RiRi Loves M.A.C. Holiday

Hello everyone, hope you're all doing okay. First of all I want to apologize for not being active these past weeks. I had a lot of exams for which I had to learn a lot (think entire book within two days or so) as I fell behind. Even though I had a lot of ideas and posts I wanted to share with you, school had to be my priority. So I hope you all forgive me for that. As I'm typing this I also suffer from the flu, but I just couldn't wait to show you guys what I got from the RiRi loves M.A.C. Holiday collection.

I didn't feel all that well when my alarm went off yesterday, but knew that if I didn't went to the store as soon as it opened I wouldn't have any chance to get my hands on these babies. At 10am I wasn't expecting a line, but unfortunately there was one. Everyone seemed to want the lipsticks, which is why the store only allowed you to buy one of each color. I let one of the salesmen swatch the pink lipstick as I was doubting if I should also get that one besides the other two when I heard another salesman say that the infamous Riri Woo was already sold out. 

*insert cry face*

I immediately ran out of that store (remember that I had the flu and was feverish) onto the next one, which luckily had a shorter line. I immediately asked how many they had left of each color or else I would have ran to the last store in Amsterdam that carried them. Luckily for me that wasn't necessary.

*insert happy dance*

I was able to get my hands on all three colors (the last Riri Woo and the second last of Pleasure Bomb). It was kinda sad though when others arrived asking if the store still carried some as it turned out that all stores' lipsticks basically sold out within 7 minutes after opening the store. 

Enough chit chat, let's look at the goodies

Isn't the packaging just gorgeous?  

From left to right: Bad Girl RiRi, Pleasure Bomb, RiRi Woo

Plain lips 

Bad Girl RiRi

The nude color of the bunch, a very wearable lipstick for all skin tones in my opinion. It's this soft rose cream that just looks flattering and I will probably wear this one everyday. 

Pleasure Bomb

This hot fuchsia lipstick will grab everyone's attention for sure. I like this one although I have never worn a bold lip and I will have to get used to this one. Paired with a calm eye look and due to the matte finish, this can work in daytime as well.

RiRi Woo

A true classic red that suits every skin color. I finally understand why this was sold out super fast every time it came out. For those that missed out I have asked the saleswomen to swatch this besides their regular Ruby Woo and there is barely a difference to them. RiRi Woo is just a bit darker, richer of color but really though I bet no one could tell if you wore one or the other until you compare them side to side.

I really do not regret my purchase even though I had to go outside with my flu and feverish head. I would have never been able to get my hands on them if I didn't unless of course for the ridiculous prices on Ebay. 

Have you purchased anything from the RiRi Loves M.A.C. Holiday collection?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

REVIEW | AHAVA - Hydration Cream Mask

Promises:* 

A creamy textured, hydrating mask enriched with the best Dead Sea Minerals, mud, and powerful moisture ingredients to provide an active hydration boost in just 3 minutes. Skin's moisture is instantly restored and left with a smooth, plump, and supple complexion. Approved for sensitive skin.

Directions:
Massage into clean skin until fully absorbed. Apply 1-2 times a week. Can be rinsed off after 3-5 minutes or left on all night for a more intense hydration. 

Ingredients:*

Aqua (Mineral Spring Water), Glycerin, Ceteareth-20 & Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propanediol (Corn derived Glycol), Cetyl Alcohol, Alanine & Creatine & Glycerin & Glycine & Magnesium Aspartate & Saccharide Hydrolysate &Urea, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Caprylyl Glycol & Chlorphenesin & Phenoxyethanol, 1,2 Hexanediol & Sodium Hyaluronate & Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract & Propylene Glycol, Maris Sal (Dead Sea Water), Peg-40 Stearate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Tristearate, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Silt (Dead Sea Mud), Parfum (Fragrance), Lactic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hexyl Cinnamal ,Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal

*Retrieved from www.ahava.com 

Price: 

30 Dollars for 100ml

Fragrance: 

Has a light muddy and sea salt smell

Packaging: 

I personally love crèmes in a tube so that contamination is practically out of the question.

Consistency: 

Soft creamy texture, applies very easy and smooth on the skin.

My view:

I've received a 20 ml sample with September's Glossybox. I've used this twice now, applying it to a clean and dry face and neck. Left overnight, because I could and well you can never have enough moisture for your skin right. The mask doesn't dry hard like most others do, probably because of the moisturizing ingredients. Feels a bit like aloe gel once its drying, kinda sticky but not in an annoying way. I will finish the sample tube that I have now, but probably won't reorder unless I can find it on the ground. 

