Random Thoughts: I’m Happy!

*Another non-beauty related post, but I hope you don’t mind. I just really want to write about something that is very close to my heart.*

How does it feel when you’re able to do what you really want to do in life?

I didn't know how that feels until I met my husband. We met in 2005 back in our college days. Gosh! It’s been 8 long years… I can still remember the qualities I was looking for in a guy at that time and according to our common friend who’s the reason why we met; he didn't possess any of those traits, LOL.

Back then, I wanted a guy who can also dance because I was into a lot of dancing back in those years. I also wanted a guy who can sing and play instruments because I came from a musically inclined family and so I wanted someone whom I can jam with. I also wanted someone with a good sense of humor and secretly wished for someone who can write, so that one day he could write me a poem or who knows, probably a song.

Well, I met a lot of guys who passed 80-90% of my requirements. I clicked with some of them at first but something just didn't seem right as we went along. There’s a connection that was missing. Sure I had some serious relationships before my husband came along, but in any of those relationships I had in the past, I didn't find that special thing that I found with my husband – myself. It may sound all weird, but yes, I found myself in him.

Here’s what’s funny: He’s not a dancer but we always dance to a good tune and we always have a good laugh at it. He doesn’t play musical instruments but look at this:

My Man is a Musician! 

This picture alone can already make my day and mind you, he sings!!! He sings really well! His sense of humor is out of this world – or at least for me. He always cracks me up! And here’s the best part, he wrote me a poem before we even met face to face. HE IS A WRITER!!! #@%$&!!!

So why am I telling you all of these now? Hmmm... Well, probably because I’m at home right now, drinking my hot chocolate and simply doing the things that I've always wanted to do but couldn't find the time to before like writing a story, sketching something, making videos, singing a song, practicing a piece on the keyboards – and he just happened to be the reason I’m able to do all these stuff now! Why? ‘Coz he allows me to be myself and he shows me how genuinely happy he is to see that I’m finally doing what makes me happy. He’s unbelievable!

When I ask him if he’s happy, he asked me back the question. So I answered him with a big YES and he smiled back at me and said, he’s happy because I am. Man! What good have I done to the world to deserve him?

One thing is absolute right now and that is, I can never thank God enough for blessing me with such a loving and gorgeous husband! Thank you very much, Lord!

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My Top "5" Favourite Lipsticks of All Time

I love buying lipsticks just like every other beauty junkies out there. Every colour looks pretty so I wanna have 'em all! However there are "5" in my collection that I tend to reach the most, well there are 6 actually but 2 of them are from the same brand same line so I guess it's "5+1", you know it's pretty hard to narrow it down to "5" so... ...

There we go... And may I just say how much I like just by looking at them?! I know what can I say I love my makeup!!! 

I'll start with my Dior Addict Extreme in 639 Riviera. By the way they're in no particular order, I love them equally! This is in my opinion the perfect coral, it's a little bit towards the orangey side but that's how I like my coral. I think this is the perfect shade for this time of the year, and of course for summer too. It's sheer but you can build it up for sure. It has the perfect shine to it so you don't even need to layer it with a gloss, but you can if you want to obviously. You can do a low-key makeup look to go with it (photo on the right) or an intense smokey-eye look. It goes with everything! 

This is the "+ 1" I was talking about earlier. It's from the same line which is the Dior Addict Extreme in the shade 667 Avenue. This is "the shade" for all year round. It's a glossy rosy pinky kinda colour which in my opinion goes with every makeup look. You can build it up or just wear it sheerly. Don't mind my photo on the left side, my lighting was a bit warm so it looks a little orangey but it really isn't. The one on the right however was taken with the actual day light so you can tell it's definitely pink. I did my eye makeup quite heavily that day but it looked pretty darn good with this shade. Don't you think?! So definitely check it out if you are after a "goes with everything" lipstick. I got this one and the one above from sephora.it, and it costs 30.50 euros. 

Ok yes "nude". I love "nudes" they are just perfect for everyday use, well, even going out in the evening with a heavy smokey eye. Who said we can't wear "nudes" in the evening?! This is hands down my fav nude in my "nudes" collection. It's from Hourglass, and it's their Femme Nude Lip Stylo in 05 Nude. I got it from spacenk for £22. It's a peachy nude with this gorgeous golden shimmer but very subtle on the lip. It suits my yellowish skintone very well. This shade will look absolute gorgeous when I get a tan in the summer. Can't wait... Come on summer!

