Archive for July 2011

♥ REVIEW: Pomega5 Skin Perfecting Cleansing Trio - Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar, Lemongrass Clarifying Cleansing Bar + Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar ♥

Goal: To find a natural face wash or soap that removes makeup and takes care of all of my skin's needs at different times of the month and year.
Brand: Pomega5
Product: Skin Perfecting Cleansing Trio (includes Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar, Lemongrass Clarifying Cleansing Bar and Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar).
Description: Based on a blend of extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate seed oil, Pomega5's Skin Perfecting Cleansing Trio incorporates purifying and skin rejuvenating botanicals and essential oils to offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for the skin and soul. Try all three at once to discover your favorite, or alternate depending on mood! Lemongrass invigorates and awakens, Green Tea energizes, and Bulgarian Rose harmonizes. Complimentary ribbon wrap makes the Trio a perfect gift.

Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar: Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar draws upon the protective, anti-inflammatory properties of green tea and purifying botanicals like lemongrass, verbena and medicinal sage to restore skin’s equilibrium. Formulated with extra virgin olive oil, this facial bar cleanses deeply to minimize pore size and provide hydration, leaving skin with an even tone, softness and natural luster you can see. A universal facial cleanser formulated with antioxidant pomegranate seed oil, green tea and verbena to fight free radicals and restore balance.
Skin Type: All skin types
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil, Verbena Officinalis (Vervain) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil.
Price per 120 g / 4.2 oz bar: $ 22.00 (if purchased seperately).

Lemongrass Clarifying Cleansing Bar: Drawing on centuries of traditional soap-making practices, Tzeira developed this cleansing bar using the most premium ingredients sourced from the Mediterranean. Extra virgin olive oil, precious pomegranate seed oil, herbs, and essential oils of lemongrass and eucalyptus deeply cleanse and purify skin to keep it clear, soft and thoroughly nourished. Irresistibly fresh, this classic favorite is not just a facial cleanser: it's an experience. A deeply cleansing and invigorating olive oil facial cleanser, formulated with purifying lemongrass and eucalyptus essential oils.
Skin Type: Normal, oily, problematic, acne-prone.
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Prosopis Cineraria Bark, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Myrtus Communis (Myrtle) Oil, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Lemongrass Botanical Sprinkle.
Price per 120 g / 4.2 oz bar: $ 22.00 (if purchased seperately).

Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar: This nourishing, smoothing and exfoliating cleansing bar is perfectly suited for mature or dry, sensitive skin in search of deep cleansing that will not strip its moisture and balance. Designed by Tzeira to stimulate all of the senses, Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar contains calming red clover, a velvety smooth lather and soothing essential oils of rose and vanilla. A gentle facial cleanser made with soothing rosewood, lavender and vanilla essential oils to provide nourishment and calm the most delicate of skin.
Skin Type: Dry, mature, sensitive.
Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Prosopis Cineraria Bark, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Myrtus Communis (Myrtle) Oil, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Oil, Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover) Flowers.
Price per 120 g / 4.2 oz bar: $ 25.00 (if purchased seperately).
  • Price for Trio: $ 60.00
  • Size: 3 bars, 120 g / 4.2 oz each
  • Texture: Bar Soap
  • Scent: They all smell like what they are- very calming.
  • Visual Attractiveness: Very natural looking, natural colors.
  • How Much I Needed: Normal amount.
  • How Long I've Used It: Lemongrass for about 6 months and the Green Tea and Bulgarian Rose for about a week.
  • Where to Find: Pomega5
  • Sample Sizes: Nope, but I really wish they did!
  • Acquired: Sent to me to be reviewed with my honest opinion.
  • Customer Service: FAB!
  • Loved: The ingredients, that they remove ALL of makeup (eye makeup too!) without stinging my eyes, or stripping my skin, how truly clean and nourished my skin feels after using them! 
  • Hated: The price, ouch!
  • The GG's Final Thoughts: For me, the most important thing besides the ingredients... is the fact that all three of these remove makeup in a flash... without burning or stinging my super sensitive eyes... without stripping my skin. No traces of makeup left behind on my white face towels. So as for that... Woo-Hoo, mission accomplished! At first, I wasn't crazy about the smell of the Bulgarian Rose, I wanted it to smell like a bouquet of roses, but it didn't to me. I've never really been a floral girl in terms of body care stuff, so maybe I'm used to smelling synthetic rose scent? IDK. It grew on me though. Love the smell of the other two though! I found the directions for these to be interesting- they say to "work Cleansing Bar in a circular motion over the face to cleanse. Exfoliate with edges of bar as desired". I didn't read the directions, I didn't even know there were any until the other day, Lol- I  just lathered it in my hands first as usual- which works too. BUT, it works wayyyyy better when following their directions! Oh, so smooth and creamy! LOVE! Who knew?  I LOVE having all three of these and tend to alternate depending on my skin at that particular moment... it's a little fussy, so I can't say I really have a FAVE. I love them all equally =) My skin is moody- especially throughout the month (and the year), so it's nice to be able to adjust it to the weather and my needs. I keep all three in the dish at the same time which worked out perfectly for me. If I'm breaking out- I use the Lemongrass (slightly drys and tightens). Dry? The Bulgarian Rose (calms sensitive skin) is perfect in the morning before applying my makeup and don't even need a moisturizer when I use it. If I'm oily- I use the Green Tea (the happy medium between the Lemongrass and the Rose). When was the last time you could do that with a face wash? All in all I'm really impressed! Rare, I know... but I would totally buy these again! I have to say that Pomega5 is by far the most luxurious facial bar soaps I've ever used. No joke. Thanks for solving so many of the issues I had Pomega5. Heart you! xo  