Have you ever tried products from AHAVA?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

REVIEW | OCÉANE - MAKE UP REMOVER PEN

Description

Use for removal of excess makeup around your eyes, lips, and those corners that smear every time you apply makeup. The tip of the pen contains a liquid makeup remover without fragrance that does not dry out the skin. Full size (3 ml) / 4 Euro

My thoughts

I love to use this on moments I suck at applying eyeliner (you know when you're in a hurry and the application of eyeliner is the worst ever...). It's very easy to use and does indeed work. For the price it's a handy item to have especially when you're on the go and don't want to be bothered with carrying around cotton buds with you. What's also great is that you also receive 3 refill tips, so this could last quite some time really.

Ingredients

Laureth-12 meadow foam seed oil, 1.3-butanediol, water deionized, liquid germall ®plus.

Note: received in the Glossybox september issue

Have you ever used a makeup remover pen?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Review: Essence Studio Nails XXL Nail Thickener

Description on the website:

Professional out-of-salon gel-look finish. Fast-drying undercoat hardens nails with a special acrylic formula. Makes nail polish longer-lasting and even glossier!

Description on bottle:

This innovative nail polish instantly thickens & strengthens thin and brittle nails - resistant against chipping & cracking. For longer growing nails. Fast-drying. The bottle contains 0.27 fl.oz/8 ml and retails for around 2 Euros in selected drugstores.

My own experience: 

Love this polish as it does really thicken the nails quite a bit so much that it sometimes seems as though you have a very thin acrylic overlay especially when you use two layers. However I don't like to use this as my only basecoat, because for some reason I still feel that it doesn't strengthen my nails the way I want it to. But I've found a simple and effective solution for those of you who want the strong acrylic-like nails without all the hassle. 

My solution?

Layer this polish on top of Essence Studio Nails Step 1. One coat is already sufficient, but I like to use two just in case. The effect you ask.... strong nails, practically unbreakable unless you really do hard work with your nails. And when you use this combo underneath your colored nail polishes and topcoat, it will last for days.

I highly recommend this XXL Nail Thickener, but I really suggest that you use my combination described above as that's the way I have constantly used it underneath my manicures. If you've read my previous posts you know that my nails are quite thin and fragile and they keep breaking or tearing.

Do you already have some polishes from Essence Studio Nails line? Would you try this polish as your basecoat?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Review: Essence Studio Nails Nail Fixing system Step 1

Note: I tried to capture the tiny fibers on my pictures, but there were just not visible on camera so that's why I didn't include a picture of my nails.

Description on the back of the bottle:

Step 1 base coat with its nail strengthening nylon fibers creates a protective shield on the nails and enhances growth. Apply thinly, let it dry & cover the fibers with step 2. The bottle contains 0.23 fl.oz/7ml and retails for approximately for 2 Euros in selected drugstores.

Note: It seems as though Essence doesn't have this polish on their website anymore (although it's still available in the drugstores) so I couldn't include the description of their website.

My own experience:

I like this base coat and I do believe that it temporarily strengthens my nails due to the tiny nylon fibers. However I still felt that it wasn't enough on its own. My nails still kept breaking and/or tearing and it frustrated me a lot. I think this base coat is more effective when your nails are in good shape and you want your nails to be a bit more protected. Luckily I have found a way to combine this polish with another base coat and I'm truly in love with that combination, but I will tell you about that when I review that nail polish so stay tuned.

Have you ever tried a nail polish with fibers in them? Would you ever consider one?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Review: Kiss Full Cover Nails in Active Square

Let me start by saying that I never thought I would wear full cover nails as I can clearly remember some awkward moments of a relative. She always buys the French manicure nails when she is going somewhere fancy, but never preps her nails and so they keep falling off at the worst moments ever hahaha

My natural nails

Anywho.... you're probably wondering why I need fake nails? I kinda dislike my own nails, because they're quite thin and weak and keep tearing off because of the almost constant contact with water. So what's a girl to do besides playing with artificial nails right? Sadly I'm very lazy when it comes to doing acrylics and had to find something else.

So after browsing online again I saw that Kiss offered bare 100 Full Cover Nails boxes. I got the Active Square since my nail beds are quite long and I was afraid the Short Square would be... well too short for me.
 
I have worn three sets of these nails already and finally thought it was time for a review. Although the packaging states that you can wear them up to 7 days, I've even worn them for three weeks. I'm so glad I found a new way to have fake nails, because I haven't regretted this purchase at all.

Okay so the pack contains 100 full cover nails in 10 different sizes which makes it easier to find the right match as well as a nail glue.

The nails are all numbered which makes for easy reference for the next time you apply them again, ranging from 0 (biggest size) all the way up to 9 (smallest size)

After applying the nails I always file the sides so that it matches my own width as much as possible. I also file the side that's touching my cuticle flatter so that the nail has a more natural overlap. As you can on the picture below the nails are trying to mimic a "natural" look, but without nail polish people can definitely tell they're fake.