This is the Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in 008 Rose Reflect (sorry guys the name is actually rubbed off, but I think that's it). I got it from my local makeup store which is called Profumerie La Gardenia. It's an Italian makeup and perfume store which carries all major luxury makeup brands. This is, like the name said "Rose Reflect", that's exactly what the colour is. Blue toned rosy pink with white shimmer through it, gorgeous for when you have a tan. It, in my opinion looks better with a natural-eye makeup. Just a liner, loads mascara, a little pinky blusher, and that's it. Very creamy in texture, very comfortable to wear it.

Now we are onto RED. My fav colour of all time. It's my go-to evening lip colour. This is the Rouge Dior in 999. (Can you tell I like Dior lipsticks?!) Perfect red in my opinion. I got it again from sephora italia, and it costs 31 euros. This is unlike the Addict Extreme line, it's more creamy in texture and very, I repeat very opaque. One layer and you are good to go. And may I just say It's a tad glossy as well, just a little, it's more velvety so don't need a gloss over it. Well I don't like my red too glossy anyway so this is perfect. But you can wear it with a gloss if you are into glossy effect. It's not drying on the lip, feels very comfortable. It wears quite nicely throughout the night but you do need to touchup after a meal. 

Last, but certainly not least, it's my matte lip choice, the Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Empress by Hourglass. I got it from spacenk, and it was £23. I always go for this when I need my lips to last the whole night without worrying it wears off. The lasting powder is incredible, and it's very opaque. It's matte but not drying, and that's the main reason why I lean towards it so much. when I apply it, I normally put it a little on the back of my hand before to my lips, it's that opaque yes! All you need is one layer, you can however go for another if you really like deep shades. The colour is a deep aubergine, purplely toned wine colour if you will. It's definitely the colour for autumn and winter, and more evening appropriate, but do whatever makes you happy! Wear it in the morning if you want, who cares right?! But for summer day time?... emmmm, not so much! That's just for me. Again, do what you like!

Disclaimer guys. I know they are all highend lip products. That's just personal preference. I, to be 100% honest with you, haven't had any good experiences with drug store lipsticks, but I'll keep on looking, and fingers crossed I will find "the ones" oneday!

So there you have it. My top 5+1 lipsticks that I am absolutely, madly in love!! What are your fav lip products? Let me know in the comments below and of course via Twitter @eflicciardello. 

Love y'all!!! XOXO

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Battle of Sunscreens

Sunscreens. How so important for protecting our skin from the harsh sun light which will give us rough skin texture, wrinkles, skin pigmentation and possibly the worst: skin cancer. 

Sunscreens are essential when it comes to skincare and it should be the last step of your skincare routine and before your makeup. You should wear it every single day even it's not sunny outside, because the UV rays can still get through the clouds get you eventually. 

If you are someone, and by someone I mean myself who uses chemical exfoliating mask/treatment or toner at night then it is a crucial in terms of putting on sunscreen everyday before stepping out the door because chemical exfoliating treatments e.g Alpha H Liquid Gold can make our skin super sensitive to the sun. 

Now let's talk about my choice of sunscreens. I have 6 here to show you today, 5 of them I like and 1 disappointment. I should let you know that all of my face and body sunscreens are above SPF 30 because of where I live. I live in Sicily Italy, and for those of who doesn't know it gets super duper hot here in the summer, if I leave the house without sunscreens on then I. AM. SCREWED! I mean I get burnt here, literally! And I never burn even when I went to Hawaii. Let's just say the Sicilian sun is poison. Ok that might be over exaggerated but the sun here is pretty harsh. 

Ok ok enough rambling, the first one I am going to show you today is the Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA+++ UVA. Wow that's a long name. I bought it after reading the blogpost of Anna from Viviannadoesmakeup which I'll link it here so do give it a read. Seriously she is fabulous and you all know how much I love her by the times of her name showing up on my blog. 

Anyway... I love this sunscreen. It's SPF 50 which is really high in terms of protecting the skin. By the way SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor in case you are wondering. This sunscreen helps protect against pigmentation, irregularities and premature skin aging, which is why this one is more of an UVA protection sunscreen. However the the Kiehl's website says it has UVB protection as well so I guess I am covered. Ohh just so you know, UVA rays can age us and UVB rays can burn us so make sure to chose one that can protect your skin against both rays. 

This is a creamy physical sunscreen but very light in texture. It's not sticky, doesn't give you a nasty white-cast like some other high SPFs can do. It has no smell to it, also dermatologist tested so suitable for sensitive skin. It's very moisturizing but not thick so it feels very comfortable to wear it even under makeup. Ohh I should tell you that it's also a great base before my foundation because once it dries it sets so my foundation don't slide around which it's just what I need for summer. 