PS- since these are a tad pricey, you might want to cut all three bars into smaller pieces. Besides the fact that it's the perfect size to work across your face, doing this also helps keep your soap from "melting" allowing the bars to last longer.

♥ UPDATE: 11.1.11 ♥ - Still using these with NO complaints :) The Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar is by far, my absolute FAVE! xo

Enchanting Beauty Dare Prize

Let's start by saying that Linda -really- spoiled me.
After finding out I was the winner of the Fairy Dare with Sugarpill, she asked me what Sugarpill Loose powder was still on my wishlist.
So I told her, that I only needed Asylum, Tipsy, Paperdoll and Birthday Girl to complete my collection, but that I didn't really mind what I would get. I would be happy with Goldilux or Weekender for my upcoming bdaygiveaway aswell. I'm easily pleased. :)

So when I opened the package she send me, I was shocked:


 She send me ALL of them except Asylum, and even a nailpolish by Colorclub!


 Sugarpills Paperdoll, Tipsy, Birthday Girl, en Colorclub's Mocha Whisper.


Sugarpill's Goldilux and Weekender.
Be sure to check my blog around the 28th of august, which is my 30th birthday. Because I will be doing a bday giveaway and these 2 beauties, which are favourites of mine, will be included in that giveaway ;)

Thank you SO MUCH linda, you really spoiled me!!! :)

3rd wedding anniversary pics

So on the 24th of july it was our 3rd wedding anniversary. We didn't do anything special to celebrate though, but I do have some pics of that day.

 makeup:
black gelliner by Essence
Black Ink eyeliner by Gosh
Pin Up blush by Evil Shades
Vintage OCC liptar

Outfit:
bordeauxred shirt with lace back
black leather waistcoat
black tightfitting skirt (was first a tight leather skirt, but we went away on a bike, so that wasn't a smart idea)
black leggings
black overknee leather boots with heels

 This is my crazy smile...


yes, we are weird, and we love it.

NOTD: Alice in Wonderland's French Manicure

This is a very simple NOTD, with a polish By Etos.
The colour always reminds me of Alice in Wonderlands dress, and I love the sparkle in it.

 I used one of the Born Pretty Store Nail Art brushes to draw a line with the Etos polish, and then applied a thicker coatabove that line.
I also used a topcoat to make sure it wouldn't start chipping, because of the edge on my nail that it creates.

This is Etos Effect Nails 600, and if I remember correctly, it's about 2,99 euros.

Review: Argapur Argan Oil

This post had somehow gotten lost in my drafts. Luckely I found it again, but the pics show more oil in the bottle than there is now. Please keep that in mind.

I have read many good things about Argan Oil, and I was curious how my skin would react to it. I purchased this bottle at the end of May. I have used it almost every night since then.


There are a lot of Argan Oil brands out there, and not all of them are a 100% pure as they claim. I'm not sure if this one is, but I read a good review about it. There are some certificates printed on the packaging, I don't know anything about those, but they at least make it look like it's the real deal, hahaha.

