Make up review - lips

Since I discovered my new passion for lip make up, I bought few products lately, I'd like to share them with you. You would get a video with this but my camera and video editor are not friends yet. I'll do it the old fashioned way.

Before reading: I do apologize for bad quality pictures. I was so excited to show this to you that I couldn't wait for better lighting. I hope you'll get the real impression and that I will provide enough information for you to find what you are looking for.

M.A.C.'s red lipstick is the first on my list. I bought in M.A.C.'s store for about $20. The shade color is named  AA4 Ruby Woo and it's a thick retro matte red color. I would personally recommend this one to anyone who is willing to step out of the box and who dares to wear something this distinct. It is really long lasting (I had it almost all day, ate, drank, talked...), it can't be removed with water, you'll have to use some kind of makeup removal (I used baby oil), it does not leave marks on glasses... The price is a bit high if you're not a professional make up artist but I think you won't regret it. It should last for a long time since you only need to put one layer on each lip for the perfect effect.

Another lipstick that I bought just few days ago is this great nude lipstick with just a shred of red, I could say bronze, in it. It is 06 Barely there lipstick by Essence. Normally you wouldn't say that a lipstick for $3 would be of that good quality but it is also long lasting one. It said that in the Essence department in the local store, but I didn't put much hope into it. I bought it for everyday use because it really looks natural and it's not intrusive at all. It is only few shades darker than my lips. I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised.

There's also one more dark lipstick that I frequently use. It's Maybelline's dark cherry. I can't say where it is from because it was my mom's present. I also don't know the price, but I guess you can compare it to any other Maybelline's lipstick and say it's around $9. I actually didn't see this model anywhere, but maybe only the appearance changed so look for the name of the color. It's 235 Blackcurrant Bliss color. Just be careful with this one because it likes to leave marks on your teeth. Make sure you clean the inner part of the lip if you have put the lipstick in a hurry.

Before I bought Essence's lipstick mentioned before, on daily basis I used Essence's lip gloss. As much as I'm informed about them, lip glosses aren't that long lasting. They just provide really great shine and they are mostly more natural looking than lipsticks. They are really great for every day and every occasion which is really important to me especially because I'm in class every day. This particular lip gloss costs $2 which is nothing an there's a really big bottle of it so you can really use is often and it won't disappear that quickly. And in case if it does, it's $2. What else you you need? Shade is named 07 Big night out.

P.S. There are no stars on lipstick and lip gloss. I put them there because my mother and me have the same ones. And i would recommend you looking at the right picture. It's the one without a flash light and I think it shows the color better than the left one. 

New M.A.C. product

Small intro: I wanted to change the name of the blog into "Royalty Beauty" since I started posting about nails, then I moved to clothes and now I'm going to include some make-up. Since I already changed it once, I'll leave it like this, but I'm telling you now that you'll be able to find more than just clothes here from now on.

Description: So, I bought my first fancy lipstick today. As you can see by the title, it's M.A.C.'s. I've been searching for so long to get a good red lipstick. I'm not into brands. That really means nothing to me, but I did want a lipstick which I wouldn't eat or drink in the first few minutes of wearing it. That's why I dug a bit deeper into my wallet and I pulled out around $22 (it's a bit more expensive in my country than anywhere else). I googled M.A.C. and their products. I also googled Rihanna because she's always wearing a great lipstick. Only later did I found out that she is wearing M.A.C. most of the times and she actually designed one. It's called Riri Woo. It's basically the same as their Ruby Woo (the link is opening at the wrong one, so just pick Ruby Woo in the white window). I just wanted to see what brand she is using and what is that perfect red color. And I found out. It's Ruby Woo, of course. And I immediately fell in love with it. Went out there looking out for it, and I found it. I can say I'm the proud owner of the M.A.C.'s perfect red matte lipstick.

Impression and conclusion: This lipstick stayed perfect the whole day. In meantime, I ate, drank, talked... I would seriously recommend this one to whoever is looking for a good, long lasting red lipstick. However, it's pretty hard to put it on. You'll most probably need a brush and a pencil in the same color, but you be the judge of it.

P.S. Since I'm not that good at taking pictures, I'll just put a bunch of them from the Internet. And I recommend you reading all of my links above because I inserted an article too, and more pictures.

Here's my collage. Left part is just Rihanna's lips in different colors. Big pictures are Rihanna wearing Ruby or Riri Woo. The right half is only Ruby Woo and Ruby Woo compared to other similar M.A.C. red lipsticks.