It comes in a tube (60ml 2.0 fl. Oz) which is very hygienic as I don't have to dip my fingers in a pot you know, and the packaging is very clean and sleek in my opinion. 

Just a little pointer: I don't suggest you tan too much under the sun although I know some of you are addict to tanning, just remember NEVER EVER go tanning between 11am and 3pm. It's really bad for your skin and you'll look older faster, sorry but it's true! 

Moving on to the next sunscreen which I also really really like. It's the Clarins UV PLUS HP Multi-Protection SPF 40 UVA-UVB/PA+++/Oil-Free/Anti-Pollution. OK now this name is even longer than the Kiehl's one. Mann! 

Unlike the Kiehl's one this is a fluid sunscreen. It's fairly watery and you do need to shake it up before applying to your face. It's a physical sunscreen same as the Kiehl's one which I like. Don't buy chemical sunscreens guys because they are never good for your skin. It is very light and it sinks into my skin very quickly and it's a matte finish so great base before foundation. It does have a smell to it but nothing crazy. It doesn't leave the unattractive white-cast same as the Kiehl's one. It comes in a little squeezable bottle (30ml 1 fl. Oz) and I really like the dispeanser as you can easily control how much you wanna squeeze out. All in all I really do like it.

If you have oily skin then I recommend the clarins one but if you have drier skin the Kiehl's one is the way to go. Price wise they are both around 37€ but with the Kiehl's one you do get doubled the size, so you do the math! 

Next up is the Extra Smooth Sun Protection Lotion SPF 30 from Shiseido. Shiseido does some really good sunscreens. They have a huge range of sunscreens and the one I have here it's a sun protection lotion for both face and body. It contains 100ml of product and it costs around 27€. 

Now I don't use this one on a daily basis only when I go to the beach. You should also know that I rarely use it on my face, it's more of a body sun lotion for me. I'll tell why. It's very rich so feels kinda greasy but not too much. It does leave a white-cast but once dries you can't really tell. I think this one is a bit too rich for face but nice and moisturizing for body. It's water resistant which makes it perfect for the beach. Just remember shake well before use. 

Moving on... Let's talk about this bareMinerals Natural Sunscreen UVA/UVB Protection for Face and Body. This is a powder sunscreen and apparently it's beneficial for our skin because it's made of natural minerals. I featured it in my Disappointing Products blogpost and if you are interested in what I had to say just click here.  

I like the concept of this sunscreen, you know how you can take it on the go, great for touchup which is the main reason why I got it. Honestly guys sunscreens do wear off as the day progresses and we can't take our makeup off when we are out and about so this is ideal for applying on the go for the loss of sunscreen without taking off our makeup. Am I right? 

It's a cool product but I don't like the brush that it comes with. It's too dense, it doesn't distribute the powder evenly and it looks kinda cakey sometimes. I tried it with my own brush which is rather lovely but the bad news is I have to depot the powder so makes it impossible to take it on the go. The powder is itself is quite soft and finely milled but i guess I just wish it came with a softer fluffy brush. What can I say, we can't have everything I guess! 

The skin around the eye area are most delicate, it needs special care, and I am not just talking about our normal eye creams also sunscreens for eyes. That's right. You heard me, which brings you my next product. It is the Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 25. 

This is a lovely product that you use around the eyes before going out in the sun. It protects against sun damage around the delicate eye area and moisturizes at the same time. I also found it brightens my under eye area which I am really happy about. It's moisturizing like I said before but light enough so my concealer don't slide around. I'm almost done with this tube (15ml) and really need to get myself another one. I like the fact that it's SPF 25 which is quite a high protection as far as eye cream goes. I really do like it. I recommend! 

Last but not least is the Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 20. I swear I am not being paid to make this post, just a little disclaimer here for ya. I know I have quite a few of the Shiseido products, that's because they are really that good, and they do have a lot of choices when it comes to sunblocks. 

As I was saying, this is an average stick lip balm that moisturizes like normal lip balms do, but the difference is that it also protects our lips from the effects of UVA and UVB rays. It is SPF 20 which is awesome for protecting against the sun so that our lips won't feel dry, rough nor darken from the sun. I should mention that this is not a replacement for your normal lip balm because all sunblock products contain Zinc Oxide or/and Titanium Dioxide which make them ultimately drying. It does leave a little white-cast on the lip but I honestly don't mind because I do put lipstick on top. It smells pretty good too. I finished mine ages ago so really need to get another one. 