Nail polish makes all the difference

TIPS & WARNINGS:

Prep your nails well before applying the full cover nails:

·         Clean your nails with acetone or nail polish remover to remove dirt and grease

·         Gently buff your nail beds as the glue seems to adhere better

·         Wipe nails again with acetone or nail polish remover to remove dust from buffing 

Application:

·         Apply enough glue on the nail bed

·         Press the nail down firmly and hold

·         Have some paper ready to remove excess glue

Be careful with the nail glue as it dries in seconds and can glue your fingers or else together!
 

Removal:

·         For a quick and easy mess-free removal method click here

The Kiss Full Cover Nails are also available in Curve Overlap, Active Oval and Short Square.


Do you or did you ever wear fake nails?  Would you ever consider full cover nails?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Aphogee 2-step Protein Treatment

As promised in yesterdays post, I will tell you about my experience with the Aphogee 2-Step Protein Treatment at today’s wash day.

 

But first what the website says:

This unique treatment is formulated with magnesium and modified proteins which fuse into the hair with the application of heat. The result is that breakage is drastically reduced.

Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment is a salon service product unlike any product available for at-home use. During the process, Aphogee treatment hardens into the hair, dramatic evidence that something special is occurring. For best results a hooded dryer is required. Follow up with the Balancing Moisturizer.

 

This remedial process is highly recommended for hair that:

·  Is too weak or fine to take a perm or relaxer. (use the week PRIOR to service)

·  Is over-bleached.

·  Will not hold color. (use PRIOR to color application)

·  Breaks when combed or brushed.

·  Is mushy when wet and brittle after drying.

My wash day routine:

After I slathered on coconut oil last night and fell asleep with the oil in my hair, I washed my hair today and afterwards towel dried my hair in preparation for the Aphogee treatment. I applied it to my hair by using a spray bottle and dried my hair with a handheld blow-dryer. After the outer layer dried hard I decided to sit under my hood dryer to make sure my hair was dry all over.

After rinsing thoroughly with warm water, I applied the Balancing Moisturizer and left this on my hair for 2 minutes. As I have read on several forums that the Balancing conditioner wasn’t moisturizing enough, I decided to also apply my deep moisturizing hair mask after that.

My experience with the Aphogee Treatment:

I think this is a great treatment for hair that is extremely damaged from hair dyes, chemical relaxers and similar damaging processes as my hair really did feel a bit stronger afterwards. The consistency is really watery and the smell reminds me of apple cider vinegar.

The application was quite sticky and messy, and as your hair dries you really need to be careful as I believe your hair could break otherwise. When my hair dried it was scary hard, I’m not even joking, it didn’t even feel like hair anymore. When rinsing my hair did feel stronger and a little straw-like, which was immediately softened by the Balancing Moisturizer. This conditioner smells lovely and will mask the smell of the 2-step treatment.

Honestly I do want to try it at least one more time before I can label this as my Holy Grail protein treatment. The process takes up quite a lot of time, but luckily you’re not supposed to use this more than once every 6 weeks. The Balancing Conditioner is a must after the 2-step treatment, but can also be used after shampooing.

Important Tips:

• Do not touch your hair while it dries as it will surely break at that moment since it's super hard
• Do not place anything on your shoulders as when your hair dries, it will stick to it and cause hair breakage
• Follow up with the Balancing Conditioner and afterwards maybe even with your own moisturizing hair mask, to bring the softness back in your hair
• Do not use this more than once every 6-8 weeks

If you have any questions about the 2-Treatment or the Balancing Moisturizer, feel free to ask.

Have you ever tried an intensive protein treatment for your hair?

How did you like it?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Midnight in Paris

So all these years I tried to find the perfect black eyeliner to complement my eye looks. It had to be a true black and waterproof and of course smudge proof. I have tried several different brands during the years and have either thrown them away or used them as a somewhat base for eye shadow.

The eyeliner that I currently like is from Essence and it is their gel liner in 02 Midnight in Paris. Now I have been using this for awhile now and recently replaced it with a new one again (which i usually never do).

What the website says about the Essence Gel liner:
Ultra-smooth gel formula allows for precise application. Apply it with the eyeliner brush. Quick-drying, long-lasting, smudge and waterproof.

Now to be honest I never tested how waterproof this gel liner was with my first jar, but decided to test it out for you. I applied a stripe to my arm and held it under rinsing water while trying to smudge the line. On the picture below you can tell that although the line isn't a perfect solid colour anymore, it's still quite there.

Even though I'm quite content with this eyeliner, I still want to try Essence's STAYS no matter what 24h eyeliner just to see if that one is even better, since you don't need an additional brush for that one.

Have you ever tried this eyeliner? Have you ever used gel liner instead of the usual eye pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa