June Favorites | Beauty

This morning, while making breakfast (aka a bowl of cereal, because who has time for anything else?) something crossed my mind. "I  feel like I haven't done a monthly favorites in aaages."

Well, apparantly June has been messing with my head even more than I was aware of, because it has been around four weeks.
Finals, work and finally living on my own have most definitely left their marks on me - as you might have noticed by my absence or general attitude, so beauty wise, the last month has been more on the comfortable side of things because when I'm not feeling my best, I'll at least want to look my best.

So let's have a look at the items that made be feel like kicking ass this June, shall we?

MAC Matte Lipstick in 'Kinda Sexy' (20€)

If you read my in-depth review on this lipstick, you will know that I actually won it in a giveaway after admiring the shade from afar for months!

Even though the days are noticeably getting warmer here in Germany and I usually prefer wearing really light make up during this time of the year, I've found myself reaching for this at least every second day.

'Kinda Sexy' is a more pale pink tones nude lipstick which looks great on gals with lighter skin. It works for both day and night looks and because of its matte formula, it lasts for up to five hours, which is marvellous.

Essence "So Glow!" Highlighter in 'Bright Up Your Life" (2,79€)

I actually picked this product up around early May and already spoke about it back then, but it's been getting a lot more love over the past weeks as I've been loving dewy, glowy skin which sadly doesn't come to me naturally.

I love that this does add a subtle glow which mostly shows up in the sun without being to out there or making me look like I came straight out of a Twilight movie. It's a cream to powder product, which took a little for me to get used to, and it's available in two shades, one of which is more sparkly, and one champage toned shade, which is the one I own.

Avon Magic Effects Matte Nail Polish in 'White' (8€)

I'll admit it - this is the first ever matte nail polish that I bought. I know, I know. I don't know why it took me so long, either, because I fell absolutely head over heels in love with this one.

I own around fiteen polishes by Avon, and as I trust their products to be of good quality while still being affordable, I decided to go for this new product when I spyed it, and I wasn't let down.

Within a minute, this dries to a matte finish - you will need two coats for a full coverage as this is a white shade, but with that drying time, that's totally doable.
The polish lasts for three to four days before seriously chipping, which isn't too shabby, especially as I didn't have the time to take care of my nail a lot in June.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette (47,99€)

I've mentioned this in a previous monthly favorite back in March, but I have no shame including it again because without fail, I have used this palette every.single.day. I was mentally slapping myself on the wrist everytime I went back to it because I didn't want to neglect my huge collection of eyeshadow palettes, but I just couldn't help myself. It's that good.

You'll all know the deal about Urban Decay's palettes by now - the quality is outstanding, the shadows go on buttery smooth and are very blendable, while also lasting for a pretty long time.
What I love about this one in particular is that there are so many nice shades for summer. There's pinks, golds, silvers, some darker shades for when you're feeling something bold - if I could only ever use one eyeshadow palette for the rest of my life, it'd be this one!

What have you been loving throughout the past month?

Bloglovin' | Instagram | Twitter

May Favorites

At the risk of this being totally cliché - seriously, where has the time gone?

Tomorrow marks the first day of June, which to me basically means that summer is well on its way.

The days are getting warmer, the clothes are getting shorter and more colorful and everyone seems to feel a lot more happy and relaxed.

I seemed to have inital difficulties when it came to shifting my make up from the darker, cooler winter tones to something a little bit more light - but this month has been all about rosey shades and other springy new discoveries for me!

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream EdT (91€)

If you've read my "spring beauty wishlist", you will know that I have been admiring this perfume from afar for well over a year now, but I never really had the cash or the heart to spend so much on a perfume to actually purchase it. Now, I still can't believe it, but my Mom was generous enough to give this to me as a moving-out present!

I have been wearing this every single day without fail as it's a fairly light floral/herbal scent which is absolutely perfect for spring and summer!

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (47,99€)

I feel like I had been neglecting this palette for quite some time because when I got it in February, I wasn't feeling its rosey tones too much, but I found myself reaching for this a lot throughout May.
You all have probably heard several hymnes on Urban Decay's palettes by now, so please bear with mine - the quality of the shadows is outstanding, they stay put all day with next to no fallout at all and the color payoff is incredible.

