Archive for December 2009

Happy NewYear!

I know I'm early, but I'm not sure if I'll be online tomorrow. And I know some of you will be celebrating the new year in just a few hours (while we still have to wait another 11 hours), so it's not THAT early. :)

I want to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and fun New Year!
May all your hopes and dreams come true in 2010!


I want to especially thank my family, inlaws and friends who made 2009 a great year, and I look forward to start another year knowing all of you. To all of you: You are always there for us and we appreaciate it more than you'll ever know. Thank you for everything you've done and for being you. You all have a special place in my heart.

I want to congratulate my uncle, because today is his birthday. I wish you many more to come!
Congratulations again to Lexling Linda, with becoming a mother in 2009, to lovely Linus.
Congratulations again to Terry, who gave birth to beautifull Alice Rose last monday.
Congratulations again to Sanne, my sisterinlaw, with our new familymember, Daan.

Barbara, who moved to the UK in 2009, you're my dearest friend and I miss you a lot. Thank gawd for internet! I hope to see you soon in 2010 and we'll have lots of fun. Be safe *sm00ch*

My dear Lexlings, I look forward to another year with all of you. 2009 was a special year, because I found you guys and I look forward to another year full of discussions about books, movies, life and other ramblings. And ofcourse also a lot of drama, love, and fun. Don't forget the new additions to our happy little family: Linus and Alice Rose, who both have a truckload of amazing aunts spread all over the world :)
Lexlings, I love you all, and I wish you all the very best for 2010!

I also want to thank everyone I know, not listed above. People at work, on fora, etc. Without you, life would not be the same.

And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my beloved, Sidney.
For putting up with my weird ramblings and habits, for letting me be myself and loving me for it, for laughing at my stupid jokes, for every smile, for every touch, for every kiss. And ofcourse for being crazy enough to marry me last year and still loving me after 6 years together. My life and world are better because you are in it. I love you.

Small Makeup Haul

Last week I bought some things at a clearance sale at Kruidvat. I love clearance sale and I try not to buy anything for the full price, saves us a lot of money :)

Apart from the Essence Nailglue, which I described in the previous blog, I also bought:

  • Extreme Art Eyeliner by Gosh , no. 12
  • Effect Powder by Gosh, Sunstone
  • Long Lasting Eyepencil by Essence, no. 9 C'est la vie!
  • Kajalpencil by Essence, no. 12 Go wild




The extreme arteyeliner is waterproof, which means you can walk through a storm with it, and it won't come off. Even with makeupremover it's pretty hard to get off your eyes. They come in a lot of different colours and not just the usual black and brown. The one I bought is a green colour, (how unexpected) and like the rest of them, has a very nice small brush, which makes applying it very easy.



The effect powder is salmonlike colour with golden shimmers. It comes in a nice little jar with a plastic cap, so it won't spill into the top of the jar everytime you open it. These effectpowder are easy to use, are very pigmented and come in various beautifull colours. You can also use them as an eyeliner, wich gives great results.





The longlasting eyepencil is like a stick, that you can lift by twisting the pen around itself. It has a nice silver shimmery colour for a more dramatic effect. It says to be loglasting, so I'm curious how long it will hold.

The kajal pencil is a shimmery light silverturquoise, I can't describe it any other way. It reminds me of colours I would pick for a snowqueen. I think this one went out of the collection, but I'm not sure.

I made some swatches, but I couldn't get the shimmery colours to photograph right. Still, it gives you a feel of the products ad the way they look.

2009 Favorites!

Hey guys! I can't believe 2009 is over already... it's crazy! Personally, I couldn't be happier that it's over cos '09 has just been one of the suckiest years ever... but you guys have helped me through it. I love all my followers, and fellow bloggers!

Another bright spot of this year has been trying so many (many, many) different hair products! I've acquired quite the collection since I started this blog! LOL! So I'm gonna tell you what my absolute favorites are, but I won't be restricting it to one product for every category so it'll be a little different than my usual monthly favorites posts. So here they are!


Shampoo!




  1. S-Factor Diamond Dreams Shampoo: The most luxurious shampoo I own... it's amazing! It's a total luxury item, but on the days when I'm feeling lousy, it's such a good pick-me-up. Diamond Dreams has a rich lather, it's super moisturizing, and the scent is 2 DIE 4 - blackberry lychee - pure heaven. A great way to indulge yourself without resorting to chocolate. LOL!
  2. Redken Color Extend: Pretty much my everyday shampoo. It's moisturizing, protects my color, and gently cleanses. Loves it!
  3. Sebastian Drench: I was able to try this thanks to CosmoProf's 12 Days of X-mas special, and I'm glad I did! Drench is good stuff, especially if you have dry hair - like me. And to me it smells like apples, I don't know if that's what they were going for, but I like it. :D
  4. L'Occitane Ultra Rich Shea Butter Shampoo: The first product that was ever sent to me to review - it will always be special to me... especially since it works! If my hair was healthy, I would not need conditioner with this shampoo... no, really. L'Occitane is another luxury item, but if you got some spare cash I highly suggest giving this shampoo a shot!


