Thursday 26 July 2012

Abi O BeauBronz Sunless Tanning

In one of my posts earlier on this year I mentioned that I struggled to find a nice self-tanner for my face. It became even harder to hunt one down when I decided to use more natural products.

Someone must have been reading my mind because about three weeks ago I’ve been asked if I would like to try Abi O BeauBronz Natural Tanning Products. So off course I said yes!

There are two products from the range I’ve been using for couple of weeks now and it’s safe to say that my search for a face tanner is over.


Soft Sun Self Tan For English Roses – just like the name suggests this gives light to medium colour to the skin. I’ve got very light complexion and found this colour perfect. It looks very natural and it’s not at all orange-y. It’s a gelish kind of formula but not tinted so needs to be well blended. Saying that, it blends beautifully, it doesn’t sink in too fast nor too slow, gives just enough time to work it into the skin. Another thing I love about it is the scent. It smells of roses! None of that horrible scent most of the tanning products have.

Gadual Tanner To Extend Your Tan – this one didn’t work on my face very well. I didn’t really notice the colour of my tan lingering for any longer than it normally would. I presume reason for that is thorough cleansing I do each night. I use hot cloth cleanser with muslin cloth which does light exfoliation and the gradual tan hasn’t got the time to develop on the skin. This one also smells lovely and has that gelish formula which I really like so I will be using it on my body.

Both products can be used on face or body. I’ve been using it on the face simply because I don’t want to use it up to fast :D But I will definitely purchase a big bottle for my body at some stage :)

Another thing I wanted to add is that none of these products broke me out which has been happening with a lot in the past when I used self-tanners on my face.

You can find the product and lots of advice on tanning on their website http://beaubronz.co.uk/ or http://www.feelunique.com/brands/abi-o(free delivery here!)


Sylwia x

Tuesday 24 July 2012

How to prevent your makeup from melting

My skin becomes pretty oily during the summer and it’s a challenge to keep my makeup looking nice and fresh all day.
Over the years I have learnt a few things that help to keep it on for a little longer without melting off my face. Here are my tips and I hope you’ll find them helpful.

Bioderma Anti-Shien Fluid, Clarins Daily Energizer Cream, Garnier Skin Sensitive Moisturizer

*Moisturizer – this is an important part for me.
In the morning I make sure to use light mattifying product designated for oily/combo skin type. I currently use Bioderma Sebium Mat which matifies my skin but doesn’t dry it out. It really is a great base for under makeup. I’ve also been using Clarins Daily Energizer Cream which I found has mattifying properties but again isn’t drying at all, it gives my skin refreshing boost in the morning.
My skin needs a bit more moisture during the night but I still don’t want anything heavy. Recently I’ve been using Garnier Skin Sensitive Moisturizer which is really nice. Moisturizes and soothes my skin after a long day, It doesn’t clog the pores; I wake up looking fresh rather than oily.

Pharmaceris Tinted Moisturizer, Mac Face & Body, Nars Sheer Glow, Hakuro H52

*Foundation – I try to pick one with light formula and coverage. The less there is on the face, the less can melt. I use higher coverage if I need it but I stick to one rule no matter what foundation I’m using: Less is more. I apply thinnest layer possible and buff it in with kabuki type brush. Avoid using your fingers because their warmth will encourage the pores to produce more oil. Above are the products I've been loving recently.

Une Breeezy Cheeks Blush, Stila Convetrible Color, Mac Mineralize Skinfinish, Revlon Matte Lipstick, Natural Collection Moisture Shine (this one is on a matte side).
*Make sure to powder! I’ve been loving Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural for the summer. It doesn’t take away the dewy finish of the foundation and it has pretty good staying power. Use a puff to dab the powder all over your face. This helps it stick to the skin and stay for longer.
*Use combo cream + powder for everything. Light layer of cream blusher, then powder blusher. Cream/liquid eyeliner, then top it up with same coloured eyeshadow. Just remember to apply all of your cream products first and then you powders, things might end up looking cakey otherwise.
*Primers aren’t always the answer. I personally found them useless no matter what kind or brand I’ve tried. I always feel they just add another unnecessary layer to my routine and do nothing. They work for many people but consider putting it away, investing in mattifying moisturizer instead and see if it works better for you. It surly does for me.
*Use matte lipsticks. These guys are saviors in the hot weather. Far less likely to feather out of your lips than shiny lipstick or lipgloss. I feel a lot better without sticky stuff on my lips in blazing sunshine.
*Stay away from highlighters – I know we all want to look fresh and glowy but oily skin will produce enough sebum to give us just that. We don’t want to add any shine to that.