 It claims to help with lots of things, but I mainly used it for my dry/dehydrated skin. I tend to run my oily hands through my hair after I put the oil on my face. Never hurts :)

 The oil comes in a glass bottle, so be carefull not to let it slip through your hands. And with a bottlecap that you can trust not to leak on you. As you can see, the oil is a clear yellow liquid, and the bottle has one again all the information of the front of the packaging on it.

This is how much I used when I made the draft, but I've been using is for a full 2 months now, almost every night. And it's still not half empty, but going towards it.

I wash my hands before I use this and use a tiner on my skin after I removed my makeup. Then I just pour some into my left hand, put the bottle away, and then rub it onto my face with both hands. When I started using it, I was afraid of using too much and waking up with stuffed pores, but nowadays I apply it in larger amounts. My skin seems to soak it all up anyway.

Do I see or feel any difference? YES! After using it only once, I already seemed to feel a difference. It's hard to explain, because it's not like your skin gets tighter or will look really different. And even though I've always had a soft (baby)skin, it almost feels even softer now. It's definately MUCH less dry then before. And when I was lazy a few days ago and didn't use it for 2 days. I immediately felt it. I can't really describe -what- the difference is, but my skin just feels -better- when I use it. It seems the elasticity of my skin is better aswell. Also, even though I don't get a lot of pimples and such, it seems I get even less now. And the imperfections i DO get, tend to leave much faster than before. ALso, the sides of my nose which are always completely dried out no matter what, are way better hydrated, much less dry. I'm really hoping this will help me get through the winter without a dry face. But for now, I don't use any other nightcream anymore.

Any downsides? Well aside from the bottle being made of glass, the scent isn't something I really like. It's described as a specific 'nutty'(?) scent, but I just found it a bit stuffy. After you get through the first few days, th scents doesn't bother as much anymore, you get used to it. Nowadays, I don't really even smell it anymore. It's not like you have to hurl when you sniff it, but it's no perfume either. I've had worse smelling nightcreams though, which I will never use again because of the scent, and that's really not the case with this oil.

I bought this bottle at Supernaturals for only 12,95 euros. It was on sale though, it's not in stock now but I think I remember it normally costs 15,95 euros. It's not that much for 60 ml if you compare it to daycreams. And this can be used for a lot of other things asell. Don't forget though, the shipping costs 4,50 euros because it won't fit through your mailbox.