Even though the majority of the eyeshadows included are rose toned, there are so many different looks you can create for both day and night time with this as well.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer in 'Sin' (full size: 18,99€)

Before using my Naked 3 palette, I always applied this sample that came with it. (By the way, those samples can last for up to one month.)
'Sin' is a champange colored eyeshadow primer which is supposed to make the shades you apply after it look more vibrant, prevent any budging and make them last for up to 24 hours.
This primer actually does all of the things it claims to do - well, I haven't worn make up for a complete 24 hours like, ever, but I did use this on several days when I wore make up for over 12 hours - and my eyeshadow stayed in place all damn day.
I don't know how Urban Decay did this, but they definitely did well. This is what dreams are made of, my friends.

MAC Lipstick in 'Brave' (20€)

Oops, I did it again. Well, technically, I didn't.
See, whenever I'm downtown, I spend a good twenty minutes swatching lipsticks at the MAC counter, adding new ones to my wishlist. Well, last time I was there, my Mom decided to add something to my moving-out present, and it was their lipstick in 'Brave'.

'Brave' is a rose toned shade, which is very simple without being plain in the slightest. That makes it a very wearable shade which goes with a lot of my outfits and make up looks - guess this one's here to stay!

Avon Super Shock Mascara (9€)

The one thing you need to know about me is that I do not have eyelashes, I have stumps. That is it.
Sadly, most mascaras I have tested only make my lashes look like the average person's ones, and I have been desperately trying to find one that added both volume and lenght to them.
This one is the first one to do both - the formula works to add an insane amount of lenght to my lashes - we're talking about more than double of their normal lenght - while also making them look thicker.

The only negative feeling I have regarding this is that the wand picks up way too much product, so I have to get rid of any excess product before applying it in order to keep my lashes from clumping together, which does take a few minutes.

What have you been loving this month?

Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

All Used Up | Empties #1

I will admit it, I'm the absolute worst at using up products. I will purchase something, use it constantly for a certain amount of time, only to fall for something else after a while and completely forget it.

Seeing as my beauty and skin care products were literally pilling up in my drawers, I decided to set an end to purchasing new. fairly unnecessary stuff and finally get around to using up everything else.

I kept all my empties in an unused make up bag so once I had built a little collection, I could share it with you guys!

Avon Care Revitalising Moisture Hand Cream in Cocoa Butter (5€)

I've got extremely dry hands and finding a hand cream that leaves my hands feeling moisturized for longer than ten minutes is anything but easy.

These work wonders on my hands, though!
As you apply this hand cream, it gives off a strong, but not too sweat scent of cocoa, which equals heaven to me.
It leaves my hands moisturized for more than an hour, which is more than I could've ever asked for.

Would I repurchase?

I already have! I'm on my third tube of these already, and it'll take a miracle hand cream to stop me from using them.

Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme! Mascara (9,99€)

This was one of there first mascaras that I totally fell in love with - my fierce love for it shows at how much the writing on this has rubbed off. It looks absolutely ancient, but I swear it's not.

It lenghtend my lashes and added a lot of volume to them, and I experienced next to no fallout with it, even though I didn't own the waterproof version.

Would I repurchase?

As much as I enjoyed my love affair with this gem, I have at least five other mascaras hiding in my drawers, waiting to be used - and I really don't want those to dry out or go bad (yuck). 

Maybe, one day, if ever get around finishing those.

Eucerin AtopiControl Face Care Cream (19,25€)

Originally developed for patients diagnosed with atopic eczema, this cream is perfect for dry and irritated skin, it strenghtens the skin structure and restores its barrier function.

I have combination skin, which means that up to now, skincare has always confused me a little.

Now that the winter months have left my skin dry and damaged and pollen are taking their turn on tormenting me, this has been my absolute savior.
I use this as a day creme and it keeps my skin hydrated throughout the entire day.

Would I repurchase?

I have been using this for the past two year, so as soon as I noticed that I was soon to run out of it, I immediately went and stocked up on it.

Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss (2,45€)

This was the first product of the Baby Lips range I owned, and it lasted me a damn long time.

This has been my go-to lip balm, I never went anywhere without it as it kept my lips moisturized and soft for far over an hour.

'Peach Kiss' is one of the Baby Lips that gives of a stain, this one in particular is extremely light so it's almost unnoticeable - which is great if you're going for a natural look or you're not allowed to wear make up at school!

Would I repurchase?

