Italian Beauty Blog

Armani Luce Eye Palette #2 for Spring 2012 (plus swatches of entire Armani Luce makeup collection)

2012-01-15T01:45:00.001+01:00

The new Armani 2012 Spring Collection has just arrived in stores here in Italy. Inspired by Giorgio Armani's love of light (which I guess is undeniable if you look at all his most recent makeup releases), the collection is in fact aptly called Luce - or light in Italian.
Focusing on pastels and light metals, the collection includes 2 Eye Palettes, 1 Sheer Blush, 2 Eye Pencils and 4 new shades of Gloss d'Armani, all swatched at the end of the post for you pleasure!
I was really curious to try one of the new palettes so after pondering for a while, I settled for the Eye Palette #2, the most neutral of the options (I think the makeup look with this palette is actually called Oro Nudo, or naked gold).

The colours included in the four-pan compact are described as, from top to bottom:
1. grey; 2. metal fiber; 3. copper pigment; 4. crystal brown.

The texture of the eyeshadows is soft and buttery. All colours are high-shine. Pigmentation varies: as with some other Armani palettes, when you pick up the colours with your fingertips in order to swatch them, they all show up very well even without a base. When applied to the eyes, however, the two lighter colours tend to be quite sheer and quite similar (at least, on my NC25/35 skintone!), so you have to be careful with the blending if you want to keep the two shades distinct.

The top segment, which is described as grey, is actually more of a chamois gold, or greyish yellow. It is slightly more powdery than the other three colours, and it sheds a bit and moves around the eyes, at least when worn without a base, as it seems to contain really tiny particles of shimmer all packed together.
Metal fiber is a cool light silver, copper pigment is a bright golden copper, and crystal brown is a light golden brown.

The palette comes with an instructional card with the names of the shades and two helpful diagrams to create a day and an evening look.

I've tried both looks, paired with lots of black Armani Eyes to Kill mascara (still one of my favourites) and a bit of MAC Powersurge Eye Khol (golden bronze, one of my HG pencils, and what I wore on my wedding day!). I have to say both looks are very luminous and pretty, half-way between innocent and sexy, although the top lid looks a bit too sheer and pale for my liking.

Overall, I think it's a nice palette, but not essential. I'm happy I bought it as I can see myself wearing it often: having blue eyes with a golden ring around the pupils, I love to use bronzes, golds and coppers on the eyes. The quality is great and despite the sheerness of the two lighter colours, the eyeshadows are still visible after a whole day, even without a base.

While I was at it, I decided to swatch the whole Armani Luce Collection. It's something I might actually do for all seasonal collections by Italian makeup brands from now on, if I manage to and if any of you are interested!

The 4 new shades of Gloss d'Armani are: Beige 105, Red 405, Pink 508 and Brown 201.
The Tourmaline Sheer Blush is a pretty peachy pink, a bit too cool and pale for me but lovely otherwise.
The Eye Pencils are great, both colours - #4 Or Antique and #5 Copper - are very pigmented, glide easily and last for a long time. I might get Copper in the near future!

The Eye Palette #1 is a Spring dream! The four colours are described as: Pearl Violet, Jade Green, Sheer Gold and Greige. As with Palette #2, the shades are very luminous and go on smoothly. Of course, the colours won't work for everyone, but I advise you to check it out in person before dismissing it altogether.

Is there anything you like or have already bought from this collection? I'd like to see how the brown gloss works over a lipstick or mixed with the red gloss (I think Megan Fox is wearing something like that in the promo picture, which is lovely, by the way!), but then I have far too many glosses already!

Anna xx

Look who's back!

2012-01-12T23:58:00.001+01:00

Dear friends,

first of all...Happy 2012! I've been wondering what I should write in this post, in fact I've been away from the blogging world for such a long time that I hardly remember how to use blogger!! Yes, I've been away for almost 9 months and I apologize. I don't necessarily think that me being away made a difference to you, but I have missed YOU, I have missed my blog. I should probably explain why I was away for so long. The truth is, I was already struggling with the blog long before I brusquely interrupted my posting, my father-in-law was terminally ill and my son was getting high fevers practically every other week, as some of you know. My father-in-law sadly passed away just a couple of weeks after my last post, a lot of other things (good and bad) happened and, at that point, life just kind of took over. I kept postponing writing a new post, days turned into weeks and weeks into months...

Things have settled a bit now, not everything is as it should be, as I would like it to be, but I feel happier, recharged and slightly more in control.

With the start of a new year I thought it was finally the right moment to get back to blogging, which is something I've always enjoyed and found therapeutic and soothing as well as exciting!

So here I am again, hopefully some of you still remember me and look forward to reading my blog.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all your support, love, patience and faith in me in the past year. Hope to "see" you all soon!

Anna xx

Giveaway winner!

2011-03-30T00:20:00.001+02:00

My giveaway closed last night, so it's high time I announced the winner!

I used random.org and got number 6 as a result, which means the winner of my diego dalla palma giveaway is the lovely Blair...and her squid ink spaghetti!

Congratulations Blair, I hope your prizes won't take too long to reach you in Malaysia! Please email me your address at italianbeautyblog@gmail.com so that I can send you your goodies as soon as possible.

Thanks to everyone for participating and making me really hungry with all your delicious comments!

Anna xx

All Italian Giveaway with diego dalla palma! - GIVEAWAY CLOSED! -

2011-03-18T00:26:00.002+01:00

In honour of my birthday, which was almost a month ago (you know I'm always late!), of Italy's anniversary (we just celebrated 150 years of national unity!) as well as of reaching and surpassing 200 followers (thank you!!) I am having my second giveaway!

The lovely people at diego dalla palma, a 100% Italian brand I love and which I've often spoken about on this blog, have kindly offered to sponsor my giveaway, so here's what you can win:

* diego dalla palma eye shadow #19 frost sand

* diego dalla palma powder blush #04 peach satin

* diego dalla palma eye pencil #01 black

* diego dalla palma gloss you lips #19 glitzy powder pink

To enter:

* you must be a follower of my blog

* you must comment on this post telling me...what your favourite pizza/pasta dish is! (hopefully, you like at least one of them!)

Be careful though: Entries will be invalid if you don't answer this silly question!

The giveaway is open internationally. It will close on Monday 28th March at 10 pm GMT+1 (Italian time). The winner will be randomly selected using random.org and announced on the blog shortly after the closing time so that you can email me with your contact details.

Best of luck / "in bocca al lupo"!

Anna xx

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine #60 Antigone

2011-03-12T00:52:00.000+01:00

After dabbling with Boy (reviewed here), I decided I had definitely taken a shine (excuse the lame word-play!) to the formula of the new Chanel Rouge Coco Shines so when I saw they'd already released the entire line here in Italy I was naturally quite excited!

My choice wasn't well thought-out, I just had a quick browse and almost automatically grabbed #60 Antigone for a couple of reasons: one, I like raspberry lips; two, I'm a classicist at heart, so anything with an Ancient Greek/Latin-related name instantly jumps out at me! (By the way, the mosaic photograph under the lipstick does not depict Antigone!)

While I'm at it, some background info for your pleasure: Antigone, daughter of King Oedipus of Freudian complex fame, is one of the greatest tragic heroines of Ancient Greece. Her story, first told by Sophocles, was also brought to the stage in Paris in 1922 by Jean Cocteau who enlisted the help of his friends Mademoiselle Coco Chanel, who designed the costumes, and Pablo Picasso, who took care of the stage design as well as the masks and the shields.

Now on to the lipstick! Incidentally, Antigone belongs to the pink-toned family, as does Boy, and is described as "an intense, fresh and amber-tinged pink lipshine". The first part of the description is spot-on, the look is vibrant but still very fresh, but I must say I'm a little surprised by the "amber-tinged" bit, as I can't detect any yellow or gold in the colour, just a lot of raspberry juiciness.

On the lips, somewhat imperfectly applied! (My lips were not collaborating while I was taking pictures for this post...)

As I have already said about Boy, the formula feels really comfortable on the lips, nicely hydrating although this shade was not terribly long-lasting. Compared to Boy, Antigone feels more "watery", when I applied it the first time I thought it went on a bit unevenly, but with later applications I didn't really notice this again.

However, as I have also said in my previous review, I have to mention these lipshines have a definite fragrance/flavour, much like Penhaligon's Elisabethan Rose, so if you dislike strong scents stay away from these.

And finally, a comparison for you, with a couple of lipsticks which I really like and which have a similar formula to the Rouge Coco Shines (reviews of these coming soon...though knowing me it will probably be 2012 by the time I get round to doing it!):

Left to Right: Rouge Bunny Rouge Sheer Lipstick in Murmurings; Helena Rubinstein Wanted Stellars by Baccarat in Insomnight and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Antigone.

Have a great weekend and see you all soon (this time for real!) with a surprise ;)

Anna xx

NARS Tainted Love Set

2011-02-14T23:53:00.001+01:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Personally, although a nice little tropical island would definitely be top of my list, I can think of very few other ways of spending Valentine's Day than with François Nars :)

The Tainted Love Lip, Cheek and Nail set is NARS's special offering for Valentine's Day. It includes an Angelika Multiple (Limited Edition and exclusive to this set), an Angelika Lip Gloss and a Schiap Nail Polish. The set has a value of 84 euros but retails for 62 euros on the officail NARS website. I usually order when they have free shipping but as I was getting other stuff as well I decided to cave and pay the almost 10 euros of shipping costs. On the positive side, they ship via UPS so I got my package less than 48 hours after placing my order!

All the products are of course variations of pink, more specifically cool-toned pink.

The Angelika gloss, which is also available separately from this set, is a lovely blue-toned, almost lavender candy pink with a little golden shimmer which doesn't really show on the lips.

When applied, it appears as a light cool pink which would definitely look great with a smoky eye. Non-sticky, unlike other Nars glosses I've tried, as well as virtually unscented, it does however apply a bit streakily.

One reason I wanted to get this set is that it includes Schiap nail polish. I don't usually wear bright creme colours on my fingernails but this blue-toned fuchsia has always been on my wish list for bright summer toes. Named after the innovative Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who brought shocking pink to the world of fashion. The colour, which Yves Saint Laurent described as having "the nerve of red...an aggressive, brawling, warrior pink", is really gorgeous, reminiscent of hot pink oleander or bouganville flowers. It looks best with two coats applied. I don't usually wear a top coat, too much hassle, and this lasted quite well with no chipping and kept it's creamy shine. I'm definitely going to wear this A LOT on my toes this summer, it's such a cheerful vibrant colour!

