Deauty box - May, June 2013

Hey!

So I have been inactive for over a month and as much as I want to give you some really believable excuse, the naked truth is that I kind of didn't have a mood for it. But hopefully I am over this uncreative period and I will try to be more persistent with my upcoming blog posts. But enough about that.

On Monday my June Deauty box arrived and once I opened it I knew I had to come back to my blog. BUT! Since the I didn't put up the post of a May Deauty box as I promised and the box was also awesome, I decided to make a 2 in 1 post and include both of them. I know it's with a big delay for the May one but it's better late than never. Right?!

Deauty box - May 2013

Since the first impression of this box has already faded I think I will be at least able to make a little reviews for each item for I have already try them all at least once. First of all it contains, except one, only full size products which is a pleasant revelation. This time we have combination of skin care, hair care and make-up products. So let's dig into them!

The list of the products:

• full size (50ml) of Garnier Ambre Solaire - BB Cream SPF30
• full size (100ml) of Klorane - Shampoo with oats
• sample size (50ml) of Avène - Recovering after-sun lotion
• full size (2pc) of Lamazuna - facial wipes
• full size (9g) of Bo-Ho Green Revolution - Terracotta powder

Garnier Ambre Solaire - BB cream SPF30 - 50ml

(Full size, 11,99€)

  

I was pleasantly surprised by this product because I am generally very skeptical to European and American BB Creams. As much as they promise on the packaging they usually do nothing for me if not worse I look better without them. Most of them are too dark or orangey for my skin tone and I don't consider myself extremely fair. But this one might be an exception. I am not saying I am loving it and it is going to replace my regular foundation or my Asian BB cream but I can get away with it without looking too orangey and it can also provide light coverage which at least evens out the skin tone. I also appreciate the high SPF which protects from UV-A and UV-B sun beams. I am thinking of it as a very light coverage tinted moisturizer ideal for hot days on a vacation, weekends or just free time.

Klorane - Shampoo with oats - 100ml

(Full size, 5,00€)

 

I have nothing bad to say about this product. It claims to be an ideal shampoo for sensitive scalp and damaged hair (which I both have). It smells really nice (no overpowering scent), it lathers quite good and it leaves the hair smooth and clean. But I cannot appreciate the product as much as I want to because I suffer from dandruffs and that's why I can only use my Vichy shampoo which I use for years and is the only one that really helps me. Maybe if I give it a go and use constantly the Klorane one it may help also but it doesn't say it's anti-dandruff and it's too small size to try it out. But since it is generally very good shampoo I will definitely use it up and at least keep the bottle for traveling purposes.

Avène - Recovering after-sun lotion - 50ml

(Full size: 200ml, 15,70€)

  

With this product you cannot go wrong. After-sun lotion is a must have during the summer and Avène is guarantee of quality. Two weeks ago I got sunburned (in Belgium you kind of forget that you need a sunscreen when the sun comes up - lol) on my arms, face and in a cleavage area and I have to say it really helped. I used it for two day 3 times a day and my skin turned to a nice brown tan with no peeling. So yay to this product!

Lamazuna - facial wipes - 2 pc

(Full size, 4€)

  

Well, I have to be honest I was very excited about this product at first. It seems like a new innovative concept that can safe not only money but is also environmental friendly. These face wipes are supposed to remove all your makeup just with warm water and in case of waterproof or water resistant makeup you will use your regular makeup remover with them. The difference of the other facial wipes is that you can actually reuse them. They claim up to 300 times because you can wash them in the washing machine (40° or 60°). So since you got two of these wipes you get 600! makeup removers. Well as I said the idea sounds too good to be true and that's unfortunately also the case. Yes, they can more or less remove my makeup (even eyes after some time of trying) but the thing that I really don't appreciate about these is the fact that you really really have to try. It means that you need to pull hard on your face and even eyes which is an area you should be rather delicate with. They say to hold the wipe on your eye for some moment and then gently wipe away all the makeup but the reality is that you will end up with a big black smudge all over your eye area (unless you are wearing only some light color eyeshadow with no mascara - lol). It was better with my face makeup. I washed it like three times before I could tell that the makeup was off but when I used my Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation I could see that these wipes have serious problem with long wearing products. SO - the verdict? Nice concept and idea + below the average result = into purse wipes in case of the greatest need.