My fashion icons

Instead of posting my own creations today, I'll put up some of my fashion idols. Well, idol is a strong word, but I really like these styles. Since this is a fashion blog, I think this is kinda necessary.

Before writing anything, I know there are lots of fashion icons world wide known, and maybe with better styles and posture but this is my short list. Also, order is not important.

Note: Click on the picture for larger photo.

I'll start with Rihanna. Other than the fact that I love her music, I also love her style. Maybe it's because she has the right attitude, or maybe it's something else, but I have the feeling she's rocking everything she's wearing. I didn't like only few of her outfits (remember that transparent diamond dress, or whatever that's supposed to be?) but in general I like the way she dresses.

She can pull of elegant style, which I personally prefer the most on her, but she can also look great in casual combination, rock/fancy combo... She can even wear denim with denim!

Of course, accessories, hair style and attitude are of great importance here, but all in all she can hold her head up high because she is (my) fashion icon!

How could this be a post about fashion icons if I didn't include Blake?

She is beautiful. That's that. But she also has a great sense of style. She usually wears only few pieces of clothes and jewelry but she combines them so well. Some people can't so that with all the money in the world and 10000 pieces of accessories.

She likes emphasizing her long legs and she does it great! I personally go for black and white combinations as a safe way out. Or I look for combinations that are already "approved". But she goes out of the box, mixing colors and patterns. And I love how she can go to the beach, restaurant or gala reception in the same outfit.

I love the fact that she seems fearless when it comes to fashion, but if you look closely, everything is perfectly matched and thought about. She knows how to wear it.

My next pick is Louise Roe. Maybe you know her from hosting a TV show on Fox called Plain Jane. Ring a bell? Never mind.

She is, in my opinion, really tall, for a girl, and she has 0 complexes about it. That is so great! She's not afraid to wear heels, jumpsuits, short pants... She also likes to mix colors, even when you think it's not possible, she'll prove you wrong! Bright colors, dark ones, neon... She has it all. Red jacket on red dress with red purse? Why not?

Also, her strong side is her hair which makes every outfit even better, not that she needs it to be better... What I like about her style is that she wears black with black and brown with brown. That's also the way I like to combine it. You'll notice brown belt and brown bracelets, brown belt again and brown jacket...

Last, but not least is Taylor Spreitler. Known for her role of Lennox Scanlon in TV show Melissa and Joey, she might be my favorite of the day.

Other than pretty face and great body, Taylor also knows how to make everything on her look great. Finishing touch is, of course, the hair again.

I probably like her style the most because she's more to my age and she does not dress so fancy as the three ladies above, but she always has that something. If she walked into a room, she would be noticed, that's for sure!

Maybe I like her so much because I like Lennox and Lennox's outfits but I've seen Taylor in similar combinations so I can say that she is also my fashion idol. 

Yes, maybe it the fact that they all have great bodies, lots of money, professional hairdressers and stylists, but that's all behind the scenes. What we see is a great product of their work.

Explanation

Hello.

I started this blog to show you my nail designs, which are very easy to do since I'm an amateur. Later on, I started creating outfits and explaining them.

I can see that lately I have totally neglected my nails. I'm sorry about that. This doesn't mean I stopped doing them, I just haven't posted anything.

I was also really into fashion so I tried to present what kind of fashion looks I like. It took me really long time to make just one outfit since I combined PowerPoint (yes, really), Paint and a bit of PhotoScape. Once I found out about Polyvore, I discovered easier way to make outfits and I stopped doing that to. Here, at least. So, here is my Polyvore profil (which you can visit without any registration or agreements). I would be very grateful if you went on it, followed me, liked something or just went to see what I'm doing at the moment.

I know how this sounds now and let me just tell you that I'm NOT closing this blog. I will continue to do my nails and my fashion looks. I'll do a picture on Polyvore and than I'll post it and explain here. As for the nails, I'm taking a course in how to make professional nails. You know, gels and stuff... Anyhow, I will share my knowledge (for free, of course) here so maybe it will help you too. And for those who don't have the opportunity or the will to take a course, I will continue with the simple nail designs that can be done with just regular nail polishes.

So, thank you for understanding. I'll be with you soon.

Removing nail polish

I've been asked a lot how do I remove my nail polish since I love to use dark colors and lots of glitter. The answer is pretty simple and I already told you that in a Fashion and beauty tips post but I'll provide some pictures for you to be sure.

I'll just quote myself: "When you're struggling with removing glitter nail polish, make 10 balls out of cotton, soak them with nail polish remover and put one on each finger. Hold that on for about a minute or two and remove. It should remove all of nail polish without any damage."

