Continuous Coral FOTD

This is so overdue I'm not even sure I can recall correctly what products I used... A fun look nevertheless, it somehow reminds me of rainforest.


Face:
100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer with Fruit Pigments in Creme
MAC Studio Finish concealer in NW20
Physician's Formula Healthy Wear SPF50 Powder in Translucent Light
Physician's Formula Organic Wear Face Sculpting Trio in Tan Organics - you can see the full effect of the beautiful highlighting powder it comes with in the last photo


Eyes:
Wet'n'Wild Khol eye pencil in Taupe for the brows
Benefit F.Y. eyes primer
Coastal Scents 76 pallette for the greens on the lower lashline
Physician's Formula Organic Wear Face Sculpting Trio in Tan Organics - I used the bronzer and highlighter to enhance the shape of my eyes
Covergirl Lash Blast Length mascara in Very Black
Benefit Eye Bright on the lower waterline


And, finally, the lip color that inspired the look: Revlon's Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze in Continuous Coral, a perfectly juicy, scorching orangey coral infused with beautiful gold shimmers. It goes even better with a tan!

Hope you enjoyed this one, and as much as I don't want to admit it, I guess this would be the last summery look I did this season... I do however crave some autumnal plums already. What was your favorite shade of the summer and what is your favorite shade of autumn? xxx

My weekend has mainly been spent...

(inspired by Loveaudrey)

- missing blogging!
- learning that our plans for moving back to Europe hadn't worked out for now, which also means we can settle down a bit more here in the US
- saying goodbye to my mother and sisters-in-law, who stayed with us for the past three weeks
- frantically cleaning up the house for a visit from our Zurich friends
- enjoying a Mocha followed by Cappuccino a couple of hours later to make up for the lost sleep
- exploring Seattle's Queen Anne bathed in sunshine while looking for Kerry Park, which we didn't finally go to
- discovering that making animal noises while playing dice definitely helps your luck
- being glad to have our bedroom back again
- making a huge batch of buckwheat pancakes with fruit for breakfast
- realizing my fitness level noticeably went up compared to 2 months ago when climbing Mount Tiger
- saying goodbye to our Zurich friends
- going out for a yummy Thai dinner with delicious fried rice
- going out again to meet a friend for another Mocha
- going to bed early

Bioelements skincare routine: Week 4

It's over a month now that I've been using my Bioelements skincare routine; that's some commitment, no?


My skin continues to be hydrated, non-irritated and feeling comfortable. However, these past two weeks I've been struggling a bit with some breakouts: a couple of cystic ones and lots of tiny bumps on my forehead. I know these might be hormonal or stress-related, so I'm not blaming my routine; I'm also aware that with my skin type will probably never be completely breakout-free. To combat these, I've been applying La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, which I reviewed here, on my problem areas and All Things Pure moisturizer on the rest of my face, and I think I'm on the mend (fingers crossed).

On the positive note, I've definitely noticed a reduction in post-acne scars on my cheeks, which makes me very happy! They seem more shallow and even in tone. I've also been getting less and less of clogged pores which manifest themselves as small bumps under the skin's surface, so that my face feels much smoother right now. I've also observed how healthy and glowy my skin looks in the mornings; there's no irritation, no puffiness, no dry patches, just well-rested, plump face ready for make-up application.

My favorite steps in the routine these past two weeks have been All Things Pure clay-based cleanser and Calmitude toner; they just feel so refreshing in hot weather! I'm worried they'll be running out the fastest. I've also started really enjoying using the Restorative Clay mask while I'm soaking in the bath, it gives me such a luxurious spa feeling.

That's it for now! I'll be reporting back one last time in another month. I'm quite surprised how easy it's become to stick to the same routine every day! Do you follow your skincare routine religiously or do you enjoy trying different products all the time? xxx

Vegan Blueberry Chocolate Cake

I figured it'd be nice to start August with something scrumptious...


