Most Wanted of the Moment

Well hello there my little loves! :)

Today I bring you a kind of 'My Most Wanted' list of beauty products. You see, I'm at one of those dreaded moments when a lot of the super essential products you have, finish at the same time. So you have to buy them again, at once, which leaves you no money for new stuff... So all I can do is lust after things I can't have, and muster all my self control.

Lucky for me there aren't that many. Even I am surprise... I guess I've been more into clothes this past month... Which I can't buy, also! Fun times! But let's get started! (so many exclamations points! I'm not that excited, I swear!)

The entire Dior collection for S/S 2014! Yes, ALL of it! Well... Maybe skip the eyeshadows, I'm not crazy for dior eyeshadows, but the rest... Oh... Pastel galore mixed with some really bright colours! I love me some pastel. The lipsticks, oh my god the lipsticks! So puuurfect. If you haven't seen it, go check it out. Maybe you have the money for it and you can be happy for both of us. Hint, the coral lipstick and the blue nailpolish *starts to drool*

Now, a little bit more specific. Lipstick shade no. 32 of the YSL S/S collection. I mean... do I need to say anything else? It's a YSL lipstick... I try not be a sucker for packaging, because quality is what matters, yada, yada... But, do I need to say anything else? It's a YSL lipstick! However, wait a minute, I do have one in my makeup collection (and I think I hear it crying at night, because it feels lonely, just saying) and it's really good quality, not the most long lasting, but very creamy. So it's a win, win, situation.

Artdeco Sensitive Fine Liner, because I've been in the hunting for a nice felt tip liner for ages, and never found one I really, really, liked. Don't even know if I'll like this one either, but would like to try it. Heard a couple of people talking about it too, on youtube. And it says sensitive fine liner which is a good thing, because most of those liners are only useful if we want to go Amy Winehouse.

Stilla's Magnificent Metals Foil! This is such an exciting product! Maybe it's the biochemistry in me, but I mean, it comes with a mixing medium. How can that not be exciting? I always get curious about gimmicky products, and this one really looks pretty and shimmery. I wanted the shade dusty rose, but I'm not sure you can get a hold of that one anymore. You might, I don't know because there's no Stilla in Portugal (wakey wakey sephora.pt) Anyway, I'll be happy with other shade too, I'm a simple person.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation. Again, never tried it, not even in my hand, but Wayne from Goss Makeup Artist just made me need it! Don't even know what else to say about this one, it's just one of those things. You don't need it, you don't know why you want it, you just know you do.

And that will be it for today my beauties. I need to go and cook something for dinner... Yey...! Hope you had a great Wednesday.

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

Chatty VDay Post

Hey little fishies! (no I don't have an animal obsession!)

First... SPOILER ALERT: PLEASE RUI PEDRO IF YOU'RE READING THIS, STOP NOW!

Hope your day was amazing, because mine was just blah... The most exciting part was buying my boyfriend's VDay Gift! A big bag of candy. I get so excited choosing the different candy even though I'll probably just eat one or two, gotta have self control. My boyfriend is one of those weird, annoying, people, who can eat whatever and don't gain a pound! Urgh... Damn him and his light speed fast metabolism!

Anyway, this post will be about VDay, but nothing serious, just a little rambling. I never really cared much about Valentines Day, not even after getting a boyfriend. We just cook a nice meal, some popcorn and a movie, and for me it's perfect. And if there's gifts it's just a little something, like a bag of candy. This year will actually be the first time we'll do something different.

However, I know that for some people, who might not have a boyfriend, or maybe going through a rough time in their relationships, this time of the year can be really annoying! With the cheesy hearts and 'I love you!' Teddy Bears everywhere.

I spent most of my life without a boyfriend on Valentines Day. I've been with my boyfriend for almost 5 years now (and it's my first relationship, believe it or not), and I am 24, so do the math. Throughout highschool I never had a date for VDay, and you know what, I didn't care. I had amazing friends, never really needed a boy. Maybe I didn't mature as fast as other girls, I don't know. I mean, I was always having so much fun with my group of friends, that now, looking back, I don't feel like a missed on anything.

So, for tomorrow, quit the plan of curling into a ball, in a dark room, watching a marathon of Bridget Jones, while stuffing your face with ice cream, just because there's no boyfriend. You have a date with the person you should love the most in this world! Yourself! So if you feel like going out (it's Friday after all) put on that freakum dress (like my girl Beyoncé says), call a friend, and go have some fun. Or stay home if that's more to your liking, but no feeling sorry for yourself!

When you less expect it, you'll meet some guy that will swept you of your feet, and just like that, you're in serious relationship! And those take commitment, and time, and attention, so don't rush into one unless it's absolutely worth it. Sometimes they work, and you spend the rest of your life together (shoutout to my parents, until now at least), sometimes they don't, it's life. The good thing is that there's no limited tickets. Or you can also order the cat lady starters packaging, it's always good to have a plan B.

Wow, that was a long post, are you still there? If you are have a great day tomorrow! I'll try to post a video, so if you don't have a date I can keep you company :)

Big internet HUGS!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows Reviews&Swatches

Hello beauties!

