Early Spring Favorites

Hello there! Long time no see! I know, I know...I took a way too long break but hey, blogging is not always that easy when you have a job to attend and a thesis to write, right? However, here I am bringing back to you my springtime favorites, at least the items I have been in love for now.

I have had quite an intense schedule and it continues, though I cannot complain. I love my field, it's something more than just a career to me, it's a passion, a certain lifestyle but I am just starting now! Nevertheless, feeling quite confident about it and ready to take bigger steps! If you want me to talk a little more about how to find your way to your perfectly fit career, tips, experiences, etc, just let me know whatever you want to know in a comment below, I am happy to talk about it!

Anyway, getting back on track, I was going to comment on this new lipstick, Provocalips by Rimmel (in the picture), please allow me to say IT IS AMAZING! I have always liked how red lipstick looks on me and purchased quite many brands and tried all sort of things. They would always leave this stain on the teeth or they'd just dry out in few hours. Well darlings, Provocalips lasts FOREVER on your lips. They say it's a 16 hours KISSPROOF lasting lipstick but I have tried it and it has stayed on my lips for legit 2 days. It has been quite a hit in the USA and now we got it here in Europe, I highly recommend it if you are looking for a real long lasting and kissproof lipstick, especially perfect for events, party nights, etc. Amazing product. I can do a full review later on if you would like! Just let me know!

Sephora Pore & Fine Line Filler
Big Easy by Benefit
Chanel, Rouge Coco Shine, 96 AURA
Provocalips by Rimmel, Kiss Me You Fool
Majorette by Benefit (creamy blush)

These are so far what I have tried new this month and that has really impressed me and probably most of them exceeded my expectations (like the Sephora Pore Filler - great price-value). They have all worked for my skin so far, though I have noticed that the Big Easy is getting a little dry on my skin nowadays but that's just because my skin has been more dry at the end of the winter, needs an extra moist and actually I am looking for a good cream that would fit my skin type, which is close to normal.

The blush Majorette by Benefit has been amazing and it goes really slow despite of the format. It adapts to your skin tone and leaves a natural peachy color, it's easy to blend and takes no time. Just another great product by Benefit together with the Big Easy, which it is definitely my favorite by far. They define it as a multi-balancing complexion perfector, but to be honest, since I am not really using that much make-up, it is definitely enough for me, it gives me enough cover (even the days when I don't rest enough and I have no time for concealer) and it doesn't dry out my skin.

Last thing on my make-up list this month has been this gorgeous Chanel lipstick, color close to eggplant, I have to be honest, our relationship has been love-hate. I love it because it's so smooth, perfectly creamy, lasts long enough...but got to say that the color might not be my match. I was looking for something else, for a deep burgundy and I am not sure what happened the day I purchased this (might've had the sun in my eyes) but yeah, it's like a deep eggplant color. It's nice and might fit me if not applied in excess but it's not something I would really use that often.

Chanel, Rouge Coco Shine, 96 AURA

And the last thing I need to mention is not make-up related, it's a rather geeky thing, but hey, that's me. I have got a new mouse for my computer (MacBook Air) and it is really worth mentioning here. It's the Magic Mouse by Apple and it has saved me these past months being so fast and comfortable. I spend almost all day at the computer (thesis, reading and working) and I have noticed a big change using this mouse compared to my regular one (I used a Dell one, an HP one, and Logitech). It's definitely worth the price and yeah, it's like Magic indeed. It swipes and scrolls if you slightly touch it (multi-sensor surface), it's wireless, it works with a regular battery through Bluetooth, Let's not mention the clean design... in love!

Apple Magic Mouse

Hope you've enjoyed these little insights into my favorites for this early spring, and remember to let me know if you want me to review any of these products more in depth!

Have a lovely Saturday night!

*Not sponsored, all purchased with own funds.

My star today is Chanel LÈVRE SCINTILLANTES...

Hi guys! Sorry for my eternal absence but as I´ve said in the last post I really really had a rough week...but hey, now I am back in business and I have exciting news to post about!