Here's the Blueberry Chocolate Cake I made for the weekend, following Angela's recipe (check out her blog, Oh She Glows, for some amazing vegan recipes!), and I have to say, and I'm writing it on Monday, that between me and my husband we have managed to polish it off entirely in those two days. We went on a hike on Saturday which was quite an exhausting climb to the top, and Mr kept turning to me, flashing a big grin and saying 'There's Chocolate Cake waiting at home! My Chocolate Cake!', and he's not even a fan of desserts. I think you couldn't get a better recommendation.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup whole grain spelt flour
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground chia seeds or flax seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• Chocolate glaze (1/2 cup dark chocolate chips + 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted in micro for 30 seconds or so)
• Blueberries, for garnish
• Unsweet. shredded coconut, for garnish

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, mix spelt flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, chia (or flax), and sea salt. Set aside. In a blender, combine water, 1/2 cup blueberries, and balsamic vinegar and blend until smooth, for about 60 seconds. Add the maple syrup and the blueberry mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until completely mixed, being careful not to overmix. Pour into an oiled 9-inch round cake pan. Bake 20-25 minutes. Cool for at least 15 minutes. Prepare the chocolate glaze by taking a small bowl and adding the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in micro on high for about 30 seconds. Stir to get all the clumps out and immediately pour onto cake, spreading evenly with a spoon. Top with blueberries and coconut.

(recipe taken from Oh She Glows)

I subbed half of the maple syrup with 4 table spoons of icing sugar, and sprinkled icing sugar instead of coconut on top - I waited however for the glaze to set in the fridge beforehand, otherwise the sugar would've just melted into chocolate, and I like the contrast between the dark chocolate and snowy sugar. I also added a table spoon of roasted carob powder to the dry mixture, just for the heck of it.

It's very quick and easy and if you like dense, chocolatey, not-too-sweet cakes, you'll love this one. We've become very fond of vegan cake in the house; for the past two weeks I've also been trying different muffin recipes, and they make a great mid-morning/ mid-afternoon snack, nutritious, delicious and portable.

What have you been baking lately? xxx

July Non-beauty Favorites

Fuschia purple orchid in our bedroom

John Irving's Last Night in Twisted River

Aloha's Popsicle and Strawberry Daiquiri votive candles

Tulsi Raspberry Peach and Vanilla Creme herbal tea

Homemade vegan spelt muffins

What are your non-beauty related favorites this month? xxx

July Beauty Favorites

Another month's gone in the blink of an eye! In all honesty, July wasn't a big make-up month for me; housewifing and weekend hiking trips don't really require a face full of make-up. However, with moving to the US, I've been able to put some bits and bobs into my basket while shopping at a drugstore - have I told you how much I love American drugstores?


Without further ado, here are my new most used products for the month of July:


1. 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer with vitamins and antioxidants SPF 20
I've briefly mentioned in my post on natural vs organic skincare that I was intending to get it, and I did. It comes with a hefty pricetag ($32 US), but other than that, I have no complaints. It has a light coverage and very natural satin finish, blends in beautifully leaving my skin more unified, and so, so soft. I set it with a mineral powder and it doesn't make me any oilier than I usually am, nor does it break me out. Perfect base for summer.


2. Angel Face Botanicals Ambrosia Facial Cleansing Grains
On the skincare front, I'm loving this loose powder chockful of Vitamin C and antioxidants that with a couple of drops of water transforms into an exfoliating cleanser or a face mask - it's definitely one of my favorite products from the ones I mentioned in my Angel Face Botanicals haul. I especially like using it after a cardio workout, I feel that it gets rid of all the dirt and dead skin cells that accumulated on my face and stimulates blood circulation, making my skin feel clean, refreshed and mattified.


