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    Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
    Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
  1. There are some things a person seems to avoid as best as he/she can. For example, I try to stay away from any kind of heat for my hairstyles; I am not a big fan of blow-outs, I do not see any point in getting a straightener or a curling iron and I have not mastered any form of achieving a great hair with a little help of heat rollers. I have a big love for 50's hairstyles and a big fear that I will destroy my hair with a little heat so, I tend to stick to air drying my hair and doing top knots or other crazy stuff to achieve something of a look. There was a time when I showed up at a secret meeting with Batman and Commissioner Gordon with a turban to securely hide my bizarre pin-curl set.
    Turbans are a hair saviour during the most trying times.  

    So, with that off my chest, I want to introduce you a product that has become essential for me and my hair. Bumble and Bumble "Grooming Creme" is a styling moisturiser for achieving a casual, effortless hair looks without giving you any extra effort to achieve it. This styling cream can be used on damp or dry hair, and no matter if your hair is dry, oily or normal type, you can build the product according to your needs; it is also good for thick, coarse, afro textures and dry hair. "Grooming Creme" can also be combined with other hair products to add texture and shine.
    Personally, this styling cream has become an essential part of my hair styling routine. Every time I wash my hair, I put a small amount of "Grooming Creme" on my damp hair ends and then style my hair on a top knot (with the help of a hair doughnut) to get a very loose curl in my usual straight hair. I have also tried to do a pin-curl setting with this cream but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone because for this type of hair styles, this cream does not give deliver a strong curl result. But with the unfortunate pin-curl set incident put aside, I have to say that I really like the lightweight of the formula, the smell of the product, which is not too heavy to annoy you and people around you, and how smooth and long-lasting the result is. My hair is less frizzy, more shiny and as the days go by, the loose curl result stays the same, with the curls becoming looser but staying fabulous.



    You are now leaving Gotham 
    Whether you are a hair enthusiast, straightening your hair with a blow-dryer, air drying your hair with various techniques or trying to create an effortless, soft and cool hair look with, "Grooming Creme" by Bumble and Bumble is the product that will bring out your dream hair. This is a product ideal for every hair type and for most different styling/hair need you may have; its lightweight formula, allows you to build up the product as you like, without weighing down your hair or making your hair appear greasier and less shiny. Whether you are lazy like me or not, "Grooming Creme" is a styling product that can find a way in your and your hair's heart.

    P.S. I thought I would kick off this week a little different but don't forget to check later for the "Sampling Monday" post!

    Posted by Unknown at 4:40 AM | Labels: , , , | 0 comments | |

  2. Review: Benefit Cosmetics "Brow Zings"

    Tuesday, September 9, 2014

    There are times that even if I am too bored or too tired to apply full make-up, there is one thing that I will still do, whether it's just lipstick, mascara or just filling in my brows. When time is of essence, like trying to make it on time to save Commissioner Gordon from falling into the hands of El Sombrero, getting to do one thing is all you can do.
    So, I may not be all ready and fabulous, but I get to do one thing each time.

    So, a product that I love using even when I am not prepared but with SPF, to face the world outside is Benefit Cosmetics "Brow Zings". I wasn't really big in filling in my brows with any products because my brows are already a bit thick (thanks to years of not plucking them) and I thought that this was a luxury that wasn't for me. But after a brow waxing session at the local Benefit beauty counter, in order to get arched 40's-50's eyebrows that I fell in love with after watching too many noir films, I was given a try at "Brow Zings" and was left awestruck. My newly shaped eyebrows resembled the strong eyebrows that vintage starlets sported and the filling in really accentuated the arch; I immediately decided to buy the brow kit and take care of my eyebrows. "Brow Zings" is a brow kit that comes in three shades to match your skin and hair tone, and contains a pigmented wax for shaping, a natural-shaded powder for setting, a hard angle brush, a blending brush and a small tweezers to take care of those stray eyebrow hair while on the run. To start to fill in the eyebrows, you begin with dipping the hard angle brush in the wax and with small strokes, start to define and shape your brows; when you are done with that, you take the blending brush and apply the setting powder, to fill in any areas that are sparse and make the brows look fuller and more even.
    What I personally like in this brow kit is that both the wax and setting powder are pigmented enough so it takes little to quantity of product to get the full, strong eyebrow look you want. I got the "medium" shade and it matches good my hair colour and complexion without making my eyebrows seem too unnatural; for a more "natural" look, I like to take a small round brush like a mascara wand, to brush my eyebrows and dispense the extra colour and give the illusion of naturally thick brows. The tweezers included in this kit are not good for me, being too small and me being not comfortable with the grip of it, and I would suggest an improvement in it or not including at all. 
    Also, a major problem that might keep me from buying "Brow Zings" again, even though I love it, is the fact that among the ingredients of it are parabens; in the past, I didn't bother looking into products ingredients but lately I am trying to be on the lookout for products with parabens and it hurt me when I saw that "Brow Zings" have them too. Here's to hoping that this product gets released in the future without the addition of parabens!



