3 NAIL POLISH SHADES YOU NEED IN YOUR COLLECTION

Being always on the hunt for the effortlessly chic look, like the French - this deserves a blog post of its own -, I like to find the products that will give me the look without spending that much time. See, I prefer to use higher quality products and have less of them but be sure I just need to worry about it once.

In Brazil, where I come from, women will go to the nail and hair salon every week. My mom had a set day and time on Friday mornings. Living in Europe it would cost me a lot of money to have a manicure every week so I do it myself and that's when I need the quality. 

I've had the opportunity to know and try Dior polishes years ago and have to say that for me they are the absolute best. The colours have great coverage and the shape of the brushes is very handy to apply the polish easily. Dior will always come out with new shades within new collections, but I'm talking investment and for that reason, I choose to stick to classics like nudes and reds. Really, it's all I have.

The nude - After the challenge to find your perfect nude, Dior made me happy with this shade. Greige is a not too warm, not too cool beige/grey colour. It's perfect for the whole year and the best part: Chips camouflage into your skin tone so you can go a little bit longer without having to repaint the nails.

The red - It's a classic and I think everyone should have one red to call your own. I chose this one because I think it suits my skin tone better. Not to loud but still red. I think I could go bolder though...

The berries shade -  That's the thing with me and the shades, this is probably the most fun I will get out of a polish. No yellows and greens for me. A pinky red shade like this is what I love to make sure I get some fun into the collection.

There you have it, I must have 3. Going into a minimalist adventure like I am? Then start by throwing/ giving away the rest and keeping only the polishes you love and use all the time.

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MY EDITED MAKE-UP ROUTINE

Yes, the most frequently asked question finally answered for you. I posted a video about it with a tutorial on YouTube but I can imagine some of you just want to have the list of products I used so here it is.

Please understand that the most important thing is to adapt the makeup to you lifestyle and what you'll really use so there's no need for you to go around purchasing every single item I've used. Just take a good look at what you already have a add to new items to your collection as needed. Do not accumulate unused makeup as you could give it away to someone that would love it and a large collection is just not necessary when you want to achieve a great look.

One thing people always say is that they don't have time to do it, but really, when it's an everyday thing, it will take you no longer than 10 minutes to do it. 

I love it when I get a compliment on how natural my makeup looks. That's the time I always think about the number of products I wakked on to my face. It's kind of funny. 

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MY FAVOURITE CLEANSERS ARE BOTH L'OCCITANE

L'Occitane is for me one of those very glamorous French brands with such well-hidden gems you need to try for yourself to understand my love for it. Since our church is sutuated in Utrecht we often go into the city after service for a quick lunch or even for some needed shopping, as we can find there some of the shops and brands we don't find that easy where we live.

Walking into the city, I found the L'Occitane store and there was my chance to try their products quickly before I made the decision of purchasing them. As I was looking for some cleansers and have no special needs for my skin other than hydration, I went for the Shea Butter range.

A foaming cleanser in the morning is always my recommendation but with my sensitive skin, I am always scared it will be to dry for my skin and that's where this cleanser surprises me. It's so gentle! After being mixed with water it feels almost like you're using a kind of airy cream. So easy to use and so gentle on the skin.

Now to the cleansing oil... Well... I'm very particular about cleansing oils. They have to take ALL of my makeup off, they have to be thin in texture and need to work well with a cloth. This one does all of that and it smells amazing!!! Also very gentle and all of that, but really, I normally take my makeup off under the shower and this cleansing oil is simply perfect for that as it works better with warm water.

I don't change my skincare products all the time but I really like to nose around whenever one of my skincare products is on its last legs and I'm glad I venture a bit out so that I can find such gems in the market and tell you all about it.

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OH HOW I LOVE A FACE MASK

Whenever I speak to my friends about skincare and pampering I'm by far the one that knows and owns - sorry, can't be helped - the largest amount of products. Especially face masks.

