Nails tutorial with OPI: Shatter polish

I am going to reveal a secret: I stopped biting my nails on August 1^st, 2008. So I have tried to take care of my nails since this moment. I started be interesting in nail art and particularly in easy way to delight my hands. First, I used some discrete nail polish. Then, I became confident and I tried assumed colors like pin-up red, pink or blue. By trying different nail polish, I discover an American brand called OPI. They offer more than hundred of colors what makes me crazy. Recently, they have created strange nail polish called "Shatter polish".

Shatter polish is a topcoat that shrinks when it dries to leave a shattered effect. It is applied on top of a classic nail polish. The shattering creates a pattern that looks like an animal print letting the base color appear through it.

Let see how to apply a shatter polish!

 You need :        
- a base               
- a top coat        
- a classic nail polish for using it as a base            
- a shatter polish            
- a polish remover and cotton swabs

What you need for applying a Shatter polish

Step 1: Apply a base on your nails. I used the “soin des ongles” by Sephora. Its price: € 7,50. Then, let it dry.

Step 2: Apply your classic nail polish as a base. That is the most important part: please wait for the base to dry! The nail polish I chose is called “Just spotted the lizard – NL M36” by OPI. Its price: € 13,90.

Step 3: Follow step 2. Clean the edge of your nails with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover.

Step 3: Apply your base twice

Step 4: Apply your Shatter polish on a fast moving. Do not care about minor imperfections, you will correct then later. The shatter polish I chose is called “Black Shatter - NL E53” by OPI. Its price: € 13,90.

Step 4: Apply your Shatter polish on a fast moving

Step 5: Let the Shatter polish dry and look at what is happening. Clean the edge of your nails with a cotton swab soaked in nail polish remover.

Step 5: Let the Shatter polish dry

Step 6: The Shatter polish dries matte so add the shine by applying a top coat on each nail. I used the “Start to finish – Base & Top coat” by OPI. Its price: € 22

Step 6: It's finished! 

As you can see, the Shatter polish is easy to use if you follow these simple steps. You can play with different colors and finishes for hundreds of different combinations. Have fun!

Make Medusa feel jealous of your hair with the “Silk Therapy” by Biosilk

I would like to introduce a product I discovered when I was young: the « Silk Therapy » by Biosilk. In short, the Biosilk “Silk Therapy” is a hair care. At that time, I only tested it on dry hair: I was immediately conquered by the characteristic smell of silk but also by the sweetness of my hair after using this serum. When I asked my friend who showed me this hair care where I could buy this product, she answered me she got it when she went to the USA and that it was not available in France. I was really disappointed. So I tried to convince myself that it was not a good product. After all, I tried it only once…

But during a trip in Poland, I entered into an « apteka » -it is like a parapharmacy for us- and I felt face to face with a bottle of the “Silk therapy”.  I recognized it thanks to its characteristic bottle. Obviously, I bought this serum for testing it for a long time.

The "Silk therapy" by Biosilk

I have tested it on dry and wet hair. I personally prefer apply it on wet hair because it helps them curl. However it is true that I don't really appreciate using this care on my dry hair because I have the unpleasant thought that I have oily hair. Indeed, take a look at the next picture : you can see the texture is quite thick and oily.

The oily texture of the "Silk therapy" by Biosilk

On the Biosilk website, you can read that the “Silk therapy” is “a replenishing & reconstructing treatment. It is ideal for all types of hair. It fills any voids in cuticle layer and helps prevent split ends and provides incredible shine."   

I agree with that is written. Indeed, I have used this serum for already two years so I don't want to change something. Every morning, I apply few drops of this serum on the whole length of my wet hair. Then, I let my hair naturally dry as it's possible. Well, I often receive nice compliments on my hair so I can be proud of my way of taking care of them.

Notice that the “Silk Therapy” can offer more possibilities than you can able to imagine.  It can be used as:     
- a make-up base or even as a remover              
- a moisturizer 
- a massage oil

So let you convince by the Biosilk “Silk Therapy”… Its price: € 34,50 for 150 ml.