    You are now leaving Gotham
    Whether you are experiencing the "Cara Delevigne" effect of full and strong brows or you are looking to achieve the perfect arched brow, a big change in the eyebrow game is filling them in! "Brown Zings" by Benefit Cosmetics is an amazing brow kit that contains pigmented wax and setting powder to help you define, shape, fill in sparse areas and lock brows in place, and small tweezers to take remove any stray hair; you can use the wax or powder on their own or combined to achieve best results or more "natural" looking. It's all up to you!


    Posted by Unknown at 12:39 PM | Labels: , , , | 0 comments | |

  3. Review: Clinique "Anti-Blemish Solutions"

    Thursday, August 28, 2014

    There are some things that go away for some time and then re-appear for good or worse. Blemishes, dryness, long nails, clean skin. Or like a memory of an old flame of Bruce, Jezebel Jet, coming back to remind to the Wayne and Batman family what it was, what traps it fell for and what it became in the future.
    For good or bad, we learn from our mistakes.

    So, a personal problem that disappears and appears again is blemishes; my face has not entirely got rid of blemishes and every once in a while I get a breakout that is a bummer. I decided to try a new cleanser and purchased the Clinique "Anti-Blemish Solutions", a cleansing foam targeted for acne. This cleanser works immediately to help clear and prevent acne; the foam formula of this cleanser is gentle for the complexion but at the same time removes the dirt and excess oil. The usual culprit behind acne is excess oil but it is hard to spot a cleanser that does the job and does not leave the skin dry and dull; this gentle cleansing foam cleans off the extra oil the complexion has and unclogs pores making more and more blackheads disappear with each application.
    I wanted to buy a cleanser that would not be too harsh on my skin and I was suggested a foam formula cleanser due to their benefit of not drying the skin and the easy application; after some time of using the "Anti- Blemish Solutions", my skin has witnessed a big reduction in blemishes and I love how fresh I feel after application. The scent of the cleanser reminds me a little bit of tea tree oil but overall I love how it brings to my mind the "clean" sense. The "Anti-Blemish Solutions" cleansing foam was a big change compared to the usual cleansers I used and I am happy to say that it did something for my problematic blemish situation.


    You are now leaving Gotham
    Acne is a trouble that everyone has faced once or a couple of times in their lives but a really good cleanser is a big help in dealing with this problem. Clinique's "Anti-Blemish Solutions" is a foam cleanser, which is a great solution for gently cleaning the skin, removing dirt and excess oil and unclogging the pores; its foam formula does not leave the skin dry but fresh, clean and ready for the moisturiser!

    Posted by Unknown at 2:16 PM | Labels: , , , , | 0 comments | |

  4. And we are back! After a full week of getting some holiday time and a chance to re-visit the old Man-Bat serum I used some time ago to fight my beloved, it is time to get back on some beauty territory!
    Brace yourself for some lip balm excitement!

    As you have read in an earlier post about getting to know Black Widow Balm, I had ordered "Outsiders 3-Piece Sample Pack feat. Spell, Frida and Iron Maiden Color Balms" from the Black Widow Balm Etsy shop and I couldn't be any happier with these lip balms! 
    The "Outsiders 3-Piece Sample Pack feat. Spell, Frida and Iron Maiden Color Balms", contains 3 lip balms, Frida, which is a green forest colour balm, Spell, a deep lavender colour balm, and Iron Maiden, an iron gray lip colour balm; as an extra, I also received Calavera '12, a hot pink colour balm. All lip balms have a unique scent, corresponding to their "theme"; Frida has a distinct aroma from a blend of lavender, clove and pine oils, Spell gets its pleasing scent from a mix of lavender, black pepper and vanilla oils, Iron Maiden features a blend of basil, clove and pine oils and Calavera '12 has an aroma from a blend of raspberry, peppermint and nutmeg oils. So, when applying these balms, you also get an extra kick from the unique smell they have. 
    Read more »

    Posted by Unknown at 8:46 AM | Labels: , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  5. There have been times in my life that I have used the word "enough". "There is not enough time for us to save Gotham City", "There are not enough assassins to take down Batman", "There is not enough bread for me to prepare Damian's snack, Alfred"  and many many other lines in which the word "enough" was trying to outline how on the edge things are.
    Enough is enough; how many times has a human have to use this phrase in a lifetime?