And finally here's the Angelika multiple. Described as a cotton candy pink with silver and gold flecks it is exactly that!

On the left, Angelika swiped twice and on the right, blended a bit with my fingers. When applied to the face, the shimmer doesn't actually disappear as it did here on my arm, but stays quite visible, so I'd suggest you use this Multiple only in the evening or when you feel it's more appropriate! Like all multiples you can use Angelika also on the lips, but I find the formula a bit drying, to be honest. I can see this working well on the eyes too, if pinks on eyes are a good look for you (it isn't for me). On the cheeks, the cool-toned pink looks really pretty, very romantic. However, I have to say the formula balls up a little when you first apply to the skin, I don't know if it's because of the glitter or what, but no other Nars multiple has ever done that to me. It's not really a big problem though, as you do have to blend the multiple in with your fingers (or however you prefer) anyway!

I don't own the powder blusher version of Angelika, so I can't compare the two. Here is, however, a comparison with other pink blushes I have in stick form: Nars Cadaqués Multiple Tint (LE - sheer cool raspberry pink); Nars Angelika Multiple; Bobbi Brown Sheer Coral Cheek Tint (shimmery peachy warm pink); Tarte Dollface Natural Cheek Stain (sheer and shimmery candy pink).

All in all, NARS Tainted Love is a nice little set to have, especially because it contains the limited edition Angelika Multiple (which will probably pop up again in the future in other collections, but you never know!). It is also great value and I can see myself wearing the products all year round.

Hope your Valentine's Day was good, mine was certainly...unforgettable, as I hit the side of my face with a gate and I now have a pretty red vertical bump down the side of my forehead! It's just as well I don't post full-face pics of me on the blog!!

Anna xx

Oh, BOY! I'm back...with Chanel Rouge Coco Shine #54 Boy!

2011-02-04T19:10:00.000+01:00

Ah, yes, look who's back! I don't think I've ever been such a long time without blogging...anyway, for those who are wondering what happened to me...let's just say it was a mixture of various illnesses (mainly my son's, who's recovering from scarlet fever - again! - and half-way through his umpteenth course of antibiotics!) and a lot of emotional stress (all mine, unfortunately!).

Since I'm not very happy at the moment, as usual I have decided to revert to that age-old trick for instant happiness: make-up shopping therapy!
Add to that a little bit of chocolate too, and off I trotted, piglet-style and beady-eyed, to get myself Chanel's latest Limited Edition not-to-be-missed offering, Rouge Coco Shine #54 Boy.

This lipstick, marketed as a Hydrating Sheer Lipshine, is a Valentine's Day special preview of the new lipstick collection which Chanel will launch in March and which will replace the Aqualumiere range.

BOY takes its name from Gabrielle Chanel's greatest love, Captain Arthur Edward "Boy" Capel, an English polo player who greatly influenced Madame Chanel's style from the very beginning of her career.

The lipstick is described by Chanel as a natural rose and while it looks like a slightly mauvey pink in the tube from the arm swatch and the lip swatch you can actually tell it's a lovely peachy pink with fine shimmer (not noticeable on the lips).

The shade is universally flattering, and although it's sheer it does give a nice peachy colour to the lips as well as a lot of shine thus brightening up the face really nicely!

My lips au naturel...

...and my lips with the lovely Boy on...

I feel it's the perfect first date/first kiss shade...although I have to admit a few years have passed since I experienced anything like that!

There's definitely a little perfume/flavour there, it reminds me a bit of Penhaligon's Elisabethan Rose perfume, if you know what I mean.
On the lips it feels really nice and comfortable, much nicer that the standard Rouge Cocos in my opinion, very hydrating. Luckily the staying power is quite good too!
I paid 28euros, which is not cheap. I could have probably waited and found it cheaper in another store, but I needed my Chanel fix immediately!

Do I think it's worth buying? Well, the colour is not unique, but it IS Chanel, it IS a limited edition item, and you know you're only going to regret it if you don't buy it, right??

What do you think, are you going to add this lovely Boy to your lipstick collection or are you going to wait till March to try one of the new Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks? I think this is not going to be my only Chanel lipshine!!

Anna xx

Italian Beauty Buys: some (late-ish) Christmas present ideas!

2010-12-17T23:39:00.000+01:00

While I'm stuck in bed with a stinking cold and fever (so NOT festive, unless you consider my Rudolph nose...), I thought I'd do a quick post to show you some ideas for Christmas presents by two Italian beauty brands that also have a online shops! I'll say immediately that I am in no way affiliated with these brands, in case you were wondering!

First off is diego dalla palma, a brand I've already mentioned a few times in my posts. For Christmas 2010 they've created 3 special gifts:

Innocenti Evasioni/Innocent Escapes Kit (36,00 euros) which includes: a black eye pencil #01, a Prima Visione mascara (volumizing, lengthening and curling) and a transparent lipgloss, all contained in a sparkly metal mesh pochette bag and presented in an elegant gift box.

Electric Night Kit (67,30 euros) which includes: a black kajal pencil #01, an electric blue eyeshadow #57, a mauve-coloured gloss #45 and a dark purple nail polish #21 plus a free glowy Starlight Powder.

Christmas Party Kit (71,20 euros) which includes: a black eye pencil #01, a black eyeshadow #60, a classic red lipstick #28, a red nail polish #18 plus a free glowy Starlight Powder. The kit is presented in an elegant gift box.

What would I pick? The Electric Night Kit of course, didn't you already know that I love blue eyeshadow and purple nail varnish?? Check out the Christmas Gift section (I've added the UK link but you can choose your own country on the website!) for other gift ideas. If you subscribe to the diego dalla palma webpage you will also get free shipping on all orders over 36 euros as well as free gift wrap plus a free sparkly metal mesh pochette bag (pictured above with the Innocent Escape Kit) with any purchase from the gift section...but hurry, the offer ends on 19th December at midnight (GMT+1)!!

*******

Another brand I really love and have loved since I was...well, much younger (!) is Madina Milano, which has also recently launched its international online shop.

In the Christmas Shop you will find cute lipgloss sets (I love the Go Glosses, they are so moisturizing!)for 12,90 euros...

...and pretty eyeshadow/blusher sets that are easy to carry around with you wherever you go. I just can't decide between the Day Dream Palette...

...and the Night Desire Palette...what do you think?? These are 14,90 euros and really great quality (but I will speak about Madina in a future post, if you're interested!).

For all the Italian girls out there, remember: there's free shipping on all Italian orders until 19/12!!

Speaking about Christmas presents...have you all finished your Christmas shopping? Oh, I'm so behind, having flu at this time of the year is so not good!!!

Hey, and don't forget to let me know if you get anything from either diego dalla palma or Madina!

Baci,

Anna xx

Questione di testa: il make-up per bionde, rosse, castane e more!

2010-12-08T03:59:00.035+01:00

REVLON ha proposto alle blogger di condividere le proprie conoscenze sul mondo del trucco, ecco così delle piccole guide di sopravvivenza per tutte le appassionate di make-up!

Oggi vi parlerò dei colori più adatti per valorizzare i lineamenti del viso in base alle vostre caratteristiche cromatiche.

Prima di tutto è bene dire che ovviamente non ho esperienza diretta di tutti i colori di capelli riscontrabili in natura! I miei occhi sono azzurri con pagliuzze dorate al centro dell’iride e il sottotono della mia pelle, che è chiara ma si abbronza comunque piuttosto facilmente, è – per l’invidia di molte – pressoché neutra (ma con tendenza calda). Nel mio piccolo (sono alta suppergiù 1.60m!), ho sperimentato "solo" due modi di essere, la castana, che poi è il mio colore base, e la bionda dorata, cosa che sono tuttora - e da 20 anni a questa parte - grazie ai colpi di sole e alle schiariture naturali del sole estivo. In realtà, ho anche assaporato la gioia di avere una chioma color verde-mal-di-mare, risultato dall'applicazione casalinga di henné biondo durante il ciclo (e sappiamo tutte che quello è il momento peggiore per visite dal dentista, dal parrucchiere e dall'estetista!), ma fortunatamente quello è un lontano ricordo!

Perché vi dico questo? Semplicemente perché credo sia bene ricordare che la natura ci ha creati in modo che i capelli siano in armonia con l’incarnato e con il colore dei nostri occhi, quindi vi consiglio quanto più possibile di non andare contro natura.

Il COLORE DEI CAPELLI può senza dubbio essere un forte indicatore della propria personalità, sicuramente conosciamo tutte i luoghi comuni che si sprecano a proposito, ad esempio, delle bionde (svampite!), delle rosse (focose e un po’ matte!), e delle more… beh, le more hanno vita facile, visto che la cosa peggiore che viene detta su di loro è che sono intelligenti!

Se comunque sentite che il vostro colore naturale non vi appartenga o volete cambiare il vostro aspetto esteriore (ah, le delusioni d’amore sono una manna dal cielo per i parrucchieri!), le regole da seguire sono poche ma valide: a meno che l'effetto voluto non sia appositamente d’impatto, in genere è meglio andare per gradi, schiarendo o scurendo progressivamente il nostro colore di uno o due tonalità, magari optando inizialmente per colpi di sole o sfumature naturali. Ad esempio, in genere con un incarnato molto chiaro il castano risulta un po’ spento, quindi conviene aggiungere dei riflessi color miele oppure buttarsi sul look gotico e tingersi i capelli corvini! Ovviamente se il colore di partenza è proprio il nero corvino, per cambiare look si possono fare delle meches rosse o ramate, che valorizzino di contrasto la carnagione spesso olivastra delle corvine naturali.

Vi consiglio inoltre di non scordarvi delle sopracciglia che per armonizzarsi col resto del viso e non creare un effetto troppo Madonna-anni '80 (ve la ricordate in versione platino con sopracciglioni neri??) devono essere in genere di uno o due toni più scure del colore dei capelli, così come insegna Madre Natura!

La scelta dei colori adatti alle diverse tipologie cromatiche non può ovviamente prescindere dal colore della pelle, incluso ovviamente il sottotono, che può essere caldo, freddo o neutro. In genere, i trucchi più facili per capire il proprio sottotono sono quelli di verificare il colore delle vene sulla parte interna del polso: se sono verdi il sottotono sarà caldo e la pelle avrà una componente giallognola (attenzione, sottolineo sottotono, se il giallognolo diventa predominante, urge visita medica!), se sono blu il sottotono è freddo e la pelle sarà rosata. Se non vi è predominanza tra blu e verde, allora fate parte del fortunate gruppo delle neutre! Inoltre le carnagioni calde si abbinano meglio con i gioielli color oro e gli abiti avorio/crema, mentre le tonalità fredde risulteranno valorizzate da gioielli in argento e abiti bianchi.