I´ve recently told you about the StrawberryNET order, a how-to...since there are so many people out there that are afraid taking the step and order though them or just they don´t know how to do and how to proceed. Well, today I want to update a little bit that post with new info as my order arrived!

If you want to read the how-to order at StrawberryNET post, go here.

Anyway, so briefly, my order has arrived, on 18th of March,...in a supersmall package, though I paid the customs on 13th of March though online and my boyfriend helped me since he is the one with a Finnish bank account (I wasn´t interested getting one haha). So, quite...slow shipping and everything I would say. The items were protected enough inside with these foamy things inside. The package looked like it was opened...and I wasn´t really happy about that, I am not sure but it looked like it and it was probably at the border, Finnish authorities.

I got my Chanel LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES...and a bronzing powder by Calvin Klein and they have sent me 2 gifts, a Calvin Klein lipgloss and a CK lipstick in a color unfortunately doesn´t fit me.

Would I buy from this site again? Probably not anytime soon. Their prices are OK, true, but the hassle and the time you wait for the products to arrive...it´s way too much. Some products don´t have a big discount as you would expect. I did liked the fact they were packed safe enough and that they claim they pay you back the customs, but ...it just takes way too much to get your things and the customs payment is not much to Finland. 

About the Customs/Taxes for Finland: I hate when bloggers post about their amazing purchases but they never talk about the process they went through when ordering from a foreign website. That´s why I decided to write about this.

You wouldn´t pay any tax if your purchase would be under 22 euros (at least in Finland). I have declared my package to contain lip-makeup products, and I have been charged with 24% of what I have paid (since the total of my order was aprox. 35e)...so...I paid 8,57 to Customs and sent an email to StrawberryNET with an electronic invoice hoping they will do as they claim, return me the tax paid. I will come to you back and let you guys know if they will or not pay.

However here are some of the items I have been purchasing lately...some stuff missing as I was in a hurry and just took a picture of what I had in hand.

1. ISADORA - 617 Dolce Vita
2. CK Delicious Light Glistering Lipgloss - 311 Crystalline
3. Chanel LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES - 176 Crushed Cherry
4. CK Summer Affair Bronzing Powder - 305 Sun Kissed

From this picture, the only things I have purchased from StrawberryNET is the Chanel glossimer and the CK bronzing powder, as well as the gift I got from them, the CK lipgloss.

Do you have any favorites? Ever tried Chanel Scintillantes collection??? This is my second one...

Daisy Eau So Fresh is such a sweet scent...

Hi all! Today I am here presenting you my new little big boy, Daisy Eau so Fresh by Marc Jacobs. I got this one with 75mL as I was thinking it´s enough but I see I have fooled myself because this little scent here smells so good...it´s a sweet elegant smell, pretty fresh as the name say but floral. I have tried this scent and I have been reading negative comments on it saying that it doesnt hold, well, maybe is because my skin is so sensitive and fine, it holds perfectly for at least half of the day on my skin! Any reasons why I wouldn´t love it?

My next purchase is going to be Honey...oh yes.

Any comments on the packaging? It just looks adorable.

Printic, a must-have in your smartphone!

Today something amazing arrived to my mailbox, and I was so excited waiting for this. When I opened the envelope, I´ve just fell in love.

This love story started when I´ve installed the application Printic (click here for Android Google Play installation) in my phone and Tablet. This application works both for iPhone users and Android and it´s FREE.

You can basically easily order the printing of your smartphone pictures (or tablet) through the application, they SHIP WORLDWIDE and FAST in a very very cute orange envelope or packaging depending on the quantity of the pictures you have ordered. 

Make 50 of these beautiful polaroid-like pictures for only 19 euros and stay in the hunt because they always have some offers going on!!! (By ordering 100 you save -25%). You can also win free credits to get your cute pictures for free, by inviting friends!

1 credit, 1 awesome Printic picture!

Aren´t you in love already? Go and install their application in your phone, order your pictures, give them as a gift to your beloved ones, enjoy them with your family, have them always with you in your purse, they are adorable!

Who says what is trendy and fashionable?

Hi everyone! 