    But let's be clear on one thing; a girl cannot have enough lipsticks and stumbling upon Lipstick Queen, I think I have found a lipstick fantasy come true. Lipstick Queen is a cruelty-free lipstick brand created by Poppy King, who in her pursuit to find the perfect lipstick decided to take things into her hands and create it herself. Lipstick Queen offers many different lipsticks, like the classic, luxurious and pigmented-rich "Velvet Rope" line or the perfect-for-the-summer "Endless Summer" lipsticks that protect your lips from the sun and keep them hydrated and bright. For my first Lipstick Queen purchase, I chose to buy a lipstick from the "Butterfly Ball" line; the lipsticks from this line are sheer as a butterfly wing with a beautiful hint of shimmer and iridescence when they catch the light. The formula of the lipstick is soft and moisturising to keep your lips hydrated and the blue pearls contained in each shade flatter your lips and make your teeth appear whiter.
    I selected the "Moment" shade, which is a shimmering red that flatters my natural lip colour, since it is kind of similar to that colour, and makes my lips look effortlessly posh; I think that my teeth appeared a tiny bit whiter, but I might have been the only one taking note if it. The aloe vera, vitamin E, C and B really take hydration a bit further and keep your lips conditioned and moisturised at all times. The only drawback that I could say for this lipstick, if I had to say one, would be that because this is a sheer formula, you might need to re-apply it often. But this is such an easy lipstick to use that you do not need a lip pencil or even a mirror to apply; just go straight from the bullet and the job is done! Let's not forget to say that this lipstick can be used on its own or on top of another lip colour to enhance it or add a totally different finish to it; so the customization game is on! Last but not least, the packaging is so cool and avant-garde, if I may say, that it will catch people's attention and your lipstick will be the talk of the present company!


     

    You are now leaving Gotham
    Lipstick Queen "Butterly Ball" lipsticks are sheer, ultra moisturising lipsticks that will give you a iridescent, shimmery lip colour that even butterflies would be jealous for! There are seven different shades, each one packed with ingredients that will condition your lips and give you a finish that will make your teeth to appear whiter, whether they used on their own or as a topcoat to give a shimmery finish to another lipstick.

    Posted by Unknown at 8:50 AM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  6. Little or big surprises are always a thing that can put a smile on one's face. Of course there can be bad and good surprises but for the current post, let's focus on good surprises or at least surprises that we intercept as good. Because to be honest, last time Catwoman had Batman all tied up and everything seemed to be in place for her to unravel her scheme, I thought it was a good surprise for Batman to find out that I got his back and neutralised her in time.
    Or I think that was a good surprise for him.

    While searching for my next moisturiser, I was more keen to try something new and I had my eye on the "Ibuki Refining Moisturizer" from Shiseido to buy. When I was told that with this moisturiser I also got a special sized cleanser and concentrate from the same line, I knew I had found my new moisturiser. So, I went home with the "Ibuki Refining Moisturizer" along with the "Gentle Cleanser" and the "Soothing Concentrate" from the Ibuki line. For starters, let me share my thoughts on the moisturiser; I generally love products that come with a pump, and this moisturiser comes with a pump which helps me to get the exact quantity of product I need and avoid getting germs in it (as might happen with moisturisers that come in jars and are best applied when you take out the product with a little spatula/spoon). The formula of the moisturiser is not too thick and not too light, making it easy for it to be absorbed but still maintain the air of a rich cream; I do not find it to be good or bad as a base for liquid foundation but I interpret as good, a huge advantage, that it is absorbed quickly and you can go on with the make-up application. 
    The moisturiser's description claims that it intensively corrects the appearance of unevenness such as visible pores, breakouts/ blemish marks and renews the skin’s surface, revealing an incredibly smooth, uniform texture, while keeping skin hydrated all day long. From my personal experience, I have to say that my redness is not as bad as it used to be and my breakouts are less, leaving my skin smoother and looking more uniformed; but I have seen no change in my pores, they are still as visible as before, and the hydration does not stay all day long.
    Now, for the special sized cleanser and concentrate, I was quite pleased with the cleanser because it is as gentle as it gets and with a little amount of it, you have a nice foam to work on the face and the neck; now for the concentrate, I liked how soft it left my skin and primed it for the moisturiser plus the scent of it is amazing!


    You are now leaving Gotham
    Shiseido's "Ibuki Refining Moisturiser" is a moisturiser that works great if you are looking for a rich, not too heavy, formula that hydrates, softens the skin and corrects some imperfections your complexion might have; for a hydrating base before applying the foundation, it is quickly absorbed giving you no hard time at all. As for the "Ibuki Gentle Cleanser" and the "Ibuki Softening Concentrate", these two are a good addition to your skincare routine and, I think, will benefit any skincare products that you use.