Sorry? Am I hearing that you think you could never get it? Don’t worry! I found a solution, of course. Go to visit this website http://www.hair-france.fr  and indulge yourself!              

Baby’s skin thanks to Erborian “light BB Cream”

You have necessarily heard about BB creams. Under the initials of BB the words “Blemish Balm” are hidden. These creams were the object of a real revolution which goes all around the world. It was the Korean who launched the first the trend of BB creams. Then, it was followed all over the world.

But what are the features of a BB cream?

The BB cream is the solution gathering in one product moisturizing and foundation creams. It offers a much more natural and fresher complexion thanks to a more transparent coverage than a foundation cream. It seems to be a good alternative to the make-up foundation.

A BB cream generally fulfills 4 functions:             
- It covers imperfections and skin rash 
- I reduces the appearance of dilated pores without blocking them and improve the texture of the skin
- It offers a natural cover and velvet the complexion for a “baby’s skin” effect
- It contains an UV protection.

The BB cream contains pigments which adapt themselves to every type and every tone of skin. That’s why it's also called “universal care”.

Before the BB cream exists, I used nothing to make up my skin because I always found foundation creams too covering and drying for my skin. Nevertheless, I dreamed to get a clear and fresh skin like some girls I knew - I’m not speaking about girls in magazines: it's cheating!.  I also wanted to get rid of my rednesses. Here we are, I was afraid of irritating my skin so I just kept respecting my skin routine: cleansing, moisturize and exfoliation.

And one day, the BB cream comes! It was the product I waited for a long time. I finally could cover up my rednesses maintaining a good hydratation of my skin. So, I chose the “light BB cream” by Erborian.

Erborian is a Korean brand which proposed the first its BB cream. Indeed, there are three different tints for going with the most different complexions:    
- BB cream Ginseng - Original   
- BB cream Ginseng - Doré        
- BB cream - light - more adapted to the fair and sensitive skins

"Light BB cream" by Erborian

Don't hesitate to test your BB cream on your face because your hand’s color is not the same that of your face. Don't be surprised by the color of the BB cream you chose because it looks darker than when it is applied on the skin. Don't forget it adapts itself perfectly to the complexion. Anyway, testing your BB cream is the best way to make the good choice!

Do not be surprise by the color of your BB cream :
It is darker than it is applied on your skin

To show you the efficiency of the “light BB cream” by Erborian on my skin, I edited a picture of my face. On the left hand, you can see that I put some BB cream on my face while on the right hand I don't. Notice I just made up my lashes and my eyebrows because I was afraid of looking like a living dead. I hope that doesn't falsify your judgement.

"Ligth BB cream" by Erborian tested

I think this picture summarizes well what I like in this BB cream. My rednesses are shaded off but not totally so I don't need blusher on my cheeks! My complexion is softened and I say yes to the baby’s skin effect! It is crazy how a basic cream can make you natural and radiant. You understood it, I deeply recommend the “light BB cream” by Erborian. Its price : € 12 for 15 ml and € 32 for 45ml.

Some advice for ending this message: 
- Apply your BB cream using a brush for a best covering effect or using your fingers for a natural effect
- Don't forget applying your moisturizing cream before putting on your BB cream to keep an optimal hydratation for your skin. See your BB cream rather as a tinted cream or as a make-up base
- Your BB cream can be also used as a primer eye shadow

Do you know how to take care of your face skin? # 2. My evening routine.

It is also important to take care of your skin in the evening than in the morning. Indeed, at the end of the day you accumulated some impurities on your skin so that is necessary to get rid of. Moreover, this evening routine is a moment for relaxing after a stressing day.

The evening routine involves two stages: the cleansing and the moisturizing. And as I did in a precedent message, I would show you the products I use every evening.  One more time, don't forget that every skin must have adapted cares so maybe my cares will not be yours.

- Step 1: Cleansing

This step allows you remove all accumulated impurities like dust, sweat, sebum or make-up. 