Conditioner!


  1. S-Factor Diamond Dreams: Pure silk in a bottle. It leaves my hair feeling amazingly soft and healthy. Like the shampoo, it's a total extravagance - but it makes me happy, so whatevs. BTDubbz, both the shampoo and conditioner are color-safe.
  2. Redken Real Control: My favorite Redken conditioner. The Real Control line is meant for thick hair like mine, and the conditioner works awesome for me! Also color-safe.
  3. Redken Color Extend: Great stuff! Usually I use this in conjunction with Color Extend shampoo for a couple weeks after my hair is freshly colored, or whenever I feel like it.


Treatment!


  1. Redken Real Control Intense Renewal: All time favorite hair mask. I dare you not to fall in love with it!
  2. Joico K-PAK Reconstruct: K-PAK brought my lightened to the max, over-processed, brittle hair back to life! A must-have protein treatment. I'm going to need this in a gallon size though, so Joico get on that please.
  3. S-Factor Serious Conditioner: This stuff SERIOUSLY rocks! Can be used as a daily condtioner or a hair mask - versatility! I love it.
  4. Redken Extreme CAT: I use CAT once or twice a month, or after I receive a chemical service to give my hair a good protein boost! I love it because it packs a lot of punch in a short time. Usually I layer Intense Renewal over it to deep condition at the same time.


Smoothing & Shine!



  1. S-Factor Dream Drops: STAPLE! This is a must have for everyone! Whether you use it in wet or dry hair, your hair will be blindingly shiny - and never greasy.
  2. It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product: One of the best leave-ins I've ever tried. I love using it as a flat-iron spray too, it like - fills in the damage on the hair shaft. I love it!
  3. S-Factor Smoothing Lusterizer: Smoothing Lusterizer saved my hair back when I was blonde. I'd mix a little of it with a few Dream Drops and my hair looked amazing. Even now that I'm (almost) back to natural, I still use it all the time!
  4. Redken Extreme Anti-Snap: If your hair is so processed that it's about to fall out - you need this. It leaves your hair feeling healthy... as healthy as over-processed hair can feel. LOL!
  5. Bed Head Headrush: STAPLE! I've seriously gone through like four cans of this stuff. I use it on everybody, as well as myself! It's a super-fine shine mist that makes your hair look polished and healthy.


Volume!



  1. Redken Blown Away 09: The best blowdry gel I've used so far! Adds a lot of volume and doesn't weigh hair down at all. Staple.
  2. Catwalk Your Highness Thickening Gel Creme: The whole Your Highness collection is amazing, but the Thickening Gel Creme rocks! Adds tons of body and shine, and smells like sensual jasmine and violets... mmm....
  3. Scruples Direct Volume Spray Foam: This spray foam gives a more firm hold than the other two. If you prefer a firmer hold in your hair, this is for you - but by no means is it crunchy or sticky, it's a great product!


Straightening!

  1. Sebastian Potion 9: I love this product for its versatility - you can blowdry your hair silky straight with it or air dry/diffuse for luscious curls.
  2. Bed Head Control Freak Serum: This is one of Bed Head's best sellers for a reason! You can blowdry your hair almost pin straight with it, without weighing down your hair or leaving residue!
  3. FX Flat Iron Spray: Probably my favorite flat iron spray! I can use it on ANYONE for amazing results, and you can get it at the drugstore!
  4. It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product: Like I said before, I love to use this as a flat iron spray - but more for coarse & damaged hair as it's very conditioning.
  5. S-Factor Flat Iron Shine Spray: This makes your hair superrr shiny and superrr straight! Best used on normal/coarse hair, and a little goes a long way!
  6. Redken Spray Starch 15: Whether you're straightening, curling, waving, crimping, whatevering, Spray Starch works great!


Texture!






  1. S-Factor Spun Satin: One of my favorite hair products EVER! It's a whipped styling soufflé that is perfect for wavy hair (like mine). It conditions your hair while adding soft texture and definition. I want it in bulk. :D
  2. Sebastian Microweb Fiber: I've never had so much fun using a hair product before! If you've ever used it you know what I mean, and if you haven't watch this clip: http://bit.ly/8VRNRg It gives you crazy, moldable texture that lasts all day!
  3. KMS Hairplay Dry Wax: I use this more than I use hairspray! Spray it wherever you want texture and separation with a light hold.
  4. Nioxin Smoothing Reflectives Defining Pomade: Gives massive shine and separation, and smells so wonderfully masculine. Seriously, if it was a cologne I'd totally buy it.
  5. Bed Head Hard To Get Texturizing Paste: Perfect if you want separation, definition, and texture with a light matte finish.
  6. Bed Head Creative Genius: For the hardcore gel lovers, this has been my fave since I was like 13! Crazy intense texture and hold in dry hair & a lighter, more natural hold when blowdried in wet hair. Curly girls like it too - a little in wet hair + air dry = sculpted, frizz free curls with a firm hold. Perfect for guys with short spikey hair as well!
  7. Sebastian Whipped Creme: Versatility!!! Air dry for natural, tousled curls, OR diffuse for sexy curls with definition, OR set hair for gorgeous/bouncy/red carpet ready curls!
  8. Bed Head Hook-Up Mousse Wax: One of the most interesting products I own! Comes out in a creamy, mousse-like foam but gives re-workable texture, definition, and shine like wax!
  9. B For Men Matte Separation Workable Wax: For the boys! Gives great hold and separaton with a definite matte finish.
  10. KMS Hairplay Sea Salt Spray: Beach hair! Using this spray really is like a day at the beach. It has a light hold and really brings out the waves in your hair. Plus it's in a spray bottle, which if you read my review, you know I LOVE! No caps to lose. =)