    Posted by Unknown at 5:38 AM | Labels: , , , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  7. Summertime is time to get as colourful as you can/want! I find it that summer is the season to try trends that you wouldn't try any other time and actually like them! I am a conservative make-up fan and I tend to cling on classic products and shades, not risking to go out of my comfort zone; but in life I am also conservative but thanks to Mr Bats I took a huge leap faith and turned my life upside down but I got to keep my assassin identity.
    Sometimes you need someone to help you risk a bit further.

    Something that helped me get out of my comfort zone was once again MAC Cosmetics. The new nail collection "Nail Transformation" features 3 studio nail lacquers and 4 different products that transform the nail colour you have already applied into something different; there is a shadow topcoat that gives any studio nail lacquer shade a smoky glow, a texturizer topcoat that adds a leather effect, a highlighter that illuminates nail colour with sheer, pearlescent shades of blue and a liquid pigment topcoat that highlights and illuminates nail colour with three different sheer, pearlescent shades in pink, green or gold. Every product in this collection is eye-catching but the products that I decided to take with me home were the "Highlighter" and the "Liquid Pigments" in Pink and Green Pearl. 
    The Highlighter is a sheer, pearlescent blue topcoat that can be applied on top of any nail polish you have applied on your nails; the result is an illuminated blue shade coming from within, giving a whole different finish than what your nail polish looked without the topcoat. I found that two coats of this topcoat work best, but you can apply more if you want the result to be vibrant.
    The "Liquid Pigments" in Pink and Green Pearl are very much like the "Highlighter"; they are sheer, pearlescent topcoats but offer an illuminated shade of pink and green accordingly. They give the glow from within effect and work well with every nail polish.
    Even though most of my nail polishes are matte, I went on to try most of them with every topcoat. I paired H&M nail polish "Popsicle Purple" with the "Highlighter", and the pearlescent blue shades matched exceptionally the light purple colour.Next, I applied the "Highlighter" and the "Liquid Pigment-Pink Pearl" on top of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure nail polish "260-So Much Fawn" and the result is a beautiful dark salmon pink colour with blue and pink pearlscent shades that also appear purple at times. For my last nail polish and topcoat experiment, I paired China Glaze nail lacquer "616-Inner Beauty" with the "Liquid Pigment-Green Pearl" and the result was a neutral beige with green pearlscent stealing the spotlight!
    Overall, I think these topcoats are a great investment if you want to give a twist to your nail polish collection and the combinations you can create with are many and fun! Another benefit is that these topcoats speed up the time for the nail polish to dry and seal in the colour. 


    From left to right: "Highlighter", "Liquid Pigment-Pink Pearl", "Liquid Pigment-Green Pearl"

    From left to right: H&M "Popsicle Purple" nail polish with the "Highligher", Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure "260-So Much Fawn" with the "Highlighter" and the "Liquid Pigment-Pink Pearl", China Glaze nail lacquer "616-Inner Beauty" with the "Liquid Pigment- Green Pearl".

    You are now leaving Gotham
    If you are looking for new ways to incorporate some colour to your life, the "Highlighter" and "Liquid Pigments" in Pink and Green Pearl will bring your nail polish collection a big transformation! Each topcoat offers a different effect, with pearlscent shades of blue, pink and green that can be used on their own or combined with each other; the topcoat colour games is on and you can do whatever you like! The formula is buildable, but two coats of each product will surely give you a finish that is unique and that helps to dry the nail base colour faster. Feel adventurous? Try these topcoats then!

    Posted by Unknown at 9:52 AM | Labels: , , , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  8. Review: Max Factor "Lipfinity"

    Friday, July 18, 2014

    Sometimes you need something to accompany you 24 hours and not worry about it leaving or staining or whatever. It's no easy task running around and keeping in mind to check your lipstick and see how it goes. Take Lois Lane for example; she works hard to catch the news, write articles and be Clark Kent's girl and Superman's sweetheart while trying to stay out of trouble's way.
    So, a good staying product is the one that might keep that mirror in the cosmetics case.

    So, if you are interested in finding a lipstick that stays with you more than you ever though of possible, Max Factor "Lipfinity" is what will do the job. This is a formula that stays on for 24 hours but it is not the usual lipstick that you apply from the bullet and go; "Lipfinity" comes with two products, one gloss that contains the colour and one balm to keep your lips hydrated and give a luscious shine. Now the secret for the application is to first apply the colour to your lips, wait for one minute to dry while keeping your lips parted and then apply the balm; once you have completed these steps, you are ready to go! The colour will stay on for much time and whenever you feel your lips dry or want to refresh them, you can apply the balm and ensure the colour lasts longer. I have a weakness for corals so I chose to try the "Ever More Radiant" shade, which is coral orange-y and perfect for the summer. Personally, I put this formula to hard tests and it kind of passed; though most of the colour faded away after eating, drinking and eating again, it delivered better than I expected it.