In genere, un incarnato freddo sta bene con colori di capelli dai toni freddi, come il biondo cenere e il platino, mentre le donne con la pelle dal sottotono caldo sono valorizzate da chiome dai toni caldi e dorati e colori ricchi di sfumature.

Per quanto riguarda il MAKE-UP, il segreto per tutte le tipologie cromatiche consiste nell'esaltare e rendere più luminosa la carnagione. Inoltre, chi ha la pelle chiara dovrebbe normalmente applicare il colore in trasparenza in modo da non appesantire i lineamenti delicati, mentre è preferibile che le donne con la pelle più scura adoperino prodotti molto pigmentati che risaltino sull’incarnato.

Nella scelta del FONDOTINTA, la regola base è ovviamente quella di scegliere un colore che si fonda con quello dell’incarnato, eliminando le imperfezioni e levigando la pelle senza creare "stacchi" antiestetici col collo.

Per quanto riguarda gli OMBRETTI, le scelte sono varie a seconda dell’inclinazione di ognuna di noi. In genere per esaltare il colore degli occhi vale la regola di scegliere un colore complementare. Per chi avesse dimenticato le lezioni di educazione artistica, in breve: i 3 colori primari, rosso, blu e giallo si mescolano a coppie per creare 3 colori secondari, viola, verde e arancione. Nella ruota dei colori che vedete qui sopra, i colori complementari sono in posizione opposta: il giallo è complementare del viola (creato da blu+rosso), il blu con l'arancione (giallo+rosso) e il rosso col verde (blu+giallo). Rosso, arancione, giallo e marrone sono colori caldi, mentre blu, viola, verde e rosa sono colori freddi. Colori portabili da tutte sono i marroni, il nero, il beige, l'avorio e il rosa pallido. Gli occhi marroni si abbinano facilmente con tutti i colori, gli occhi verdi sono maggiormente esaltati dai toni del rosso-viola, mentre gli occhi blu amano i marroni dorati e gli aranciati! Si può tuttavia scegliere di adoperare un tono di ombretto simile al sottotono dei nostri occhi, quindi un color ambra per occhi marroni e verde-azzurro per occhi chiari.

Nella scelta dei ROSSETTI, oltre al colore dei capelli, bisogna fare riferimento soprattutto al sottotono della pelle: un sottotono freddo e rosato richiede rossetti a base blu, rosa e prugna; al contrario, gli incarnati caldi con sottotono giallo prediligono rossetti a base aranciata e i marroni. Per non sbagliare è consigliabile scegliere un rossetto di uno o due toni più scuro delle proprie labbra e un altro di due toni ancora più scuro per la sera.

Per quanto riguarda i BLUSH, così come per i rossetti l'ideale è farsi guidare dal colore delle proprie guance: il colore perfetto è infatti quello che appare naturalmente sul viso dopo una corsa all'aria aperta (per corsa non intendo la maratona di New York, nel qual caso credo che finiremmo tutte per comprarci un rossetto rosso pomodoro!), quindi rosa e marrone rosato per le chiare e prugna e marrone bronzo per le pelli più scure.

E ora ecco qualche consiglio mirato per ognuna delle principali tipologie cromatiche:

LA BIONDA

Per donne con la pelle color alabastro o comunque chiara, oppure quelle con la pelle scura con sottotono bluastro, i colori di capelli che donano maggiormente sono il biondo cenere e il biondo platino. Per le donne con sottotono caldo e una carnagione dorata dal chiaro al medio, il colore migliore è invece il biondo dorato in tutte le sue sfumature di caramello, ambra e miele. Se la pelle è neutra il colore di capelli preferibile sarà appunto neutro oppure un mix ben dosato di toni caldi e freddi. Per quanto riguarda gli ombretti, le bionde con gli occhi chiari (verdi o azzurri) dovrebbero usare lilla e prugna o marroni caldi e dorati e bronzo oppure nero totale per la sera. Le bionde chiare con riflessi cenere sceglieranno i marroni tortora, il viola e il rosa pallido, tutto rigorosamente dai toni freddi. Le matite occhi e gli eyeliner sono preferibili nei toni del marrone, bronzo e rame, ma di sera il nero è un must, purché sfumato per eliminare angoli e spigoli che potrebbero indurire lo sguardo angelico delle bionde. L’highlighter sarà rosato, sia sulla parte superiore delle guance sia nell’angolo interno dell’occhio o albicocca nel caso delle bionde con toni caldi. Per tutti i tipi di bionde, i blush dovrebbero essere rosati o color pesca, mentre le bionde scure o dorate con occhi marroni possono adoperare anche un fard biscotto oppure usare una terra al posto del fard. Nella scelta dei rossetti, è bene che le bionde chiare usino gradazioni chiare, come i rosati e il pesca o color carne con toni marrone chiaro e rosati. Se vogliono osare un po’ più di colore possono applicare comunque un rossetto più vivace con i polpastrelli o mettere sopra un velo di gloss con shimmer per ammorbidire il look. Le bionde dorate possono indossare anche nuance rosa salmone e rossetti aranciati. Rossetti lilla e ciclamino stanno bene alle bionde più appariscenti, tra i rossi bisogna prediligere i ciliegia e i corallo, che scaldano la carnagione e illuminano il colorito. Alle bionde stanno bene i gloss corallo poiché scaldano il viso e arricchiscono il colore dei capelli di riflessi. I gloss rosa donano molto, mentre i gloss con particelle bronzo sono perfetti per richiamare i toni dorati dei capelli.

DA EVITARE: i rossetti fucsia modello Barbie; esagerare col nero di giorno; le terre marroni scure e non iridescenti che appiattiscono; le sopracciglia nere :)

LA ROSSA

Lo sapevate che le rosse naturali sono meno del 2% della popolazione mondiale? Davvero una specie rara! Le donne con carnagione chiarissima e sottotono freddo stanno bene con capelli rossi dai toni ramati oppure rubino, mentre quelle con un sottotono caldo stanno meglio con i toni del bronzo e gli speziati. Le rosse con pelle diafana devono assolutamente usare un fondotinta con protezione solare per proteggere la loro pelle delicatissima dagli effetti nocivi del sole. Se sul viso vi sono delle efelidi il consiglio è di usare un fondotinta leggero che le faccia trasparire le ed esalti l’incarnato trasparente. E’ comunque preferibile scegliere un fondotinta color pesca e non rosato o beige, in modo da ravvivare il colorito. Anche un velo leggero di terra è utile per dare un tocco sano. I fard migliori sono neutri e naturali, come i rosa pesca e gli albicocca oppure il biscotto nel caso di occhi scuri. Gli ombretti vanno scelti nella gamma dei neutri, come il taupe, ma sono ottimi anche i colori più intensi come il marrone dorato, il castagna, il terracotta, il pesca, il prugna e il verde smeraldo. Per un make-up d'effetto, per occhi azzurri meglio optare per i neri e i grigi carbone, ma anche i marroni bruciati scuri. Per occhi marroni prediligere i grigi e i violacei, per i nocciola scegliere i cioccolati dorati. Meglio evitare i blu e i rosa che fanno un po' troppo bambolina! Le ciglia delle rosse naturali sono generalmente molto chiare, quindi il mascara è d’obbligo: marrone, nero o anche verdone nel caso di occhi verdi. Rosati chiari sulle labbra e pesca sulle guance. I rossetti che donano maggiormente alle rosse sono quelli nei golosi colori della frutta di bosco con sottotono blu oppure i rosso-marrone, il color carne rosato i coralli , il pesca e l'albicocca, ma le rosse con pelle ambrata vengono esaltate anche dai rossetti aranciati, dal rosso-dorato o pomodoro e dai marroni ramati. I gloss rosa con sottotoni marrone stanno particolarmente bene alle donne rosso tiziano o ramato, poiché sono neutri e non entrano in competizione con il colore "importante" della chioma!

DA EVITARE: ciglia al naturale se troppo chiare; labbra troppo nude look o i rosa shocking; terre marroni opache che tolgono freschezza al viso.

LA CASTANA

Le castane con sottotono freddo hanno in genere una componente cenere nel colore dei capelli e possibilmente qualche riflesso ramato. Le castane calde hanno invece toni ambrati e mielati. Le castane chiare e scure stanno particolarmente bene con blush rosa, ma anche albicocca e biscotto se il sottotono della pelle è caldo. Per quanto riguarda gli ombretti, il marrone tortora, bronzato o dorato a seconda della carnagione è un vero passepartout. Anche il lilla e il prugna donano alle castane, così come i verdi, soprattutto se shimmer. Le castane scure con carnagione chiara devono scaldare e illuminare il viso con rossetti pesca e corallo, mentre le castane scure con occhi scuri sono valorizzate al massimo da rossetti rossi e bordeaux. Perfetti sia per le chiare sia per le scure sono invece i rossetti rosa e i prugna chiaro. Le castane chiare stanno bene con gloss nei colori succosi della frutta di bosco, che donano profondità anche al colore dei capelli. Per le scure vanno bene anche i dorati e i marroni caldi oppure l'arancio chiaro.

DA EVITARE: ombretti nelle tinte pastello trasparenti o i viola squillanti e troppo coprenti; rossetti dello stesso tono dei capelli; fondotinta opachi che spengono e incupiscono il viso.

LA MORA/BRUNA/CORVINA

Le donne con i capelli neri più del nero, in particolare quelli di origine asiatica, hanno sempre un sottotono freddo che vira al blu. Se il colore della pelle è caldo e mielato è molto probabile che i capelli non siano di fatto neri ma color terra d'ombra, cioè il marrone più scuro possibile. Per le brune con carnagione diafana, sugli occhi si consigliano ombretti grigio freddo, l’argento e l’avorio, il nero, il blu e i prugna intensi, l‘ardesia. Oltre al nero e al prugna, altri colori adatti alle brune con carnagione più scura sono il verde oliva e il cioccolato amaro. Ciglia e sopracciglia ben curate sono un must per le donne corvine, il mascara sarà rigorosamente nero, magari con applicazione di mascara colorato solo sulle punte delle ciglia per intensificare lo sguardo. Come blush sono da prediligere i rosa dolci e confettosi, che ravvivano il colorito spento, ma anche il corallo e l'albicocca e i fard mattone-bronzo oppure la terra usata come blush se il sottotono è caldo. Le more con pelle scura e occhi scuri possono usare anche i blush nei toni del rosso. Le more con occhi scuri e pelle dorata prediligono i rossetti a base aranciata come il corallo, il geranio, il rosso lacca, il mattone e il ruggine. Le corvine con pelle chiarissima e sottotono freddo e con occhi chiari devono scegliere, invece, rossetti a base blu, come il rosso fragola, il ciliegia, il cremisi, il fucsia, il malva e il prugna. Poiché le chiome scure possono tendere a "oscurare" il resto, si consiglia di far risaltare le labbra con gloss dai colori intensi come fucsia, rosso vivo e rosso vino, ma vanno bene anche le nuance ambrate e bronzo.