There you have it. I hope this is helpful. I know it's kinda boring and common sense but someone has to do it, and I can't stress enough how important sunscreens are to us especially when summer's coming. So guys again do wear sunscreens not just for the face but wherever it's exposed to the sun when you are out and about. A few tips for you: avoid going out from 11am to 3pm unless you have to; wear sunglasses and hats; apply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours especially on the beach; and lastly avoid walking around near cars too often as car windows can reflect the sun then UV rays could land on your face, seriously. I know you might think it's ridiculous but it's true. 

That's it guys, let me know what kinda sunscreen you are using and loving by leaving comments down below or tweet me @eflicciardello bye! Muahh! 

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Living proof Hair Styling Products

Living proof is a highend haircare brand and a lot of beauty gurus are talking their products and loving them apparently. I bought 2 of their star products because I've read so many wonderful reviews and also I just wanna see if they are really worth all that hype. 

"Friends" star Jennifer Aniston is now the co-owner of Living proof and she did a whole series on how to achieve the perfect hair day by using some of the Living proof hair products which made me really wanna try this brand because I love Jennifer Aniston and "Friends" of course. So I did. I bought a couple of their hair styling products and I am going to tell you now how I get on with them. 

I purchased the ever so famous Prime Style Extender which is a hair primer (interesting) and also the amp2 Instant Texture Volumizer, both are from spacenk. 

Let's talk about the hair primer first. I thought it was quite interesting that there's also a primer for our hair, and that made me buy it really. I mean I've tried primers for face and eyes and never even heard of hair primers before. But basically this primer will extend your hair style, Living proof claims that it will keep your hair clean for a lot longer than it would do without it. Now, I am not really sure about this one because I haven't seen anything on keeping my hair clean longer nor extend the wear of my hair style to be honest. I mean I've had it for like a month already and I seriously can't tell if it's working. But that being said I do like it in terms of applying it after shampooing because it makes my hair silky smooth and very soft. It's more like a non-rinse-off hair conditioner for me. 

It says it's weightless which I totally agree. I can't feel a thing after applying it. I also like the fact that it is non sticky and it doesn't weigh down my hair. Just remember apply this product when your hair's  still damp, never on dry hair.

I will keep using it until this finishes but I am not sure if I would buy it again. There are other nice hair conditioners out there in the market, and to be honest this is not a cheap product and as far as primer goes it just doesn't deliver. 

Moving on to the Texture Volumizer. Now this one I do like. It does what it says on the tin which is super. It gives a nice texture, like a second day hair which I like. It doesn't feel tacky on the hair although it does feel quite sticky on my hands, but that's not problem as I can wash it right off afterwards. 

I think this is a great styling product for short or medium length hair as it really does give this nice texture and volume. All you have to do is dry your hair first then scoop out a penny size amount on your hands (a little goes a long way with this product), warm the product between your hands till it turns clear (very important) then just rub it on the roots of your hair and whatever it's left apply on the ends of the hair.  

I actually got this Volumizer after watching the video from Amelia Liana where she talked about this product and how she liked it. I'll link it here if you fancy watching it. 

(With both products on but really like the Texture Volumizer. It gives volume and the texture of second-day hair and non sticky)

That's it guys. That's my review on these 2 Living proof hair products. I hope this is somewhat help to you and if you have tried it then please let me know how you get on with them by leaving comments down below or tweet me @eflicciardello 

Take care and see you next time! Bye! Muahh! 

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Brand Review on theBalm Cosmetics

Well hello my lovely beauty junkies. How are we?! I am SO excited about today's post. I am going to talk about the brand called theBalm Cosmetics. I don't have ALL of their products but I do have some of their classics, so let's get to work!

theBalm and I go way back. I got my first theBalm product like 2 or maybe 3 years ago and I am still using and loving their makeup products. theBalm cosmetics does not only makeup but skincare and haircare products as well. Founder/CEO Marissa Shipman started theBalm in 2004 and it has been very successful since. theBalm cosmetics are known of their cute and sweet packaging, and their makeup are highly pigmented, nice colour range and most importantly for us is that their makeup are inexpensive. I'll link their website right here so you can check it out for more details.

You can purchase theBalm products on their official website if you are from the US, just click the link above or you can buy them from feelunique.com if you are based in the UK and the rest of the world.

I am now gonna show you some of theBalm makeup that I have and love. I guess I'll start with this beautiful eyeshadow palette called Meet Matt(e). I mean how cute is the name?!, and look at this packaging, so cute and sweet!