Recently I have been browsing through fashion magazines online and offline and I was just wondering as many of you who comes up with this established concept of ''trendiness'' or ''fashionable''? I have seen the most random things in the last years that have became fashionable though back in time no one wanted to wear them. Remember how scared were we of glasses with huge frames? Well seems like not anymore. 

Many of us believe high fashion designers come up with the trends while the others just follow. That´s why it doesn´t matter if it looks bad, if it doesn´t fit, if it´s old-style or if it´s simply not correct, they carry a name and a reputation behind, so nothing can go wrong. People would accept it and embrace the items and soon they will be someone´s favorites just because it carries fame. It is very usual to see people wearing something that it might not even flatter their figure just for the fact that this is fashion, this is what they're wearing at the Fashion Week, this is what Donatella is wearing.

I got to the conclusion that there's no way to set trends, there are so many aspects that influence when establishing what´s trendy and what not...probably designers know best how lost they feel or insecure when designing something and just thinking about other´s opinion. Let´s be real, I doubt someone is not thinking at all in what will others say when creating something. After all everyone seeks success, and success is just the mature fruit after the blossom. Every designer wills for a successful blossom no matter the industry you're in.

But is it really that people lost a little bit their track of originality and just focus on following the trends established without getting out of the track? Are you one of those? I am very sure you are not alone. It wouldn't be the first time when I get to know about a certain trend but I refuse following it just because I dislike it. As I have heard is very hard to learn how to dislike the established, the accepted, it's difficult to get out of that box a little and explore by your own...and probably most of the time it's just because there's judgement behind. We love to judge others, and is not always bad but, it's good to know the difference when to judge someone because the certain piece is not fitting them with harmony and when you're already digging into that person's own preferences.

I dislike myself being judged for some decisions I make sometimes regarding my wardrobe, like the colors I wear (which are not crazy at all - I am not a fan of neons) or the combinations I sometimes make and it's fun hearing someone else opinion from the outside! I do appreciate when someone comments on something I am wearing or whatever related to my wardrobe (negative or positively)!

Are you one of those that they agree with what they are told to wear or are you a rebel in leather jacket that is never going to give up her style? Comment below! Would love to hear what do you think about the power of fashion!

An outfit I would love to wear!

I was looking for classic outfits the other day and realized how many bloggers are blending classy with sporty or, simply making up their own style of classy. Well, this is my own. Every single item in this picture, I picked myself and combined in my very own way. I would rather define it the Super Classy...and I completely love it.

What do you think? Do you have any fave?

DIY: Glittery Starbucks Tumbler

Hi there! So today I am coming with a very crafty idea. Today I was passing by a Tiger Store and couldn´t stop noticing this one glitter paper (golden) they had for 4 euros. Instantly I got in my mind this brilliant idea...as I´ve always wanted my Starbucks tumbler to be more customized and glittery.

I looked through eBay and they are super expensive, for what they are...glittery tumblers...so instead of having the glitter sticked outside on the tumbler I will actually craft with the paper and use it as a tumbler design inside. If you have one of those customizable tumblers, you can do it too!

Things you will need

° A customizable tumbler (mine is from Starbucks)

° A glittery paper (I got mine from Tiger - glitter wrapping paper)

° Scissors

° Pencil

° A cool design (browse pictures with very black outlines from Google and print them)

getting it to turn into...

Or if you prefer, no picture, just the glitter. How do you like it? I still need to improve my crafty skills...haha.

I´ve discovered Boutique minimaliste!

Go yourself and have a look at this online boutique, as they have the most gorgeous and trendy hot collection! I am looking forward telling you guys more about this! I will keep you tuned and probably soon I will make a post review on some of their precious items!

The prices are really affordable and the design is impeccable. How simple yet full of soul all their pieces are. Another thing to love is that they are hand-made! Every piece is unique in its own way...loving it already? I do.

Go and find them in Etsy! Click image below to direct you to their shop shipping worldwide!

StrawberryNET order: How To

Hello everyone! Long time no see, I know. I have been superbusy with uni stuff, assignments, been tired and kind of moving here and there, so couldn´t get the time to reach my blog! My apologize.