DA EVITARE: i rossetti opachi che induriscono e invecchiano il viso; le sopracciglia troppo sottili che tolgono intensità allo sguardo; ombretti troppo mat che spengono il viso.

Se volete ulteriori consigli di bellezza sul trucco migliore per valorizzare il vostro viso, potreste trovare interessanti le guide di Aru (Glamorous Makeup) su rossetti e fard e su come truccare gli occhi!

Baci!

Anna xx

Rouge Dior 551 Cocotte lipstick + Dior Vernis 916 Czarina Gold nail lacquer

2010-11-29T22:35:00.000+01:00

(Per leggere la versione in ITALIANO di questo post, andate nelle note della mia FUN page su Facebook!)

A while back I felt this incontrollable urge to go out and buy a reddish lipstick. Yes, I know this regularly happens to 99.9% of the female population, but for me it's always an event. Red glosses? Check! Red lipsticks? Mmm, not so much.

I do have some "powerful" shades in my lipstick box, but I must admit I don't wear them very often. Sadly, I'm not a true red kind of girl, I just can't pull it off. It could be lack of confidence, but then again I have no problems whatsoever wearing my lovely tomato-red Marc Jacobs coat from a few seasons ago (♥ the man, by the way!), so when I choose darker shades - as opposed to my every day pinks - I usually go for berry colours that warm my face up while still making me feel comfortable.

This urge happened at the same time when the new reformulated range of 32 Rouge Dior lipsticks came out, gorgeously advertised by one of Italy's most famous and beautiful exports, Monica Bellucci. As usual I was sucked in by advertising, despite the fact that I'm about 17cms shorter than Monica, I'm practically flat as a pancake, I don't have brown eyes and I'm not a brunette etc etc.
However, thanks to Rouge Dior Cocotte (551) I can now stop traffic just as Monica no doubt would if she just happened to walk down the street in my hometown!

The lipstick is housed in an elegant dark blue tube with cannage motif, unmistakeably Dior. My pick, Cocotte, was inspired by an Autumn/Winter 2007 Dior Haute Couture wine taffeta gown (inspired, in turn, by a Caravaggio painting...see, another Italian connection!). It belongs to the pink family and in the tube looks like a raspberry red with really tiny micro-shimmer, which translates to vibrant colour with no sparkle but a nice shiny appearance.

On the lips it looks either berry-ish, as in the photo above, or more reddish, as in the photo below. A bit too vivid for my liking, but a nice rich colour otherwise.

The lipstick tastes and smells a little perfume-y, flowery and powdery, like all Dior lipsticks. It's not too overpowering, though. It goes on smoothly and feels creamy, but personally I don't find it that moisturizing (Dior claims the hyaluronic spheres it contains "ensure long-term hydration" by replenishing fine lines and filling in wrinkles...well, honestly, could my lips look any more wrinkly in these photos???).

Here are swatches of Cocotte next to Blossom (644), which is actually the shade Monica Bellucci wears in the ad, in case you were wondering. The two shades are very similar, but while Blossom, which belongs to the red family, is a more neutral balance between pink and red, Cocotte has more marked berry undertones.

***

I also recently bought one of the two nail varnish offerings from Dior's Holiday 2010 collection. My pick was Czarina Gold (916), I think it cost around 21euros.

*Remember you can always click on all my photos

to get a better view!*

This is a truly gorgeous colour in the bottle, a dark chocolate brown with olive undertones (a bit like Taggiasca olives from the Italian region of Liguria...which are totally yummy, by the way!) and heavily flecked with fine golden sparkle.

I'm not overly happy with Dior's new wider and flatter brushes with a rounded edge. Initially I thought this would make it easier to apply the varnish, but the truth is it's the kind of brush you have to really get the hang of as you risk getting too much polish on the nail bed and making a mess of it all.

Luckily, Czarina Gold goes on smoothly and has a nice consistency, neither too liquid nor too gloopy.

However, you just have to laugh out loud when you read the claim on the varnish box "Extreme Wear"...hell, this is the worst chipping nail polish I've ever tried! Yes, I didn't wear a topcoat (highly recommended!), but then I almost never do. This started chipping after about...an hour? Crazy!

And this is a view of my nails in natural light. Some people prefer the look of the varnish in the bottle and are a bit disappointed to see it on. Personally, I like the effect of Czarina Gold applied to my nails. I think the secret is to just put one coat/maximum two thin coats on (which you CAN do, once you get the hang of the infamous brush!), so that you can still see the actual colour of the varnish instead of just a dark brown nail!!

Anna xx

PS: and yes, I now have a FUN page on Facebook, it's a bit crappy at the moment as I seldom have time to update (no surprises there, then ;)!!, and when I do it's usually in Italian, but if you want to "like" that would make me immensely happy!!

Kiko Gold Christmas: Cosmic Sphere Trio Eyeshadow and Extra Volume Lipgloss (LE) swatches

2010-11-10T14:59:00.000+01:00

Just a quickie post to share with you the rest of the swatches of Kiko's Gold Christmas 2010 collection which I introduced to you yesterday! My excuse for going to the Kiko shop this time was that I needed to buy some milk and since there's a Kiko corner in one of the shopping centres near my home it seemed only natural that I should have a second look at the new collection, I hope you all agree!!

Again, please refer to the official Kiko website to see what the products look like, SAs don't really like people taking pics of products in-store so I just covered my hand in glitter and ran for the door...

First up, the stars of the collection, the Limited Edition Cosmic Sphere Trio Eyeshadows, which come in four variations:

01 Black (silver sparkle, black with silver shimmer, frosted mid-gray)

02 Taupe (beige/champagne sparkle, taupe with fine shimmer, frosted brown with lilac undertones)

03 Violet (light pink sparkle, pearly light blue violet, frosted rose)

04 Sea Green (whit sparkle, shimmery light teal, shimmery dark gray)

*Click on the photos to enlarge!*

01 Black, left - 02 Taupe, right

03 Violet, top - 04 Sea Green, bottom

These baked shadows (to be used dry or wet) are quite smooth and nicely pigmented, apart from the sparkly shades that would probably be best used to highlight the corner of the eyes. I like all the colour combinations, but if I had to choose I would probably go for the taupe and the violet spheres. The eyeshadow trios come in rounded gold cases with a mirror and a little double-ended applicator. They are free from parabens and mineral oils and cost 8,90 euros each.

Personally, I think they will be very pretty used during the Christmas holidays at parties and such, but only if you like a lot of shimmer! I think they are best used wet to enhance the colour and the pearly/sparkly effect and also to improve their lasting abilities, which are not too good as far as I could tell from the hand swatches.

I also swatched the 4 Limited Edition Extra Volume Lipglosses (the permanent line already has 14 of these, ranging from neutrals to pinks and reds). These cost 7,90 euros each (permanent ones are 6,90euros but don't have a golden cap, haha!). There are four shimmery shades:

15 Pearly Beige

16 Pearly Pink

17 Pearly Red (more of a hot pink really!)

18 Pearly Cherry

These are supposed to plump up your lips without stinging. In truth I think the volumizing effect is mainly optical due to the shimmery particles, but I do agree with Kiko's claim that these glosses are highly moisturizing. They're also non-gritty an quite long-lasting. Pretty shiny colours, too, although not particularly original. Nothing bad to say about these, really, they will be great also as stocking fillers or to keep your lips looking super for all those kisses under the mistletoe!

Let me know what you think of this very festive collection in the comments! Anything you're planning to get or would like to get if Kiko was available in your country?

Anna xx

Kiko Gold Christmas: Shimmer Powder Bronzer and Urban Look Eyeliner Swatches

2010-11-09T15:28:00.003+01:00

What's a girl to do when she risks getting drowned by a heavy rainfall? She takes refuge inside a shop, of course!

Today my shop of choice was Kiko Make-Up, right in the centre of town, where I was happy to find the holiday 2010 collection, Gold Christmas, shining happily under the neon lights!

I had already browsed the collection online last night (it launched both in the shops and on the official website yesterday) so I knew what to expect: lots of shimmery stuff in cute packaging!!!

The Gold Christmas collection includes a re-promotion of 5 of the original 8 Urban Look Eyeliner and Khol automatic pencils that were part of the Spring/Summer 2010 Electric Town Collection. The only difference is that they've changed the numbers, but the colours - and the great quality - are just the same. I bought the Sparkle Gray pencil back in the spring and I don't know why I've never written a review on it as it's one of my favourite eyeliners. It's the only shade that's not to be used on the waterline as it contains fine glitter, all the others can be used to line both the inner and outer rim. The effect is very shiny and long-lasting, the well-pigmented pencils glide smoothly and the line can be smudged with the sponge applicator at the other end quite easily, provided that you act quite fast as once it sets it's it won't budge!! These cost 5,90 euros each.

*Click photo to enlarge!*

For reference:

01 Brown (originally 01)

02 Cobalt Green (originally 04)

03 Night Blue (originally 06)

04 Sparkle Gray (originally 07)

05 Black (originally 08)

I also swatched the Gold Drops, a white golden liquid pearl suspension in a water base that has to be shaken well and then applied with a dropper (first on the hand if you want to apply this on eyelids/cheeks, otherwise directly on the décolleté/body) and then blended in with fingertips. The effect is very sparkly but not gritty, luckily! (note that I left it UNBLENDED, the final effect is much more subtle!)

What I came home with, however, is one of the 3 Shimmer Powders (see really smudged shot in the lower part of my hand!). This year's offerings are: 01 Rose and Violet (similar to 2009's Multicolor All Over), 02 Silver and Gold and 03 Bronzer (also very similar to - if not the same as - last year's edition).

Luckily, I took a photo with my mobile phone before going home, just in case I smudged the swatches with my jacket sleeve....(clearly not the first time this has happened!!)