Because I make up every day, the first thing I do is mainly removing eye makeup with a waterproof eye makeup remover which is the “Super démaquillant yeux waterproof” by Sephora. Its price: € 5,90 (125ml). This remover is composed of two phases: an oily phase for correctly ridding of the make-up and an aqueous phase for rinsing the oil. So first, I shake the remover for mixing both phases before soaking some product on a cotton pad. Then, I apply the cotton pad on my eyes for a few minutes. It is important your eyes not to be rubbed or you might rip out your lashes and irritate your eyelids.

Step 1: Cleansing with a remover

After this step, I use the «Lait Démaquillant Apaisant » by Mixa -its price: € 5 (200ml)- to completely clean my face and my neck skin. Thus, I am sure that there is nothing more on my skin and I can jump to the next step.

Step 1: Cleansing with a milk

- Step 2: Moisturizing

Moisturizing your skin before going to sleep is a fundamental step. Indeed, the skin renews at night so enjoy this moment to use extremely nourishing moisturizers.          

Personally I use the “Soin de nuit régénérant” by Nivea Visage from the “Pure & Natural” range. Its price: 7€ (50ml). This care is made with 95% of natural ingredients so I am not afraid with abusing it. Its texture is quite oily but it is comfortable for the skin. Moreover, this care smells really good and that is rather pleasant.

Step 2: Moisturizing

As I already said: “Now, it's your turn to find your skin care routine. Please respect it to keep your skin nice and healthy! “

Make up tutorial with « Naked 2 » palette: Day look

I have already spoken to you about the palette I use every day to make up: the Urban Decay "Naked 2" palette. So today, I propose to you a tutorial showing you how I use this palette to make a day look. In this tutorial, I will only use three of the first six eye shadows of the "Naked 2" palette.

Urban Decay - "Naked 2" palette

Just notice two things: I have already maked up my complexion and my eyebrows.

For succeed in realizing this look, you need:
- the Urban Decay “Naked 2” palette
- a primer eyeshadow
- a black khol pencil
- a black mascara
- a shadow brush
- a crease brush
- a smudge brush

Step 1: Apply your favorite primer eye shadow on your entire eyelids. Personally, I used the “Eyeshadow Primer Potion” by Urban Decay.

Step 2:  Using a shadow brush, apply ‘Half Baked’ on your lids it to ensure that color is deposited well. Don’t go beyond the crease for a more natural look.

Step 3: Using a crease brush, apply ‘Snakebite’ on the crease of your eyes and blend it!

Step 4: Using a smudge brush, apply ‘Snakebite’ on your lower lash line.

Step 5 : Using a shadow brush, apply  ‘Bootycall’ to your brow bone and inner lid.

Step 6: With a black khol pencil, line your tight line. My black khol pencil is the “Stylo yeux waterproof” by Chanel (n°88).

Step 7: Blend it with the smudge brush.

Step 8 : Line your waterline with the same black khol pencil.

Step 9: Apply your favorite mascara to finish the look. I used the “Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils » by Yves Saint Laurent.

That’s finished! Now, try for yourself! 

My every day look

Repair your skin with the Shea body butter from The Body Shop

Today, I absolutely want to speak to you about a brand that I particularly love but especially of one of their product that allows you to take care of your skin.

The Body Shop is a British chain of cosmetic shops recently bought by L’Oreal group. This brand is faithful to a major principle which is defending Nature. All products conceived by The Body Shop are making with the best ingredients of the world and are not tested on animals that is a real added value. At the same time, they fight to protect the planet and people who live there. In short: while they are militating for the planet, The Body Shop takes care of you!

I generally have the dry skin but this year it is worse. Indeed, the rough winter we had to support made my skin become increasingly dry. To explain you the extent of damage, you could compare my skin with that of a snake. Do you imagine? So, I had to find a solution. I decided to buy a very moisturizing butter as a miracle cure. Because everything is not really simple, I had to follow a constraint: I wanted a neutral scent for my butter. It is true that I prefer perfumed creams during the summer because it is bad to put perfume during the heavy summer heats. Already convinced by the Moringa body butter from The Body shop, I decided to look for an other butter in the same collection with more powerful qualities. A seller helped me to make a choice. Among The Body Shop body butters, two of them caught my attention : the Olive body butter and the Shea body butter. If you are a beauty addict like me, you must know that Shea is THE beauty secret of dark skins that's why I bought the Shea body butter.

