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SMOONSTYLE

As I write this post, snow is falling outside. It has been a strange winter in New England, and my skin definitely felt the effects in the form of — cue ominous music — dry skin.

Dry skin is a condition that can be quite annoying; it is physically uncomfortable with itchiness and redness, but can also throw a wrench in your makeup routine when foundation patches on problem areas.

I was determined to find a solution and discovered two must-have products that cure this skin care slump.

Here's what to do:


Step 1: Refrain from exfoliation

Put the exfoliator down... It seems like the right move, but it is not. Exfoliating can further strip the skin of oil and lead to more dryness, pain, and potential breakouts.

Instead, we want to add moisture, which leads to...


Step 2: Hydrate... then hydrate some more

To heal skin and restore balance, I used a new product, the 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by SheaMoisture. It boasts, "Head-to-Toe Nourishing Hydration," and it absolutely lived up to its claim. Natural triglycerides found in coconut oil help skin retain moisture, so once applied, my face instantly felt better. After a few days of use, paired with Step 3, my skin was supple and smooth again.

Product Bonuses:

  • Cruelty-free
  • Ethically Traded & Sustainably Produced
  • Certified Organic & Natural Ingredients
  • Use on Skin & Hair (see you later split ends!)
  • Natural Makeup Remover
  • Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles
  • Great Shelf Life

Step 3: Apply Hyaluronic Serum, your skin-saving hero

I wish I had known the benefits of Hyaluronic Serum sooner, but better late than never, right? So now the real question... what's so great about it?

Hyaluronic Serum is a moisture retainer that occurs naturally in the body. When applied topically, it transfers moisture to your skin, strengthening the outer layers. I used the Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum by Aroma Dreams. For best results, I recommend using this product in the evening after washing your face and paired with a night cream.

Product Bonuses:

  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Travel-ready (container is 1 fluid ounce)
  • Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Please Note: If your skin becomes red or irritated, discontinue use!


Hopefully, the steps and products above will help resolve your dry skin dilemma. What products and methods do you use to treat dry skin? Please share them in the comments below!

Rebecca
11.3.16 No comments

“Inspired by Fritz Langs film, Metropolis, with Manhattan as it’s muse, Liptropolis is a book filled with colors that tell a story of ‘Lipstick in the City.’ It is a tribute to all the chique women residing in Manhattan.”

Lipstick Queen was created by Poppy King. It’s a brand that entirely consists of lipsticks! Different colors, finishes, and packaging. Totally up my aisle!

Liptropolis is a gorgeous collector’s item that is a sight for sore eyes. I fell in love when I swatched 'Central Park’ and had to buy the whole set to get that one. I believe that, due to popular demand, they now retail individually as well. Still, I am glad that I got the set, because ‘Soho’ turned out to be my favorite of the three. Originally I wanted to just get ‘Medieval’...

The book consists of:

  • Soho – Vixen Red
  • Upper East – Elegant Nude
  • Central Park – Refined Peach
The formula is very hydrating, and the color is in between sheer and opaque. They don’t contain any scent and are tasteless on the lips. The packaging of the book is to die for! Normally I always throw away the packaging, but this time I just couldn’t.

The Liptropolis set retails for $48. I got mine at Ulta, but you can also pay a visit to the Lipstick Queen website: www.lipstickqueen.com.

Soho, Upper East, and Central Park
Soho, Upper East, and Central Park
Soho, Upper East, and Central Park
Medieval

Simone
10.3.16 No comments
Guilty as charged. Did some serious beauty shopping during the North American Enigma tour. I got some back ups and wanted to try something new. I guess you all know what I mean. ;) Here is a sneak peak at my haul. Some products I am saving for a review and will show more pictures in the upcoming weeks.

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede™ Lipstick 'Couture'

One of my favorite lipsticks is '095 Finale', it is also from the Ultimate Suede range. I have already back ups and hooked up some of my friends. The consistency is a bit tacky, but it stays on really well. I wanted to try out a new color, however I can tell that 'Finale' still is my fav.

Wet n Wild 902c 'Bare it All'

I have heard good things about the Wet n Wild lipsticks and so far only know their eye shadows. 
This has already has gotten a place in my 'daily lipstick' box. Such a pretty, warm nude. Stays on like a trooper and is very opaque.

LORAC Nude Necessities Eye Shadow Palette

Lorac has made some of my favorite eye shadow palettes. Unzipped and Unzipped Gold to just name a few. When I saw this beauty at Ulta, I grabbed it without thinking twice. It is also very affordable, only $30! Can't wait to dig into this.

Physicians Formula Matte Collection Quad Eye shadow 'Classic Nudes'

The packaging is very crappy, but that doesn't count for the eye shadows. Four matte eye shadows with great pigmentation and are very blendable.

Maybelline Baby Lips '35 Too Cool'

One of many back ups that I have. Ulta got me with a buy one get the second 50% off... My favorite lip clear, glossy lip balm. It tastes like menthol and doesn't taste artificial.