Please leave a comment below if you've got any tips and tricks of your own. I would love to learn more!

Sylwia x

Sunday 22 July 2012

Summery OOTD

I cannot believe we had a summer day today! Let’s hope warmth and sunshine will stay with us for longer.

Due to the happiness of seeing the sunshine I reached for my flowery pastel top and sandals. Plus shorts made an appearance! For that reason I had to shave top part of my legs and I don’t remember the last time I had to do that ha ha ha




I obviously found gravel very interesting there…

I thought if stand on my tip toes people will think I’m taller… no… I just look weird.

Top – River Island
Shorts – H&M
Bag – Zara
Sandals – Primark

My Barry M ombre nails still look amazingly good. Tomorrow will be a week since I’ve done them. Impressed!

Also wanted to let you all know I went to see Batman The Dark Knight Rises today :) I really enjoyed looking at some of the actors and off course movie was great too ;)


Hope you all had awesome weekend lovelies!

Sylwia x

Thursday 19 July 2012

Random Favourites - Tv Series, Brushes, Gradient nails, Pearls and No7




1.       Monday Evenings – this is the only time when I actually sit down especially for the tv show or rather tv shows. It starts nice and light with The Hart Of Dixie at 8pm, 9pm is darker and twisted with Revenge and it moves onto a proper horror at 10pm The Walking Dead. This is normally the time when I do my nails too – multitasking ;)

2.       Hakuro Brushes – I absolutely love these. They’re synthetic, super soft and blend everything like a dream. Very affordable too, I paid £15 for both of these!  My sister in law got me these from a polish website (I believe Hakuro is a polish brand) so not sure if they’re available in the UK :(

3.       No7 Cleansing Water – only been using this for a few days but already loving it. I use it as makeup remover for the face and that saves Bioderma (that’s the only thing that doesn’t irritate my eyes) just for my eyes. This cleansing water smells very fresh, leaves skin feeling clean and cooled. I love the pump, super handy little thing!

4.       Ombre Nails – so far I’ve done two colour combinations but I will definitely do more. I’m not that into nail art but absolutely love this effect. I don’t remember the last time I was bothered enough to do my nails for an hour cause that’s how long it takes me. It just shows how much I love it ;)

5.       Pearl Earrings – I got these from Absolute Pearls website about two months ago and have been wearing them nearly every day. Very simple and classic, they go with everything I wear! Can’t go wrong with little pearl studs.

What random things have you been enjoying lately my munchkins?

Sylwia x

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Peachy Pink Gradient Nails

I absolutely love gradient effect nails. I don’t remember the last time when I was so keen to faff about with my nails. Cause you know what I’m normally like… slap some nail polish on and the quicker and easier the better.

I found the easiest way to do the gradient for me is to use typical cleaning sponge first and then top it up with wet makeup sponge. I think it came out looking pretty nice. I used Barry M Peach Melba and Pink Flamingo.




In some other news:

1) I have not yet started reading 50 Shades Of gray. Can’t bring myself to do so for some reason.
2) I’ve been using a natural coconut oil deodorant for a while now and have to say it really is a good stuff. Wouldn't work for me in a very hot weather but it's perfect for this English thing we've got going on at the mo.  Click here for super easy recipe by Marta.
3) Is it bad that I want to go see Batman and my boyfriend doesn’t?

Sylwia x

Saturday 14 July 2012

The Body Shop goodies

I’m sure you’ve all noticed I’ve not been doing any haul posts for quite a while now. I decided to stop doing them simply because I’d rather feature products I’ve actually been using and had time to form an opinion about.

So why the exception from the rule today?

I was randomly browsing some beauty websites (as you do) and stumbled upon The Body Shop one. It turned out they not only have sale going on right now but also give you a code for 30% off of everything including sale items. Plus it was a free delivery on orders over £25 and free mini shower gel. Who could resist that?
This particular offer has ended but there are lots of other great promotions on the website at the moment. You should definitely check it out :)

I got my parcel yesterday and everything smells so delicious I had to tell you all about it straight away.



*Pink Grapefruit Body Mist – not overwhelming, super refreshing scent. I found body mists to be great as a refresher after z long day at work.
*Mango Beautifying Oil – this scent is to die for! Gorgeous fruity mango, again not overwhelming. Looking forward to try this out on my hair and dry areas of my body.
*White Musk Sun Glow Eau De Toilette – I don’t really know how to describe it other than perfect summer scent! Not that we have any summer here…
*Blue Corn 3 in 1 Deep Cleansing Mask – I love deeply invigorating face masks/exfoliators. My skin always feels super soft and blackhead free after Soap&Glory No Clogs Allowed and I’m hoping this is going to be that kind of product.
*Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel – have to say, I’m not a massive fan of The Body Shop shower gels. They’re just an average product, not moisturizing enough for my liking. Nonetheless this was a freebie and it will definitely get used up.
*Aloe & Soft Linen Home Fragrance Oil – beautiful, fresh, clean scent. My home will smell lovely now!