Face masks are my cosmetic of choice when I want to try something from a brand I don't know that well and I almost never use only one mask at a time. Before making my choice, I take a good look in the mirror and check what my skin needs at that moment. More hydration? Some glow? Uh, large pores, anyone?!

After cleasing my skin I like to start with a scrub, than a proper mask, than some kind of hydrating mask. Mind you, I almost never pamper midday. I prefer to do it in the evening as my skin will have time during the night to soak in al the goodness from the pampering routine.

A couple of my favourites include:

Payot Scrub Gelée Gommante Douceur - Haven't used anything from this brand before but knew it from the time I lived in Brasil. After a trip to France and the fact I saw Payot products everywhere I decided to try it. It's one of the mildest and morst effective scrubs I have ever tried. It's build with very fine grains and makes my skin amazingly soft.

Caudalie Instant Detox Mask - There's always a detox juice, meal, diet or anything like that going around. Therefore I didn't really know what to expect from this mask. But what did really happend after using it? Poreless skin, that's it. It's a clay mask after all so I could come to this conclusion on my own have but the greatest difference is that this mask doesn't really hardens and so it doesn't dry out my already sensitive skin.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask - Hydration with a mango scent? Yes, I'm sold! Some products promisse it, others deliver it. I use to have this other mask to pump up hydration on my skin  but even though that was the most amazing mask, it costs around the mark of 100 euros! The drink up mask is actually a very potent moisturiser that I always apply as the last step of my pampering routine.

In need of some more inspo for a sunday evening facial? I gathered some more of my favourite masks here:

LESS STUFF, MORE EXPERIENCES

Since a couple years, the idea of minimalism has been surrouding my mind and the only thing that kept me from diving into it was that minimalism focuses on what you shouldn't do and shouldn't have but I wanted to go touwards the person I want to be, what I should do and choose for.

Reading a book called STUFFOCATION, I finally found an aproach to the idea of minimalism that matches my intention and that is to focus on experiences and not on stuff.

I used to be the person wanting to BUY every beauty product existing on the planet and a couple years ago the fun of it wasn't there anymore. Especially when I would buy all of that stuff and have no chance to use it because many products just don't suit my lifestyle.

Switching the focus and thinking about experiences and not stuff, I made this plan of investing in one beauty tratment every month. Instead of getting that new lipstick and eyeshadow pallet, I decided to put that money into nice experiences I can look forward to.

My goal is as simple as every other month something hair related and every other month a facial of some soort.

I descovered PAYOT still in Brazil but I really didn't find much more about it when I arrive in The Netherlands. After a visit to france, I was reminded how much of a great brand it is so I searched for it around the town and I found out my favourite salon offers most products fromt he line. Today I had my first facial after about 8 years, yes YEARS! It took about 1 hour and 15 minutes and  it was just AMAZING!!! I'll list the products used bellow and am planning on, slowly bu surely, add some PAYOT products to my beauty regimen!

Said all that to say this: I believe experiences really do make me happier that things! I had such a relaxed day after the treatment, I didn't even want to put on make-up the whole day. What are your favourite experiences to invest in?

ORGANIC SKINCARE ON A BUDGET - DR ORGANIC

 

Having sensitive skin can be not only a problem but definetly a big limitation as a beauty blogger wanting to try different products with every launch. Knowing that's not a possibility for me, I have to stick to what I know works for my skin.

After a bit of trial and error, I noticed that products with to much active ingredients and a strong artificial scentwill make my skin react. It's a fact. With this important peace of information on hand, I understood I can actually experiment and brouwse about as long as I keep it natural. Can I even say organic?

 

Dr Organic is a brand I've used before, but I've never ventured into their face products line. Now in search of something new that would not only calming but genuinely effective and not to expensive, I remembered the brand from a while ago and headed to my closest Holland & Barret (used to be De Tuinen) store.

I needed a serum in oil and a simple day cream as my skin tends to react to more complicated products. I choose the Rose Otto Facial Serum and the Organic Morrocan Argan Oil to take home with me and try. The oil I started using right away as I was out of any other facial oils os serums and my skin was feeling reather dry. This Rose Otto oil not only smels amazing but it's actually a mix of a lot of different oils to restore and hydrate the skin. It's really calming as well and I surely needed that!