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte in '101 Classic Ivory & 102 Shell Beige'

Also back ups since I go through these very fast. I got 101 as well since 102 is a tad bit dark. These colors are not available in Europe unfortunately.

Lipstick Queen 'Liptropolis' Lipstick Trio

I had not heard about this brand until Lisa Eldridge used Medieval during one of her tutorials and that one also landed in my basket. Forgot to include it in the picture. Also being prepared for a blog post.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips 'Natural Nude'

These shimmer strips have received a lot of love in the YouTube beauty community, so I caved in. This eye shadows, blush, bronzer, and highlighter. The powders are greatly pigmented as well. Physicians Formula does bring out good quality products for drugstore prices.


Simone
7.3.16 No comments
A powder for the lips? I had to see and try this for myself. In my lipstick collection you can find all different finishes and formulas, but so far, no powder.

Since I am having a 'James Bond' obsession, I thought I'd show you '007 Say my Name'. A ravishing red.

The innovative sponge is fun to use, however not that easy. To color the whole lips you need to dip into the cap at least two times to get the right amount of product. You can create several different looks with these Lip Powders that come in a total of 4 colors.

Before applying these, I would suggest that you exfoliate gently and moisturize your lips. It does emphasize dry patches.

Overall, I love the stained effect that it gives to the lips. It is quite long lasting, but when you eat something greasy, the color will come off.

These retail for €13. What do you think of the idea of a powder on the lips?

Ombre effect.
Here you can see the color on the cap.

Simone
23.2.16 No comments
Zoeva has again won my heart with their latest release 'The Spectrum Collection'. A beautiful selection of colors that are exists out of three eye shadow palettes and three blush palettes. The eye shadow palettes are called; The Cool Spectrum, The Nude Spectrum and the Warm Spectrum. The blush family consists out of four coral, pink of nude colors.;

The Nude Spectrum called my name. The colors in this palette were inspired by the Sahara. There are 15 earth toned and sandy shades that resemble the beauty of the desert. I simply couldn't wait to dive into this palette!

I started by making a subtle day time look by using the shades 100 until 150. The will be more looks to come and more pictures of the other members of the Spectrum Family!

The palette retails for €35: Nude Spectrum

Products of my first look:

  • Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation in 'Linnen'
  • Catrice Camouflage '020'
  • Stila Convertible Blush 'Peach Blossom'
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminator 'Starlight'
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Pomade in 'Caramel'
  • Maybelline Gel Eye Liner in Black
  • Mac Cosmetics Extra Dimension Mascara
  • Kiko Kiss Balm in 'Apricot'
  • Zoeva The Nude Spectrum 100 until 150 (the lower six eye shadows)
130,140,150,100,110,120
070,080,090, 040,050,060,010,020,030

Simone
22.2.16 No comments
Our North American Tour has come to an end, and it was a very intense one. At least for me.

I have enjoyed the tour so very much. We had awesome bands with us on the first leg: Moonspell and Starkill. After NA, we joined the 70000tons of Metal Cruise. I got to sing and hang out with Cristina, watch other bands kick ass, have the breeze of the sea in my hair, and the sun shining on my face.

During the whole tour I have been struggling with my in-ear that broke in all sorts of ways. The custom-made in-ears have a 'loose' wire so that it can be replaced in case necessary. My wire kept coming off, pulling down the right side. You might imagine that while banging your head that is a tad bit uncomfortable. My left side speaker blew up, so I had to switch it off. Then, out of no where, it disappeared. Even though there is no sound coming out, I still like to wear it for protection from the stage sounds. It ended up in one of my grocery bags. Lucky me! Shortly after, it dropped on the tiles from the bus and the plastic cracked. Our awesome crew got some super glue and fixed it. It is currently in repair. I hope that I can rock with it during our upcoming tour. Makes performing much more comfortable. ;)

Puerto Rico was such a treat to play! The audience went nuts. Singing along to all the songs and just being so kind to us. We can't wait to be back!
 
Colombia has been another warm welcome. We had some time to recover from all the traveling and went to an amazing restaurant called 'Wok'. I liked it so much that I wanted it for dinner the day of the show. Unfortunately for me, my stomach was not agreeing with my dinner. During the show, my belly was bloating up like being 9 months pregnant. It hurt so much and I wanted to enjoy the show so much more, but I was already really sick. After that, I had a night from hell. Food poisoning has happened to me before once, and it is simply sucks! This time it was paired with a racing heart. I was really frightened that something was wrong. So, no sleep for me and then 32 hours of traveling. 

No matter how horrible my ending of the tour was (I still have stomach cramps), it was all worth it! I won't let it spoil the beautiful memories that I have gathered over the last few weeks. I will just be holding off the sushi for a while. ;)

I would like to thank all the bands, fans, crew, and Epicans for making it a memorable tour!


Striking images of the Epicans, gifted by sweet Colombian fans.