Shea body butter - The Body Shop

I took the time to test the body butter before speaking about it because you know that's not in two days that you can make an idea on a product.         
I will race through the packaging which is sober and rather effective with the picture of the main ingredient on the jar’s top. The jar’s volume is about 200 ml that allows you to moisturize your body for a while.  
Let speak about the texture of the butter. Obviously, it is clear that there is a difference between a moisturizer and a body butter. The moisturizer is more fluid while the body butter is already more compact:

A body butter is more compact and nourishing

You must know body butters are more nourishing than a moisturizer so I suggest you use moisturizers every day and body butter for an intensive cure. If you don't have too damaged skin, I recommend you use the body butter once a week as soon as you have time to relax. It will let the time to the body butter correctly penetrate into your skin.        

Personally, I used the Shea body butter every evening in a very intense care during two weeks. I took a fast shower before putting on the body butter for a better efficiency. I insisted well on the driest parts of my body - legs, arms and hands.      

         

I am conquered by this Shea body butter! Even if the butter is highly nourishing, it easily spreads out and penetrates into the skin. The thing that I prefer with this product is that it doesn't stick.

Notice that if when you apply a moisturizer your skin sticks it can have various causes. Either you put too much product and your skin can not correctly absorb it, or the moisturizer is too much nourishing and it does not correspond to the needs of your skin.

Finally, after two weeks of use, I can say goodbye to my snake skin. My skin is nourishing and even sweet! I believe that this product kept its promises. The Body Shop wrote about its Shea body butter: "This super-rich and creamy Body Butter is a feast for the skin. It melts straight in to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. It contains Community Fair Trade Shea butter and has a delicious nutty scent. 24-hour hydration Great for very dry skin Delicious nutty scent."

After such decisive results, I do not plan to stop now. I think I will use the body butter only twice per week now. Having said that, I deeply recommend you the Shea body butter by The Body Shop for taking care of your skin. Don't hesitate to abuse of this miracle care, your skin will thank you. Its price: € 16.

Naked 2: thousand and one possibilities!

You were not certainly able to miss out the fashion of “Nude” make-up. Various interpretations are possible:

- Really “nude” make-ups: The complexion must be perfectly softened. The cheekbones and the eyelids have to be made up in a transparent way with very natural colors like beige or matt pink. The mouth is in the same tones as the whole complexion for an uniform effect. Finally, it is necessary to add a light touch of mascara to close the makeup.

 - Make-ups called “glowy nude”: The complexion is natural but warmed for a healthy look effect. The cheekbones are sculpted to raise the complexion and the eyelids are made up in tones less transparent and light than in makeup which is really “nude”. In this case, the look is more smoked with always natural tints like pink, mole, flesh, gilt, brown or grey, etc… it's important not  to forget to frankly the look with several layers of black or brown mascara to intensify the fringe of our lashes.

Nevertheless, retain that a nude make-up is a sophisticated makeup realized in natural tones that give the impression of not being really made up. So exit the extravagant colors, prefer the colors of Mother Nature.

To realize magnificent nude makeup, Urban Decay thought about us, Girls! They made two palettes called “Naked”. Every palette contains 12 eye shadows in very natural tones to allow you to pass from a light day look to an intense make-up for your evenings.

Urban Decay "Naked" palettes

Although I possess both palettes « Naked », I am going to speak to you about the second palette which was created: « Naked 2 » because it is the one I use every day and because it is more adapted to my eyes’ color. Indeed, the first palette aims to blue or brown eyes with their pinkish tints while “Naked 2” is rather in golden tones which goes better with green eyes like mine.

Naked 2 Palette

As I said to you previously, the palette contains 12 eye shadows going from the lightest to the darkest colors. So it offers a lot of possible combinations for different make-ups. This palette was also designed to help you in your choices. Indeed, it can be separated into two parts.