After that, you'll probably have to clean a bit around the edges. Those should be really small areas.

When removing nail polish I use this Rosal green remover (there are also pink and purple one). Choose which one suits you best.

(This is an old picture, that's why it has the old logo, but never mind that.)

New equipment

I know I've been neglecting nails a bit, that doesn't mean that I'm not doing my nails regularly, I just don't post as much. Hopefully all of that will change because I got my new babies on 25th December. Yup, Santa Claus was very generous!!

The only problem is that I can't really do anything with this until I take some course, but that will come soon too, I hope.

Without further ado, here is (a part of) my Christmas present.

(P.S. Click on the picture to enlarge it.)

First is this starter pack for gel nails. It contains 4 gels (two of them are clear, one is pink and one is white). There are also glue, artificial nails, nail file, some nail stickers, cleaner and gel top coat.
Then there is this awesome professional UV lamp. As you can see it's pretty simple, white but that's how professionals work. It is used for drying that thick and strong gel.

These are sponges for smoothing nails and removing glow, dust, anything that's not supposed to be on the nail before actually painting it.

Of course, we can't have it all without artificial nails. These are regular plastic ones that need to be put in shape.

In the end, not less important, there are nail decorations. I've got one ring of colorful zircons and a palette of colorful dust for popular sugar effect.

As you can see, all of this is still packed, but I hope to open it and use it really soon!!

Puzzle manicure

Although winter is coming, there's no need not to show your warm side on your nails. In these cold days, bright colors are just what we need.

This manicure is a bit childish. Make sure you have the attitude to wear it.

You'll need:

• yellow, blue, green and red nail polish
• thin brush (or nail polishes with thin brushes)

• Pick the nails you want to have puzzles on. (All of them or, like me, only two on each hand.)
• Do the yellow french manicure on the other nails.
• Put a line of blue, then red, then green nail polish with a thin brush.
• Make the first piece of puzzle (yellow) in the corner of your chosen nail.
• Do the green part next, then blue and, in the end, red.
• Be careful that every piece of your puzzle has one convex and one concave part so the puzzle effect would have the wanted effect.

Have in mind that I did this in the beginning of my nail-decorating "career". If I do the same design soon, I'll make sure you see the progress.

Enjoy your bright manicure :) 

Fashion and beauty tips

Beauty

• Don't ever use too much make-up. Heavy foundation on your face isn't good for your skin.
• Lipstick should be one shade darker than your inner side of the lips. Unless it is timeless red.
• Don't wash your hair too often. Don't let it become greasy, take care of your hygiene, but washing the hair too often is actually very bad for it.
• When you use hair conditioner, put it only on the tip of your hair, not vertex. Your hair won't get greasy so soon.
• Remove your nail polish before taking a shower. That way nails will regenerate a bit with warm water and soap.
• When you apply nail polish, use oil (for nails or regular/eatable) on the skin around your nails.
• When you're struggling with removing glitter nail polish, make 10 balls out of cotton, soak them with nail polish remover and put one on each finger. Hold that on for about a minute or two and remove. It should remove all of nail polish without any damage.
• Remove your make-up with baby oil. It's totally safe, even for eyes.
• Don't use too much heat on your hair (drying, curling, straightening...).

Fashion

• One fluorescent (neon) item per outfit is enough.
• Don't wear heels with hoodies. This is just an example, but decide whether you want to look sporty or elegant.
• One striking item is also enough. Don't be a zebra and a leopard at the same time...
• Open shoes are enemies with socks!
• When you put all of your jewelry for the day, remove one part and that's perfect!
• Black and white are not colors, therefore they go with everything. Brown, beige and grey are almost as good for combining as those two.
• Always find clothes that fit you: not too small, not too big!
• Comfort and self-confidence before anything!
• If you have a short skirt, make sure you covered the upper part of the body. Same goes in reverse: big cleavage, longer skirts. 
• Bag and shoes should match, but if you're bold and have a good fashion sense, you could make it work with the opposite colors.

I know that all this is a matter of a personal choice, these are just my opinion.

That's all for now...

"Timberland" boot

Since I found out about Timberland's boots few years ago, I'm not taking them off during winter. Of course, mine are not real because they're too expensive, but there are some really good copies that will do their job protecting your feet and making you look fabulous.

Here's a pretty simple combination. It is cheap to dress like this, but the outfit sure doesn't show it that way. We all have a winter jacket, black shirt, jeans, (...) in our closets. However, this style is very carefully put together and, trust me, everybody will notice it and your good taste.

