guess the best part about using the actual sock is that you can custom make the size to fit your exact needs!  Nifty right?  :)

There is one bad thing however when using this option, and that would be color matching for your hair... if you're blonde and use a black sock it might be very visible through the hair, depending on the thickness of your hair of course.

Want to have a closer look on how to get this bun on your own head?  Check out the video below where Wendy Nguyen is showing her technique.

Wendy has the most adorable fashion blog called Wendy's Lookbook by the way, absolutely worth checking out.  Link to her blog //HERE.

30 DAY CHALLENGE - DAY 20 - YOUR PERFUME

I have two different perfumes that I alternate between, and I love both of them.


One is for winter, and one is for summer.  I like changing perfume to a lighter scent for warmer weather, it just emphasizes the change of the season and makes the summer even more enjoyable.


WINTER: BVULGARI'S - ROSE ESSENTIELLE ...I love roses.  :)

"The ultimate in pure luxury, Rose Essentielle is a tribute to the world's most prestigious flower - the rose. The ultimate floral expression of luxury and absolute femininity, it is a rose-floral interpretation of the Pour Femme fragrance.

Notes:
Rose Prelude, Blackberry, Feuille de Violette, Living Mimosa, Jasminum Sambac, Patchouli, Bois de Gaiac .

Style:
Luxurious. Feminine. Delicate."




SUMMER: MARC JACOBS - DAISY ...current perfume and favorite.

"Enter the world of Daisy: fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence. At the heart of Daisy is a floral with vintage edge: violet. Sophisticated, with a touch of whimsy, violet captures the eclectic, vintage flavor of Marc Jacobs' feminine, edgy designs. Always elegant, always enchanting - but not too serious - Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth.

Notes:
Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods.

Style:
Bright. Alluring. Eternal."

This little lovely thing can be bought accompanied by a wonderful shower gel and moisturizer, and the trio is absolutely on top of my favorite list.   I actually found the trio with a cute little bag at Sephora //HERE.

 

If in doubt and in need for a change for summer, I suggest you pop by a store and give it a sniff!  ;)

30 DAY CHALLANGE - DAY 1 - LAST BUY

Ok, my latest buy is a really girly one.

The beautiful "mademoiselle" from Essie - I think this has to be one of my all time favorites, such a delicate color.

Next on the list is a pink rose ring with matching earrings from "Glitter" - They just felt so fresh and reminded me of summer!

The last thing was a total coincidence while popping by H&M - Nail Design that you easily apply to your nail like a sticker and apply a layer with top coat to have it stay in place.  I just thought these were super cute, and at 19.50 NOK, I just couldn't resist.