Hairspray!


  1. White Sands Stuck Up: All time favorite! When used with heat you can create insane, avant garde, sky high styles - but by itself it gives a light, yet firm hold that brushes out beautifully.
  2. S-Factor Vivacious: OMG I buy this for the scent alone! Especially since it lasts for hours! And it holds great without feeling sticky or heavy.
  3. Sebastian Re-Shaper: Re-Shaper has a lighter, more natural hold but still fights frizz and humidity.
  4. Rusk W8less Plus: The name is right! Weightless hold, pleasant scent, and versatile!
  5. Bed Head Masterpiece: All day hold and it makes your hair crazy shiny! Never seen a hairspray give this much shine and not make your hair feel like crap!
  6. New Image Super Hold Hairspray: I'm normally not a fan of non-aerosol products, or Sally's products - but this is an exception! The pump sprays a very fine mist, unlike others that just spit it out at you, and it gives a nice firm hold without the crunchy/sticky mess most others give.
  7. Bed Head Hard Head: This stuff is strong - total updo hairspray! Perfect for those who like their hair to have that "frozen" look.

WHEW! That's a lot of product! And writing! Good thing it's only a yearly post haha. Well there you have it - my favorite products of 2009. I wonder what I'll be loving next year...


What about you?! I want ALL OF YOU to tell me what YOUR favorite products of 2009 are! I absolutely love reading all your comments, fo'realz! =) I hope everyone has a great 2010, I wish you all the BEST!



I LOVE YOU ALL! XOXO
-Anthony

Nailglue and NOTD

Nailglue
Every once in a while I have a broken nail, and usually it's in the middle of my nail, so I can't cut it.
So, to save myself a lot of pain everytime my nail comes in contact with something, I use some nailglue to repair them. Nailglue is pretty easy to use and they come in all kinds of shapes.
In this blog I'll show 2 different nailglues from the same brand.


The first one is the Nail glue pen by Essence.
The pen immediately appealed to me, because a pen is pretty easy to put into your purse for emergencies. You push the pen gently on your nail and then the glue comes out of it. Or so the writing on it says. It might be that I have bought the one pen that doesn't really work, but my pen doesn't work when you push it gently. You have to crush it to a straight surface to get the tip at the top to move. Which isn't really handy when you have a ail that hurts because it's gone straight over the middle of you fingernail.

You can see a little dot of glue that has dried on the top of the pen. I push the pen on a paper or something an then apply the glue that comes out of it on my nail. Not the best of solutions but it works. And I have to say it is a very strong glue. It takes a while to dry, but when it's done, you can do anything with your nails. Or at least, just do your normal stuff ;)


The second one is the Nail Glue by Essence in a little jar.
It's has a little applicator just like a normal nailpolish. You can apply it quite accurately and it is very easy to use. In my opinion this one took a little longer to dry than the other one. But it might be the exact same glue and it just appeared to be longer. The result is very good, your nails can be used as before.








I used both of these glues, because 2 nails of mine were broken. Months of long nails and then all of a sudden, 3 break in one week. I cut one, but the other two were broken right on top of the finger, in the middle of the nail. One was even broken on 2 sides! That one really hurt and I had to wear a bandaid on it the rest of the day, which annoyed me a lot. So As soon as I got the opportunity I applied nailglue on the broken nails and after that treated them the same way as all the other nails (nailhardener and nailpolish).
It's almost 2 weeks later now, and my nails are still glued and ''whole''. I have re-applied the glue when I applied new nailpolish to be sure, but even after work, they are still 'whole'' and not splitting or anything.
So I can really recommend these nailglues. They are around 2 or 3 euros, so not really expensive either.

NOTD

 For this NOTD I applied Herome nalhardener as a basecoat, as usual. After that I applied the Black Pearl by Rimmel. One thick layer, and not two or more layers, because they chip easier with layers. If you apply a thicker layer, it dries a bit slower, but it will stay on a lot better.









On my left hand I used a Nail art sticker by Essence, which costs 1,49 euros for about 20 orso stickers. They come in 4 different styles and this one I never used before. I think it looks great on darker nailpolish.
On top of that I used the ''01 Clear as Ice'' Multi Dimension 3 in 1 nail polish with XXl shine by Essence, as a topcoat.