Wednesday, August 1, 2012

ASOS Oasis Smooth Bangle Set



I have been into building up my jewelry collection lately, and one of the items I came across was this bangle set on Asos.com.  This is the Oasis brand Smooth Bangle Set that includes 8 individual bangles that can be worn separate or stacked together.





What I loved most about this set when I saw it online was the different details on each bangle.  They are a wide cute bangle without being too big, so they don't slip off my my wrists.  I also love the striped enamel detailing I get from wearing all of these together as a stack.  The different finishes of the bangles make them easy to pair with any outfit or any other accessories.

The design and detailing of the bracelets give that feminine and classic look that looks pretty expensive.  These can be worn with any casual outfit out during the day, or really dress up an evening look without being too flashy.

I have to say I was a little worried after placing my order on the quality of the bangles.  I wanted something that felt like a higher end set, and not bend or feel too light like the Forever21 bangles.  But I was quite surprised with the quality after getting these in the mail.  They have a nice weight to them and are constructed really well.

After looking at a few other pieces from oasis on Asos.com, I think I have really grown to like the brand and their styles.  Might have to pick up a few more on my next order.

xoxo,

Eve

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

ASOS.COM

Asos.com is a website I have been looking over for almost a year now, adding their clothes to my wish list, but never dove in and made any purchases, until now.  Asos.com is an online fashion retailer that is known globally.  They carry many brands and high end designer clothes that can be found in the European fashion market, trendy fashion pieces for almost all ages.



It's taken me so long to finally make a purchase from them because they are an online retailer.  Even though they have a great return policy (free returns), I did not want to waste any time ordering items I was unsure of and end up returning them.  So instead, I spent the last year really getting to know my own style and the shapes and designs that I like in clothes.  That way, when I was ready to finally order, I would have a better idea of what would work with my body type and what wouldn't just by looking at it.

What I absolutely love about the website is that they have hundreds and hundreds of items on sale there, and they are so well organized.  Even though they carry so many items, it's not overwhelming to shop.  I also love that they include a lot of detail about the items, making it easier to decide on the quality of the piece, and all of the pictures.  The clothing items also have a video included in the description, allowing you to see a model walking on a runway wearing the clothing item.  I love the video because it allows you to really see how the piece looks in real life, instead of just a picture.

I also love that Asos.com carries styles that cannot be found in most stores in the U.S., making the piece more unique when worn here.

The one thing I would recommend when ordering online anywhere is to really know your size.  Go shopping in stores and try on various types of clothes in different materials and see if your size changes between clothing items.  Pay attention to what the piece of clothing is made of, and then determine if you should order something true to size, or a size up or down.  Sizes can vary depending on clothing and designer, so really knowing what something is made of helps.

This was my first Asos.com order, and it was a big one (because of the sale they were having, and always seem to have), but there is not one thing that I want or need to return.  I definitely looked through all of the different items carefully before making the decision to purchase, and definitely have no regrets.

Maybe I will post a few pictures of the individual items that I purchased, and show you how I would put the looks together (once I get over my camera shyness).

Can't wait until my next order!

xoxo,

Eve

Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Eye Set

After going through, and researching a number of skin care brands this year, I have discovered that one of my favorite brands out of my list is Dr. Brandt.  Although there are a few Dr. Brandt products out there that I do not recommend, there are a few products from the skin care line that are notorious for being phenomenal.



However, Dr. Brandt products are not known for being incredibly affordable.  So when I saw that they were having a Dr. Brandt sale on Hautelook.com, I decided to take a look and see what I can save on.  I don't really have issues with discolored, or puffy under eyes, so my Origins GinZing eye cream is working just fine for me (and I will be sticking with that for a while).  But because my mom is older and she is showing the finer lines I decided to get the set for her to try.



The Dr. Brandt Time Arrest Eye Set includes two items:

- Time Arrest Eye Serum: Tightens the skin around the eye area, improving the texture and density of the skin.  Protecting the sensitive area from de-hydration, bringing moisture back to the skin.

- Time Arrest Cream: Improve elasticity and prevents any sagging of the skin under the eyes.  Providing that nice lift and again providing that moisture needed to keep the skin feeling healthy.

I was mainly interested about the kit because of the serum included.  I have never thought about having my mom use a serum underneath the eyes since we've only heard about eye creams.  So I am hoping she will like the kit and I'll definitely keep you all updated on how she likes the products and if she notices any difference on her under eyes.

xoxo,

Eve

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish

I have always been a fan of face exfoliators, but finding the right one has definitely been a mission for me.  I have dedicated 2012 to skin care, really getting into the higher end and drugstore brands and finding products that really make my skin feel healthy and rejuvenated.  Because I have been trying to get my hands on a lot of brands to try out, the process can get a bit expensive.  So the key for me has been looking for sample/travel size skin care products to try without breaking the bank.



One of the products I have been testing out for this month is the Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish, which basically works as an exfoliator.  I received this sample size a few months ago, and finally decide to give it a try because my skin has been looking pretty tired lately.

The Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish is a face scrub that has the texture of like a sugar scrub (without the yummy sweet taste).  It cleanses and scrubs the skin at the same time, removing any dead skin cells at the surface, really smoothing out your skin.  The microbeads in the exfoliant are also purifying, so it leaves the skin feeling really soft at the same time.

I have to be honest, the first time I felt the product on my hands, I was very worried that it would be too harsh on my skin because of it feeling like a sugar scrub.  But once I gave it a go, gently massaging the product onto my skin and rinsing it it off, I absolutely loved how it left my skin feeling!  Because it's a scrub, you can definitely feel more smooth and refreshed because of the microbeads removing all of the dead skin cells.  The product was not harsh at all, and can be used during the day or evening.

I think the Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish has definitely become my favorite facial scrub/exfoliator and I will absolutely be purchasing the full sized product after finishing up this convenient travel size version.

xoxo,

Eve

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo & Conditioner

I have been exploring different brands of hair care after my last visit with my stylist a little while ago.  I got a few recommendations on the type of shampoo and conditioner that would suit my hair type better.  While looking for more of a lightweight shampoo and conditioner, I decided to look into the Kerastase Cristalliste Shampoo & Conditioner line because of the rave the Cristalliste line has been getting this year.



The Cristalliste line is a new line of treatment that is formulated with the liquid light complex, ingredients that cleanses and provides radiance from roots to ends, keeping the hair smooth and soft.  The extremely lightweight formula keeps the roots light and restores the fibers in the hair.  The extra dose of aloe vera, providing the essential vitamins and amino acids gives your hair that extra moisture and glow.

I do have to say that this is the most lightweight line of shampoo and conditioner that I have ever tried.  Although the shampoo lathers very well, you do have to use a bit more product that usual to get the hair completely cleansed.  Because I don't use as much product in my hair, the shampoo gives me a great cleanse that definitely leaves my hair feeling renewed.

And when pairs with the equally amazing conditioner, I can walk out of the house after a wash feeling salon finished.  My ends have never felt so soft and my hair well nourished.

xoxo,

Eve

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter

My goal at the beginning of the year was to keep my skin other than on my face healthy and moisturized, especially during the hot summer season when more of it is exposed to the sun.  I use to have a really bad habit of skipping moisturizer after the shower, but now one of my favorite products to use is The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter.




I love the creaminess of The Body Shop Body Butters, melting straight into the skin, leaving your skin feeling very soft and smooth.  The coconut body butter contains, of course, organic coconut oil that is great for normal to dry skin.  For how creamy the product is, my skin just absorbs this like water, and does not feel heavy or too thick at all.  I especially LOVE how this smells, because I'm so obsessed with coconut.


Even though I don't have skin that is too dry, because of the sun and shaving, my legs do need a little bit more attention and this definitely does the trick.


Marbella Semi Permanent Eyeliner

Last month I received the Marbella Semi Permanent Eyeliner in one of my monthly subscription boxes, and after playing around with it for a little while I finally am ready to give it my review.





The Marbella Semi Permanent Eyeliner is said to be a smudgeproof and waterproof eye liner that lasts up to 24 hours, but I don't see why you would really need it to last that long.  The formula of the Marbella Semi Permanent Eyeliner glides on smoothly and has the color intensity almost of a liquid liner (but not quite as dark and glossy as a liquid liner).  I love the preciseness of the felt tip point, allowing to create the thinness of lines.

So what are my thoughts? I can't say I know if the liner lasts up to the 24 hours it claims, because honestly I don't even wear my makeup for more than 10 hours at the most.  Although I can say that the Marbella Semi Permanent Eyeliner does last on the lids, the color intensity does seem to fade at around the 6 hour mark (making it not quite as good as some of my favorite liquid liners).  I do however love the felt tip point and find the pen packaging very convenient for little touch ups throughout the night.

The Marbella Semi Permanent Eyeliner is probably one of my favorite pen liners at the moment (I have yet to explore the higher end options) for convenience.  However, I would not choose to repurchase this for every day use because of the quickly the pen will dry out compared to my other liquid/gel liners.

xoxo,

Eve