But hey! There's something going on these days, I am waiting for 3 orders currently and because of recent issues I would like to talk to you about my experience about ordering in StrawberryNET so far. I haven´t received the products already so I am not going to talk about product quality or anything related to products, but mostly about THE ORDER as a process.

A lot of people are having some problems when ordering something for the first time from StrawberryNET. Let me explain you why.

StrawberryNET has free shipping anywhere in the world. The shipping can be trackable or not, as you prefer. The trackable one is free of charge as well. You will only pay if you want your order faster.

The shipping is completely free of burden for US residents (with a bank account/credit card in US) but...there are minor issues when comes to Europe.

Most people get super annoyed by this, but I don´t understand why. It´s no biggie.

If you´re a new user, from Europe, ordering something from StrawberryNET, they will place your order on hold and tell you to contact their orders department. They will most likely tell you that they need to check your credit card and billing address, so they will ask you to send them any utility bill you might have on your name (the name you used when ordering) and your address (that should match with the billing address you used on their site when ordering). Any electricity bill, mobile phone bill, gas bill, whatever! 

Now people freak out when they hear about this and many of them cancel their order thinking it´s spam or scam or whatever. Don't be worried, it's safe. And you don´t always need to show such bills (if you´re a student living with your parents and you don´t pay anything yourself).

I personally proved my identity/address using the bill I got from Ooolala.fi ...where I have a statement of my billing address, name and last 4 numbers of my credit card. As soon as I sent them a copy of that invoice, they unhold my order and they are processing it now and soon shipping.

They are not asking you for anything more personal. If they do, make sure you contact them back and request more info on the reason why you need to prove more.

So, don´t be afraid when ordering from StrawberryNET. It might look complicated but as you see it´s quite easy.

Another interesting thing about them is the free shipping and the way they deal with the taxes you might pay...I will keep you informed as soon as I get my order!

Any questions? Have you ever used StrawberryNET? What was your experience?

Post Valentine´s Beautiful Hair Treatment ♡

Hi guys! Just discovered this few days ago and I want to share it with you! I bet everyone has some leftovers from Valentine´s and none of us would like to throw them right away. Well we´re going to learn now how to use your beautiful red roses for a hair nourishment treatment that is going to smell great and not just that...it feels great! Stay tuned!

° 1/2 cup of rose petals (preferably red roses and fresh enough, if they´re starting to turn brown, nono)

° 1/2 cup of coconut oil (you can get this at any food store or herbalist, depending on the country)

° 2 tablespoons of rose water

If you don´t have rose water, make your own by boiling 1 cup of rose petals (1 rose, cover with enough water, bring to boil adding a lid to the pot - after around 10 minutes you can remove from heat and let it cool). Drain the water, so you separate the petals from the water and that´s your rose water!

INSTRUCTIONS: You can use hard coconut oil, heat it in the pot until it melts, and bring it to boil. Add the 2 tablespoons of your made or purchased rose water and the rose petals. Gently mix in. Boil and cook for about 3 minutes. Remove and let it cool and drain through a coffee filter. 

Rub it on your scalp and focus on your ends. This hair treatment will help your split ends and naturally nourish the hair from the roots to the end, without making it too oily. Let the treatment react for 20 minutes and after that you´re able to wash your hair.

Valentine´s and H&M shopping

Well, since I didn´t want to be that plain for Valentine´s, I chose to give to my boyfriend a rather different gift. He loves tea. So why not? I´ve actually done the shopping for today couple days before...so I´ve been downtown Helsinki today but just had a look around, found nothing but some blouses at H&M, a blazer and a necklace. Pictures below.

I actually cheated. I told him I am not going to celebrate this day in any way...but I just couldn´t resist not surprising him with something, I guess all these people downtown in the last past days, looking all desperate for presents and flowers inspired me haha.

How did you celebrate and how did you surprise your dear one?

I loved the card! Looks so personalized...so much like him, my superhero!

I´ve just received positive feedback from him and how good this tea is.
If interested check out Clipper.