My base are blue Timberland (or fake) boots. They've become more and more attractive to me over the years. Simple, color of the denim, so they must go great with everything you wear. Also, this white strap on the top and brown bottoms make them interesting and not boring at all.

I've found these really interesting jeans with a print. They can't go unnoticed. But, be careful. If you have a large print like that, make sure you pick out the rest of the clothes to keep the balance. That's why I've chosen this simple and plain black long-sleeved shirt.

Next on, I've found simple white winter jacket. Assuming you'll wear these boots during winter. The jacket has a jacket to show off your great line. Also, it keeps the jacket more interesting.

In the end, every girl/woman needs a bag. This blue one is the perfect one. It looks great, matches with the whole outfit perfectly and it can store pretty much anything you need for the day (or even two).

If I had to pick one of the boot colors, I would probably always pick the biggest of all, yellow. (Regardless what I said about the blue boots.) They are the first to see the light of the day and will always have a special place whenever somebody mentions this boots.

I'm starting with regular blue fitted jeans. Everybody has to have at least one pair or them. Any color will do, but blue is, let's say, a must have.

We're moving on to our feet where I've put yellow boots. These are not very simple and ordinary. These one have golden studs and leopard print. They are unique and very easy to see on the street. But, even like this, they are very easy to combine. Exactly the effect we want to accomplish, right?

As we have the yellow boot with golden accessories, we have to have the matching bag. This one is brown with the matching studs. Also pretty big one, ideal for going to college or a casual meeting with friends. Big enough to have everything you really need, small enough not be always in your way.

To finish the styling, I've chosen brown leather (not real!!) jacket. This aviation jacket, as everybody calls this model, is both stylish and convenient. It is light and modern, but also very warm which is really important during winter.

I couldn't decide what to put here (cause I always make two or three more outfits) so I've put them all. First and last one are my favorites. Very stylish, bold and representing "girl power", simple and sweet with those pink boots, again bold and edgy, and in the end, we could say elegant. Those would be my descriptions of these outfits in order from the left.

P.S. Whatever you wear, especially during winter, make sure it fits you, keeps you warm and comfortable. Everything else, like great style, is just an addition.

Summer hats (and accessories)

Summer has been here for a month now and I expect it to stay for at least one more month. (I'm not talking about the dates, I'm talking about the weather.) So, after introducing beach/summer clothes, it would only be fair to continue in that direction and present few of summer accessories. The most important one, after sunglasses, is, of course, a hat. Big, small, colored or black. It doesn't matter. What does is that it is a great fashion addition and it protect your eyes. Here are my top choices with the suitable outfits.

There's not much to say about the base outfit here. I've chosen short jeans which are extremely popular during summer and a black blouse. Now, the blouse is not that simple and plain, but there are just a few little details that don't require any special explanations. But they do make it look better.
I've put two types of shoes for this outfit. Flat shoes are airy and ideal for daily walks on the beach and taking a coffee at the local cafe. High heeled wedges are more for evenings and maybe some summer date.
Bag is, now my favorite, model of Dior's collection. I really don't expect for ordinary people to be able to afford this bag, but I like the model and many colors on it. Since this is supposed to be an elegant/beach wear, this kind of bag is desirable. Something that will be practical and stylish.
And, in the end, the hat. As I said, this is "elegant" version of casual summer wear, so I chose the hat to match the whole outfit. It has very popular bow in black color so it goes great with the blouse. Also, black is great because we already have many colors on the bag and the wedges. It has wide brim so the Sun won't be your problem.

We're starting again with the pants. I've chosen here green (military/army green) color and knee-length pants. Walking is supposed to be more comfortable in this kind of pants. This bow-belt is useful and very stylish and modern at the same time. You really can't go wrong with this pants.
Blouse is very simple, airy and with flower print. Also a very popular model these days. Comfortable and very eye-catching. Perfect!
Shoes are popular gladiators. I've chosen brown and metallic ones. These two choices should make both sides happy. Whether you're more of a high straps fan or less and low straps fan. These are very comfortable models and they will keep you feet very secure and in place. Just what you want.

Bag is big so you can bring everything you want with you and still look very fashionable. The combination of greenish bag with brown details will go great with these colors and this casual combination.
I've put here two hats. It depends on you. If you're more girly pick the one with the blue strip. If you're more for fun or you just love cowboy fashion, pick the cowboy hat with stars. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Here are three more outfits. All of them are somewhere between casual and elegant. It all depends on the accessories, I guess.
Flowers, bright and live colors, airy clothes, comfortable shoes, practical bags, hats that will protect you and will make you look great... All you need to look perfect in every summer occasion.