The six eye shadows on the left hand are rather light and more adapted for day looks. You can find :

- Foxy (cream bisque with matte finish),                           
- Half Baked (golden-bronze with shimmering finish),  
- Booty Call (shimmering cork),
- Chopper (copper shimmer with silver micro glitter),  
- Tease (creamy pale brown with matte finish),              
- Snake Bite (dark bronze shimmer with metallic base).

The six first eye shadows of Naked 2 palette

The six eye shadows on the right hand are more adapted for evening looks. You can find:

- Suspect (pale golden beige with shimmering finish),
- Pistol (light gray-brown with shimmering finish),         
- Verve (oyster with shimmering finish),            
- YDK (cool bronze shimmer with metallic base),            
- Busted (deep brown with shimmering finish),              
- Blackout (blackest black with matte finish)

The six last eye shadows of Naked 2 palette

However, it is also possible to combine some eye shadows from the left hand of the palette with ones from the right hand according to what you desire. In short, I don't know how I can say to you in other words how this palette is just crazy.

Moreover, the pigmentation and the long-lasting of the Urban Decay eye shadows are really considered as being extraordinary in the world of make-up. Thus, don't be afraid with the quality of the palette.

Do you really need more reasons to buy “Naked 2” palette?    
- Its price: € 45 for 12 eye shadows that means € 3,75 per eye shadow.               
- The palette is delivered with a travel-size lip-gloss AND a double-ended shadow and crease brush.   

Stop hesitating and run to buy it!

Do you know how to take care of your face skin? # 1. My morning routine.

It is very important to take care of your skin in particular of your face skin. It is particularly subject to the outside attacks: pollution, temperature changes. But it is also sensitive to the products you use such as make-up and cosmetics. 

To take care of your skin well, it is necessary to use adapted products according to your skin type and to follow these three fundamental steps:

-  Step 1: Cleansing 

In the morning, this step helps your skin eliminate the sebum and the dead cells accumulated on the surface during the night.

Personally, I use two products to clean my face. First of all, I clean my face skin in the shower with the « All-In-1 Nettoyant et masque ultra-purifiant » by Nivea Visage. Its price:  € 6 (150ml). After moistening my face, my neck and my low neck, I apply this product by making circular movements. Of course, it isn't the goal to pickle the skin! Then, I rinse my care with some lukewarm water. 

Step 1 : Cleansing in the shower

After taking my shower, I use the «Lait Démaquillant Apaisant » by Mixa. Its price: € 5 (200ml). I apply on a small hazelnut of the cleansing milk on a cotton pad and I mainly clean my eyes because I could not with the precedent product.

Step 1 : Cleansing with a milk

- Step 2: Moisturizing

Applying a moisturizer helps maintain the role played by the protective barrier of the skin and maintains its elasticity. It also helps delay the appearance of aging signs.

For this step, I use the « Crème légère très hydratante et bien plus encore » by Sephora because I like its light texture that does not give me the impression of sweat. Its price: € 17.90 (50ml). For optimal efficiency, I applied this cream using my fingertips to make circular movements.

Step 2 : Moisturizing

- Step 3: Exfoliate

This step should be realized once or twice a week, not more. Exfoliation let remove dead skin cells. 

To exfoliate my face skin, I use the « Gommage lissant doux » by Nivea Visage. Its price : € 6,50 (75ml). When you have to use cosmetics products in the shower, it is the same routine. First, moisten your skin. Then, apply your care on your skin. Finally, rinse off it with lukewarm water.

Step 3 : Exfoliate

Now, it is your turn to find your skin care routine. Please respect it to keep your skin nice and healthy!

Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils d’YSL : my love, my friend

In my life, I collected mascaras as the crushes of a 15-year-old teenager. Every time you believe that it is the good one and it's always the same story.