Not in the near future, I own two more of the Baby Lips, one of the original range and one of the electro one, and as I mentioned, these last absolute ages, so I'm not gonna need a new lip balm for a while.

Nivea Anti-Transpirant Satin Sensation Deodorant (2,50€)

Deodorant! I know, how exciting! But believe it or not, nearly all of us use it, so I might as well share this one with you lot because it's actually pretty neat.

To be honest, I've got no clue where I picked this travel sized version up, but it got me hooked instantly!

This deodorant leaves your skin with a slightly satiny feeling, doesn't show up on clothing - thank god, nothing more embarassing than that - while also giving off a light, refreshing scent. It's all things I look for in a deodorant in a bottle.

Would I repurchase?

I did acutally purchase the original size of this and I'm about to run out. Ooops.
I might purchase another one of these, but I like switching up my deodorants from time to time so we'll see about that.

Looking at this now, I feel really good about using all of those products up - I literally sound like a shopaholic in therapy.

I will definitelly continue collecting all my empties so I can keep you updated on how this little "experiment" of mine goes!

Thank you so much for reading!

My Top 5 Spring Lipsticks

I will admit it - if there is anything I'm obsessed with, it's lipsticks.

I own plenty of them - my parents keep stressing how having over thirty lipsticks can't be normal for a sixteen year old whenever I bring home a new one.

But to be honest, I just can't help myself when I come across a gorgeous colour, especially when the season changes and I'm on the hunt for some new, lovely shades.

As spring is nearing - or at least it should be, damn you Germany! - I thought I'd show you the five lipsticks I will probably be wearing most during this season!

1. Mac Cremesheen in "Fanfare"

This is one of my most used lipsticks ever. 

I actually haven't heard a lot of people rave about 'Fanfare', but to me this shade is absolutely gorgeous.

It's a more of a coral shade than a dark pink, which slightly but almost unoticably brown toned.

As I have very pale skin, this comes out looking even darker on me than it does on other people.

It lasts for a good 3 hours on my lips until it starts to fade, and it doesn't smudge while I eat and drink.

The Cremesheen finish also makes it feel very smooth on my lips, not letting them dry out at all while I wear it.

2. Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish - Spring Collection in the shade 16

While my Mac lipstick looks nice all year 'round, this shade just screams spring to me.

I've been eyeing up the Spring Collection shades for so long until I got this one, and I don't regret it.

This is a rather light toned pink, which I'm really not used to, but this year is supposed to be all about trying new things - so here I am!

Unlike 'Fanfare', this leaves my lips feeling rather dry after an hour or so - so I suggest you apply some lip balm before you apply the actual product.

It's not quite as long lasting, but it still looks good for about 2 hours, which I think is great for a bargain like this.

3. Avon Ultra Color in "Tangerine Tango"

Probably the most popping shade I own.

Tangerine Tango is a soft matte, orange toned lipstick - definitely not something I'd wear on a day to day basis, but with a neutral colored outfit this would look pretty sweet.

Even though it's a matte, this lipstick doesn't dry out at all.

However, it might somewhat smudge while eating which isn't too great because I personally don't like getting a bold color all across my face.

4. Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish in the shade "03"

I know I mentioned in my February favorites that I'd found my go-to nude, but this definitely waved my old favorite bye-bye.

This looks very dark brown on my lips, which is fine with me because at least it dosen't wash me out.

Unlike the other Rimmel shade it own, this one doesn't really dry out my lips. (Do they have the same formula? because if they do, that's pretty weird)

This doesn't smudge or fade for a really long time, I wore it for more than 4 hours yesterday and it still looked flat out fabulous - and Rimmel's lipsticks are an absolute bargain.

5. Avon Ultra Color Indulgence in "Honey Flower"

This isn't as much of a nude as the Rimmel 03 is, but it's still a rather subtle pink toned brown - not too much of a popping, springy colour, but I've been liking a simple/nude lip a lot recently.

This formula, again, is very long lasting - something that is a must for me when I buy a new lipstick.

The only thing I don't like about this product is that when you apply too much of it, it tends to get a bit creamy and/or sticky.

top - bottom: Mac's Fanfare, Rimmel's Kate 16, Avon's Tangerine Tango

(sorry that the Fanfare one turned out to be so tiny!)

top - Rimmel's Kate 03 ; bottom - Avon's Honey Flower

So there you have the 5 lipsticks that I'm looking forward to using this spring - what will your go-to lip products be?

