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Blogmas 2017 #1: Make Your Own Advent Calendar + giveaway

Advent Calendar DIY Blogmas 2017

December is FINALLY here and  with it, here is the first post in my Blogmas series. I will be posting every other day, 16 posts in total. We’re also looking at 5 great giveaways, lots of “best of 2017” posts, some DIY and more and more. I’ve been planning Blogmas for months and I am so excited to start!

Today, I want to show you how to make a really simple advent calendar. I know that not everyone can afford to buy one or perhaps you just didn’t find one that would suit your taste. Why not make it yourself – for you, your loved one, your mother, best friend, child? You can include all kinds of different things in it ~ beauty products, candy, DIY supplies, candles or even different tasks, whatever you heart desires. I made a 10-day calendar which can be used in any given 10-day range in December.

Advent calendar DIY supplies

To make an advent calendar, I used: a hot glue gun (you can also use superglue, obviously), some bags, small decorations, washing pins, some paper and ribbons, marker, scissors and a clothes hanger. Instead of the latter, you can also use a tree branch, pin them to a board or arrange them in any other way you wish.

Advent Calendar DIY hanger

First, I decorated the clothes hanger with some pieces of wood and wood stars. You can also use ribbon, glitter or anything else your heart desires. I really like the idea of a hanger because you can literally hang it anywhere in your house. Plus, it’s a wooden one so it fits nicely with the entire idea.

Advent calendar DIY bags

Next, I decorated the 10 bags. I used gold and red bags, but you could also use nice paper bags (or put some stickers on regular paper bags). I like these because they can be re-purposed  once you’re done with your calendar.

Advent Calendar DIY

Next are the numbers. I did a really simple gold paper and just drew the numbers on there. I used the wooden clothes pin to put them on the little bags, but you could also use a safety pin or glue them on.

Advent Calendar DIY

After that, there’s nothing left to do but to hang the bags on the hanger and fill them up!

Advent Calendar DIY

Do you like it? Well, it can be yours! In these bags, there are 10 brand spankin’ new Essence items ~ both from new collection and from limited edition collection. How to win?

1) Like my Facebook page Low Maintenance Beauty

2) Comment under this blog post what you’d like to get for Christmas this year.

3) You can earn one extra entry by sharing this post on your personal page, but this is optional (you can do it to earn 2 entries and increase your chance of winning).

Giveaway is open for Slovenia only. Giveaway will end on 5th of December 2017 and one person will receive all 10 items in the secret giveaway. This person has 3 days to send me their information, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. The winner will be declared in the blog post on 5th of December. This giveaway is not sponsored by Facebook and Facebook is in no way, shape or form connected to this giveaway.

Good luck everyone. Until next time, stay beautiful!

Perfect eyes and brows with Max Factor

 

Max Factor Lash Crown mascara Brow Contouring kit

There are days, when I only have time to apply some BB cream, do my brows and thrown on a bit of mascara and lip gloss before leaving the house. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t care what I look like – it just means that something went wrong in the morning (which does happen with a small child in the house). These steps above are the absolute minimum of my make-up routine and when I’m in rush, I’m looking for products that will never fail me. Therefore, I jumped to the chance to test out the new Max Factor Lash Crown mascara and two new Max Factor Brow Contouring Kit.

Max Factor Lash Crown Mascara

First of all, let’s talk about the packaging. I think that this is one of the most beautiful mascaras I’ve seen in a while and that’s saying something. The sleek golden geometrical top gives it a feel of glamour which is a word I definitely associate with Max Factor in general. Each mascara holds 6,5ml of product and has an expiration date of 6 months, which is a great time frame to really use up the entire product.

Max Factor Lash Crown mascara

The wand is probably the weirdest one I’ve ever encountered on a mascara in my life. I actually had to read the entire PR attached twice to grasp the concept. But once I tried to apply it, it all made sense immediately!

Only about three quarters of the wand’s length are covered with bristles. In the middle of the bristles, there is an empty core so you can see where you’re running out of product on the bristles and where you still have enough product. At the very top, there is a small part that I can best describe as an additional tiny wand, perfect for the lower lashes. It’s a bit much to take in when you first start using it, but after a couple of tries, I got a hang of it and now I can officially say that it’s not a gimmick, but a really great wand!

Max Factor Lash Crown Mascara

There are also two other things that make this mascara stand out in my opinion. The first thing is that it doesn’t apply too much product. It gives nice length and volume, but doesn’t weigh down the lashes which means that with my lashes, the curl holds throughout the day. Secondly, I’m not using a black mascara in this photo – and you couldn’t even notice, could you? It’s actually dark brown and in person, it looks just a little bit softer which is a very pleasant difference to what I’m used to.