Bo-Ho Green Revolution - Terracotta powder - 9g

(Full size, 12,95€)

And finally we have a make-up product. YAY! I said in the first blog post about the Deauty box that they don't include makeup products so often so when they actually do I  am always so excited. It is a bronzing powder from Bo-Ho Green Revolution. I have never heard of this brand so I did some research and find out that it's French organic makeup brand that was launched in April 2012 so it's quite new. This is what I actually expect from beauty boxes like Deauty box is. To introduce new brands, new products, new concepts. So this one is 100% satisfactory. Bo-Ho Green Revolution claims to be environmental friendly, natural makeup brand with only organic ingredients which is also affordable to wide range of customers. Well, it's not a cheapest makeup on the market but the prices are reasonable. This particular shade I got is called Terre de provence (TC 04) and is unfortunately too dark for me to use as a bronzer (unless I will get some serious tan) but I can definitely use it as a blush (the shimmer in it is very subtle) or as a beautiful bronze-peachy eyeshadow so overall I am more than happy with this product.

So to sum up the May Deauty box I have to give it big thumbs up. Out of 5 products you get 4 full size products (and the sample is very nice amount), you are introduced to new products, new brands and new concepts (even though this one works with great reservations) and you get products including hair care, skin care and makeup. Well done Deauty!!!

Deauty box - June 2013

Since the previous box got so much attention with the mini reviews of the products this one will be more descriptive and briefer. First need to say that after such a great box in May I expected the June one will be little bit 'poorer'. Oh, how I was wrong! This box as good as the last one, IF NOT BETTER.

The list of the products:

• full size of Catrice - Ultimate Color Lipstick in 'It's a Matte World'
• full size of Catrice - Absolute NUDE eyeshadow palette
• full size (50ml) of Etat Pur - Actif Pur Escine A92
• sample size (5ml) Estée Lauder - Revitalizing Supreme
• full size (100g) of Lamazuna - Natural soap
• extra gift from Deauty - Eucerine - Shaving foam for men (30ml)
• extra gift from Deauty - free Detoxifying cleansing foam with a purchase from etatpur.be with a code DEAUTYFAN
• extra gift from Deauty - 200€ discount on selected destinations from ClubMed

  

Catrice - Ultimate Color Lipstick in It's a Matte World

(Full size, 3,99€)

  

This is a beautiful bright orangey red matte lipstick. The pigmentation is beyond expectation and the staying power seems even better. Even though it is a matte formula it doesn't feel drying on the lips but that can be proved only by longer wearing which I still didn't have opportunity for. But the first impression is WOW!

Catrice - Absolute NUDE eyeshadow palette

(Full size, 4,99€)

  

I was eyeing this palette for a long time but since I already own too many neutral eyeshadow palettes I have always persuaded myself not to buy it - and now I got it! LOL. It's seems like a nice everyday look palette. All the colors are shimmery and the pigmentation is nice (for a drugstore brand). It contains a lot one-shadow-eyelook colors that can be great for natural everyday makeup (and it will go perfect with the lipstick from above). 

Etat Pur - Actif Pur Escine A92 - 50ml

(Full size, 14,80€)

Etat Pur is innovative skin care brand. The brand claims the innovation goes beyond the natural or organic cosmetics and thus respects the natural balance of the skin. The concept comes from the chemist and biologist Jean-Noël Thorel who got a patent for his new approach to cosmetics. The products are specialized for each skin type with specific problems. The whole brand looks like a high-tech cosmetics that will be available only for the top 10 000 but the prices are actually very affordable for the wide range of costumers. There are different products in June Deauty boxes. I got an emulsion with a substance Escine that is very effective against the feeling of heavy legs. I don't really have this specific problem but it will be perfect for my mum. But as I checked their website I will definitely order something else and use the code for the free cleansing foam. Yay!