I also love the fact that The Body shop is against animal testing and supports community fair trade.


Sylwia x

Wednesday 11 July 2012

What I used today

I really wanted to post something today but had no idea what to write about. I was just about to give into ‘no inspiration’ excuse when I thought of this post. I think this could be my random little series where I post about a few products (makeup, skincare, perfume etc) and perhaps other bits like accessories I used on a particular day. Nothing scheduled thou as you know I’m not good at sticking to those.

Let me know if you like the idea :)


1) Avon Far Away Exotic EDP- this is the usual fresh scent I normally tend to go for. Far Away Exotic is quite sweet, heavy and fruity. I don’t know why but something draws me into this scent. When I smell this I think of Morocco with colourful streets, hot sweaty nights and lots of noise. It’s probably because it’s marketed as an Eastern scent but I like to think I came up with it all by myself ;)

2) Clinique Superfit Makeup
– there isn’t much I can say about this foundation because it didn’t wow me nor disappoint me. It’s a light water based formula, medium coverage, good staying power. Rather than make me say ‘wow my skin looks awesome’ after applying, I say ‘meah, I look alright’.

3) Sleek Suede Blush – I adore this nude colour. It acts not only like a blush but also a contour on my face. Gives nice warmth to the face and looks very natural. When I don’t know what blush would go with my eye makeup I use this and it always works.

4) Elf quad Day 2 Night
– good quality shadows for the price. Not chalky, well pigmented, nicely blending, what else would we want? Purple one is a bit stubborn and needs bit more of a ‘pack it on the brush’ action but other than that it’s a nice little thing.

5) Catrice Ultimate Colour Be Natural! – nude on a peachy side here. None of the ghost lips problems with this little guy.

6) Clinique High Impact Mascara
- this is a second time purchase. I love it because it’s not clumpy, not vet, separates the lashes very well and keeps them soft throughout the day.



Sylwia x

Monday 9 July 2012

Kinda Ombre Nails

Quick NOTD post today :)

I attempted ombre effect with these but I didn't have enough shades of one colour to make it look like it's supposed to look.
So I just took a few of my purple colours and painted my nails with the them :)

What do you think, my lovelies?


Polishes from left to right:
OPI Tickle My France-y
CIATE Bon Bon
ESSIE Nice Is Nice
OPI Parlez-Vous OPI?
CATRICE From Dusk To Dawn

Sylwia x

Friday 6 July 2012

The Hunger Games Trilogy Review

Last week I finished reading the Mockingjay which is 3rd book in the series and many thoughts bubble in my head. I like to reflect back on books and movies so I thought I will share my reflections with you guys. If you haven’t read the books please don’t read any further as this review contains spoilers.
First of all I think that the books were very well written. I had a very good understanding of Panem as a country, how it looked and functioned. Everything that happened in the book was well described and explained. Author jumps into the past the way that makes us want to learn why things are what they are any people act how they act.
Characters in the books are very well developed. They are changing through the course of time and life experiences. All of the characters are not predictable and everyone mentioned in the book plays big part in Katniss’s life. Everyone from Rue, Avoxes, Cinna, prep team to Haymitch affect Katniss and decisions she makes. Only person I felt was little bit left out was Prim. I wish there was more interaction between the sisters.

All of the books are fast paced and easy to read. Quarter Quell in Catching Fire was the only part when I didn’t read with full enjoyment. I just wanted to get it over with, it felt like deja vu even thou the arena, tributes and the situation were different.

Katniss and Peeta:

I admit I wasn’t rooting for Peeta. I didn’t really like his character from the very beginning. He loves Katniss with all his heart but that’s all there is to him. He’s a good person and a great spokesman but he never has strong opinions about life and what’s going on in Panem. That’s why President Coin wanted to rescue him instead of Katniss from the arena – because he would never disobey the orders. I think Katniss becomes so attached to him because he gives her stability and comfort, something she was taken away when her dad died and mum became distant from the world. Peeta always worries about her, constantly tries to protect her but instead he becomes her burden at some points. I sometimes felt like he didn’t have faith in her.