     You are now leaving Gotham
    Max Factor "Lipfinity" is a revolutionary product that is great for the lip fan in every gal. With two products, one to give the colour and one to moisturise the lips, this lip colour will give you a long lasting result and shades that will impress you and the people around you.


    P.S. TGIF! Happy weekend to all! Do you like long lasting products or do you prefer to control your make-up and re-apply when it's needed?

    Posted by Unknown at 1:41 PM | Labels: , , , , | 2 comments | |

  9. It's better late than ever to wish to all American readers happy 4th of July! I hope you all had a fun time and enough time to relax from celebrations. Sundays are usually days that I tend to wake up late in an effort to make up for the late nights spent chasing Killer Croc in the sewers of Gotham City. And you know, sewers are not a place for a girl like me but it pays to think that I have a warm bath waiting for me when I get home.
    A soothing, relaxing bath time never hurt anyone.

    But if stress has taken its toll on you and you need something extra to help you relax, the "Divine Calm Relaxing Massage Oil" by the Body Shop is what you are looking for. This is a massage oil that contains essential oils of lavender and camomile, a combination that will soothe and refresh you after a long day. Lavender and camomile are known to have soothing and relaxing effects and the smell is strong but not too much to be overwhelming. The sweet almond oil is also a beneficial ingredient that softens and moisturises the skin. To apply the massage oil, you warm a few drops in your palms and massage into the body; the oil is kind of thick but a few drops will do the trick. After using a couple of times after a late night shower, I noticed that it helped me relax and made me sleep easier; lavender and camomile also help to fight insomnia, so if this massage also put you to sleep.


    You are now leaving Gotham
    If you are stressed out and your relaxation levels are meeting a new low, Body Shop's "Divine Calm Relaxing Massage Oil" will aid you to calm and scare away any psychological pressure that builds up in the end of the day. This rich oil and the lavender, camomile it contains will seal the relaxation factor and the sweet almond oil will hydrate your skin. And for our insomniac readers, this oil might help you go to sleep easier. All hail lavender and camomile!

    P.S. How was your 4th of July? Did you have fun with family, friends and fireworks? And for our international readers, how was your Friday and Saturday?

    Posted by Unknown at 2:32 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 2 comments | |

  10. It is said that to do the job you need the right tools. Dr Jonathan Crane aka Scarecrow, has in his disposal a whole arsenal of drugs and psychological tactics to make use of people's and his adversaries fears and phobias. Throughout his villainy career, he has taken hold of our deepest buried fears and served his own purposes.
    So, picking the right tools really does the right job.

    When it comes to beauty, brushes are important to apply the make-up and get the best results possible. Applying eyeshadow is a difficult task and blending is a whole different thing. MAC Cosmetics "217 Blending Brush" is a great brush for shading or blending of colour or creamy products. This oval shaped brush works with powder and cream eye shadows and picks up the right quantity of product to make the application easier for you; when it comes to blending, this brush might be considered by some a little big but others might find it okay. Personally, I have used it to blend two similar coloured eye shadows and it worked but for different coloured eye shadows I would prefer a smaller eye brush but it's all in the hand of the beholder. Since this brush works for cream formulas also, it goes without saying that it can also be used with foundation (or MAC "Select Cover-UP") to even-out the complexion, cover spots or apply concealer. 


    You are now leaving Gotham
    The "217 Blending Brush" is a multitasking brush that will woo every eye shadow enthusiast and is a great investment if you are looking for an eye shadow brush that can apply, blend, cover and work with powder and cream formulas; you can also apply foundation to give a light or heavier coverage as you wish!

    P.S. Which is your favourite eye shadow brush? Do you use one brush to apply and blend or have different for each use?

    Posted by Unknown at 1:15 PM | Labels: , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  11. Review: Benefit Cosmetics "High Brow"

    Thursday, June 26, 2014

    There have been many times when I have stumbled upon things or people who at first glance didn't seem to measure up to something important or valuable for me. Take Batman for example; the first time we met, I was sure that he was no worthy enemy for me and my father but the more we faced of him, the more powerful and smart he got. First impressions can totally fool you so an open mind could save you from trouble.
    So, who's ready to drop thinking on first impressions?

    Well,to be honest with you, being prejudiced about something is a big personal character trace. So, while I was browsing at the local Benefit Cosmetics beauty counter, I stumbled upon "High Brow" brow lifting I was 99.9% sure that this product was something that I didn't need to add to my beauty regime. I am a big brows fan and I am always itching to try new products so there I was trying "High Brow" to see what it really did; I sampled it on my hand, blended and was impressed of the warm pink, illuminating hue it gave. I also applied it under my brow, following my arch and I loved the instant brow lift, which made me look like I had a good night's sleep. So with this brow lifting pencil in hand, you can accentuate your arched brows and freshen up your look. But let me share this little trick, "High Brow" can be used not only for your brows! I was curious enough to try this pencil as a regular highlighter and it delivers an amazing illuminating result on the cupid's bow, the apples and it can even pass for a concealer if you put a little quantity and blend it really well. I am so enamoured with "High Brow" that even when I don't apply full make-up and fill in my brows, I put on "High Brow" and I am ready to go!



    You are now leaving Gotham
    "High Brow" is the best friend for your brows and not only for them! This highlighting pencil brightens up your face and give the soft glowy look and has more uses than you can imagine! Once you start using it, you will love it so much you will carry it with you everywhere!

    Posted by Unknown at 3:01 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  12. With summer temperatures rising up and the heat become kind of a burden, we tend to make our beauty routines as light as possible and only make with the necessary products. For me, lipstick and eye shadow are two products that can totally transform your look and summer is the season for bold colours! If Mister Freeze could keep the climate here in Gotham cool, I would not have to worry about transitioning my make-up to summer.
    But summer calls for a change!

    Products with light texture, long lasting results and vibrant finish are my go-to for summer and if I can skip the primer, I will! So, a great eye shadow that delivers a vibrant finish, is easy to apply and offers many shades to play with is Shiseido's "Shimmering Cream Eye Colour". This is a lightweight cream eye shadow with a radiant, lustrous finish that goes without smudging or creasing; you can apply it with your fingertips for a more natural and smooth look or with your brush for a more defined look. I am amazed with how smooth this eye shadow is and I love that depending on the look you want to achieve, a more natural or a more glamorous, you can build up the product without feeling too cakey; the more product you use, the more solid the colour becomes, but it won. As for the stay, this eye shadow is long lasting and it keeps the skin hydrated because of the Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE it contains. I have purchased the "OR313 Sunflower" shade, a shimmer copper rose colour, that works great with a little bronzer and an orange lipstick; the metallic/shimmer finish of this eye shadow makes it a hit since metallics are now the "it" thing. And let's not forget to say that you can easily remove this cream eye shadow without too much trouble.



    You are now leaving Gotham
    With hot weather making us lazier, an easy way to add colour to our make-up is the Shiseido "Shimmering Cream Eye Colour". The lightweight and moisturising texture allows you to build up the product according to the finish you want to achieve and with a variety of shades to choose from, you can create endless combinations! And because summer tends to dry our skin, this eye shadow also moisturises the eye area.

    P.S. Have a great weekend gorgeous! What are your make-up alterations for the summer?

    Posted by Unknown at 3:00 PM | Labels: , , , , | 0 comments | |

  13. Some people say that packaging is everything about products. Quirky, fashionable, original packaging catches the eye of the consumer and carefully plants the seed of "I want this very badly". And with superheroes packaging, or as we call it, outfit plays a big part on our vigilante identities and activities. The right outfit or suit, makes fighting and hiding easier, gives you space for gadgets and ignites feelings of fear, respect or awe to enemies; don't think that Batman's suit was an easy task to do.
    And the outside should reflect the inside, right?

    With all this food for thought, let's talk about a product that is as gorgeous on the outside as it is on the inside. I am talking about the Proenza Schouler lipstick, a lipstick from the collaboration of MAC Cosmetics and fashion designers Proenza Schouler. The hip fashion duo that has created a stylish and unique statement in womenswear, collaborated with MAC to create a make-up collection that coordinates with their clothing. The full collection contains 4 lipsticks, two blushes, two lip pencils two eyeliners, four nail polishes and a powder brush. All products feature a limited-edition Proenza Schouler packaging and they are a great investment for every beauty addict! 
    But for this post we will focus on one product that blew me away. I believe that no woman can own enough pink lipsticks and with that in mind, I loved the "Pinkfringe" lipstick; this is a satin, highly pigmented flamingo, pastel pink lipstick that goes on matte but has a little shimmer. The satin formula of this lipstick keeps the lips moisturised and the colour is long lasting without feeling cakey and making the lines on your lips stand out too much. This pink shade is great for every skin tone and a must for your summer make-up! Also, the cool packaging will surely get noticed whenever you are out and you want to freshen up your lips!


     
    You are now leaving Gotham
    The MAC and Proenza Schouler collaboration is a love affair for every fashionista and make-up fan but "Pinkfringe" is a lipstick that has a special place in every cosmetics case. This flamingo pink shade screams summer and will be a precious addition to your make-up routine!

    P.S. What is your favourite lipstick for the summer? Which colour spells "summer" for you?

    Posted by Unknown at 2:20 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  14. Fierce is a great way to compliment a woman's features and make-up. A compliment in general is good for you, your karma and the person you have across you. Personally, even though we are on opposite sides with Catwoman, I can't pretend this girl's outfit, hair and all is not badass and gorgeous; as long as her claws are not in Batman's proximity, I am willing to say one or two things about her and then bash her as far as it can get.
    There is a limit to fierce for me. How about you?

    So, in the fierce meter there is something  that hits the jackpot and that is eyebrows! For me there is nothing as great as arched eyebrows to compliment your face, give a more youthful impression and pay an homage to the old Hollywood days. Dames in the 50's sported an arch that made sure to match their face and give that hypnotising result. Today, brows are big again but there are so many choices to choose from; bushy eyebrows, thin eyebrows, straight lined eyebrows but I think that the arched eyebrows are the most classic and flattering choice. Or maybe I love it too much and I am unconsciously trying to convert you too; sorry if I sound like that. But I am a noob at maintaining my eyebrow shape and a little extra help is something I need to create the right shape according to my face. And this is where Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow stencils come in to save the day! These eyebrow stencils are crafted of pliable plastic are durable, easy to use and clean and there are four different types for you to choose from; there is petite arch, slim high arch, medium arch, high arch and full arch. The idea behind the application of this is simple but I will tell you a little bit about it. First of all, you need to align your stencil cutout to your eyebrow paying attention to placing the stencil according to point A, which is the point through the center of your nostril directly up to where it intersects the end point of the stencil cutout and point B, which is the point through the edge of the nose diagonally to the opposite end of the stencil cutout. It sounds a bit complicated but it is not that bad. After you have placed the stencil, you fill your eyebrow with an eyebrow pencil, shadow, pomade, or whatever suits you, gently remove the stencil and tweeze the brow hair that is outside the area you have filled in. This is an ideal whether you want to create the classic arched eyebrow look or maintain the general upkeep of the brows after a brow wax/tweezing session. I have purchased the medium arch just to try how it delivered and I was delighted to see that it was easier than what I anticipated and I will be trying the full and high arch once I have used all stencils (each pack contains 5 stencils for each eyebrow).


    You are now leaving Gotham
    Anastasia Beverly Hills "Brow Stencils" are a great way to maintain your eyebrows at home and easily achieve the classic arched eyebrows on your own. With five different types or arches, there is one waiting for you to try it and be fabulous while people continuously compliment your eyebrows!

    Posted by Unknown at 2:31 PM | Labels: , , , , | 0 comments | |

  15. I don't know why but there are a couple of things that always make you feel better when you wear them;  for some people it is red lipstick, for others it is their favourite mascara and for some it is their brand new, custom made Robin suit that will help them on their career as protectors of Gotham.
    Which beauty product makes you feel like a superhero?

    One beauty product that always makes me feel better when I apply it is red nail polish; I find it classic, flattering but it has been kind of difficult for me to find the right shade and consistency that would be kind enough to my nails. After searching for a while, I stumbled upon China Glaze's nail lacquers and was impressed by the colours variety and the inscription on it that said that this is a nail lacquer with hardeners. Even though I always use a base coat (and I have told you which is my favourite base coat it), a nail polish with hardeners is a great way to strengthen your nails. The nail polish that caught my eye was "Adventure Red-y", a deep red nail polish with brown undertones; I liked the consistency of the nail polish and it is great to see a nail polish that expires in 3 years! Yes, you read it right, China Glaze polishes expire in 3 years giving you no worries. So you have all the time to make the best of the nail polish.
    China clay is the ingredient that makes your nails stronger and China Glaze polishes are free from DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene making sure to keep your talons safe. The brush of the nail polish dispenses the product easily and it won't give you any trouble applying it. This is a professional, high quality nail polish and I am sure there is at least one nail polish that will have you head over heels!



    You are now leaving Gotham
    "Adventure Red-y" by China Glaze is a classic red nail polish to bring out the siren in you! The hardeners will treat your nails and the professional formula will give you an amazing finish!

    P.S. Have a great weekend! What nail polish are you choosing for the weekend?

    Posted by Unknown at 12:51 PM | Labels: , , , | 0 comments | |

  16. Danger lurks in places you never thought of and trust me when I say that. Watching out for my back when I was part of the League of Assassins was no easy task because Batman appeared out of nowhere with his batarangs, ready to destroy our plans. And now, with a regular and a superhero to look out for, things are no easier. With enemies like Mr. Freeze, you never know when something bad is going to get you.
    But how can you face danger?

    There are different kinds of danger out there but let's talk about the number one terror for skin: the sun. Even though sun exposure helps us feel good, increases the production of Vitamin D it can also accelerate the effects of ageing and risk the development of skin cancer. We all need a little help to protect our skin and make the best of the sun.