By the way, all swatches are UNBLENDED!

The Shimmer Powders come in a cute brown and gold box which houses a heavy-ish shiny golden compact (heaven for scratches and finger-marks!) and a sweet and fluffy white puff with a little bow on top. A perfect Christmas present!

The puff is pretty and good to use for the body, but for the face you do really want to use a big fluffy brush for the highlighters/bronzer as it makes it much easier to apply the right quantity of product in the right place.

The powders (16g/0.56 Oz. for 16,90 euros) are truly madly pearly, so not for everyone. I found #01 to be the most glittery and probably most difficult to pull off on the face, while #02 is a very pretty and smooth champagne colour which would work well on light complexions.

My pick, the Bronzer (03) is the smoothest of them all. The colour is a warm toasted bronze which blends quite easily on the skin giving a nice healthy and festive glow!
I'll probably update this post with a face shot when I have time.

To see the rest of the collection, head over to the official website linked above. I'm not sure if I'll get anything else right now...but I might...I just might!

Anna xx

MAC A Tartan Tale Collection Part 2: Face Kits & a special friend!

2010-11-02T00:17:00.000+01:00

Now that MAC's Holiday 2010 collection, A Tartan Tale, has been officially launched practically everywhere, we're probably going to see a lot of these posts. However, I had promised in my previous post to show you what else came home with me after last week's preview event.

I don't remember if I have mentioned this before, but if there's one thing that I could never walk out of the house without, that's blusher. I have quite a nice collection of blushes and face powders, but believe it or not I only own one MAC one... and it's smashed to pieces!! (in case you're wondering, it's the gorgeous Golden Kitty/Primpin shimmer duo which I wore on my wedding day - and a thousand times after that - and therefore keep for sentimental reasons even though I should probably throw it away!)

Anyway, because of my almost neutral skin tone, I am lucky that I can wear both cool-toned and warm-toned blushes. Still, after the coral-crazy summer, I felt that I needed to add to my pink blusher collection and chose Hark The Heraldry Face Kit. That was actually a good move, as when I got home and I opened the little cotton tartan bag they gifted us with at the end of the event I found the other face kit, A Triumphant Blush, snuggled inside!

The outside boxes are embossed with a MAC crest, while the actual product box inside has a tartan velvety-type cover on the lid with a metal crest applied to it. The orange tartan box holds A Triumpant Blush face kit, while the red one is Hark the Heraldry.

Each kit contains a beauty powder (which as we all know we can be used all over the face or as a blusher) in the bottom tray, and two blushes, one shimmer and one powder in the upper sliding tray.

Peach-based A Triumphant blush is on the left and pink-based Hark The Heraldry is on the right.

A Triumphant Blush Face Kit (top to bottom, see product photo above): Peachtwist (permanent)is a lovely shimmery golden/bronzy peach, which unfortunately came out pinker in the swatch, as did Melba (permanent), a matte brownish apricot shade, that I feel may risk being over-applied, but which gives a nice healthy flush if applied well; Smooth Harmony (Limited Edition but also repromote) is an orangey bronze beauty powder which looks like a natural light tan on my face.

All in all, a nice kit which I will definitely use a lot, especially in summer when I have a bit more colour on my face. All shades are smooth and have good pigmentation, though Peachtwist being a sheertone blusher is of course more on the sheer side!

Hark The Heraldry Face Kit (top to bottom, see product photo above): Oh So Fair (repromote from Venomous Villains 2010) is a light baby pink beauty powder, similar to Benefit's Dandelion or Thrrrob which gives a subtle healthy glow; Dame (permanent) is a pink with blue undertones, which is slightly chalky when swatched on my arm and a bit powdery when you swipe your brush over it, however on the cheeks it blends in easily and look very very pretty; Plum Foolery (permanent) is a slightly frosted rosy plum which I find really gorgeous, absolutely my kind of shade.

Again, a nice kit which I'll get some good use from. Although these two kits are not must-haves, especially if you already own some of the permanent shades, I'm really enjoying using them as I find them pretty and practical. I don't have a personal favourite at the moment between the two, I just go with the mood of the day! The kits retail for 40 euros each.

Of course, the ONLY reason I went to the MAC preview was to get my hands on Sir Teddy! Why wouldn't you want to take him home with you? My boy went to pre-school with it the day after the preview and I didn't see McTeddy...I mean, Sir Teddy for two whole days as my son supposedly left him in his little bed...although to tell you the truth, I started to think that perhaps one of his teachers had casually dropped inside her bag and smuggled him out!!

Here's Sir Teddy nicely settled at home enjoying his plate of pasta :))))

Sir Teddy is the Limited Edition special project for Kids Helping Kids made by GUND especially for MAC. All proceeds (he costs 32 euros) will directly benefit children affected by HIV/AIDS. He is adorable and, in my opinion, the real star of the holiday collection!! (FYI, the key chain version of Sir Teddy is not available for purchase in Italy :( ).

While I'm at it, I decided to include swatches of two other items that were included in the Holiday 2010 collection and which I already own. One is the famous Viva Glam V Lipglass (sold with Viva Glam V Lipstick as part of the 'Tis Noble To Give Viva Glam Lip Bag), which doesn't really need an introduction! Described as a neutral pink shade with pearl, it is one of my gloss staples and it's actually what I wore on my wedding day. It might not look good on all skin-types but I think it's a pretty versatile shade.

I also already own one other product, Engaging Mineralize Eyeshadow (from Mineralize 2009 and part of MAC Glamourous Mineralize Kit): this duo consists of a light pink quartz shade and a punchier golden bronze with rose veining throughout.

This mineralize duo has a frosty finish, the pigmentation is quite sheer, so the two colours tend to almost disappear on my eyelids, leaving behind just a lot of sheen & shimmer. It's not a must-have, but I do wear it occasionally, it's not just sitting at the bottom of my drawer doing nothing.

***

My overall (mixed) considerations on A TARTAN TALE collection: thinking about it, I should have probably skipped Glamora Castle eyeshadow (from my previous post) as it's quite sheer and not special enough; I still highly recommend all Pearlglide eyeliners; I find Her Blooming Cheek Blush very pretty if applied carefully (it's a really hot fuchsia, very pigmented, perfect to fake that "I've been roasting chestnuts in the fireplace all night while drinking mulled wine in this gorgeous chalet with my handsome man" kind of sexy flush!); I didn't think any of the lipsticks were must-haves, though the two neutrals Cut-a-Caper (very peachy) and The Faerie Glen (beigy-peach) are cute and safe bets, and Courting Lilac, an interesting mauvey colour with golden shimmer, is special enough to take a second look; lip and eye palettes were mostly cute but nothing outstanding. And, one last thing...GO OUT AND BUY SIR TEDDY NOW!!!!!

Phew! That was long, but hopefully helpful! Anyway, I hope you all had a spooky Halloween and be sure to let me know in the comments what you got or what you're thinking of getting from MAC's Holiday collection!

Anna xx

MAC A Tartan Tale Collection Preview Event + what I got (PART 1)

2010-10-28T12:13:00.000+02:00

Tuesday 26th I was lucky enough to attend a bloggers' preview event for MAC's A Tartan Tale Collection (Holiday 2010) in Milan. The event was held at MAC's store in Via Torino, in the heart of the city.

First of all, I want to say a big big thank you to the people at MAC for inviting me, it was a truly great experience! I also want to say a big "CIAO!" to Mary from Italian blog Ibisco Lilla, whom I met for the second time the other night and is a really sweet and intelligent lady!

Of course, I got there late so I missed the beginning of the event which kicked off with presentations and a video of the history of Tartan and the concept behind the collection. I must admit I'm quite fond of the pattern as I grew up wearing tartan kilts and spent my adolescence listening to rock and grunge music, whose main performers notoriously had a bit of a thing for plaid!

Anyway, I digress...Italy's National Trainer for MAC Michele Magnani, who by the way is a really sweet and funny guy, then created a sophisticated smoky eye look with a "rounded" 20s shape on blogger Veronica (another great lady who had a big part in making the event possible, so a big thank you goes to her too!) using products from the collection.

As you can see, not only was I late, but I also had very little time before heading back to put my son to bed, so I only took pictures of the main colour collection display...

...the rest of the time was happily spent getting matched with Pro Longwear Foundation and Concealer (our gifts for the occasion alongside a funky tartan brooch and a little tartan bag with a surprise present which I'll show you in my next post!)...

...and choosing what I wanted to buy from the collection!

Two items are missing from the photo as one is currently at pre-school with my boy (can you guess what it is??) and the other one will feature in my next post. Shown here are, left to right: Glamora Castle Eyeshadow, Radiant Jewels Dazzleglass Cremes and Petrol Blue Pearlglide Intense Liner.

Glamora Castle Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) is described as a dark grey with teal tartan striping. I'd say it's a cool anthracite with something of a bluish/greenish undertone (see below for swatch). It is quite sheer but still a little buildable and goes on smoothly. The plaid pattern is really nice, but of course it will wear off after a few uses...I'll probably end up using just one half of the pan so as to keep the pattern on the other half intact!! (I actually got two of these, one for me and one for my Mum).

Of all the others eyeshadows, I quite liked Follow your Fantasy (peach) and Semi-Precious (aubergine), but if you're a pigment lover I'd definitely urge you to get all three pigments, as they are truly gorgeous! Unfortunately, I have little use for pigments, if you're a regular follower of my blog you'll know that my social life isn't really exciting...still, I just might make an exception and get Later (black with transforming purple pearl) to use wet.

Of the five Dazzleglass Cremes, I was instantly attracted to Radiant Jewels (Limited Edition), a deep magenta sparkled with hot pink, which is actually a bit brighter in real life. You do have to apply quite a bit to coat lips evenly, which means the tube will get used up fairly quickly. Although not unique, I think it's such a cheerful and festive shade that I will definitely enjoy wearing it. I was also quite taken with Passing Fancy (bright orange coral with soft pearl) and also liked Soft Dazzle (mid-tone peach pink with gold pearl).

And of course I had to get a Pearlglide Liner, they are one of my favourite liners ever, I wear them almost every day, even on my waterline. I got Petrol Blue (Limited Edition, but it is also a repromote), described as deep navy with pearl. I'd describe it as a dark carbon-paper blue with light blue and medium blue micro-shimmer: stunning! Not that I needed it, mind you, but I'm a sucker for blue liners...plus, Pearlglides are so intense in colour, so long-lasting and smooth that I just couldn't say no when encouraged (ever so gently!) by the helpful MUA, Vale!