Estée Lauder - Revitalizing Supreme - 5ml

(Full size: 50ml, 85€)

  

Then we get a tiny sample (which you can get in any perfumery for free) of Estée Lauder's anti-aging cream. Well - okay. I guess not everything can be perfect, right? Even though it can be very good product I doubt you can find out after one (maximum 2 uses) which this sample allows you to. So I will use it up and then I will forget it. Pity!

Lamazuna - Natural soap - 100g

(Full size, 3,90€)

We have met Lamazuna last time in the Deauty box with the facial wipes. So now we have a 100% natural soap made in a city Aleppo in Syria. Well, I am very satisfied with this product so far. It contains olive and laurel oil which is great for dry and sensitive skin and jasmine oil for soothing and relaxing effects. It smells wonderful, I love natural refreshing scents in soaps and with this I can smell the exotic oriental destination it was made at. It feels really moisturizing (due to the olive oil) and although it doesn't really lather at all it leaves the skin clean. Love it!

Eucerin - Shaving foam for men (extra gift) - 30ml

Since this one was an extra gift it doesn't state the retail price. It's a shaving foam for men from Eucerin which is a guarantee of a great product for all kinds of skin types (including the sensitive one). My love will surely appreciate it. Thank you Deauty that you keep in mind even our dear ones.

Well, well, well, Deauty! You have really pleasantly surprised me with your last two boxes. This one contains 4 full size products, it has 2 makeup products (well done!) from one of my favorite drugstore makeup brand, it gives you amazing discounts and even extra gift for your man, dad or friend. Please, Deauty, keep your standard!

xoxo

Your Funmilayo

My TOP 5 SPRING 2013 lipsticks

Hello!

So last time I came up with my favorite nail polishes for this spring and now I brought my TOP 5 lipsticks. Spring represents a flowery fresh season and I want the same feel and look on my lips. I was always a lipstick person (not really a lip gloss fan - even though I have my favorites too - but maybe I will talk about that at some other point). I am not afraid to experiment with lip products and I am always open to extreme bold colors but springtime is more about soft colors for me.

So here they are - my TOP 5 spring lipsticks:

• Jordana - Soft Rose
• Jordana Matte - Pink Passion
• MAC - Vegas Volt
• NYX - Paris
• MAC - Creme Cup

Here is a closer look to the swatches:

Jordana Matte - Pink Passion

MAC - Creme Cup

NYX - Paris

MAC - Vegas Volt

Jordana - Soft Rose

So that's all from me. I will come up soon with another blog post since the time of the Deauty Box is coming. Yay!

xoxo

Your Funmilayo

My TOP 5 SPRING 2013 nail polishes

Hello!

So today I am here with my favorite nail polishes for this spring. For spring I generally love pastel colors. For me spring is like a preparation for the burst of bold colors in summer so that's why I prefer more muted shades.

So here is the list of my top 5 colors for spring 2013:

• Essie - A Crewed Interest
• Essence (Color & Go) - You Belong To Me
• Sally Hansen (Xtreme Wear) - Cotton Candy
• Essence (Color & Go) - No More Drama
• Essence (Multi Dimension 3 in 1 XXL shine) - Love Of Pink

All shades, except Sally Hansen's Cotton Candy, are creamy formula which is what I prefer in a nail polish. Cotton Candy is a pearly shade but I don't actually mind it with this shade because it's very soft pink and it doesn't create streaks. I applied 3 coats with all nail polishes even though 2 would be probably also sufficient but I like a real opacity of the colors. I don't like to spend too much money on a single nail polish unless it is a really unique color (like A Crewed Interest from Essie) because I have too many nail polishes and they dry out eventually so I don't have to feel too bad about it. I think you can find really beautiful and interesting colors even at drugstores. Maybe they chip more easily than the more expensive brands but all nail polishes chip and if you use the right top coat (I use Seche Vite) you should minimalize the difference.

So this is all from me today. Let me know what your favorite nail polishes are for this spring. I hope you all have wonderful time!

xoxo

Your Funmilayo

Abattoir in Anderlecht

Hello!