REVIEW: Mexitan Dark Tanning Oil


Goal: To find a truly natural sun tanning lotion / oil.
Brand: Mexitan
Product: Dark Tanning Oil
Description: All Natural, No Chemicals, with GREEN TEA to reduce sunburn risk! This formula is also ideal for use as a moisturizing oil! This perfect blend of oils is an old secret recipe of the natives of Acapulco. Celebrating 15 years of it's original formula- no emulsifiers, no fragrances, no preservatives (parabens) and hypoallergenic! Each ingredient serves its own special purpose in nourishing, protecting and moisturizing the skin, while promoting a dark, rich tan. Great for outdoor or indoor tanning! Doesn't contain mineral oil so it won't harm tanning bed equipment. Labels say "Biodegradable" and "Eco-Friendly" for acceptance in eco-nature parks. Reef Friendly. Waterproof. Fresh product! Mexitan is top=rated tanning oil by the Environmental Working Group!
Ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Green Tea Extract, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Almond Oil, Lanolin, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin-E), Eucalyptus Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin-C).
  • Price: $ 16.95
  • Size: 8 oz.
  • Texture: Oil
  • Scent: Herbal, like eucalyptus.
  • Visual Attractiveness: Cute label... not crazy about the gold and white cap, could use an update.
  • How Much I Needed: Less than I thought, be easy with it- spreads well!
  • How Long I've Used It: 3 times.
  • Where to Find: Mexitan Products
  • Sample Sizes: Yes, but not of this product... wish they did though!
  • Acquired: Sent to me to be reviewed with my honest opinion.
  • Customer Service: Ron, the owner of Mexitan was super-nice! You can totally tell that they really care about the ingredients, the quality of their products and the environment! Read the amazing story behind the brand here. 
  • Loved: The healthy tan I got, how my skin felt after using it and how clean the ingredients are.
  • Hated: That it didn't smell like coconut like I want it too. Website could use an update :)
  • The GG's Final Thoughts: First let me start by saying that this product came on to the scene the year I graduated from HS, circa 1996... and they are still using the same exact ingredients. So. It's withstood the hands of time! It's really rare to see a company who hasn't reformulated it's product several times over, especially in 15 years! The Dark Tanning Oil (along with all their other products) has an expiration date, which means it's fresh- always nice to see in a beauty product. Loved how I used way less than I thought- all over my body, even on my face (with no breakouts, yay)! It's only greasy if you use too much. I have to admit that I wished it smelled a bit more like suntan lotion and coconuts though, but it doesn't smell too earthy either. One huge reason I like this aside from the obvious is that many of us are said to be extremely deficient in Vitamin D and don't know it, especially women with Breast Cancer (aka, moi). Apparently natural sunlight is the best form of the vitamin and is absolutely essential for good health. So, in order to expose myself to a healthy dose of rays... I specifically don't wear sunscreen under my makeup (I'm usually indoors all day), look for makeup with it in, or freak out if I don't have it on when I'm only outside for a little while. I also don't burn very easily though- thanks to my spicey Italian heritage =). Keep in mind that I am in no way a doctor, but this is my belief- my story, and I'm sticking to it. There are tons of research articles out there on the connection between Breast Cancer and Vitamin D. Natural News is a great starting place to back up this claim if you'd like to look further into it. When I am outside for the day though, I do use some sunscreen or mix this with the sunscreen. This has absolutely NONE in it, so you may burn. Also, if you still go tanning- it says that you can use this in indoor tanning beds which is kinda cool- usually you can't with outdoor lotions and oils. My tanning bed days are over though :( only real, natural Vitamin D for me Baby! I would definitely purchase this again. It's been 3 weeks since the first time I used this and I still have such a nice, dark, bronzy glow... annnnnnd I Dry Brush everyday. Thanks for such a FAB product Mexitan! Heart you! xo The GGG (Golden) Glamorganic Goddess, Lol.

NOTD: Colorclub Ulterior Motive

This is an older NOTD, but it's still beautifull.

Be sure to check out the pics at the bottom for a better look at the colour of this polish!

This is how it looks inside with flash, it looks much brighter and boring than it is in real life:



But look at the beauty that comes out with the right lighting...this is in daylight. Be sure to click on the pictures for a better view.
 This a beautifull bright violet, a colour I seriously have a weakness for. It has red(?)/violet shimmer, but also blue, which gives it that amazing blue shift. I love pinks with blue shift.
 The polish isn't as thick as I would like, so you can see the place where my nails are attached to my skin. There's probably a proper name for those, but I just always call them my naillines/edges.

 Still, this one is so gorgeous, that I don't even care it's a bit see through(with certain lighting).


Behold, the beauty that is Ulterior Motive:


I'm seriously getting a new addicition for Colorclub. I loved their Alter Ego, and now this one...I definately need more!
This one is available at Auryn/Enchantra for only 4,95. For that amount you get 15 ml of stunning nailpolish.

Extreme Look: Fairy Dare with Sugarpill

This was a look that I did for another Dare by Enchantra through their blog,
This time the Dare was about making a fairy look with Sugarpill Loose powders.
Since I already owned a lot, I only asked for a sample of Tipsy and Tiara(later on I bought the Tiara at the Auryn showroom).

The products I used for the eyemakeup:



I already did a Fairylook once for Castlefest in black and red, so I decided to go for green, silver and gold this time.


 I started with Skin79Diamond PrestigeBcream for an even toned skin. Then I used Catrice Illiminating powder Masquerade Ball(LE) and Essence Shimmerpowder Famous Flamingo (LE) to get some shine on my face On my cheeks I used Sleek Rose Gold. 



My face was really like softlooking and shimmery, but pictures were really hard to make. The sun was out and we got orbs everywhere on the pics! So on most pics, we didn't have the right lighting, but at least we got some pics without orbs.




On my eyes I used Hema eyeshadowbase and Gosh eyeshadowbase(stick). I used the Gosh base also on my eyebrows. and then I used Sugarpills Tiara to shape them. Then I applied some silver Gosh eyeliner for some extra glitter. On the bottom of the eyebrows I added some Tipsy and Junebug(both by Sugarpill), for some extra colour.