All Pearglide Intense Liners are highly recommended, by the way! They are great to be used both as regular eyeliners and as eyeshadows/bases, when smoothed out with a brush (MAC 219, for example).

***

Are you excited about this collection? Are you going to get anything from it?

If you want see what else I got and read my final considerations on the collection, I promise I'll post PART 2 in the next few days... I know I've been struggling with regular posting on my blog (as well as answering all your lovely comments)...please be patient with me :)!!

Anna xx

diego dalla palma Rock & Glam 2010 Collection: what (else) I got!

2010-10-11T00:49:00.001+02:00

I could say that I'm having a blue and purple moment...but I'd be lying!! Truth is, I've always loved these two colours and not just in makeup, though my love for these shades is quite well documented on this blog. Luckily, this season's collections abound with blue and purple offerings and I'm definitely indulging in this trend!

My last post focused on one item from diego dalla palma's A/W 2010 Rock & Glam collection, namely the blue nail polish which belongs to the "Rock" part of the collection and which was actually the first thing I bought. However, the diego dalla palma visuals always manage to inspire me, cue the "Rock" photo:

I thought the eye makeup was right up my street, so I went for the Intense Duo Eye Shadow #10 Blu + Carta da zucchero, a dark shimmery blue with purple undertones paired with a greyish light blue colour, called "sugar paper" in Italian (decades ago, sugar in Italy was packaged in these typical light blue paper bags, and though this is not the case anymore, the expression is still used to describe this kind of shade!). The other two intense duos that form part of the collection are 2 shades of green and 2 shades of purple, but I decided to go with the blue as when I swatched them in the shop the texture was silkier and the darker blue shade looked more...defined, if that makes any sense!

I find a wash of the lighter blue-grey shade works perfectly for everyday makeup, with a touch of the dark sparkly blue-purple to line the lashes. However, the intensity of these shadows can be built up to create a more striking look, especially if you apply them wet. I also advise you to wear an eyelid primer to make the colours more vibrant and long-lasting.

Swatches of the eye shadow duo are on the right, obviously, while on the left you can see an out-of-focus swatch of the other item I picked from the "Rock" part of the collection, the Creamy Eye Liner #21 Violet, a metallic purple cream liner housed in an ink-well thingy which includes a little brush. Apparently it has soothing, emollient and decongesting properties...all I can say is, this liner does not sting or irritate in the least, unlike others I've tried! You do have to pick up quite a bit of cream to be able to work properly with it (also the pot is kind of small, I wish there was more product, but I have unfortunately thrown the box out so I don't know the quantity in grams:(), but then it glides smoothly and easily, and the colour is simply gorgeous!

I've had a lot of problems taking decent pictures of these items and also photos of lips/eyes, my camera wasn't happy, the weather and lighting were bad, I had a cold and blogger decided to wash out all the photos once these were uploaded. Still, I have decided to post this next pic so you can see a little what the liner looks like applied (and yes, the eye shadow is a very light application of the light blue-grey of the intense duo, but it looks just plain grey in this washed out pic, sorry!)

I've also decided to include this next photo because, even though it looks as if I have jaundice (thanks flash!), I think it gives a great representation both of the metallic effect of the eyeliner and of the juiciness of the last item I got from the collection!

Ah yes, I couldn't really walk away without getting a lip product and I'm so glad I did, too! In fact, for me the star product of the collection is this Sensual Gloss #88 Bordeaux (as with all my photos, remember you can *click to enlarge*!).

It's looks almost like a brownish red in the tube, but when you apply it to the lips it's this gorgeous wine stain purple, which makes the name "Bordeaux" really appropriate. I like to wear it slightly blotting it or pressing my lips, but you can layer it to make it even sexier!

I wouldn't say it's sticky, though it's quite long-lasting. The one thing I'm not overly fond of is the taste/smell, but apart from that it's safe to say this is my favourite gloss of the season so far, LOVE IT!!!

Again, I've tried taking good pics of the gloss applied, but I've failed. Here's another shot, note that in real life the shade appears a bit darker, slightly more purple-toned and...utterly gorgeous!

The collection also includes two pencil eyeliners (blue and green), a blue mascara, 4 lipsticks (Velvet Lipstick #54 is a nice pinky nude colour), a corrective face powder (which looks quite nice) and a gorgeous dark pinky rose blusher (Defining Blush #46) which I would really really like to get (I'm practicing restraint, here!!).

Are you also loving blues and purples this season? What trends are you rocking? I'm definitely loving darker lips, so stay tuned for that!

Anna xx

PS: as I said in my last post, the diego dalla palma cosmetics website ships all over Europe. They have a promotion valid until 27th October where you get free shipping on all orders over 79 euros (69 euros for Italy), as well as a gift with purchase when you buy a complete kit based on your chromatic type. They've also recently added a new hand cream and a regenerating anti-aging serum which I wouldn't mind trying, but what I'm really looking forward to is the release of a new foundation with anti-aging and anti-pigmentation properties...you all know how much I hate the melasma on my forehead!

PPS: by the way, my links are NEVER affiliated!!

Loving my blue nails feat. diego dalla palma Pure Color Nail #62

2010-09-21T01:26:00.003+02:00

Ah, long time no see! I won't go into details as some if you already know why I haven't been blogging much, or rather at all in recent weeks...suffice it to say that my son & I are back home now and he's doing okay, so thanks to all of you who sent their thoughts our way!

However, I must admit straight away that no blogging doesn't mean I haven't been shopping, especially since we all know shopping works wonders for our worried/unhappy states of mind!

Of all the seasonal collections by Italian brands, I always look forward to seeing what diego dalla palma comes up with. I adore their visuals and I've already commented on the brand's quality before. The Autum/Winter 2010 collection "Rock & Glam" doesn't disappoint and I have in fact already bought a few items, all of which I will show in the next few days, as I haven't been able to play with them properly just yet.

The one item I've been able to use in the past few days (though the nuns in the hospital must have thought I was a bit weird...) is the new diego dalla palma Pure Color Nail #62 Blu Navy, a gorgeous royal blue colour with blue shimmer.

See, I've always been fond of blue on my fingernails, I remember I had quite a collection of pale blues sometime between 1994 and 1998. Nowadays, though, when autumn and winter come I prefer to choose dark blue shades which I think look especially good when I'm wearing jeans and a crisp white shirt.

I find this a very elegant shade as its dark purple undertones make it a little more special compared to other shimmery blues out there.

I apologize for the state of my nails, my cuticles are literally screaming at me to deal with them. Also, I didn't apply the varnish very carefully as the pictures I took last week just didn't do the polish any justice and I wanted to take advantage of the afternoon sun, which explains the weird reflections in the nails (I'm on the balcony so the ridges you see in the photo above are actually the railings reflected on the nail beds!!)

Compared to the diego dalla palma nail varnish I spoke about last summer, when I complained about the flimsy brush, the applicator seems to have improved. It smoothly delivers a good amount of colour onto the nails, but although I find one coat applied thickly is enough to give a non-streaky and creamy look, two thin coats last better. Of course, as with all dark colours I suggest you also apply a base and also a top coat (though I must admit I don't usually wear a top coat, but that's mainly because I'm lazy!).

Here is Blu Navy (middle finger) compared to other blue shades I have: Royal Effem #183 Blue Indaco, Collistar #44 Blu and Chanel #461 Blue Satin. I applied two coats of each polish apart from Chanel Blue Satin, which I only applied one of as I thought that with two coats it would look almost black in the photo...still does, though, which is the problem with this shade: as beautiful as it is in the bottle it does tend to look black indoors or at night!).

Of the four, at the moment my favourite shade is definitely the diego dalla palma, as I find it a bit more interesting and sophisticated than the others.

What do you think? Do you like blue nail varnishes? And if so, what is your favourite?

Love to all of you, old and new subscribers!!

Anna xx

PS: I buy diego dalla palma products from Coin stores in Italy, but they have recently relaunched their website and now ship to all EU countries. If you're interested, I've noticed they have a promotion on at the moment (valid until 6th October) whereby all new subscribers get free shipping on their first order of at least 69 euros!

The Lip Parade: a week of my favourite lip looks!

2010-08-27T01:53:00.000+02:00

Just a quick look through my (end of) summer make up bag to show you what lip products and colours came with me to the sea. Not all of what I brought with me is featured in this post, but these are my favourites and most of them I use not just in the summer months!

MONDAY:

A mixture of nude peach (Mai Tai lip gloss) and coral peach (Bouganvillea Lip&Cheek Creme) from Becca's LE 2010 Bombora Palette gives a lovely soft and moisturizing peachy lip! Love this also for the beach (of course...it's Becca!)

TUESDAY:

One of my all-time favourite glosses, this Lancaster gloss in Nude (02) is a nudish pink with fine pinkish/greenish shimmer. A staple in my summer (and non-summer) make up bag!

WEDNESDAY:

Terrible picture of Hourglass's Extreme Sheen gloss in Lush, a gorgeous golden coral shade. Loved the initial taste/smell, though it's starting to change a bit (for the worse) now...also goes a bit gunky after a while, but the shade is really pretty!

THURSDAY: kissable lips with Kiko's limited edition Red Emotion Sheer Lipstick in Rosa Corallo/Starlet Coral Pink (100), a soft and shimmery corally pink which makes the lips look plumper and feels nicely moisturizing!

FRIDAY: looking all sexy with Le Métier de Beautè's Summerland: this has to be my favourite gloss this year, it is unbelievably, insanely gorgeous!! I'm really glad I got this during my June trip to London (from Liberty's of course, I wish they stocked the brand elsewhere too...Italy, perhaps??). It's a bronzey shade with a hint of red...divine!!!!! This gloss really deserved a post on its own.

SATURDAY:

Rocking the pink lip with Nars's Frisky Summer, a raspberry shade that is one of my absolute favourite Nars glosses, also one of the few that doesn't get a nasty smell after a few months (you know, that clay-like smell lots of people complain of!)

SUNDAY:

Feeling really romantic with YSL's Golden Gloss in Golden Petal (19), a candied pink with golden flecks...pity about the mango smell (I hate mangoes deeply!), everything else is perfect!

THE LINE-UP:

Left to Right: Becca Bombora Palette (from the bottom, Mai Tai gloss and Bouganvillea Lip&Cheek Creme), Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Lush, Nars Gloss in Frisky Summer, Le Métier de Beautè gloss in Summerland, YSL Golden Gloss in Golden Petal (19), Lancaster shimmer gloss in Nude (02) and, above, Kiko Red Emotion Sheer Lipstick in Rosa Corallo (100).

