Monthly Archives

May 2017

Beauty

Top Nail Care Products

I love nail care , it’s a “me time” routine staple and I rarely prefer a professional manicure/pedicure . Doing my own nails feels so relaxing  , I make a big cup of cinnamon tea while watching an episode of a girly show and I am in my happy place .

I tried lots of products , formulas , shades and I ended up to these seven that I am absolutely in love with .

The most important product is the base coat as it takes care of my nails while they are painted , it prevents colour transfer and makes my polish last longer . The new KORRES Gel Effect Chip Free Base Coat is amazing because it doesn’t contain chemicals like Silicone, acetone, phthalate, formaldehyde, camphor or toluene and the result is still professional .

Second favourite product – top coat . Seche Vite is amazing , it dries so so so quickly , it gives a “gel like” finish BUT it contains all the chemicals that the Korres products don’t and I want to replace it . I haven’t found anything as good as this one yet so if you tried a better top coat that contains less chemicals please let me know.

Let’s talk about my top shades . I tried many nude polishes but the OPI Tiramisu for Two is the one that matches my skin colour the best and creates the “mannequin hand effect” that makes my fingers look longer . I like the OPI brushes as I am really bad at painting my nails and they are very helpful .

A bright orange-red shade is the exact opposite of the Tiramisu for Two and I prefer it when I want to add a pop of colour to my look in a subtle way . Chanel Espadrilles is vivid , playful  and it cheers me up every time I look at my mani .

A shade that I always have in my collection is a black one and I can confirm that the Essie Licorice is the best . Apply two coats and you are good to go with a solid , blackest-black result . I love the Essie formula , their small brush fits my nail shape but I want to try their bigger brush that you have in the U.S . Which one do you prefer?

You can tell by my choices that I like basic shades and a white polish is also one of my staples . Sometimes I like a solid bright white especially during Summer months but recently I fell in love with the KORRES Gel Effect Nail Colour in Porcelain White no02 . It has the same 10free formula as the base coat , a great large rounded brush and the milky white shade is perfect – I like the fact that while it’s a muted white colour it has zero beige undertones . Such a chic shade .

Last but not least a hand cream as my hands are so dry all the time . I love the L’Occitane Amande with almond milk that smells amazing and has the best non greasy , hydrating formula  . It has a sophisticated almond scent and the light but soothing texture makes my hands super smooth without the heavy hand cream feeling . Also a big thumps up for the aesthetically pleasing but at the same time practical packaging .

These are my top products that I use all the time and I would love to know about yours!

Love Lou!

 

Beauty

All Time Favorites | Skincare

A few weeks ago I wrote you about my new skincare finds as I love trying new products but at the same time I am very loyal to my favorites .

I’m using the Avene Cleanance Gel for 10 years now (wow that’s a lot ) and nothing compares to this product . I love the fact that it doesn’t contain soap but it sweeps away all the dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin.

The only product that I trust for my eye makeup removal is the Bioderma Sensibio H2O as it’s the most gentle and effective micellaire water . I had Lasik surgery a couple of years ago so my eyes are very sensitive and this product is a game changer . It cleanses and removes makeup from the face and eyes , even waterproof and it’s suitable for sensitive to intolerant skin . I carry the 100ml small bottles on my professional makeup kit too .

I found out about the Caudalie Beauty Elixir from Lisa Eldridge and I’ve finished so many bottles since then . It’s my favorite hydrating face spray , I love the scent and how fresh and glowy I feel my skin after every use .

My top moisturiser is the Bioderma Hydrabio Gel-creme , it has a light formula that hydrates my combination skin without making it oily . I love the pump as it makes the product super hygienic and travel friendly .

The eye cream that I use daily is the Darphin Anti-dark circles Illuminator as it makes my under eye area super smooth , the light beige shade helps with the darkness and the applicator reduce puffiness – all I need in one product .

Masks are a big part of my “me time” routine . I use the Aesop Parsley Seed as a deep-cleansing treatment at the end of the week . It’s very gentle and my skin feels smooth and refreshed . Another favorite mask is the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal which brightens the skin and improves fine lines and hyperpigmetation , it also smells like citrus jam !

A good quality lip balm is one of my handbag and bedside table essentials and EOS offers a great variety . The mint scented one is lovely , it softly plumps my lips while hydrating them . I adore the sleek , mint green packaging .

I can’t replace those products , they are my all time favorites and I would love to know about yours. Which ones do you trust for your skincare routine and you buy again and again?

Love Lou!

 

Looks

Summer Straw Bags

Straw Bags became my thing this season . They are an effortless chic addition to any outfit and even when you are in the city they make you feel like you are on your Summer Vacation . They give a Summer touch to my basic pieces like T-shirts and jeans but I also love the contrast between their natural textile and my colourful prints or floral dresses . I often wear my straw bags with minimal , monochromatic outfits that neighbor their textile like beige and khaki for a softer look .

We have so many options this season as many brands offer amazing designs , lots of shapes and styles for every occasion paired with patterns and fabrics.

My favourite is the Cult Gaia Ark Bag that I talked about in my S/S Wishlist post ( tick off my list yay!) as it has the most unique design and I love the bamboo material . I  bought the smaller size as I want to wear it everyday but as a clutch too . I ordered it from their site , it’s available in two sizes and different colours and it costs 128$-116E .

I did some online window shopping as one straw bag is not enough when you live in Greece and I found great pieces that I wanted to share with you .

I love this Reclaimed Vintage Straw Backpack  because I can carry so many thing and wear the straw trend at the same time.

ZARA also offers lovely and affordable pieces decorated with leather straps and linen fabrics like this palm tree one or the stripped – love them both .

One of my favorites is the Asos tote which would be the perfect beach bag . Classic design with gingham lining that adds a pop of colour paired with broderie anglaise trim for a romantic touch .

If you want to wear the trend on a night-out you can find smaller straw bags like this cute Shell clutch which reminds me of the Little Mermaid !

You can find so many great designs in different prices and enjoy your Summer in style.Which one is your favorite?I hope that this post helped you to find your Summer Bag , please let me know .

Love Lou!

(photo credits : Asos,Zara)
Looks

Τα κλασσικά κομμάτια της γκαρνταρόμπας μου

Άν έπρεπε να περιγράψω το στύλ μου θα ήταν ‘Basic Chic’.Μ’αρέσουν το βασικά κομμάτια,ουδέτερες αποχρώσεις και minimal σχέδια τα οποία μπορώ να φοράω όλη μέρα απ’τις πρωινές υποχρεώσεις μέχρι βραδινές εξόδους.Οι αποχρώσεις της γκαρνταρόμπας μου είναι μαύρο,λευκό και ροζ της πούδρας.Εντάξει έχω και αρκετά φλοράλ κομμάτια ή άλλα με πιό έντονα χρώματα αλλά νιώθω ο εαυτός μου όταν φοράω τα κλασσικά μου σχέδια.

Η αγαπημένη μου επιλογή μπλούζας είναι ένα καλής ποιότητας T-shirt όπως τα συγκεκριμένα από Massimo Dutti τα οποία εφαρμόζουν υπέροχα.Αν τα συνδυάσω με statement σκουλαρίκια και γόβες μπορούν να φορεθούν σε μία βραδινή έξοδο αλλά μπορώ να τα κάνω να φαίνονται πιο casual συνδυάζοντας τα με τζίν και μπαλαρίνες.

Μία πιό κομψή επιλογή είναι τα σατέν top από Intimissimi που δείχνουν υπέροχα με ένα blazer αλλά όπως και με τα T-shirts το τζίν και οι μπαλαρίνες ταιριάζουν επίσης πολύ.Το μαύρο είναι κλασσικό αλλά το ρόζ είναι πιο ρομαντικό.

Μία καλής ποιότητας τσάντα(όχι απαραίτητα κάποιου σχεδιαστή) είναι must γιατί αλλάζει το κάθε σύνολο.Μπορείτε να φορέσετε ένα απλό,οικονομικό φόρεμα και σε συνδυασμό με την τσάντα το αποτέλεσμα θα δείχνει πολύ πιο περιποιημένο.Λατρεύω τις τσάντες αλλά άν έπρεπε να επιλέξω μία απ’τη συλλογή μου θα ήταν η Michael Kors Selma Medium σε μαύρο την οποία μπορώ να φοράω συνέχεια.Η σχέση τιμής-ποιότητας είναι εξαιρετική , η κατασκευή της είναι εκπληκτική ,δεν έχει χάσει καθόλου το σχήμα της , δεν κάνει σημάδια, είναι απλά υπέροχη.

Οι τελευταίες πινελιές είναι τα αξεσουάρ!Ένα minimal ρολόι όπως το Rose Gold Daniel Wellington ταιριάζει με τα πάντα.Είναι κομψό και μου αρέσει να το συνδυάζω με ρόζ-χρυσές βέργες ή να το φοράω μόνο του.Θα μου άρεσε να προσθέσω και το καφέ στη συλλογή μου αλλά δεν μπορείς να κάνεις λάθος με τον συνδυασμό μαύρο-ροζ χρυσό.

Στην Ελλάδα έχει πάντα ήλιο οπότε τα γυαλιά ηλίου είναι απαραίτητα.Τα μεγάλα,μαύρα γυαλιά είναι πάντα τάση και τα Audrey από Celine με κάνουν να φαίνομαι περιποιημένη ακόμα και όταν δεν φοράω μακιγιάζ ή το σύνολο μου είναι πολύ απλό.Είναι διαχρονικά και η ποιότητά τους είναι μοναδική.

Αυτά τα βασικά κομμάτια τα επέλεξα πολύ προσεκτικά γιατί ήξερα ότι θα τα φοράω συνέχεια όπως και έγινε!Τι επιλέγετε εσείς στην καθημερινότητά σας?

Love Lou!

 

Looks

My Fashion Basics

If I had to describe my style it would be “Basic Chic”. I love basic pieces , natural tones and minimal designs which I can wear everyday from running errands to having cocktails with friends . My wardrobe is all black , white or powder pink . Ok I have some floral pieces and some colourful ones but I feel like myself when I’m wearing my basics .

My favorite top choice is a good quality T-shirt like these Massimo Dutti ones which fit me perfectly. They can look evening-ready when worn with a statement pair of earring and heels or I can tone them down with ripped jeans and ballerina flats .

For a touch of elegance I prefer a satin lace camisole from Intimissimi with a blazer on top so I look more put together but I can dress it down with denim and flats as I do with my T-shirts.My black is a classic but I love the powder blush one for a romantic look.

A good quality bag(not necessary designer) is a must as it transforms every outfit . You can wear a minimal , affordable dress and teamed with the bag it appears polished , like you tried more but you only add one piece . I am totally a bag person , I adore them but if I had to choose one it would be my Michael Kors Selma Medium in Black which I wear all the time (you can buy it here) . The balance between price and quality is awesome , it’s so well made , it doesn’t loose its shape , no scratches at all, just perfect .

The final touches, accessories ! A minimal watch like my Rose Gold Daniel Wellington looks great with everything . It’s chic , beautiful and I like wearing it with a rose gold bracelet or on its own . I would love to add the Brown one to my collection but you can’t go wrong with Black and Rose gold.

We live in Greece , it’s always sunny so sunglasses are must-have . Oversized black sunglasses are a fashion statement and my Celine Audrey sunglasses help me look classy and put together even if I’m not wearing any makeup at all or my outfit is super simple . They are timeless, well made, effortless   .

These are my staples which I bought very carefully as I knew that I would wear them all the time and I did ! Which items do you prefer on everyday basis ?

Love Lou !

Beauty

April Beauty Favorites

Being a beauty blogger means that I try lots of products every day and some of them end up to my favourites category. Each month I have different needs , for example April was a crazy month , I had zero time to get ready so I had to be quick and flexible .

So April started with Athens X-clusive Designers Week where I participated not only as a blogger but as a makeup artist too with Makeup Lab by Yiannis Marketakis and Max Factor . We were training for weeks before the show,the result was amazing but my schedule was mad .

 

My makeup had to be easy and long-lasting and Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation was all I needed for my base . It has a natural-matte finish , great coverage and it stays in place all day without looking cakey or dry .

My under eye area needed a little boost and the Ooh la lift by Benefit became an everyday staple . It preps , primes but also brightens the under eyes so I looked like I slept for 10 hours( I wish) and I needed less concealer to cover my circles .

My favourite lip products was the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Brigitte . The formula is amazing , smooth , pigmented and long-lasting and the natural peachy-pink shade is perfect from day to night .

I always have the new La Roche Posay Anthelios Spray spf50 in my handbag as I like to renew my sunscreen during the day . This one doesn’t affect my makeup at all,it’s transparent and matte so I can apply it before or after my foundation .

As the weather gets warmer my perfume choices are lighter and I really like the new White Musk L’eau by The Body shop . It has a fresh , gentle scent and I love the minimal packaging .

Nail polish is like an accessory for me that completes my look . As my makeup was minimal I wanted a pop of colour and Le Vernis Espadrilles by Chanel was all I needed . A vivid orange red that makes me happy every time I look at my mani . Can’t wait to wear it all Summer when I’ll have a little bit of a tan .

These were my April favourites and I can’t wait to read about yours !

Love Lou!