Katniss and Gale:

I feel that Katniss and Gale where great friends not by accident. They were very similar people. Both survivors and fighters. Gale played completely different role than Peeta in Katniss’s life. He was rooting for her, motivating her and staying by her side no matter how dangerous decisions she made. Gale doesn’t fight for Katniss and her love. He knows her too well so only says ‘she will choose whoever she’ll need in order to survive’. And I think that is what happens. She’s at home back in 12, depressed, lonely and suicidal when Peeta shows up. She doesn’t exactly choose him herself but he gives her comfort and that’s what she needed to survive after what she’s been through so she just settles for him.


Overall I really enjoyed reading all of the books and I’m kind of sad it’s finished now. I liked how the story and characters were developing throughout the books and Katniss killing Coin instead of Snow was a great ending.
Katniss’s character, her thoughts, worries, dilemmas and everything else going through her head were very realistic and not predictable.
Descriptions of rebellion, propaganda and war were very realistic. There was no sugarcoating which I think made the book such a success not only amongst the youngsters but also the adults.


This is my first proper review so I hope it wasn’t too bad. Please don’t be offended if you’ve got different opinions, this is just my own view on the book.

Love ya!
Sylwia x

Wednesday 4 July 2012

Empties #8

I’ve been posting pictures with mini reviews of my empty products on instagram since last month. It makes it a bit easier to share my opinion straight after I finish the product and it means I don’t have to hold onto rubbish. Plus let’s face it, I love to have stuff to Instagram about ;)

For those of you who don’t own this app, here are last month’s empties. Not much this time.
1. Soap & Glory Fab Pore – Great product. It’s awesome for a quick fix before a big day/night/event. Clears and tightens pores making the skin look fresh and radiant. I will definitely repurchase.

2. Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover – Not too impressed with this. A lot of rubbing is involved to remove darker polishes. It’s very drying for an acetone free remover.

3. Osmo Extreme Volume Conditioner – Didn’t do anything moisturizing or volumizing to my hair. Not really worth the price which is a shame cause spray from this range is great.

4. Naked Strengthening Conditioner – Lovely stuff. Kept my hair nice and soft but not as moisturized as I would need to. I repurchased hydrating version to try out.

5. Sanctuary Hand Cream – Just an average hand cream. Moisturizes well enough, has a nice scent but not very fast absorbing.

6. Naked Mild Shampoo Sensitive Scalp – Great introduction to a Naked hair care range. It saved my scalp from being scratched to death ;) . In depth review here.

Sylwia x

Monday 2 July 2012

FOTD + Stila Convertible Color review

Have you all had an awesome weekend? I hope you did! Mine was really nice. It was lovely to have a Saturday off (I always work :( ) and see my girlfriends for a coffee during the day. After that, me and the boy went to a BBQ at our friends house. Yes, it was raining, but they have an awning type thing so we sat in the conservatory while the sausages were bbqing themselves away…

Here is how I did my makeup that day. It’s very simple and super easy to achieve. I will be definitely wearing it to work as it only takes 15 minutes and minimal amount of products to do. Everything looks a bit more intense in really life, unfortunately camera flash takes away from the colours intensity.


I blended Naked (3rd from left) into the crease and little bit above and topped it up with Buck (5th from left) for more definition. I applied Virgin (1st from left) all over the upper lid. I liner my outer upper lash line with Zero (black pencil) and blended it in with angled brush to the inner corner. That way black lost little bit of its intensity and didn’t look harsh.



I applied Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera on my cheeks and lips. It’s a lovely peachy pink shade that would suit light to medium skin tones. When I first opened, I felt disappointed as the colour looks dusty rose so nothing what I was expecting. Fortunately this is only top layer and once I dipped my finger in it, it reveals that lovely peachy shade.
Packaging is cute, light weight and has a mirror inside. Product itself doesn’t have a fragrance.
Formula is quite thick but fairly easy to blend. I apply it on my cheeks with my fingers and then blend it out with small stippling brush. No need for a highlight with this one! It gives off lovely, satin sheen. For lips I use just my fingers. It looks matte on them and it does emphasize dry patches on the lips so make sure to exfoliate beforehand.
Lasting power is really good. It stayed on my cheek for a whole day. Can’t really say about lips cause I constantly drink water so it rubs off quicker than normal.
I mentioned this product few times on Twitter and Instagram and haven’t changed my opinion since then. I love it!


You can see the colour of Stila little bit better in the above pictures. These are from a different day when I didn’t have any eye makeup on so I packed more Gerbera on the cheeks and lips :)

I got my Stila from here.

Rest of the products (not shown):
 *Revlon Color Stay foundation all over my face
*Mac Studio Finish Concealer for blemishes
*Garnier Roll-On under the eyes
*Max Factor eyebrow pencil
*MUA clear mascara as brow gel
*Mac Painterly Paint Pot as eye primer
* Max Factor False Lash effect mascara


Sylwia x
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