What was your favourite lip product/shade this summer? And what is your favourite among these? Just curious! :))

Anna xx

An "I love your blog" award and a beach bag tag!

2010-08-18T00:30:00.001+02:00

I recently received the great "I ♥ your blog" award from a few Italian bloggers: Aru@Glamorous Makeup, Mauryzya@Passione per il Makeup, Olivia@Confessions of a Makeupholic and Lydia@Alice in a New Wonderland.

What can I say? Grazie a tutte, siete stupende! And if you haven't already, go and check out their blogs!

In turn, I'm supposed to give this award to some of my favourite bloggers, who are also going to be tagged for the beach bag tag below (I know some of you live in countries where it's winter at the moment, but at least this way we can keep the tag going all year round :)!!):

Replica@Visionary Beauty, Music@Beautifully Brainy Music, GlossQueen@Beautifully Glossy, Ondine@This is Ondine, Sara@Il Mondo di Sarina, Stefanie@The Lip Print, Marguerite Noir@Make-up Your Mind Girl, Blair@Blair∼♥, Jess@Ohh...Pretty! and SB@New York City Pretty.

As I was saying, I was also tagged by lovely Italian bloggers Isa & Valz from Makeup Passion Chic for this "Qual è il tuo equipaggiamento da spiaggia?" tag, which loosely translated means "What are your beach bag essentials?".

Ok, so it's always the end of summer and I haven't seen the beach much this year thanks to my son's recurrent fevers (guess what? He's ill AGAIN!! It's the fourth time since June, I know...), but anyway, here goes:

This year I'm using a plasticky transparent & orange beach bag which I got free with Lancaster products, it might not be the prettiest thing out there but it's really convenient as it has two extra zippered pouches that you can leave in or take out. Inside I have two other bags, a blue one for sun creams which I got free with L'Erbolario products and a little transparent zippered pouch with roses which holds my mobile phone, money, tissues and wipes (for my son) and which was a gift with purchase from Sephora (I get showered with free bags, it appears!).

My essentials include:

FOR THE BODY:

1. Lancaster 30 spf High Protection Oil-Free Milky Spray: this is what I start my holidays off with. You can never go wrong with Lancaster really, they are the gurus of sun screen and this really is an excellent product. Non-oily/sticky (so you don't get sand-crumbed chicken thighs!), doesn't leave a white cast, doesn't melt in an unsightly way, allows a good degree of tanning without any redness whatsoever. It has the unmistakeable Lancaster "sun&sand" fragrance which I personally like, but you might want to smell it first if you like your lotions fragrance-free.

2. Avène 50+ Spray Enfant Very High Protection: This is for my son's delicate skin, but great for any sensitive skin. It does of course allow for some tanning but I haven't seen an ounce of red on my baby's body, so highly recommend this. It does very slightly "melt" when bathing, so it's not really suitable for the face (you don't want a shrieking child, do you??) as it might get into the eyes.

3. L'Erbolario Crema Solare Acceleratrice d'Abbronzatura 15 spf all'Olio di Jojoba /Tan Accelerating Cream with Jojoba Oil: I've been using this for years (the one I'm currently using was a magazine freebie and smaller in size to original), it used to have 12 spf but they changed all spfs quite recently according to new European regulations. You're supposed to start putting this on a week before going on holiday to prep your skin, then you wear it for the first 8 days of sun exposure and then at the end of your holidays to "set" and prolong your tan. It smells divine, just like summer! You can't really go wrong with L'Erbolario sun products, I've never had any problems with them and they do just what they promise, plus they smell the best!

4. L'Erbolario Elisir Solare all'Aloe Barbadensis & all'Olivo 6 spf/Sun Elixir with Aloe & Olive: a really light milky spray which, again, smells amazing! I use this all over the body towards the end of my holidays or whenever I need to feel refreshed. It also contains rice bran extract which is considered anti-ageing.

FOR THE FACE:

5. Avène 50+ spf Very High Protection Emulsion for Normal to Combination sensitive skin: this is still my HG sun screen for the face, can't live without it (read my review here).

6. Roc Soleil Protexion + 50+ spf Velvet Moisture Quenching Fluid Normal to Combination skin: I bought this because even though I LOVE the Avène I always like to try out new stuff! I have used this only sporadically so far, but I can say this is very similar to my HG. However, it does have more of a fragrance (summery/flowery) and it is (very) slightly stickier to apply. That said, it absorbs easily, doesn't leave residues and doesn't make my face shiny even when it's damp and muggy outside. The box doesn't say it's "non-comedogenic" and I haven't used it long enough to say if it blocks pores, will adjourn on that when I start wearing it daily (this autumn).

FOR THE HAIR:

7. Kérastase Soleil Micro-Voile Protecteur Leave In Fine, Dry and Light Mist for colour-treated hair: I can't say I like this that much...I always buy something to spray on my hair when I'm at the sea as I have a head full of (natural-looking) highlights, but this smells far too much of alcohol for my liking. I don't wear it religiously so I can't say if it really prevents hair from getting bleached by sun&sea water (I do like my hair a bit lighter anyway!), but I can comment on the fact that it's not very moisturizing and despite the fact that it's not an oil (which I don't buy specifically for this same reason) it makes my hair look and feel straggly, unclean and somewhat greasy. Will definitely NOT repurchase this in the future!

FOR THE LITTLE BITS:

1. Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream spf 25-PA+++ : a rich eye cream to help prevent signs of premature aging against both uva/uvb rays, already reviewed here.

2. Origins Cover Your Mouth Lip Protector with spf 8: nice and minty like peppermint chewing gum! Leaves lips fresh and tingly, just wish it were a bit more moisturizing.

3. Kiko Make Up Sunscreen Gloss spf 20: it gives a really shiny effect, totally non-sparkly and not excessively sticky (no hair stuck to lips!). This smells and tastes DIVINE, just like banana ice cream, yummy!!! Can't get enough of this!

ALSO IN THE BAG:

Big hair grip and a series of bandannas for when it's windy (we get terrible Mistral here in Sardinia, I'm always expecting Mary Poppins to turn up on my doorstep...how great would that be??, a water bottle wrapped in newspaper to keep it cool, a book (I've just finished reading Swedish author Henning Mankell's thriller "Il Cinese / The Chinese", an enjoyable and quick read), a cap (by Italian clothing brand Liu Jo) to hide under and sunglasses (prescription glasses by Prada, I don't really like these as they're quite heavy and have a tendency to slide off the face or top of my head, but since they're prescription I'm going to use them till they're really done!)

Oh, and a beach towel, of course!

Hope you're all having excellent holidays, mine will be over in less than 2 weeks so I have very little time left to blog about summer stuff...I'm so behind, you wouldn't believe it!! Now, if only Mary Poppins really did pop in and see me.....

Anna xx

Dolce & Gabbana The Sicilian Lace Glow Bronzing Powder

2010-08-04T02:15:00.000+02:00

Last weekend my husband finally arrived in Sardinia for his holidays, but the reason I was eagerly anticipating his arrival was not really so I could see him again (hell, I've known him for 11 years!), but so I could get my paws on something I had commissioned him to buy for me: Dolce & Gabbana's The Sicilian Lace Bronzing Powder, from the designer duo's new Summer 2010 make up collection.

I had been meaning to try a Dolce & Gabbana bronzer for a while since I had heard great things about them, so I decided to splurge (47,30 euros) on this exceptionally pretty limited edition one. As the name implies, the inspirations behind the collection were two of Dolce & Gabbana's greatest loves: Sicily (Domenico Dolce is Sicilian after all!) and lace, that feminine symbol of seduction that always makes me think of that "oldish" (21 years, oh dear!) Alice Cooper song ("Poison", with the lyrics "black lace on sweat", sounds gross I know, but I love that song!)

Digressions apart, the bronzer is as usual packaged in the sleek and shiny golden and rounded case that's typical of D&G makeup and which is often criticized for being finger-print and scratch heaven. To tell you the truth, unless you pick this up with oily hands and throw it around in a bag full of pebbles I have never noticed much of a mess on the D&G cases... honestly, I think Nars's packaging turns far more "disgusting"!!

The case is contained in a little black velvet pouch with an extra pocket in front which holds a little brush. This is the usual brush you find with these products: normally useless, but handy when you're around and you just want to put some more bronzer on your cheeks or whatever (small) parts of your face that need a touch of "sun".

And then you open up the case...

...and it's just so beautiful that you really don't want to ruin it by using it!

The bronzer has a light golden floral lace design, which is not an overspray as it might seem from the photos, but an indentation. This means that for the first few uses you will get a good amount of sheen on your face, so I suggest you use it as a blusher/highlighter at the beginning (and you may want to put on your arms/legs/decolletage if your skin has large pores or imperfections!).

The indentation will then become less and less visible until the product levels out and you will be left with a nice soft bronzer, which as far as I can tell (the imprint hasn't worn off much yet!) is a light caramel shade suitable for most skin tones and also good to use throughout the year, not just to intensify a tan in the summer.

Just to give an idea, I applied the bronzer just to my cheeks (I have absolutely nothing else on, no foundation, no concealer, no nothing!! So please don't look too closely...)

Verdict? I like it! Definitely not an essential, but a splurge as I said. I would probably have preferred a darker shade for the summer, but I like the fact that I'll be able to use it also in the colder months. Plus I like the glowy softness of the powder and good blendability.

The collection also includes 1 new nail polish called "Perfection" (which looks interesting), 1 new gloss and 1 new lipstick. Have any of you seen the collection in person? Any thoughts?

Oh, and cross fingers, my son seems to be doing quite well at the moment. Thanks to all of you for asking, you were all very sweet!

Anna xx

Making my moon tan less obvious feat. Kiko and Madina make up

2010-07-24T00:49:00.000+02:00

(Please beware: Skip intro if you're bored with my son's health bulletin, hahaha!!!)