Thank you so much for reading!

February Favorites 2015

Hi everyone!

How is it March already?

Looking back at it now, the past month has been really stressful for me - exams, projects, and above all, moving out - but also pretty eventful - in a more than good way.

Let's have a look at what products I've been loving during February!

Urban Decay Naked Pallete (47.99€)

This has by far been my favorite product I've used last month.

If you've read my "What I got for my Sweet Sixteen" post, you might have seen that my friends got me all three of Urban Decay's Naked palletes.

This one particularly stood out to me.

It basically has all the shades you would ever need - there are pink toned shades. browns, golds, even a blue as well as a black shade - what more are you looking for in a pallete?

The staying power of these is insane, especially when used over one of Urban Decay's eyeshadow primers.

The Naked pallete has made it into my every day make up, and it seems like it isn't going to leave any time soon.

Avon Calming Effects Liquid Concealer (8,50€)

Finding a concealer (or foundation) that suits my extremely pale skin is really hard.

Even though this concealer is only available in two different shades - Fair, which I own; and Medium - it goes suprisingly well with my skin.

This gives medium coverage, it works wonders on my red spots and blemishes, and it pretty much stays there all day without budging or looking cakey.

Sadly, it doesn't really work on my dark circles - but it's still a product that has saved me during bad breakouts.

Givenchy Le Vernis nailpolish in "Rose Taffetas" (22,99€)

This, alongside the Naked palletes, was my friend's gift for my birthday.

Rose Taffetas is a gorgeous shiny dark pink.

I wore this nailpolish for an entire week and it only chipped a tiny bit on one of my nails, so this polish is actually worth it's rather hefty price tag.

Avon Extra Lasting lipstick in "Cappuccino" (7,99€)

For me, this is the perfect nude.

"Cappuccino" is a medium dark, creamy finish brown which seems to work great for me and doesn't wash me out.

I've been wearing this at least two or three days a week, which is one heck of a lot for someone who owns a good 30 lipsticks and tries to wear as many of them as possible.

Maybelline Great Lash mascara in "the blackest black" (7,99€)

I'm not going to go to in depth about this as I have a blog post on it here.

This a more lenghtening mascara which makes your lashes look really black and adds a bit of volume to them, and I've actually grown to love this product even more after I wrote my post on it.

Avon Parisian Chic Pocket Perfume (12€)

Now, I'm pretty concerned that it's not actually called "pocket perfume", but that's what I like to call it anyway because it's the perfect size for an on-the-go perfume.

This dosen't really fit into my collection of sweet scents.

It definitely has something sweet to it, it does smell of raspberries, but it also has some floral bits like the smell of roses, and a wodden smell of sandalwood - and even though this might sound strange, mixed together create the most fascinating scent ever.

If you ever come across this beaut, definitely give it a sniff!

So these were all the products that made my February a lot sweeter - there were some others which I wasn't sure whether I should include or not, stuff like books or general bits and bobs.

Tell me in the comments if you think those should make it into my March favorites!

Thank you so much for reading!

January Favorites 2015

Hi everyone!

Is it just me, or did January fly by super fast?

To be honest, I'm kind of glad that it's over - January is, for some reason, always a drag for me.
You're still recovering from Christmas dinner, it's always cold and dark, it rains a lot.

Here are some things that made the past month a little bit more enjoyable for me.

Mac Cremesheen lipstick: (20€)

I actually got this lipstick when I was in America last October, but I've been especially loving it this month as it is a Cremesheen one, meaning that it moisturizes your lips - my lips get really dry in Winter, so this has been incredible.
I own it in the shade 'Fanfare', which is a really pigmented dark pink.

Avon Ultra Colour lipstick: (10€)

If you've read my last few blog posts you will know how much I love my Avon products - and my lipsticks.
So naturally, one of Avon's lipsticks will be my companion at all times.
This month, I found myself reaching for the shade 'Pout', which is a light pink, a lot.
It's almost as moisturizing as my Mac one, but sadly not quite as pigmented and long-lasting - yet I still found it to be great for every day wear.

