FASHION: my new favorite bag

There are two things I am horrible at when shopping. Finding comfortable shoes (apparently I have tricky feet) and finding cute bags. Why? Because with both, I always know TOO well what I want and the product in my head usually doesn't exist in real life.

Imagine my joy - and panic - when my aunt told me she wanted to buy me a beautiful bag for christmas and as a belated 21st birthday present. Joy, because it was such a nice gesture, but also panic, because I knew it was going to be a difficult quest to find that one bag to rule them all.

I ended up choosing for this cognac-orangey colored classic bag by Crinkles. Since the shape, which reminds me of Delvaux bags, is so classic, it will be a timeless piece that won't go out of style any time soon. I love the metallic rings and orange undertone for a modern touch.

It is quite spacious, I can carry around all my important stuff in it (and I carry a lot of junk around!). I usually pair the bag with a very modern look, to balance out the preppiness.

 From what brand is your favorite bag?

Xoxo
Anine

My go-to eyeliner look

Lately, I've totally been loving my daily eyeliner combination. The Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal in Sparkling Black and Nude and the Maybelline Master precise liquid eyeliner are my favorite products for a light, but defined eyelook. 

I tend to line the tightline with the black Rimmel kohl liner. Afterwards I smudge some on the upper lash line and soften the look with the Real Techniques angled brush. Then I line the waterline with the peachy Rimmel kohl liner, for a wide-eyed effect which opens up the eye and gives the illusion of bigger eyes. 

For a more defined look, I finish off with the Maybelline liquid liner. 

What eyeliner look do you tend to create on a daily basis?

Xoxo Anine

PINSPIRATION: the beauty corner

Hi all,

As some of you might know, I've been wanting to move in with my boyfriend for a long time, but financially we can't handly it yet. Ofcourse I'll get to spend a lot more time with him, but a nice perk will also be having more space for my make up, skincare and other beauty items.

Today I will be talking about my dream beauty setup I like to fantasize about. Not for makeup, but specifically skincare and luxury items. What would my bathroom counter look like? I went to look for inspiration on Pinterest and found these images that match with my idea of a perfect beauty corner. A girl can dream right?

Think flowers, soft towels and amazing scents!

You can find the source of these images on my Pinterest board Corner Of Heaven (just a 'minor' exaggeration - once a drama queen, always a drama queen). 

Xoxo Anine

PHOTOSHOOT: experimenting

Hi all,

I haven't really shared a lot about it yet on my blog, but in my free time I tend to sometimes do some photoshoots. I definitely am not a make up artist and never had any education to do make up. I simply love experimenting and helping out with photoshoots, just with friends.

Last week I did a little beauty photoshoot, and I'd like to share some photos. The model is a good friend of mine and we've done so many photoshoots together in secondary school, so I know her by heart and we work together perfectly. Here are the photos, I hope you like them!

Disclaimer: keep in mind that these looks are NOT meant to be wearable, I am aware that these are not everyday looks ;) I tried to be artistic lol.

Model: Sofie Vantvelt
Make up + photography: Anine Van de Ryck

The first row of photos was a lilac, shimmery look.

The second look is very strong, with a heavy brow and a smokey eye.

The last look I love the most and is also the most wearable; a strong winged liner with an ombre lip (which isn't very clear in the photos, but oh well).

I soon will also be doing the make up for a photoshoot for a new Belgian webshop, which I'm super excited about!

Do you like experimenting with make up?

Xoxo Anine

REVIEW: Jouer Matte Moisture tint

Hi everyone,

I'm sure every beauty freak has heard of the brand Jouer and in particularly the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint and Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint. As I have a very oily T-zone, I decided to try out the Matte Moisture Tint in the color Linen. Keep on reading to find out more about this cult product!

Packaging: As you can see, the packaging is matte, which is a nice feature. You might notice that it has gotten a bit dirty here and there, but nothing too disturbing. I like the tube packaging a lot. Thanks to the tube, you can very neatly get out the right amount, so no spilling or wasting product here.

Here you can see what ingredients this product contains. 

What does it claim to do:

"This lightweight mattifying moisture tint evens out imperfections and leaves your skin with a velvety smooth, matte finish with its Multi-Mineral Complew. SPF 15 protects from UVA & UVB rays while Vitamins A, C & E deliver rich antioxidants to the skin. Matte Moisture Tint applies with ease, promoting a seamless complexion. Oil free - Hypoallergenic - Fragrance-free - perfect for all skin types."

Sounds almost too good to be true!

Consistency & color: The product is very thick, but doesn't feel heavy on the skin at all. It applies easily and blends quite seamlessly. I do have to be careful around my hairline, it tends to be a bit harder to blend it there. The color Linen matches my skin tone perfectly (that's never happened to me before!).

Quality: Wow, they weren't lying when they called this product "Matte Moisture Tint". It is so matte, you need to make sure to highlight, just so you don't look overdone, heavily made up or just too flat. I like to mix in a tiny amount of liquid highlighter, which adds a more natural finish to the product. This is not a must, of course. 

However, it does live up to its expectations of making sure I stay oil-free. I do notice a healthy shine coming to my face after a few hours, but I can barely call it oily. If you really want to wear it the entire day, you might want to blot in the afternoon, but that's because I can't stand oils on my face. 

Coverage: I love the light coverage of this. You do need to keep in mind that this is NOT a foundation. It is a tinted moisturizer and thus has the coverage of one. It hides most of the redness on my skin, but still shows my natural skin and impurities. 

I'm wearing the Matte moisture tint on this photo, topped up with some colored powder (MAC Studio Fix powder in C3).

Price: £30, I purchased it on Cult Beauty. I wish it was cheaper, but I find it worth it!

PRO's:

+ It has an SPF of 15.

+ The light, but buildable coverage.

+ I can wear it easily on a daily basis.

+ I stay oil-free during the day.

CON's:

- The finish is VERY matte.

- The price.

Conclusion: If you're in for an oil-free, light coverage face product and you're not afraid to drop quite a few coins at a cash register or make your visa card squirm at the online checkout, you might enjoy this product very much!

Have you tried anything from Jouer? Or do you have any oil-free foundation recommendations? 

Xoxo,

Anine

GUEST BLOGGER: Sofie's favourites

Hi everyone,

Today, I have a guest blogger for you. My friend Sofie from http://the-knitting-nanny.blogspot.be/ agreed to sharing some of her favorite beauty products. I thought it might be nice to for once hear an other voice on Red Lips and Beauty Bits ;-)

Hi folks!
I’m Sofie, a 22-year-old student from Antwerp. Currently I’m studying theater, film and literature. I really enjoy watching movies or a good play, reading books and taking pictures. I’d like to let you know which my favourite products are:

Have you tried any of these products? How did you like them?

Xoxo

Anine

Mascara review: Maxfactor Clump Defy

It's been a while since I've done a mascara review. The one responsible for this crime has been the Maxfactor Clump Defy mascara. I love this baby so much, I never even thought of using an other one of the bajillion mascaras I still have roaming around in my make up drawer. Ladies and gentlemen; a review.

As many of you might know, Maxfactor is owned by the same company as US-based company Covergirl. They came out with the Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara first, then Maxfactor soon came with the Clump Defy formula. Exactly the same mascara, just a different packaging.

Talking about packaging: I like the size of the tube, not as huge as seems to be the hype lately. The wand itself is curved in a round shape to perfectly fit the lashes.

Quality: As I mentioned in my Beauty discoveries of 2013, this product seems to be the lovechild of the Benefit They're Real and the Maybelline The Falsies mascaras. Perfect for separating, volumizing and lengthening! It is without a doubt my favorite mascara of all time.

Price: €14.99, certainly not the cheapest drugstore mascara out there. I usually try to get them during the sales or with special promotions!

Conclusion: My lashes have never looked so good with this mascara, I can honestly say it is the best I ever used and I feel it is my holy grail product! It seperates, lengthens and volumizes like nobodies business. Don't expect the most thickening formula with this mascara, but when I really want more thickness I sometimes use another mascara on top of this one.

It might be a bit more expensive for a drugstore mascara, but I feel like it is worth it, since it works better for me than any high-end mascara has.


What's your favorite mascara?

Xoxo
Anine

REVIEW: Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Big Bang

Hi everyone,

I'm sure everyone has seen and heard about the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers. I recently picked up the color Big Bang, as you can see in my London haul! I have been really liking it in combination with a very simply eye look. Some powder, some mascara and eyeliner and this lip lacquer as the cherry on the cake! Simply Gorgeous.

Packaging: I love how the color of the product is visible. Because of this, no way you will buy a wrong color because the packaging is deceiving. It has a handy dope foot applicator, which allows you to apply the product very precise.

Quality: The color has a blue undertone, which is my favorite kind of red lip products, plus it makes your teeth look whiter! The pigmentation is insane, and that's what I love about it. You get exactly what you expect to from this product.

It stays on for hours, stains the lips but doesn't feel drying, even though it has a sort of matte, slightly velvet finish. I do have to reapply after eating or after about six hours.

Price: Normally I would've paid £6.50 for the lip lacquer, but there was a sale going on at Boots and so I actually got it for free (typical girl math, no?). But I do feel that this price is very affordable for a product that works so amazingly.

 Conclusion: Love. I desperately want more colors!


Have you tried the Apocalips Lip Lacquers? Which one is your favorite color?

Xoxo Anine