How was that Monday? Hope you started the week in the best way! (Even though it's difficult... I know... I know...) Anyway, today I bring you a little review. A glowing review I might add.

I'm a girl who likes me some good quality makeup, but I don't really like to spend loads of money on it. I think that's the same for everyone, unless you're like some Paris Hilton! (In that case... Heeeey guuuurl! Still in need of a friend) I'm joking (No I'm not) my friendship is not for sale (yes it is).

So I get very happy when I find something that has amazing quality, at a price that doesn't make my credit card weep. That was what happened with the Makeup Geek products I bought. I've been curious about them ever since Marlena released the collection, but I'm kind of skeptic about buying makeup on the internet, not seeing the colour in person and stuff.

However, Jacklin Hill (if you don't know her, go check her out like... NOW! ugh, she's amazing) started talking about them non-stop, and raving about them. Finally I placed an order for five eyeshadows and a pigment. I definitely don't regret it and now I just want them all!

From left to right: Creme Brule; Homecoming; Goddess; Peach Smoothie; Cosmopolitan

The pigmentation of the eyeshadows is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Also they are really creamy, only Peach Smoothie is a little bit more powdery, but I still love it (perfect for a transition colour). They are also very affordable, only $5.99, half the price of a MAC eyeshadow, and quite as good. You have a lot of colour to choose from, from neutrals to blues, greens...

Afterglow Pigment

 The pigment that I bought, Afterglow, is gorgeous, nothing else to say about it, honestly. Perfection. The only thing I don't like is the packaging, not very practical. When you open there's a lot of product that falls and is waisted. And again the price is great, only 6.99.

I have to congratulate Marlena for taking this approach with her makeup brand. Creating amazing products at an affordable price. It only proves that she knows her audience is diverse, and not everyone has money for high end makeup. I really think this is the way to go.

And this is all for today =) Tomorrow there's a special video on the channel, until then free internet hugs for everyone!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream Review

Hey there beauties!

Today you're in for a little review, as you might have guessed from the title. As I already mentioned, I spent last year in Cambridge, and I got to experience what real cold is (at least from what I've experienced, maybe when I go to Russia or something, I'll comeback and rephrase that). It was the first time I had snow in my backyard. It is quite fun the first few days, you get to do snowmen, and throw snowballs, and everything, but then, everything changes. *The drama!!!* Then the cold just starts to get annoying, especially when you have to leave the house, everyday of the week, at 8 in the morning.

One thing for sure, my skin didn't like it! I took with me my Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, one of my old favourites, but it certainly wasn't enough. I was getting dry patches and redness as never before. I even had to stop using foundation for a while because the ones I had accentuated the dryness. It was quite frustrating. Then, after reading some reviews online, I decided to try the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream.

My first though was that it was kinda of pricey, 43£ for 30 mL, while most moisturisers bring around 50 mL, but quickly I realised that a little goes a long way, so it lasts for approximately the same time. Also the smell was disappointing, for something called Rose Day Cream, but I guess that's the price to pay for the all natural thing.

Yes, all natural. That was one of the things that sucked me into trying it. According to the listed ingredients, it's natural and organic, free from chemical/synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and also from mineral oils, parabens, silicone and PEG. (Pfiuu that was a long sentence) Not that I am one of those who thinks that mineral oil is the product of the devil, but these kind of claims are always catchy. Even though I know, as a biochemist, that just because something is natural, doesn't  always mean it's better than something synthetic, but hey, I'm a human too.

Now onto the results.Well there's not other way to put it, this thing saved my skin. Ah the suppleness! Finally I wasn't feeling like a dried peach anymore and I could face the cold with a smile on my face (and with foundation!). But beware, I know this seems like a stellar review (and I love it for sure), but if are even the tiniest bit oily stay the hell away from this. Don't even get close to it, you might immediately feel oilier. It's very emollient and rich, and for dry skin I think. Even I, now that I am back to the warmer weather of Portugal, only use it when it's really cold outside, or restrict it to my cheeks. And definitely can't use it at all during spring/summer.

I know there's a light version of it, and I'm tempted to buy it when the winds start to change, and shorts and tank tops season come, but until then I can't say anything about this one.

Anyway, long story short, if you're suffering from dry skin, it's worth giving it a try, and you can apply it topically too if you're combination.

That's it for today, hope you started your week in the best way possible, and know that I love you all!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥

American Liberty City Haul

 Hello fabulous people!

Probably not feeling that fabulous right now, after all is Monday (oooh the drama...) unless you're one of those weird, mildly annoying, creatures (probably from a different specie) who are joyful, energetic, and overly excited, on Mondays, or on any morning really. I should have the right to enjoy my dread and sorrow, and overall feeling sorry for myself, in peace.

But what am I talking about? Tsk Tsk... Already rambling... Today's post is a little haul of random goodies! Actually, who am I kidding? Not random, food goodies, mostly guilty inducing sweet treats!