The results are great, if I say so myself. I really like that the wand doesn’t deposit too much product on the lashes which means they hold the curl longer. The smaller wand is perfect to get in the inner corner of the eye and to precisely coat the bottom lashes.

All in all, I think the Max Factor Lash Crown Mascara is a great option regardless of what’s troubling you with your lashes – you can achieve length, volume and precise application all at once.

Max Factor Brow Contouring Kit

Max Factor Brow Contouring kit

Personally, I’m not a big fan of any contouring kits because half of the time, I only end up using only a few shades in the kit. This Max Factor brow Contouring kit is different, because at least with my brow color, each shade has its exact purpose!

All of the shades are very well pigmented so keep that in mind before really going at them with the brush. You can use the brush that comes with the kit, but I think that you’ll be better off with a softer and denser brush which will pick up product more evenly. By using a brush with natural bristles, I can really get an even application all over the brow.

Max Factor Brow Contouring kit swatches

This kit can easily be used to create the perfect Instagram brow, but it will also create a natural looking brow which is something I usually go for. I use the darkest shade (far left) to line the bottom of the brown, fill the tail in with the second darkest shade and then start shading with the third, lightest shade once I get closer to the start of the brow. The highlighter can be used under the brow and in the inner eye corner to add some light and dimension to the eyes.

This Max Factor Brow Contouring Kit can be a great addition to your collection, especially if you struggle with finding the right shade. The colors are really easy to blend, meaning that you’ll be able to create your perfect shade.

Max Factor Brow Contouring kit Lash Crown mascara

Both products, along with some other cool new releases, will be available in drugstores soon. What are you most excited about? Until next time, stay beautiful!

 

 

 

 

 

Let me test it for you: Long4lashes Eyelash Enhancing serum

Long4Lashes eyelash serum

I think that one of the main things that make being a beauty blogger so much fun is testing out new products all the time. Even though I’m not unhappy with my natural lashes and I can usually get quite a nice look with most mascaras, I’m also quite keen on the idea of rolling out of the bed with full, beautiful eyelashes. I also got quite a few questions about such serums already and now, here’s the result.

Long4lashes Eyelash Enhancing serum bottle

For the next six months or so, I’ll be testing the Long4Lashes Eyelash enhancing serum and letting you know how it goes. I think that many of you are interested in these serums so I’ll be happy to report my thoughts and observations as we go.

The Long4Lashes Eyelash Enhancing Serum is one of the least expensive serums in the market – on Dragocena.si, you can find it for 23,50€.

long4lashes eyelash serum 5

Apparently, this little bottle will last for about 6 months of use. I’m supposed to be seeing first results in about 3 weeks and get great new voluminous lashes in 6 months. Well, time will tell if that happens, but I’m personally really excited for this experiement and I’ll be even more stoked if the serum works like it promises.

long4lashes eyelash serum igredients

Besides water and all that usual ingredients one normally finds in serums, Long4Lashes serum also contains an ingredient called bimatoprost which is apparently the N.1 active ingredient in this serum. Besides bimatoprost, it also contains hyaluronic acid (which definitely won’t hurt them) and pro-vitamin B5 which is often found in various shampoos and proven to strengthen the structure of hair, so it will probably work similarly on my lashes.

Long4Lashes before and after photo

These are my lashes today, before I start using the lash serum.

I’ll be using the serum once a day at night and run the wand along my lash line after I’ve removed my make-up.

long4lashes eyelash serum wand

The wand looks very simple to use so I don’t expect any problems on that part.

 

Expect an update in about 3 months time so we can see if there are any visible results. Until then, stay beautiful!

 

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics eyeshadow palette ~ best holiday palette yet?

LOV cosmetics devoted to metallics open palette

Metallic eyeshadows are not something I normally associate with my everyday make-up. But after wearing only eyeshadows from the L.O.V. Devoted to metallics eyeshadow palette for a weeks straight and having nobody comment on my “different make-up”, I think I can safely say that this palette is unique – because it’s safe and daring at the same time.

Packaging

 

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics closed palette

 

The palette itself is quite thick, thicker than you might expect. It’s dressed in some smooth plastic material which feels really pleasant and you can get a good grasp on the palette. Downside – it does get dirty quite quickly. Upside – it’s also very easy to clean up with a wet wipe, unlike some suede or velvet palettes out there that just stain and get difficult to look at.  As an extra bonus, you’ll also find a huge mirror which definitely comes in handy.

Shades

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics colors

In the L.O.V. Devoted to metallics palette, there are 5 shades which comes down to about 3€ per shadow – if you’ll use all of them, this is definitely a great deal. In the lighter shades, you get a white, pink and gold shade which you can pair with a lighter brown and a black.

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics swatches

All of the shades are incredibly pigmented. The far left and far shade shade are a bit less shimmery so it’s easy to create everyday looks with this palette as well.  For the look below, I used the far right shade in the crease, the far left shade to deepen things out in the outer V and the golden shade all over my lid. Simple, quick and stunning!

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics look

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics eyeshadow look

Besides being super pigmented, the shadows are also very easy to blend – as goes for most L.O.V shadows I’ve tried so far. That means that even creating more complicated looks shouldn’t be that difficult. If you want some extra pop with the lighter shades, I’d suggest using a damp brush so you get that extra metallic feel to the color.

Verdict

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics eyeshadow look gold brown

This will definitely be my go-to palette in the holiday season – and all other seasons in the year. The colors are absolutely gorgeous, the palette compact and sturdy which also makes it great for traveling. I think, we found another contender for the best eyeshadow palette of 2017.

L.O.V. Devoted to metallics

Have you tried anything from the new L.O.V releases yet? What do you think of this palette? Let me know in the comments below! Until next time, stay beautiful!

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Shine & Matte

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer in shine and matte versions are the latest edition to the Avon Mark family. I’ve heard that they’re bringing them out about two months ago and I was super excited when a PR package appeared at my doorstep. I received three liquid lip lacquers, two matte and one shine. Today, I’m ready to share my experience with them.

Packaging and price

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers

 

The packaging is quite basic, but practical. The bottom is see-through meaning you can see the color of the lacquer. The top is a matte black for the matte versions and shiny black for the shine version of the lip lacquer. I think that’s a nice touch. At the bottom of the bottle, you’ll find the name of the color, as per usual with Avon lipsticks.

Each bottle holds 7ml of products which is quite a lot. In Slovenia, they’ll sell for 9,50€ but in the current catalogue, they’re reduced to 4,90 € so it’s a great chance to get some if you like them.

Color range

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers

While the colors are pretty basic, there isn’t a specific shade I’d personally miss. There are 10 matte and 10 shine shades available so I’m sure that you’ll find something for yourself. To see all the shades, check out the review by Petra *here*.

Application and texture

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquers swatches

Left to right: Dare to be bare (matte), Orange you happy (matte) and Lacquered up (shine)

The formula of both shine and matte version of Avon Liquid Lip Lacquer is quite thick and opaque. Matte lacquers have a mousse consistency and apply really nicely to the lips. The feeling is not uncomfortable, there is no tugging on the lips and the wear time is decent, although they will not survive a greasy pizza or a night of cocktails. On the other hand, the Shine lacquers have a heavier, more sticky formula that is really pigmented but also sits on the lips and gives them that heavy feeling. Although it’s not as shiny as putting on a lip gloss, you still have to be careful as they tend to transfer and can (probably will) end up on your teeth. So I do suggest a mirror check before leaving the house. I’m not the biggest fan of this formula as it does take a lot of effort. Wear time depends on what you’ll be doing, of course, but they will not survive many tests, if any at all.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer

Another problem I faced with both matte and liquid lacquers is that the wand picks up a lot of product. That can be solved by wiping away the access at the bottle top but that needs to be done carefully as it will gather in there and eventually create a real mess. After a week or so, I used a cue tip to clean up around the edges of the bottle top to ensure reduced build-up. The other problem I’m facing with these lip lacquers is the slightly frayed applicator which makes precise application somewhat difficult, but not impossible. I absolutely suggest using a lip liner with the shine lacquers!

Shades

As mentioned, I received two matte shades. The first one is a nice mauve nude – Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Matte in the shade Dare to be bare.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Dare To be bare matte

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Dare To be bare matte

The second is also a matte lip lacquer in a lovely orange shade named Orange you happy. It’s a pretty subtle orange shade which I’ll probably wear more during the summer.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Orange you happy matte

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Orange you happy matte

The third shade I received is the Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer shine in the shade Lacquered up. It’s quite a vibrant red with strong pink undertones – totally a color I’d wear during the summer.

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Lacquered up shine

Avon Mark Liquid Lip Lacquer Lacquered up shine

Final thoughts

If you’re a fan of liquid lipsticks, I definitely recommend you get some of these new Avon Mark Lip Lacquers. They are quite different, the price is sensible and especially the matte formula very pleasant on the lips. I’ll probably be getting some more darker matte lacquers to include in my collection but I’ll skip on the shine lacquers because I’m quite messy when it comes to my lips and it would probably end up everywhere. If you have the patience and are careful enough, then you should totally get some shine lacquers as well.

Until next time, stay beautiful!