3. N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink
As much as eye products left me rather uninspired this month, I've been enjoying experimenting with my blusher. I picked this up for about $4 in my local RiteAid on Ginabinawina99's recommendation, and I so don't regret it. I was thinking that my oily skin plus cream blusher would surely equal a major catastrophe. Nothing of the sort! This beautiful peach stick shot through with subtle shimmer goes on like a dream and blends to perfection, giving my cheeks a very lovely natural glow without a trace of greasiness, as it sets to powder finish. It's not the most long lasting, but set with a powder blusher, stays put long enough for me. Not ready to splurge on NARS Turks & Caicos multiple? This satisfies my cream blush stick cravings pretty well.


4. NYX Powder blusher in Peach and Pinky
I think I've expressed my love for NYX blushers many times before, and these two shades have been a very welcome addition to my collection. Peach looks very natural and understated with its matte finish, while fuschia toned Pinky with its satin finish gives more of a doll face effect (or as if you've been running for a good half an hour in my case).


5. Wet n Wild Kohl Brow Eyeliner in Taupe
At $0.99 apiece, it may just be the cheapest item in my collection, however this soft brow pencil shouldn't be underestimated. What can I say? It's dirt cheap, easy to use, fast and natural-looking. Doesn't smudge or melt off. Are you still there?! Go get yourself one of these!


6. Revlon Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze in Continuous Coral
Continuously fabulous, however difficult to spell it may be. This is a seriously scorching coral, dense, incredibly pigmented and infused with a pretty grown-up sparkle. Smells a bit like cough syrup, but I kinda like it. Sheered out with a lipbalm or clear gloss, it can be worn everyday for a warm summery look, or when smeared on straight from the tube, makes a fabulous statement lip.


7. Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone slanted eyeshadow brush
Purchased in a LE set of 4 brushes + a beautiful natural brush case for $11, I've been reaching for this super soft brush every time I'm bothered enough to use an eyeshadow - and the rest of the set is pretty darn amazing too. Ecotools definitely have great quality reasonably priced brushes, their slanted eyebrow/eyeliner brush has long been a favorite of mine. All their brushes are vegan, sustainable and cruelty-free too, which is just another reason to get them. Like now.

To wrap this post up, I'm ending my Project Bathroom, the progress of which you could follow on your right hand side. I did pretty well I think, some of the products didn't get 100% used up, but I reckon I got a good 90% out of them. I'm still following the main principle though, I only get one of each kind of a product when it runs out, so I only have one shampoo, one hairspray, one bar of soap... Ok, it doesn't work out so well with soaps, I'm a hoarder. But you get the general idea.

Anyway, I'll be replacing my Project Bathroom progress bar with a list of upcoming posts, this way I can tease you ever so slightly and as for myself, try not to forget to actually write them. Hope you enjoyed my monthly favorites and a bit of a ramble and stay tuned for non-beauty related favorites tomorrow! xxx

My Top 5 Neutral Inglot Eyeshadows

What can I say, I've always loved Inglot eyeshadows, even way before they came up with the idea of selling customized palettes and separate eyeshadow pans and ventured out to foreign markets (meaning, outside of Poland). Most of their products are great for the price; however, when it comes to eyeshadows, I have to admit they're not just great; they're simply amazing. Buttery smooth, well pigmented, long lasting... and in every imaginable shade and finish. If you haven't already, I urge you to check them out!


Here are my 5 most reached for neutrals from my collection. How could I not love these beauties?


As you can see, my favorite finish from Inglot is definitely Pearl, which simply glides on the lids leaving lots of pigment behind; it's very comparable to MAC Veluxe Pearl finish. AMC Shine is a bit less pigmented, but more glittery - my pale gold shade is infused with some very pretty silver sparkles. As for Matte, it's, well... matte, a bit harder to blend, but still a pleasure to work with.


There's just one thing that annoys the crap out of me with these. How can you make such fantastic shadows and give them numbers instead of names?! I'm just going to pretend that never happened and christen them to my liking.


Brimstone Dust, né 111 AMC Shine
Tutu, né 397 Pearl
Myope, né 402 Pearl
Lilac Wine, né 420 Pearl
Fulleren, né 348 Matte

Have you tried Inglot eyeshadows? Which shade is your favorite? xxx