 On my eyes, I applied Tiara on the inner eyecorner, and next to it Sugarpills Absinthe. I also applied some more Absinthe towards the crease. On my moving eyelid, I applied Tipsy, and next to it Junebug. I then used some more Junebug towards the crease. Above the crease, I applied Sugarpills Goldilux. Over the colours on the moving eyelid, I then applied someGosh glitter eyeshadow.



With the Essence gelliner Midnight to Paris, I drew a line above my lashes, and made a wing at the end. I also made this little curls on my inner eye corner, which somehow reminded me of a butterfly. Over this gelliner, I applied glitter eyeliner by Gosh. Below the eyes I again applied Tiara and Goldilux.  I then added a line with the gelliner.




Then I took the gelliner again, ans drew a wing next to my righ teye, and some curly lines next to my left eye. With the Coastelscents eyeshadowpencils Emerald, Celestial Moon and Vanilla Chocolate, I filled in the little pieces of the wing. These are a bit sticky, so I could use them as a base. Then I used Tiara, Absinthe, Junebug and Goldilux to fill  the wing in.




Then I once again took the glitterliner by Gosh, and drew over some of thelines of the wing. I did the same thing with the lines next to my left eye.


 
To make the eyes sparkle some more, I added these amazing lashes by Ardell, Pixie Dust. These have awesome holographic glitter in the sun, which is really hard to catch on cam, and look silver the rest of the time, with black roots.
  Above, you can see a tiny bith of the awesome holo effect of the lashes.

 On my lips, I applied my first Morgana Cryptoria lipstick that I ordered for my Medusa costume and arrived the day that I did this look. It´s called Absinthe.



Ofcourse Loki wanted to be in the pic aswell :)

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Lots of girls made awesome looks, which were all posted on Enchanting Beauty. After they were all posted, everyone could vote on a top 3. And....I won! Lots of people voted for me, which I think is really sweet, and ended as number 1. I never imagined that to happen! I want to thank everyone who voted, and ofcourse Enchantra for supplying the samples and this awesome Dare. :)

EOTD: Another Oh So Special look

This is another EOTD with the Oh So Special palette by Sleek. I wore this to Merlijn's Musical.

 I used Hema eyeshadowbase, as I usually do with Sleek. I applied Gift Basket on my moving eyelid.


Then I applied Celebrate in the Outer V and some more into/above the crease.

Look at that beautifull shimmer!

 For some extra contrast, I applied some Noir in the outer V.
 Below my brows I used Bow.

Below the eyes I applied Glitz.

This is what I wore to the musical, sorry it's not focused enough, but you get the picture.
I'm wearing Sleek's Matte Vamp lipstick on my lips.


3 Year Wedding Anniversary!

Today, it's our 3 year wedding anniversary, according to Dutch tradition, a 'leather'wedding. Now, before you all get freaky fetish images in your head, Dutch tradition(and some others aswell) have special nicknames for wedding anniversaries. A 2yr is called paper if I remember correctly, 12,5 is called copper, 25 silver, and so on. Both of our parents already had their Coral wedding, which is 35 years!

Anyway, I'm not sure if we will be celebrating today, since we are saving up a bit for Castlefest and our birthdays. But I'm thinking about wearing some leather, hahaha ;)

It's 3 years ago, when Sid came to my door in this awesome outfit:


When we went to the city house:

When my dad gave me away:

When we said I do:


And were finally Husband and Wife:

I still look at Sidney this way everyday and still feel the butterflies:

And I know he still checks me out ;) :


My beloved, It's been 3 years already, but it only feels like yesterday when we sealed our marriage with a kiss. When we wrote our names on the contract, and we celebrated with our closest friends and family. It feels like only yesterday when we met and instantly became friends, when we shared our first kiss, and when I moved to Alkmaar to be with you. I know we have shared darker days, in the beginning when we met, but for example also when we finally found out you had diabetes. But no matter what, we were and are there for eachother. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, let alone a better husband. I am not without my flaws, but with you, I am able to be myself. You are the light that makes me wake up in the morning, and the comfort that makes me fall asleep at night. I don't think words could ever express how I feel about you, but I also know, that I don't need those words. Even without marriage, you would have me body, heart and soul. But at least now, it's legal ;)  My world is a better place with you in it, and I look forward to many more years to share with you.
My dearest Sidney, these are just 3 simple words I say to you every day, but they say it best: I love you.


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If you want to read more love dovey stuff, read the blog hubby posted ;)