Six Weeks Without Lipstick Challenge

It happened six weeks ago. I went to visit my doctor, who had told me that I had to follow a diet for medical reasons. Then she dropped a bomb on me like nothing else.

After mentioning that I couldn't eat any crisps, I couldn't eat normal bread, barely any fruit, no sauces, and so much more food restrictions, she hesitantly said: "Oh. And you're not allowed to wear any lipsticks or lip products for three weeks, maybe longer." I blinked. And laughed. "What? No lipstick? Forrealz?" She nodded.

This may seem very superficial to you, dear reader, but no one keeps my lipstick away from me. Makeup is my identity, makeup is who I want to be in the morning, makeup is the choice of the day: will I be a nonchalant looking student with a smoked out lash line, a young woman with a bright red lip or a bronzed up goddess (no giggles allowed)? Most of all, I love my makeup. One of my favorite moments of the day is putting on my makeup because I can translate my entire mood into my look and look so much fresher, more daring, and create any version of myself.

So, what to do about six weeks without lipstick? I've been quitting lipsticks for five weeks now, and am losing my mind... I kid. Jokes aside, I miss it, but I do have some tips and tricks to draw the focus away from the lips.



Trick #1:
Giant lashes and lots of liquid eyeliner.
I've been making my eyes seem rounder and more doll like thanks to lots of mascara and liquid liner around the outer corners and middle part of my lash line. A little matte shadow in the crease and bam, you're done! I like to overdo it just a smidge, to recreate the sixties vibe.

Trick #2:
Pinched cheeks.
The I-just-casually-walked-around-the-English-moors look. Red, flushed cheeks will give the illusion of an inner glow and healthy color on the cheeks from romantically walking out and about along the English countryside at the break of dawn. If only. Can I live in a Jane Austen novel, please?!

Trick #3:
Just bitten.
When all else fails: a traditional approach. Biting the lips to achieve the 'just kissed' look. Classic.

REVIEW: MAC MSF in Stereo Rose

When the MAC Fantasy of Flowers collection launched in February, I only had my eyes on one thing: the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (MSF) in Stereo Rose. This beautiful product has quite the story behind it. 

In 2010, MAC launched Stereo Rose in a Limited Edition collection and everyone went nuts for it. I didn't pick it up back then and kind of regretted that. Imagine my excitement when they were going to bring it back for the 2014 Fantasy of Flowers collection!

Look at the gorgeousness of this baked product! The left swatch is blended into the skin (and so it would look like this on your cheeks), on the right you can see the swatch after one single swipe over the baked product.

But beware, this Stereo Rose MSF is not entirely what it seems. When compared to the Stereo Rose launched in 2010, the newer version of the product is lighter, and more peach instead of coral colored. Although I do not appreciate MAC launching two 'similar but not really similar' products under the same product name, just because it was such a hype, I do really like this color. It's much more wearable for lighter skin tones than the 2010 Stereo Rose.

I added these comparison swatches from Temptalia.com, just so you can see what the old and the new MAC Stereo Rose look like.

Source: Temptalia.com

From left to right: Stereo Rose (2010), Stereo Rose (2014)

Source: Temptalia.com

Use: I use a light duo-fibre brush to lightly apply it on the cheeks. If not applied carefully, it could look a bit lobsterlike, especially for us fair skinned girls. But the bronze, peachy sheen it gives to your skin is so amazingly beautiful. Perfect for spring and summer!

Price: I purchased this Mineralize Skinfinish for around €28. Not the cheapest product out there, so it was definitely a splurge to purchase this limited edition product. If MAC ever repromotes Stereo Rose, I do suggest to go and swatch it in store. You'll surely fall under its spell.

Conclusion: Although I don't think MAC should've launched this product under the same name, I do really like this product. Apply lightly and you'll look glowy, fresh and summerproof!

What's your favorite spring time cheek product?

xX Anine

REVIEW: YSL cream blush

One of those high end items I've always wanted was a YSL cream blush. They always looked so luxurious and perfect and ever since I was a little girl, the golden packaging seemed to promise me eternal happiness. 

In the meantime I've realized that nothing of the sorts is true, but it can give you the necessary high feeling every beauty addict experiences when shopping at make-up counters they usually avoid because of the high price range.

I finally got my hands on this beauty, in colour number 2, and have to admit that I like it, but don't plan to spend my money on this blush product again. Read on to find out why!

Packaging: What can we say about this? It is gorgeous. It looks great on your vanity or dressing table. It attracts attention and makes you believe you are a princess.

Quality: It applies nicely on the cheeks, is easy to blend out and stays on a lot longer than most cream blushes I've tried. No complaints here whatsoever. 

Price: $38 - €36 The priciest blush I've ever purchased!

Conclusion: Then why wouldn't I repurchase this? For some reason, I don't seem to use this as much as I should, considering the price point of this product. The natural English rose blush look from Keira Knightley as Elisabeth in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice is perfectly achieved with this blush. However, it takes more time than using my beloved powder blushes, and the effect is just so-so. I am not as much in love with it as it has already been the case with previous blushes. Sorry YSL, but I'm a little disappointed! However, it is still a nice product.

Have you used this product before? Do you prefer cream or powder blushes?

Xoxo,
Anine

Makeup look: Parisian Windows

Whilst I was in Paris, I took some time to quickly try out my new products I purchased there. I created this look:

Lipstick: MAC Chatterbox

Blush: MAC Love Thing

I hope you like it! Have you ever been in Paris?

Xoxo,

Anine