Yes, I've been a bad blogger again and neglected my blog, my blog's 1st anniversary and you, my followers...again! I'm currently at the sea in Sardinia enjoying (or not so much, as I'll explain) the hot weather and gorgeous sea with my little son, so as you can imagine my time is totally taken up by him. I've also had to complete two work projects which have kept me up till dawn, literally. The past month has been kind of crazy, when we got here we discovered one of the two bathrooms had flooded (not wih water, oh no, that would have been too good...) as the people upstairs had arrived a few days before us and some tree roots were blocking the drains outside...anyway, industrial quantities of disinfectant later, my mother got ill, then, when she got better it was time for my son to get ill again, after the bout of scarlet fever from last month: five whole days of 40°C/104°F temperature which nothing could get down, a trip to the ER, another swab for possible strep and the verdict was simply a virus! And you know what, two days after he was finally better a woman crashed into the back of my car!!! Don't you just love holidays??? Hey, at least I'm happy to say I became an aunt for the second time three days ago, to a lovely little girl called Maddalena, so my life isn't total poo (haha!), but guess what? As of last night my son has a 40°C temperature again! I'm worried sick to tell you the truth, and tomorrow we're going to the hospital again for more tests, so tonight to keep me sane I decided to blog a little...

Anyway, since I haven't been n the beach much, I have had to constantly resort to a couple of products to look bit less deathly pale, or less lunar as we say in Italy (aka "tintarella di luna" = moon tan!).

The items are, of course, a bronzer and a blusher!

First up the bronzer: Kiko Make Up Bronzer Powder in 102, a micronized bronzing powder with very very fine golden shimmer which gives a lovely sun-kissed glow without ever looking obvious, muddy or streaky (I love to use it with my newish MAC150, despite all the controversy surrounding MAC at the moment I still think it's a great brush, though it does lose a few hairs here and there...).

I must say, I wear bronzer throughout the year as I look deathly pale in winter and with my colouring a little tan just looks better. Staples include Guerlain Terracotta for Brunettes, Benefit Hoola and Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, but this Kiko bronzer has quickly become a favourite (not to mention the only bronzer I have brought with me to the sea, but that's mainly because I'm disorganized and forgot half the stuff at home!!) I got it as part of a "Must-Haves" kit , which also included a plumping gloss, individually it costs 9,90euros and comes in 4 different shades.

The other can't-live-without product of the moment is Madina Milano Beauty Belletto in 48, the darker combo of the two blushes I own. Madina, one of the main Italian brands of the '90s favoured by my friends and me when in high school for its great quality/colour range/prices ratio, has just had a little website makeover and is now selling online again, which is great for me as I seldom venture to Milan nowadays and the perfumery that sold Madina in my hometown more than doubled the price of the products!!!!!

Anyway, Beauty Bellettos are marketed as "long wearing cheek powders" ("belletto" is Italian for blusher, though no one uses that word anymore apart from grandmothers, we normally use blush, blusher or fard) and come in 2 versions, a classic single-colour one, and a "tasseled" one, with 3 circles of different shades (to see other shades/swatches check out Italian blog Ibisco Lilla). They cost 7.90 euros each and come housed in a lovely iridescent pink pouch with a little brush (both useless really, unless you use the pouch to keep bits and bobs in and the little brush to get some colour from the individual circles to use as highlighters, which is what you're supposed to do! Whatever, I still think they add a nice touch...)

Number 48 is a reddish bronze which I instantly fell in love with, though I couldn't really wear it when I bought it as it is too dark for my skin (about NC35). Now that I'm sporting somewhat of a tan it is just fabulous, it makes me look a little bit flushed from sun exposure but in a totally healthy way (that is, not lobster red!). LOVE IT! It's not as long lasting as Rouge Bunny Rouge blushers, which last all day on me, but considering the scorching Sardinian weather I'm more than satisfied with its performance.

Each tassel swatched individually

Number 47 is definitely more wearable, and is in fact what I wore back home before coming to the sea.I really like the mix of coral, pink and tan, because it gives a nice little natural flush and can be layered on in the evening to look a bit more noticeable by candlelight (dream on, Anna, dream on, candlelit dinners are a thing of the remote past...)

Tassels all swirled together (kind of difficult to see 47 on my arm with a tan! It is indeed more noticeable on the cheeks, I swear!)

Anyway, I hope I haven't bored you to death with all my problems, I have plenty to blog about after all this time, I just hope my little son gets better very very soon...fingers crossed!

Anna xx

Giveaway winner!

2010-06-25T00:04:00.001+02:00

My giveaway closed 2 hours ago, so it's time to announce the winner!

I used random.org and got number 5 as a result, so excluding the first comment (which wasn't an entry) that means the winner of the giveaway is...roll the drums...the lovely GlossQueen over at Beautifully Glossy, who would love to be in Rome with her fiancé!

Instead, a little piece of Italy is going to travel all the way to Australia which is where I wouldn't mind being right now...

Congratulations GQ, hope your Roman wish comes true in the near future! Please email me your address at italianbeautyblog@gmail.com so that I can send you your goodies as soon as possible.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Anna xx

My 100 (slightly) + Giveaway!! -NOW CLOSED

2010-06-18T23:06:00.002+02:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Hello Lovelies, I'm back again after just over 2 weeks in the UK and a few days stuck at home caring for my poor little boy who fell ill 2 days before returning home and still hasn't recovered. He's been feverish, covered in a rash and also plagued by a stinking cold. News of today is that he has a strep infection, so he could either be having a light version of scarlet fever or some other less famous nasty little virus. A slightly cranky boy, 10 days of antibiotics ahead of us and lots of rain: oh yes, I'm having a great week!!

Anyway, as I had promised before leaving for my UK trip, here's my little 100 (slightly) + giveaway. Thank you so much to all 108 (as of right now)of you who follow and comment on my little blog, your support means A LOT to me!

Now, on to the details!

What you can win:

(all brand new and all Italian of course, sorry I had to open the palette to show the colours, I was quick snapping the pic, promise!):

* Kiko Electric Town LE Electric Eyeshadow Palette in 05 Roppongi Green (like all Kiko palettes this allows both wet & dry application; colours are champagne, teal, dark brown and really dark grey, all shimmery)

* Deborah Glitter EyePencil in 04 (dark brown with gold glitter)

* Deborah Euphoric Shine Lipgloss in 11 Joyful Peach (shimmery orange)

* Pupa Glossy Lips 01 Beige Rose (rosey nude , as the name implies!!)

To enter:

* you must be a follower of my blog

* you must comment on this post telling me: if you could be in Italy right now where would you like to be and who with? Of course, Italian readers can tell me where else in the world they would like to be right now apart from Italy :D!

Be careful though: Entries will be invalid if you don't answer this silly question!

The giveaway is open internationally. It will close on Thursday 24th at 10 pm GMT+1 (Italian time). The winner will be randomly selected using random.org and announced on the blog shortly after the closing time.

Best of luck / "in bocca al lupo"!

Anna xx

Things I'm Loving This Spring - Flower Edition

2010-05-21T02:00:00.001+02:00

First of all I want to thank all 100 of you...yes, I have unbelievably reached 100 lovely followers so look out for a giveaway very very soon!

As I was thinking about my favourite products of the moment, I realized most of them had something in common: flowers! You can click on all photos to enlarge and get a better view of swatches.

1. Chanel Rouge Coco in Gardenia #13: this is an exclusive shade, which of course isn't available in Italy, but seeing as I can't resist stuff that I can't have :) I trotted off to Switzerland (the Swiss border happens to be 4km from my door....) and got my hands on this gorgeous softly shimmery rose! Unlike many other bloggers, I don't find the Rouge Cocos at all moisturizing: perhaps it's because this lipstick has a slight pearly finish, but I do feel I need to wear a balm underneath or a gloss on top so that it doesn't show all the lines on my lips. However, the colour is so gorgeous and flattering that I can definitely put up with that!

2. Kiko Bling Blush in 02 Celebrity Rose: this came out just before Christmas as part of the "Out of this world" collection and it is definitely the blusher I have been using the most since January: I probably wear this 5 days out of 7! The shade is antique rose with glitter-free light gold veins. On the cheeks, it looks really fresh and lovely, the shine is subtle so you can easily wear it during the day and just add more for some sexy night shimmer! (By the way, for daytime I don't apply it with my beloved Too Faced Kabuki Brush, I use something less dense, but it's the only brush I have that had flowers on it!!)

Here it is on my cheek(s)...

...and on my eye(s) I'm wearing just a bit of:

3. Clarins Cotton Flower Eye Quartet and Liner: I haven't seen reviews for this lovely palette and I'll confess I'm not a huge fan of Clarins eyeshadows, but you know I love my blues and violets, so I just couldn't resist getting this! The white and silver palette features 4 soft shimmery eyeshadows (cotton white, cool lilac, denim blue, violet blue) and a night blue cream liner. The shadows are really smooth, pigmented and blendable and they last pretty well. The brushes are not that great, but I had no expectations about those anyway. What I like about this palette is that it can be used in many different ways to create softer or more noticeable looks, the shades are so pretty and make my eyes look brighter and fresher in a flash!

4. Guerlain Insolence Blooming Edition EDT: this LE bottle was released as part of the "Cherry Blossom" Spring 2010 collection. It's the kind of scent I usually resist and I almost hate the fact that I love it so! Described as a "sparkling floral, punctuated with radiant violet, fiery berries and sensual iris", it is indeed a heady mix of violets and cherries with a dash of honey, caramel and biscuits! I think it's fruitier and "fizzier" than the original Insolence, but equally long-lasting: I spend hours and hours and hours sniffing my wrists and moving my head left to right just to catch a whiff of this scent and the next morning my nose can still detect something lingering on my skin (so definitely not a Summer scent)! The bottle is really pretty too, decorated with Japanese-inspired flowers or sunshades or whatever they are, in a graphic manga style.

5. Aquolina Latte Corpo Sfogliatella alla Mimosa aka Mimosa Pastry Body Milk:Aquolina is probably most famous outside Italy for its Pink Sugar line, but the scent that is making my mouth water (that's what "Acquolina" with an extra "c" means) right now is this Mimosa Pastry one. I'm not a huge fan of cut mimosas, their dried up little yellow balls are a sorry sight and their scent quickly transforms into something unsavoury. On the other hand, mimosa trees are beautiful and cheerful just like this yummy body cream which leaves your skin nicely moisturized and smelling amazingly fresh and just like the real unpicked flower!

Of course, what I'm really loving this Spring is...that Spring has actually finally arrived! With all the rain we had in the last few weeks, the Lake flooded causing traffic problems and leaving flotsam and jetsam strewn all over the place, but thankfully the bicycle is out of the garage again so I'm enjoying the lovely warm air with my trusty Avène Very High Protection Emulsion Spf 50+. Another thing I'm loving? The fact that next Friday I'll be off to the UK for two whole weeks...my poor wallet is already crying!! Any Spring/Summer suggestions for me?

Anna xx