Well, I live in Portugal, a long way from the US, in a different continent, so off course we have different products, but through movies, youtube, ect, I am exposed to a lot of American stuff that makes me curious.

So you can imagine how excited I was when i knew about the opening of a shop specialised in *drumrolls* American Products that we don't have here.

The other day I went there and got some things to try, things that I've heard of before.

I almost let out a little scream when I saw the S'more Pop Tarts! However, now that I have tried it, I have to say I was a little disappointed =s I think my expectations were too high, but I pictured marshmallow gooey goodness flowing out of the cracker. Still can't say I don't like it, it's chocolate and marshmallow after all.

And because S'mores Pop Tarts isn't sugar enough, I bought a little sampling of chocolates, because one cannot live in the ignorance. I hope I made good choices! I got me some Hershey's, Butterfingers, Reese's Nutrageous and Snickers Peanut Butter. This last one I already tried, it's good (I mean, peanut butter... duh...) but I wouldn't be able to eat the entire thing in one go. Still prefer the original.

Also I got Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa powder. This one was because I remembered Estée from EssieButton talking about it. Already made some of my special hot chocolate with it, and it's really nice.

I got some Extra chewing gum, again, because so many people talk about it. And some Nerds... for my boyfriend... (^.^)

Finally I got some panko. Was totally surprised to find it there! Not the most American product... But I was so happy, since I've been eyeing a few recipes that ask for it. And this particular panko is so good! Definitely my favourite purchase. Right that day I made an Asian inspired dish, with sea food, and squid done two ways, one of them with the panko. Huuuummm... So good!

Ok that's it for today =) I know I've been lacking on the beauty posts, but I haven't bought that much new beauty products lately...

I have yo go now, my dog is sleeping so cute right in front of me, I need to go and cuddle it. I'm having withdrawals, seriously!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥  

Fitness Blues

Hello beauties! (yes, no cute animals today)

Are you ready for a little heart to heart with some fitness involved?

So, like so many people out there, I deal with anxiety. I don't think it's that severe in my case, but it does come through sometimes, and it has been worse lately. Like, a month or so ago, I had a huge crisis and I spent an entire day in bed, alone, in complete darkness, no eating, no nothing, with random urges to cry. Fun times...

Another symptom is my unwillingness to do anything that involves leaving the house, unless I really have to. I can always find things to clean and organise to avoid going outside (still I swear I am quite normal, really, I swear). This, off course, affected my fitness routine. I can do cardio at home with an Insanity video, but it's not quite the same, and for weight lifting there's no replacement.

I've been missing some days, which really annoys me, because when I think back, when I was in England, I wouldn't miss a day, even with rain, snow, freezing cold, whatever... So where did all that motivation went? Don't know, but it definitely took some vacations, and I need it back asap!

The result is that I lost weight, which again, annoys me! (I'm a very annoyed person right now) I actually started going to the gym, 6 years ago, because I wanted to gain some weight in a healthy way, and it was not easy! So obviously I don't want to see it go!

Right now I have 66 cm for my waist and 94 cm for my butt, so the plan is to keep the waist, but I want to increase on the legs a little bit. But for that I need to get my focus again! Today was raining like hell, but I mind slapped myself, got into my rain boots and forced myself to go! I felt so happy afterwards... Lets see how it goes... Now that I have written about it, I can't fail publicly =3

And that's it for today. Have the bestest weekend =)

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥   

Healthy Pizza?! Whaaat?!

Hey there peeps!

How you all doing? It's almost the end of the week so hang in there just a little while longer!

So here I am, waiting for my boyfriend (story of my life) so we can go to the movies. Meanwhile, why not write a super fun blog post?! (not really, don't get your expectations too high)

Since I am hungry, we are gonna talk about food (I kinda do that, it's my thing). But not any food, just one of the best foods in the world! Pizza!!!! *slobbering* Who doesn't like pizza?! Is that even possible?! The only downfall is the calories, also it's not the healthiest thing in the world, so we can't go around eating pizza everyday... well, we can, but unless you are Michael Phelps, and you swim zillions of pools a day, I wouldn't recommend it...

So imagine my joy when I came about something called "Healthy Pizza". I saw it for the first time in Sorted Food (if you don't know what that is, go check it out on youtube (but only after reading my post, of course)). It's still not the healthiest thing in the world, but it is way more healthy than the actual deal.

But Vanessa, what is this healthy pizza?! you may ask. Well is a pizza in which the base in naan bread, and then you can murder that naan bread with whatever you want, but ideally with healthy things (that's kinda the idea). The recipe in Sorted Food is awesome, but a little bit time consuming if you are in a hurry.

So I made some alterations. I make the naan bread and then I freeze it, so it is ready when I need it, just need to defrost. Then I spread some tomato sauce on top of it, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomato, salt and pepper, oregano, some basil, and that's it. Puuurfection! Just pop it in the oven for like 15 min and enjoy. It's delicious, really quick, and not that unhealthy.

Ok, so now I have to go see the Wolf of Wallstreet!
Good night to you all!

Stay Gorgeous!

V♥