When searching for a day cream I try to find something full yet not too heavy and the Argain Oil cream is just that. It's an intensive nutritious cream that's quick in absorbing into the skin. I've been using it day and night and my skin is loving it.

With high quality, I was surprised the Dr Organic products aren't the most expensive. The Rose Otto Facial Oil retails for €18,99 euros and the Morrocan Argan Oil day cream for €14,99 euros. They're often on sale and can be ordered online on Holland&Barret. You're welcome.

SUMMER 2016 BEAUTY MUST HAVES FROM LOOK FANTASTIC

With the Brexit situation thing going on last week - and still now - I had a moment of pannick thinking what would happen with my favorite webshops. Would they still be shipping wordlwide and specially for free? As we're leaving on vacation in a couple weeks (my latest excuse for any kind of purchase) I touhg it'd be a good idea to order a couple things I wanted to try for awhile and bring the vacation feel very very near. Be prepared for an overload of oils!

YOUR MAKE-UP OFF IN JUST ONE STEP - GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

Yesterday on a great day out with an old friend, she told me she needed a make-up remover and when I thought about I've using to remove my make-up for the latest times I realized I haven't told any of you more details about my new Garnier Micelair 2 fase water. Budget product  allert coming your way.

SUMMER HOLLYDAYS IN A BOTTLE - THE BODY SHOP PIÑITA COLADA

I wish I could have made a picture for you with this products outsite, in the sun, under a palm tree  or surrounded by some delish summer cokctails, but who am I kidding? I live in rainy Holland and summer weather isn't really accountable around here.

I HAVE A ADDICTION NAMED JO MALONE

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Jo Malone is one of my favourite brands in general and here is why: They care for all the details of luxury scent making, packing and gifting and can never resist a visit and this are my favourites.

A HIGH-END MASK FOR A HIGHSTREET PRICE - AUSSIE 3 MINUTES MICACLE

It's been a while since I've tryed any other hair treatment than my beloved Macadamia hair mask. Since the most salon like hair masks are quite an expensive purchase, I decided to discover what de buzz on the Aussie 3 minute miracle was about as everyone's been comparing this mask to the best high end ones. At a price point of about €7,95 I needed to try and I can't even tell you how happy I am that I did.

At the drugstore you can find the Aussie products often on offer so I took home with me the Frizz Remedy and the Heat Remedy ones. I have to say I like them both but for my coarse african type hair, the Heat Remedy was the best one. It feel like butter the very moment it touches the hair. After just 3 minutes, brushing through is a breeze.

This mask is being great to use everytime I want my high end mask to last longer or wheneven I fancy hais masks results with 3 minutes conditioner effort. Also a good product to bring home whenever you go across the boearder, to Belgium or Germany, as they tend to have a widder range to choose from abroad.

What's your favorite drugstore hair product?

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JUST LIKE PERFUME - VS NIGHT BODY MIST

Whenever I pop inside a Victoria's Secret Store I imediatly fly into the beauty section. But really, how can I help it? So many different scents that are complineted by a vast line of body products. All to make sure you'll smell gorgeous the whole day... and night!

Last time I was in Amsterdam I went to check out the new store in that opend in Amsterdam Central Station where they have a very nice  and new shopping area. Before going, I did my research on the site and after having a snif here and there, I decided to take the Victoria's Secret Night body mist home with me.

At first, still at the store, I was a bit shocked at the higher price of €28,- euros as the other mists I bought before tend to be priced at about €15,-. Still I was intrigued if this one was that good and now I can tell you it is.

Different to the Fantasy line by VS, the Night body mist is a part of the fragrance line by the same name. It's a floriental fragrance, as they like to call it. You should sense black plum, velvet woods and luscious apple in it. It's funny how it kind of reminds me of a fruitier version of Chanel's Chance EDP and all for a fraction of the price and a much greater amount of liquid.