Avon nailwear pro+ nailpolish: (8€)

I only recently discovered this nailpolish in the shade 'Decadence', but it was great enough to make it into my monthly favorites!
I'm not going to go into depth about this product as I have a blog post about it up here.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman: (8€)
I first discovered this book last summer, and I forgot how much I loved it until I had to re-read it for one of my classes.
'If I Stay' is about Mia, a seventeen year old cellist, who gets into a car crash with her family. As the story progresses, Mia has to make the most difficult choice of all - does she stay, or does she let go?
This book is heartbreaking and heartwarming, and it reminded me to cherish all the things I have - and all the things that I have lost.

LR Colours Blush: (12€)

I'm usually not one for blushes - I feel like they look kind of unnatural on me as I've got very pale skin.

But when I picked up LR Colours' blush in the shade 'Warm Berry', I found it to look quite subtle, even though it is a rather dark pink - I think I've found my new favorite blush!

LR Colours Eyeshadow Duo: (11€)
I own eight of these duos in total, but as I'm loving more neutral shades on my eyes at the moment, the one in the shade 'Brownrose 'n Chocolate' has been my absolute favorite this month.

Both the rose and the brown are very pigmented shimmery shades. They stay on quite well and don't shift or smudge throughout the day, which is perfect for me, as I apply my make up at 6 in the morning and don't get to take it off until around 4 in the afternoon.

LR Deluxe Carbon Black Eyeliner: (14€)
Yes, another one of LR's products, I know. But I've been loving those because they are a really good quality.
I've hardly used any other eyeliner since I got this one in September.
This eyeliner is a felt-tip one, which is perfect if you're just starting out with eyeliner and/or are looking for an easy way to get the perfect feline flick.
It dosen't smudge, it glides on ridiculously easy, and it hasn't dried up or run out even though I've been constantly using it for 6 months.

Avon Pro Powder Brush: (9€)
This is simply the best make up brush I own to this day.
If you want to see me rave about this in detail, I wrote a blog post on it here.

And those are all the things I've been loving throughout January!

What were some of your favorites this month?

Thank you so much for reading,

Franzi. x

NOTD | Avon Cosmetics l Nailwear Pro+ Nailpolish

Avon nailwear pro+ nailpolish in the shade "Decadence". 

If you know one thing about me, that is that besides lipsticks, nailpolishes are my holy grail when it comes to beauty.

I own a good forty of them, some in very similar shades, but it wasn't until the other day that I picked up one that compares to this beauty.

I know, I know. Another Avon product.

Hear me out - their nailpolishes are just as great as their make up brushes.

I recently picked up Avon's nailwear pro+ in the shade "Decadence" for 3€ in their sale - usually it would've been 8€ - because I didn't really own a purple shade.

I certainly don't regret that decision.

I believe Decadence is one of Avon's newest shades. It's a dark, shimmery purple.

This polish stays on longer than most nailpolishes I own, taking around five days before it starts to seriously chip (except for when I have to do a lot of work around the house, then it's obviously quicker.)

It takes a little longer to dry, but in my opinion, it's absolutely worth that small casualty.

Avon's nailwear pro+ range consists of 28 nailpolishes, all of which you can find on their website here.

What brand is your favorite when it comes to nailpolishes?

Also, what kind of blog posts would you guys like to see me do next?

Thank you so much for reading!

Franzi x

Avon Cosmetics | Avon Pro Brushes

Avon Pro Powder Brush

Avon Pro Foundation Brush

I have been using Avon products ever since I got into make up, being influenced by my Mom, who's make up collection is definitely dominated by Avon.

I have never used their brushes before since they are 9€ each and I usually used the much cheaper ones I got at the drugstore.

Which was a huge mistake!

First off, I just think these brushes look pretty neat - they are a matte black.

But what I like most about them is that they feel incredibly soft on your skin, unlike the cheap ones - which felt like they were scratching my face and left it rather itchy.

They pick up the product rather well, even though, using the powder brush, you'll have to swirl it  for a few seconds.

But they do blend in better than any brush I have ever used.

I only own the powder brush - which in my opinion works for blush and bronzer just fine, in case you're on a budget - and the foundation blush.

There's a total of 12 brushes in the Pro collection, some of which you can find here:

Powder | Foundation | Blush | Bronzer | Concealer | All-Over Eyeshadow

Avon's also having a sale at the moment (up to 60% off) so if you're thinking about getting some new brushes, I highly recommend these!

What are your favorite brushes?

Thanks for reading,

Franzi x