I got this blouse today but I cannot find it online...no idea, I guess they just don´t have this item
for online shopping. It´s loose, soft, silky, and has very cute silver details all around the
collar. How do you like it?

Finally got a black blazer. Can you believe it? I´ve always worn navy blue or camel...

Breakfast with Secret Diamonds

This has been a pretty productive morning...first completed some assignments from my university courses and then I had my breakfast and...finally something arrived to the post office!!!

I am in love with this pendant...it´s so fine, so cute and, the diamonds...

Again another win for Ooolala shop and Secret Diamonds!

Formal Chic Look

1. Blazer - H&M - 29,95e - Link here

2. Black Jeans - H&M - 19,95e

3. Sekonda Golden Watch - ASOS - 55,56e - Link here

4. Tiny Blouse - H&M - 24,95e - Link here

5. Jewelled Ballerina Flats - ZARA - 69,95e - Link here

6. Leather Suede Bag - ASOS - 104,18e - Link here

7. Golden Short Arrow Necklace - H&M - 4,95e - Link here

Do you like how these are combined? What´s your fave item? 

I have 2 faves, shoes and bag!!!

The dry skin nightmare: All-natural facial oatmeal mask

I don´t know about you (and I would like to know, if I can help you with my tips) but I have dry skin, overall. Not just my face gets very dry during winter and spring, but also my legs. As I´ve posted one month ago, I have my tricks for my face routine and tips that I use to combat the dry skin nowadays, so if you want to take a look check the last post on face routine, here.

Anyway, I have tried a bunch of masks from all the places (including the H&M ones and the very expensive ones, Facial Mask with Linden Blossom by Sisley) and nothing works (some of them provoke a huge rush, others simply do not react)...but lately I have been visiting the drugstores more often and it´s always so funny to discover how the 5e cream works better than the 100e ones sometimes...I don´t get it. But hey, it´s acceptable for my pocket!

One mask that I really really like and it helps my skin a lot during cold time is the following one I am going to share with you. You can make it yourself, as much as you want and it´s the most inexpensive thing you can get out there!

° half banana - acts like a natural moisturiser 

° 1 - 1/2 teaspoons of honey - works its way against blemishes

° half cup of oats flakes (oatmeal, yes) - exfoliates what the previous 2 have been working on!

INSTRUCTIONS: Place the banana in a bowl, and using a fork help yourself to mash it, pour over your oats and the honey. Mix the ingredients until they´re all combined and it has a creamy consistency. Apply for 15 minutes, rinse and tap with towel gently.

Remember to wash your face gently before applying the mask. 

How does it feel? It feels like Heaven!!!

Valentine´s Day / Friendship Day gifts ideas!

Valentine´s Day nowadays is pretty much about materialism. Some like it, some not. Wanna find some ideas for your dear one? Check out mines! You might find some new ideas!

1. Lovely pizza for him/her. It´s easy to make and delicious if you know his/her fave ingredients.
2. Flowers are always a win for her. Never forget about them.
3. Breakfast to bed. So romantic!
4. Heart-shaped wall album.

1. Oh yes, we girls love Polaroids.
2. Ladurée key chain. Too cute to be missed. A great small detail!
3. Cakes, pancakes, strawberries...perfect combination for him/her on this special day for both of you!
4. What girl doesn´t love receiving make-up as a gift? Ask for her fave products before shopping!

1. Beer, most guys love it. Do some cute tags with messages and stick the new tags to his fave beer!
2. The Strokes album or any music album your boyfriend is craving for! Get to know what he´s missing in his collection!
3. Chocolate for most guys is an epic win, go for that! Easy and look at this strawberry coulant! Soon I´ll post a recipe!
4. Take her/him to movies. It´s cheap and you both will have fun together and spend some quality time. HER movie is on theaters these days! Enjoy the perfect opportunity!

Have you decided already what to get? Write a comment below, I would love to hear!

How to make your own Chocolate Body Scrub!