Today I am here with a great experience from a local market in Anderlecht (part of Brussels) called Abattoir. Abattoir is French for a slaughterhouse but you can definitely find almost everything on this market. First of all, it's HUGE. You can spend a whole day there and still not see everything what it offers. I absolutely love this place. It's not only mixture of food and other commodities but also a mixture of nations, races, colors, smells and sounds. 

                                                                          

I knew that I would definitely find what I was looking for but I didn't expect to be so overwhelmed by it. I headed especially for vegetable and fruit, spices and meat (so only the edible stuff) but I already know that I have to go back soon to have a proper look at the flea market that is a big part of Abattoir. 

When you go through the vegetable and fruit market you don't even know where to stop first. Everything is so fresh and it looks like it was set up for a magazine photo shoot. The sellers are competing among each other over who is going to catch another costumer so they are more than happy and willing to offer you a free taste of everything they sell. So after a half an hour in this area you can be quite full. :-)

Of course, Abattoir would be nothing without the actual abattoir (slaughterhouse) where you can find various kinds of meat. The butchers are cutting the meat right in front of you and they are always ready to fulfill your demands. 

As I mentioned before the big part of the market is the flea market. You can find real treasures here and it's the right place for bargaining. Unfortunately I didn't have the time for it so my next visit to Abattoir will be definitely this area. 

Another part of this wonderful place, and it shouldn't be confused with the flea market, is the non-food market. There you can find new things for a very good price. I am talking about shoes, handbags, clothes, perfumes, jewelry, household goods and a lot of other stuff. The quality is probably not the best in the whole wide world but, hey, who cares when it is so cheap, right?!

Even though most of the sellers speak French, Dutch and English if you want to make successful bargain at the market you should speak French and especially be bold, loud and quick. I have to be honest I have none of these assets so I took a friend of mine to do the bargaining for me and she was perfect. Thank you so much, the sweetest Fao.

Another thing you should be prepared for is the amount of people that is there. If you are not fond of overcrowded places then this might not be the right place for you but on the other hand I feel it belongs to it and it would be less experience without all the people there. Just mind your belongings and watch over your children! 

Because Abattoir is situated close to the neighborhood with a strong foreign community (mostly African) then you can expect an international experience there. And that is what I love the most about this place. I am always so happy when I see a place where color of the skin, language, religion and the country of origin doesn't matter at all or I should better say it matters so much but only in a good way. Even though it's the business that brings all those people together, the thing that matters the most is that it's possible and nobody wonders why.

Abattoir is also a great place for meeting friends; here are only a few of mine and my husband (on the left)

So if you are looking for an idea where to spend your next weekend (either as a customer or only as an observer) and you want to experience something special then Abattoir in Anderlecht (Brussels) is definitely the right place. Just enjoy!

xoxo

Your Funmilayo

Essie - A Crewed Interest

Hey!

Today I have only a short post about my favorite nail polish. It's Essie's nail polish in a color A Crewed Interested. It came out in the spring collection in 2012. It's perfect everyday color. Not so long ago, I had a business meeting with a client and even though it took me over an hour to choose the right clothes to this event, choosing the perfect nail polish was a no-brainer for me. I think this shade is perfect for the occasions when you don't want to be too crazy about your make-up and nails but you still want your nails looked polished and clean.

Inside and outside snap shot (sorry for the quality, I used my phone)

It has a creamy, glossy finish. It applies with no streaks. If you don't want too opaque color go with just 2 coats (it's still looks very nice) but I recommend 3 coats if you don't want your nails showing through. It lasted on my nails for 4 days without chipping and I haven't used any base or top coat!

I really like Essie nail polishes. Their new brush is perfect. It used to be very skinny brush but now it's nice and wide so painting the nails is much easier with it. I haven't found a brand that can offer better color range in muted shades and this one is the perfect example of it. I really really recommend this peachy shade to everyone who is looking for a fresh spring color that can be worn to any occasion.

xoxo

Your Funmilayo