In the Netherlands you can buy you Victoria's Secret Beauty goodies at the Amsterdam Central Station, at Schiphol airport and the most popular lines will be available from Etos, Kruidvat or even Bol.com.

AUTUMN/FALL WISHLIST

There's always something to love and something to hate about the change of weather. The long days

PAMPER SECTION FEATURING RITUALS HIMALAYA BODY SCRUB

Being a beauty addict, I'm very particular on how I like some products and body scrub is definetly the

THE ESSIE GEL EFFECT TOP COAT

 

I couldn't possibly tell you how many top coats I have tried. Different brand, diffrent promisses

THE NEW FACE OIL BY THE BODY SHOP

There's been a craze in the beauty industry, the latest years, for all the different kinds of oils. Hair oil

ROGER & GALLET FLEUR DE FIGUIER BODY LOTION

There I was taking care of my own life when Roger & Gallet decided to take all my money by lounching their fig scented line a couple years ago. As a lover of fruty scents ( specially Jo Malone Wild fig and cassis) I was very intrigued to try it and was actually surprised by how great and different it smells!

A couple months ago whilst visiting Dusseldorf, in Germany, I came across a couple different places that stocked Roger & Gallet and took my chance as they're difficult to find in The Netherlands. I first decided for the the body lotion because I love using something like this before I go to bed. When you sleep next to someone it's a nice touch to be smelling that good.It's such a different fig scent. It's sweet but not childish, envolving but not overwelming, long lasting on the skin but not annoying at all! And I need to tell you what a perfect moisturizer it is. Normally the scented lotions aren't the best at lendind moisture to your skin but this one really does the job.

It is more of a luxury product at a price point of around €15,00 euros, but you can save it for more special moments and you deffinetly need no perfume when using this.

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LUSTING OVER #2

There we have it again! New products being launched and me wanting to try a few of them!

Charlote Tilburry Mask Godess Skin Clay Mask - If you haven't heard of her yet (what?) Charlotte Tilburry is a British make-up artist who's coming to the market with a lot of innovation in make-up and skincare. The Goddes Skin Clay Mask is full with the best ingedients to pump up your skin all at once. Rose and almond oils will do the anti-aging, a peptide complex will give the skin more elasticity Frangipani flowers to cleanse and restore. Who would ever think this al was possible in one product?

Lancôme Miracle Cushion Foundation - Dit is een foundation die al een tijd uit is en ik ha nog niet echt om gekeken. De Cushin Foundation is een ietwat vloeibaar foundation die in een compact zit in een soort kussen. Je brengt het aan met een sponsk en je voelt het niet zitten. Hij is heel luchtig en kan makkelijk mee genomen worden vanwege de compacte lekvrij verpakking. Qua textuur is hij perfect voor de zomerperiode en ook handig om bij te werken voor een avondje terras.

Mary Kay Moisturizing Spray Lotion  - Geur en verzorging komen samen in een product. Hoe lekker, hoe praktisch? Body sprays zijn helemaal geweldig voor de warme dagen. Het lijkt wel of je net een douche uit een spray flesje en als je dat met een lotion kan combineren dan is het win win win! Met een echte kokosgeur - niet die vieze synthetische geuren - het is zo vries en zo heerlijk zomers!

Bobbi Brown Shimmering Sands Eye Palette - Als Bobbi Brown met een nieuw oogschaduw palet uitkomt verdient ze meestal alle aandacht. Nu komt ze met de Shimmering Sands Eye Palette die gebaseerd is in de verschillende tinten zand op allerlei stranden overal ter wereld. Leuk bedacht, he?!

Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom Cologne - Zoet, zoet, nog eens zoet! Elke zomer ben ik weer opzoek naar een geurtje die zoet en fris tegelijkertijd is. Ik zoek altijd iets fruitigs dat ik nog langer kan dragen dan alleen de zomermanden. De zomercollectie van Jo Malone komt straks uit met drie verschillende geuren en de Sakura Cherry Blossom heeft mijn aandacht! Zoet, krachtig en toch een beetje fris.

glam glow powercleanse - Een antaal jaren geleden kwam GlamGlow in de markt met de verschillende wonderbaarlijke maskers die van alles deden: hydrateren, diep reinigen, exfolieren... van alles! Iedereen was eraan verkocht. Nu komen ze uit met de reinigers van dezelfde lijn als die maskers en Oh, wat wil ik het graag probeeren. De Powercleanse mud&oil to foam verzacht en ontgift de huid en maakt het op milde wijze schoon wat voor mijn gevoelige huid geweldig moet zijn!

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AN ARMY OF HAIR PRODUCTS - NATURAL HAIR

Differently to what people may think, my hair is actually thinner and weaker than straight naturallu straight hair would be. My hair will also loose it shape very easyly so I have to give it a little bit of love on a daily basis for it to look somewhat healthy. Today I'm going to tell you about my haircare routine and the product I've been using for about one year now.

The Body Shop Ginger shampoo - With a sensitive scalp like mine, I have tryied different mild shampoos and this Body Shop one is the only one that doesn't agravate my skin. It's accutally recomended as an anti- dandruff product and it makes my scalp clean leavind it very fresh feeling behind.

Macadamia hair mask - This is by far the brightest star on my haircare regimen! I first started using this mask when my hair was really in need of some tlc and it completly tranformed my hair condition back to healthy and thicker structure. The Macadamia mask is formulated with a blend of seed oils as macadamia oil and argan oil. It is a thicker mask, wich I love because I don't need to use to much and for a more expensive product it's really nice that it lasts a little longer.

Aunt Jackies Curl la la - One thing I need to say about this is how happy I am I can find it at the drugstore! However, It's often sold out at the Kruidvat so whenever I find it, I always take 2 jars home. Beforehand, i had to order it online or travel for 1 hour with the train to be abble to get it. But than you understand that if I'm prepared to do so much to get to a product, I must probably love it a lot...and I do! It has a pudding texture and is great at giving second en even third day hair. It comes in a big jar and it hydrates the hair perfectly!

Gliss kur of Alterna Kendi Oil spray- This is my daily life saver. My hair is naturally so dry that I need a product that I can use everyday that wont desturb the curl but will keep the moisture in and the freeze out. With a oil spray, I can touch up throughout the day and lend my hair a bit more shine when needed. The Alterna Kendi Oil spray is out of this world perfect! After using it for just a week I noticed my hair was more "calm" and felt really soft. My drugstore alternative is the Gliss Kur oil spray that does the same kind of job but doesn't breack the bank.

What are your favorite hair products for your hair type?

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COLORDRAMA LONGLASTING LIPSTICK

 

A couple days ago I had to pop inside the drugstore as I ws almost running out of my Curl La La and there's always when the perusing begins. What's new? What's nice? As I've told be before, I can spend a whole day brouwsing around at the drugstore.

I got my hair productI and than offcourse I had to check the new products. At the drugstore they had a 2 for 1 offer going on with the Maybelline products and as I wanted to try the Colordrama range for a while, I decided to take this two standard try-out color with me: a nude and a burgundy.

I told you on instagram (@marcia_vd_werf) that I was looking for a substitute for my Bobbi Brown discontinued lipstick and well, this it it! This nude shade called Nude Perfection is the ideal shade of nude but not dead lips for a darker complexion.

When I got home from the drugstore i poped the burgundy shade Berry Much on my lips. Gorgeous deep red shade and quite matt. I knew al of that already but what I didn't know was about the staining power of this. Even efter dinner the color was stil untouched on my lips. No transfer, no dry lips...nothing. I really don't mind reapplying lipstick but if you are one that hate to do the job, this is deffinetly the lipstick for you.

Finally it was time to remove it and then i thought it'd be a pain to take off and how many cotton rounds I'd probabbly need and...no... Just one swipe of the Garnier Cleansing Water and it was gonne. I'm telling you, this is love!

Are you a loglasting lippies lover or more of a lipgloss wearer?

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