Have you notice how many shops are selling this deliciousness nowadays? One of them is The Body Shop and another one is Lush, but hey! Why not trying it at home? It´s easy and you´re going to use your very own ingredients, all natural and fresher than anything! Wanna see how it´s done?

Use this treat for yourself before your Valentine´s date or, pack it cutely in the jar with few ribbons and give your best girl friend a surprise on 14th February, day of Friendship!

If you prefer instead of the core ingredient I am using, chocolate, you can use mocha, as in the picture.

° 1/2 cup brown sugar

° 1/2 cup white sugar

° 1/3 cup almond oil (you can get these at stores like Life, in Finland, or any other herbalist)

° 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Fazer, actually, haha)

° 10 drops peppermint pure essential oil (try Life again or herbalist, it is easy to find)

° 1 glass that will serve as a container with a lid to store leftovers (like the Ikea ones)

INSTRUCTIONS: Grab a bowl, add the brown sugar, white sugar and cocoa powder together. Mix them. Add the almond oil and the peppermint essential oil and mix them again. Transfer the result to a glass container with a lid.

You can use this scrub in the shower or bath by massaging it over your arms, legs and shoulders in a circular motion. Remember to rinse well after using!

Need some tips for your beautiful long hair?

I have very long hair, maybe a little more than 50 cm long. There are some tips I would like to share with you if you´re looking for shinny, strong and healthy hair. Of course, everything starts with diet, for that, you might want to have a look in my very own section of Kitchen, with healthy recipes and tips that will help your body stimulate and regulate your internal flows.

But secondly, everything depends on you and how you´re treating yourself, how much care you take of all the details and the way you do it.

Let´s start with the list of tips!

° Getting ready for the shower: Brush your hair gently before getting into the shower, never brush it while it´s wet before washing. It will tangle.

° Washing: DO NOT be a hygiene freak when comes to this. Yes, it´s pleasant when your hair smells fruity every single day but it´s not healthy. Do not wash your hair daily, you might irritate your scalp and get rid of the essential oils. The lack of these it´s going to make your hair look and feel dry and lifeless. This is very challenging when you´re one of those people using tons of hair products, oils, hairsprays, etc...cut down on those and give your hair a break from washing (take a shower but do not wash your hair, of course). If your life depends on those other tons of products and you just cannot cut down on those, then you might just rinse your hair everyday with water and few drops of your favorite conditioner.

Personally, I wash my hair every 3 days, it manages to stay clean for those 3 days and then I wash it. It feels good and healthy, and smells quite nice until the very third day! 

° Drying: DO NOT dry your hair by rubbing it into a towel, you might want to use a T-shirt, which is a nice smooth and plain material rather than a normal/regular cotton towel. Why? Towels will make your hair turn dry, turning it into dull, frizzy hair pretty easy to break.

What I do is make a pony tail everytime I get out of the shower. I might squeeze it into a soft towel or T-shirt and I try to take all the water out of it by shaking the ends out. Easy as that.

Going straight to the heating part, right? Time to use your dear hairdryer...well...if you are going to use it then you better use heat protection, but, if it´s convenient you could skip adding this extra chemical to your hair by using a warm heat rather than hot, so no need of heat protection. This would require more time for shaking out the hair before drying and trying to get as much water as you can out of it.

° Brushing: DO NOT brush only the ends. Yes that´s such a widely spread bad tip. By brushing the ends only you will completely abandon all these nutritious natural oils that are originated from your roots. Brush completely from your roots to the end using a good comb adapted to your hair type.

° Curling, ironing, etc: You might do it, but just AFTER your hair is dry. As much as they comment on the packaging of these products you just got, that you might also use it on wet hair, no no. Wet hair and hot ironing/curling would just do very bad for your hair. 

° Split ends?: NO product will help regenerate your split ends. There is no such a thing, no invention in the beauty industry that has been successful with this, hence, don´t waste your money in all these oils, special shampoos, etc. If you want to put an end to your split ends (how dramatic this sounds), just trim it 1-2 cms. That simple. Or, you might want to minimize the visible split ends, then you´re ok using a serum oil or something similar.

Easy right? Did you know any of these? Are you following them? Any results so far?