PRODUCT BATTLE: the search for the perfect nude

You can't imagine how long I've been searching for the perfect nude nail polish. Just recently I was able to try out two polishes that might live up to my overly high expectations of perfection. I'm talking about the 'Satin Corset' (I <3 the name) polish from Sephora and the 'Nude' polish from Pieces.

What do expect from this perfect polish, you might wonder? I only expect the perfect brown nude color. Never thought it could be quite the challenge!

- Quality
Let's talk opacity. Satin Corset from Sephora takes more layers to get an opaque finish. The Pieces polish only takes two layers. I do feel like the Sephora one stays on longer without chipping. The Pieces polish chips more easily, but applies easily.

- Color
The Sephora polish is more brown. Maybe a bit too brown, since it's so nude, it's barely noticable. It makes my nails even look a bit deadly. The Pieces one, unexpectedly came out more pink than brown. Fail! So, conclusion?

Conclusion:
Neither of these polishes is actually the perfect nude I had been looking for. I'll have to continue my nail polish quest for the perfect nude!

Help me in my search and share what polish is your favorite nude color?

Xoxo,

Anine

Review: Bourjois Color Boost Glossy Finish Lipstick

Today I’m reviewing the Bourjois Color Boost in 01 Red Sunrise. It claims to stay on for 10 hours, should be waterproof, comfortable and hydrating, and has an SPF of 15. Imma keep it simple: I love this thing!

I hadn’t tried this balm stain type of product yet, but find it very hydrating. It stains like a dream and thus stays on for a very long time. Does it stay on for 10 hours? I don’t think so. Maybe around the edges or if you don’t eat anything in those 10 hours.

I do usually reapply it often, because I find it almost addictive. The color is amazing too. Even though it’s very bright and vibrant, I feel very comfortable wearing it since I’m convinced it wouldn’t budge. The packaging is very handy and nice. It has a twist-up system, so sharpening it isn’t required.

I am seriously considering buying every single shade of this range. I’m so addicted to it, I don’t ever want to live without this thing again!

What is your favourite balm stain product?


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

I have a Facebookpage!

Yup, it's true. I now have a Facebook page for this blog! Never thought I'd be able to do that, but I actually had some readers and co-workers asking me to make it. It might sound silly, but I never expected my blog would actually be read. I love blogging and everything that has to do with it, so much. The fact that people are actually asking for this, means the world to me. Thanks a million <3

Visit the Inspiration Point Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Firstinspirationpoint
Like the page if you would like to be the first to hear about new updates and posts!

Big hug,
Anine

What’s in my travel makeup bag

For my trip to Paris, I tried to pack very light on makeup. I thought of it as a way to make myself do a more minimal makeup application.

The products shown above from left to right:

MAC Studio Fix powder in C4

Labello lip balm

Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in Coralberry

MAC Kohl eyepencil in Bluuz

Bourjois Brow pencil in 04 Blond Foncé

Maybelline Master Precise liquid eyeliner

Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara

Nars eye primer

Estée Lauder Double Wear concealer in 02 Light Medium

Maybelline Lumi Touch concealer in 01

Wet ‘n Wild eyeshadow palette in Walking on Eggshells

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in 10 Black

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for oily skin in Light

E.L.F. Blush in Candid Coral

Last but not least, my brushes. I pretty much use all Bubbi Brushes and Real Techniques brushes, some Hema and some MAC.

What essentials do you always have with you in your travel makeup bag?

Xoxo,

Anine

Paris haul!

I picked up some goodies from my amazing trip in Paris! Look at the damage I did!

The first stop was Sephora. I picked up the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in Light. It’s supposed to be oil free and perfect for acne-prone or sensitive skin. It provides a smooth, matte finish. I specifically wanted to try it to make my makeup stay on longer.

I also wanted to pick up the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting spray. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in stock that day and I had to go to the big Sephora on the Champs-Elysées (which was INSANE). This setting spray should ‘keep your makeup looking gorgeously just applied for up to 16 hours, without melting, fading, or settling into fine lines.’ The result should be smoother-looking skin and of course makeup that lasts all day. That’s why I bought it.

I got this polish for free when I signed up for the Sephora membership card (which was free). I’ve already tried it and love it!

Then I went by the MAC store in the Quartier Latin. I exchanged my six back-to-mac products for a lipstick. Originally, I had other lipsticks on my list, but after three “Ce n’est pas en stock!” I decided to just go and look for lipsticks I liked, instead of looking for the names such as Patisserie or Cream Cup. I also picked up a blush.

I ended up with this lipsticks I would normally never go for: Chatterbox. Although I don’t usually like blue-toned pinks, this one just stole my heart and I’ve already worn it so much!

Then I also gave in and after almost a year of yearning for this blush, I purchased the MAC mineralize blush in Love Thing. It looks stunning in the pan and on the cheeks. The man at the counter said “Wouldn’t you like a pale pink better?” but I stubbornly wanted Love Thing.

how stunning is that!?

Then of course, last but not least, I got me some Bioderma. A lot of it. My boyfriend looked at me in doubt, but I explained how in the end, it would be a lot cheaper when stocking up in Paris. He understood and even helped me carry two damn litres of Bioderma. Now that’s true love.

Do you own any of these items yourself? How do you like them?

Xoxo,

Anine

Personal: Graduating, Paris and internship

 This is the first personal update I’ve done on this blog. But since I’ve really loved blogging and taking care of this page, I thought it was about time I shared some personal stories.

The last weeks have been very exciting and busy for me. Two weeks ago I graduated from my college in Belgium. I received my diploma, that tiny piece of paper that cost me three years of blood, sweat and tears and over three years of worrying, studying and taking extra classes before that in high school. To be able to say that I’ve graduated and am ready to go to work, feels better than ever. Especially since I’ve worked so hard to get here and I was always the kind of girl that was made to write as a living.

I’ve only had one job interview so far (for an extremely cool job in the beauty blogging industry), but after calling and e-mailing thousands of times, I’m pretty convinced they’re not interested. Apparently I’m still to young to even be considered? I was pretty bummed out about that.

As you might have noticed, I also went on a trip to Paris with Mr Boyfriend. The trip was amazing and everything we’d been dreaming of. I’ll share some pictures at the end of this post.

Then I went to the Belgian seaside for a week with my family and now, the third week of july, I’m starting my internship. “Wait, didn’t I just read that you’ve graduated already??” Yup, that’s right. I decided I wouldn’t spend my summer lying in bed or partying, since I’m the kind that can’t sit still for too long. I’m having the amazing opportunity to do an internship at a fashion magazine instead! I’m already getting nervous, what should I wear??

Anyways, this was my short personal update. It’ll be a busy summer, but I’m so ready for it! I hope I will be able to maintain this blog as much as I can, since I have no idea how busy I will be with the internship.

Last but not least, you can enjoy these pictures from my trip to Paris!

With much love,

Anine

Dôme des invalides

Dior Couture show

Les invalides

 La Grand Palais

Pont Alexandre III

We put our lovelock on the bridge!

Mr Boyfriend throwing the key into the Seine

Breakfast at La Tour Eiffel

L'Oréal headquarters

Dior Miss Chérie

Carrousel at Montmartre

Me in front of the Notre Dame

Chanel jewelry at Place Vendôme

 Dior jewelry at Place Vendôme

Sniffing around Jo Malone