This is a matte eyeshadow palette and it contains 9 different colored eyeshadows. They are all pretty wearable. There's no shimmers or glitters, they're all matte, which I think are perfect for matte eyeshadow lovers like myself, suitable for older women because matte colors will not bring the eyelids down and forward like shimmery shadows do. And they are definitely office appropriate. I mean I do like shimmery eyeshadows as well but I tend to go for matte shades a bit more. I go through phases, sometimes I wear matte shades more and sometimes I tend to reach for shimmery ones. You know, women! We need our choices. Hah!

There we go, the swatches. Sorry about the dirty palette, I've used it quite a lot. It is well loved. One thing I like about this palette is that the names of the shadows. They are all guys' names. How cool is that! The eyeshadows themselves are very soft (not like Urban Decay buttery soft but very easy to apply), last pretty long on my lids with a primer underneath of course cuz I have the world oiliest eyelids. They are not very patchy like some of the matte eyeshadows. Very pleasant to use. Small and compact, also comes with a decent sized mirror so great for travel.

I tend to go for some of the darker shades in here and let me tell ya, they are very pigmented. Ohh and by the way, Matt Gallagher is a great crease/blending shade. I love it. It comes with a little double-ended brush but I threw it away like always because let's face it brushes that come with palettes are never good even with the most highend makeup brand.

Next up is this blusher that I have from theBalm, and it's called CabanaBoy. Ahh I just love the name and the packaging. So cute. I know I say that a lot, but come on. Isn't that cute?!

It contains 8.5g (0.3 Oz) of product and let me tell you, it lasts AGES. I mean I've used it quite a lot but it looks like I barely made a dent. This is a pinky mauve shade which I think is good on any skintones. However pale skins have to use a very light hand with this, because it is very, I repeat, very pigmented. It doesn't have any shimmers or sparkles but it leaves a nice luminous sheen on the cheeks. If you don't like shimmery blushes but still want a little glow then this one is for you.

Bahama Mama Bronzer is the first bronzer that I've bought. Unfortunately it doesn't work for my skintone.

It looks very muddy and dirty on me , I guess this shade is too dark for me and that's why. But that being said the bronzer itself is rather lovely. It has no smell to it and it's buttery soft. It's matte so great for contouring. Have a look at my Disappointing Products blogpost if you wanna know more.

I picked up this little blush/contour kabuki brush from theBalm whilst I bought the blusher and bronzer. Like the BahamaMama Bronzer this brush is kinda disappointing as well.

The bristles are very dense so it doesn't distribute the blusher nice and evenly on the cheek. It's rather odd looking afterwards. However I do like the small packaging, it will be ideal for traveling I supposed. I, in fact tried this brush with my other bronzers to contour my face and it surprisingly is quite good for that purpose because of the dense bristles. So I guess it's up to you what you want to use it for, but don't apply your blusher with it. Believe me!

This May-Lou Manizer aka The Luminizer is by far the best highlighter I have ever tried. Full stop. It is so gorgeous on the cheekbone. Very soft in texture and you do get a lot of product which is awesome, great value for money.

Please do check out my Top Rated Highlighters blogpost for details of this one by clicking here. I love it, love it, love it!

Lastly I have 2 of theBalm lip and cheek stains called Stainiac. One is in the shade Beauty Queen which is a cherry colour, and the other is called Homecoming Queen which is a straight up orange colour. I like them both, they remind me of the Benefit Benetint but a lot cheaper.

As you can see here they do stain which is awesome. If you want your blusher to last the whole day without touching up, apply this stain on the cheek first then your blusher. Trust me, the Stainiac is a great base. I of course also use it as a lip stain, and it works pretty well, but like other lip stains they do tend to dry the lips out so make sure you apply a lip balm or a moisturizing lip stick afterwards so your lips feel more comfortable. These 2 stains are more gel like in texture unlike the Benetint from Benefit which is more watery. I prefer the Stainiac to be honest because of the packaging which is like a lip gloss packaging with a normal doe foot applicator, really easy to use, and it takes no effort to blend out. 

All in all I give a 4 out of 5 on theBalm products that I have tried. They are inexpensive, pigmented and love the beautiful packaging. I can't speak for other products of theBalm because I haven't tried them all, but I will be picking up more of their makeup in the future and report back to you guys of course.

I hope you have enjoyed today's post, like or comments whatever you feel like doing, and please follow me on twitter @eflicciardello thank you so much for reading and see you all next time. Muahh!

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