Simone
19.2.16 No comments
Today is the 14th of February, which according to the shops and consumerism, means Valentine's Day. I will reveal to you that I do not value that day more than any other day. I show my love and affection on any given moment and am not that great of a romantic either.

However, I did get Oliver something because we normally never really do anything for Valentine's Day. We both don't care much about it. It is nicer to get a gift for someone when they don't expect it. This time, I decided to do the unconventional timing on V Day.

A while back I got the Mosaic photo album app on my phone and started playing around with it. My first order was for the grandparents. Pictures of babies are always a huge success. I loved it so much that I wanted to make one for Oliver. We have received photo books from our friends in the past and they are so dear to us. With all the digital photos, that tend to get lost on the computer and endless external hard drives, it is nice to have the old fashioned print in the palm of your hands.

Mosaic makes it all very easy. It all goes via your phone. You pick 20 of your favorite pictures and they make a mosaic cover out of it. You can shuffle it a couple of times to your liking. Then you have 20 pages of pictures. I advise you to edit the pictures so that they are squared shaped. Like this you will have the whole page filled with your favorite moments. Another little tip of what I did was that I imported the more professional pictures on my phone. That way you can have the best quality.

The Mosaic Photo Book costs €20 and the shipping €5. It comes wrapped in a beautiful cardboard case. No need to put gift wrapping anymore. Great for the ones that are not that talented in wrapping gifts ;)

Enjoy and appreciate your loved ones in your own way and do not feel pressured to buy presents. The most precious gift is your time.

Although, a photo book never hurt anybody. ;) Oliver was very happy that I made one for him. He said that must have taken a long time.... I replied, "No, dear. Not at all."

Lipstick is Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Persimmon.
Simone
14.2.16 No comments
Highlighters/Illuminators have become my new favorite beauty item. As a mixed skin type of girl, I like a matte foundation and a good highlighter to give a healthy appearance to the skin.

In my daily make up routine, I always include a highlighter. For day time I love Moonstone by Becca and for the stage and glowy days I take Champagne Pop.

Highlighter is mostly applied to the high points of the face, which are: the cheek bones, under neath the eyebrow, the bridge and tip of the nose, the cupids bow and the inner corners of the eye. On my lazy days, I like to use it as an eye shadow as well.


Highlighting Tip:

If you want to intensify the glow you can either spray a face mist after you are done doing your base (I use MAC's Fix Plus), or wet the brush after you've put the highlighting powder on. If you are feeling extra fancy, you can also use a liquid or cream highlighter to then top it of with a highlighting powder.


Lately, I have been busy expanding my glow machines collection. My newest addition is 'Starlight' from Anastasia Beverly Hills. This is perfect for the pale ladies out there that can't handle the famous 'So Hollywood' that a lot of Insta Beauties have been glowing with.

Starlight is a pale white gold with a hint of pink iridescence to it. I put it next to Mary Lou Manizer and Becca's Moonstone for you to see a comparison. I even swatched them. ;) Starlight is the brightest of them all, but not the most pigmented. The pattern is too pretty to be touched, but I want that glow on my face.

Which are your favorite highlighters? Any of you into strobing?

Moonstone, Mary Lou, Starlight.

Simone
6.2.16 No comments
Lime Crime has been a brand that I wanted to try since a very long time. Everybody raves about their Velvetines (liquid to matt lipstick). They were one of the first companies to release the liquid lipsticks. Now almost every brand has their own version of the liquid lipsticks.

I caved in and got some Velvetines along with the beautiful Venus Palettes, I and II. The colors in the first Venus palette are all to my liking. Since the beginning of Epica I have worn red toned eyeshadows. They just make blue eyes pop like crazy.

The palette contains 8 eyeshadows, they have a nice big size which makes me happy. I can love these for a long time.

  • Venus: Marsala (velvet matte)
  • Shell: Opalescent shell-pink (glow)
  • Aura: Pearlescent ivory (glow)
  • Creation: Rust brown (matte)
  • Icon: Dark brown (matte)
  • Rebirth: Nectarine (matte)
  • Divine: Dusty stone (matte)  
  • Muse: Deep burgundy red (matte)
If you google the Venus Palette you may find good swatches. You know that swatching isn't my strong suit. Over all the pigmentation is really good. The colors are such a great break from all the nude palettes that are out there. I do love those too, I have to say. The most insanely pigmented of them all is 'Rebirth', such a gorgeous color! Venus and Muse are my favorites.

The palette retails for about $32. I got them on sale and made a good deal. I do think that they are worth the $32. The packaging is cute, but I prefer more travel friendly packaging like the Zoeva and Lorac palettes.

I created two grunge looks for you and also changed up the lipsticks. Have a look and tell me what you think! Would you rock red eyeshadow?

Marc Jacobs Beauty 'Blow' Lipstick
Wearing the nude labello with a more toned down version of a red smokey eye.
Simone
4.2.16 No comments
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