At first, you are seduced by the mascara's packaging which is downright glamorous and so sophisticated. You already imagine it in your possession :  " How it would look well in my bathroom! ". After long watched and admired it, you throw yourself on it as you would jump on the last chocolate of a box: " That's it: Now, it's mine! ". Then, when you back home, you test the coveted mascara and here comes there the drama :

- " Is the color not rather intense or do I have toned down eyes? "

- " Uh.. Was it not written great volume / stretching / bending effect on the mascara's box? I don't see anything ! "

- "Help! The mascara makes me have spider's legs instead of lashes!"

In short, the object of your desire is frankly not good as you hope...

Then, you feel guilty because you know you have the attention to leave it. How can you confess your project to it? First of all, this mascara made you literally fond of it. You hear so much about it in the Glamour magazine that you feel guilty : all women want this cosmetic product that they should able to kill for it! And you? You really want to leave it. And whitout mercy, you abandon it promising that you will stay friends.

I said that every time it was the same story but fortunately there are some happy ending! I finally found the mascara of my life: Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils d’Yves Saint Laurent.

Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils d’Yves Saint Laurent

How beautiful this mascara is with its elegant and very smart packaging made with gold. How amazing it smells! Well, what is the interest of having eyes which are smelling good? You will tell me : none. However, it is a real pleasure to smell a light scent when you are making up and even when your lashes are beating.

Now, let's speak about efficiency. What does this mascara for real? Officially: " The velvet look becomes reality. With the MASCARA VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS, the ardent supporters of doe eyes no more need false lashes. They finally found their perfect and natural ally. The secret of this mascara? A brush specifically designed to amplify the performances of its formula. The look is intense and glamorous." 

Obviously, the brands are always modest about their products, aren't they? But this time, I enough agree because this mascara ideally suit with my lashes. Warning, I am talking of course about MY lashes because you must know that each kind of lashes is associated with a different mascara! I don't think I have particular problems with my lashes, I don't have any issues with their length, their thickness or their curvature but I necessarily want precise things to get a great look! Personally, I like mascaras which make extra volume for the intense side of the look. On the other hand, I don't like mascaras that don't correctly seperate the lashes. It is necessary to find the right balance for your mascara and I think that I did with the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils d’Yves Saint Laurent. Take a look at this picture:

Before/After using the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils d’Yves Saint Laurent

Even if I am crazy of this mascara, I find it some flaws... I blame it for drying faster for example. After two or three months, you have to buy back a new mascara... and this mascara costs a lot (€ 28,75) so it's better having a planned budget for make-up. However, I love this mascara so much that I am ready to make some concessions for it on the condition of being more demanding with other products I use. 

Finally, I hope that you will also fall in love with this mascara or that at least, you will find the mascara which corresponds to your lashes! 

Did you said "Beauty" ?

Hello everybody! What a hapiness welcoming you to my new blog called "Beauty Secrets" which talks about... "Beauty" ! Thanks for those who are following!

Beauty ? Wait, did I really said beauty? Beauty, beauty... okay but what is it exactly?

If we take a look into a dictionnary, we have got a totally abstrated definition. According to The Larousse: "Beauty : quality of somebody, something who (which) is beautiful, in compliance with an aesthetic ideal". 

Now, we are not really well advanced... And what does mean "beautiful"? According to the same source : 

" Beautiful : having qualities that arouse an aesthetic pleasure of visual order; being nice and causing welfare; being well suited and satisfactory."

Well, do we not hold an interesting thread here? "Being nice and causing welfare; being satisfactory"... Beauty is only the fact of feeling good about yourself! That's is the truth, guys! There is something beautiful into each person so be yourself and love you! 

Moreover, because I am speaking about accepting the person we are, I must show you what is feeling good and beautiful thanks to an advertising created by the brand DOVE. The marketing team at Dove argue in favour of the beauty of each woman. So they staged in their advertising ordinary women laughing together. These women look so natural, beautiful and so self confident that they are an example for everyone, being a man or a woman. I let you judge it by yourself : 

The beautiful women of Dove's advertising

Because I want you to feel as well too, I am going to reveal you my tricks for feeling good and pretty. Do not hesitate to share your experiences, your feelings and even your advice ! In short, criticize! 

Having said that, I wish you a good visit on my blog and one more time :  here you are welcomed!