    My personal choice for a sunscreen at the moment is Korres' "Sunscreen face cream yoghurt SPF50". A friend of mine suggested me this sunscreen because she said its cooling, soft texture leaves the skin fully moisturised and ready for some action under the sun. One of the key ingredients, yoghurt, is a natural source of lactose, proteins, minerals and vitamins and increases the water content of the epidermis' top layers. The wealth of minerals and vitamins [Calcium, Phosphor, Potassium, Zinc, and vitamins A, E, D, B2 and B12] in the sunscreen also provide antioxidant protection and help reduce the visible signs of ageing. Also, the lactic acid has anti-microbial properties, helping to fight certain skin disorders while yoghurt’s vitamins E and D, help relieve and heal sunburn impact.
    The majority of sunscreens are often too thick, not easily absorbed by the skin and its heavy texture troubles girls with oily skin. But this sunscreen is quite different; even though when it has a rich texture, it is easily absorbed by the epidermis and can work excellent as a base for your make-up or mixed together with a foundation. I often practise the latter technique to get some extra coverage and the necessary protection against the sun's rays. Used on its own, combined with a foundation, or as a base, this sunscreen works well for sensitive/fair complexions and fails to make any skin irritations appear. The sunscreen should be applied evenly onto face and neck at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and as needed! So, if you are on the beach or the pool or on the road, be sure to re-apply your sunscreen!


    You are now leaving Gotham
    Sun exposure is a daily necessity for all people and protecting our complexion is a task that needs our attention. Heavy textured sunscreens are something we have all experienced but Korres' "Sunscreen face cream yoghurt SPF50" gives high protection without clogging your complexion and leaving a smooth, moisturised result. And let me add that its scent has a hint of yoghurt so keep that in mind!

    P.S. Are you a sunscreen or a foundation with SPF fan? Also, do you tend to mix your moisturiser/sunscreen with another product?


    Posted by Unknown at 12:23 PM | Labels: , , , , | 0 comments | |

  17. After a week of , it's a relief to finally it's Friday today. This world is spinning out of control and Gotham City is place that falls into the list of cities with something spectacular going on; someone might bump into Hellboy and Starman while the heroes are trying to locate a secret organization with ties to black magic or get a glimpse of a mysterious transaction in a dark alley between the Penguin and Deadshot for the next big attack on the Bat family.
    If you have had a hiatus week, you will understand what I am talking about.

    But even after being in too deep for a couple, is there something to help you walk the line? You know, keeping your head high no matter how much you are struggling to fight for that balance in your life; for me, walking the line means keeping faith that everything will go fine even though that last bomb hitting the Batmobile almost killed Batman and me. Whatsoever, walking the line is a way to keep going even though you feel you need to stop.
    So, walking the line + beauty = x. 

    So, the strange equation above will probably leave you clueless about this review and to clear things up let me give you the solution at once and with no calculator attached. "Walking the line" for us means also, using a lipliner pencil! Lip liner pencils are your go-to products when using bright lipsticks and darker shades in order to make sure that the color stays on and you prevent your lipstick from annoyingly feathering and bleeding. But lip pencils are not only for red lipsticks and other bright shades; by using a lip liner pencil with your lipstick, you improve the results. And we all want a good pout!
    I wanted to buy a light pink lip pencil to match a light pink, kind of nude lipstick I got and I decided to try Make Up For Ever "Aqua Lip" lip liner pencil. Everyone has heard something good about a Make Up For Ever product and especially their foundations and powders are a favorite of a lot of women. With this information in my mind, I set out to find the lip pencil shade that matched my lipstick; with the help of the professionals I tried the "Baby Pink-20C" shade and was happy to see that it matched my lipstick and its pinkish hue made it ideal to pair with more pigmented pink lipsticks too. But let's talk about "Aqua Lip" 's performance; first of all, this is the softest lip liner pencil I have tried and you don't need to apply much pressure to get the perfect result and second, it did perform as well as other lip pencils so to prevent lipstick bleeding. I haven't tried its waterproof formula yet but with summer approaching, this neutral pink shade is perfect for a day in the beach. Also, this lip liner pencil is saliva resistant and can be used on the entire mouth after a nice thick layer of your favorite lip balm.




    Not sure whether this swatch kind of helps you get the idea of the color. 

    You are now leaving Gotham
    I think a lip liner pencil is a little sidekick to every girl who has a soft spot for lipsticks of every shade! Whether you are a classic red lipstick fan or a nude lipstick converter, a lip liner pencil will help make your lipstick stay longer and not stray away! Make Up For Ever "Aqua Lip" lip liner pencil allows you to reshape and emphasize the lip contour and its various shades will sure catch your eye!

    P.S. I wish you all have a great weekend and have time to enjoy the great spring weather! What are your plans and activities for recharging your batteries? Dinner with friends? Some quality time at the beauty counters? No matter what you do, have fun!

    Posted by Unknown at 2:13 PM | Labels: , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  18. It is said that we are creatures of habit. We start adopting little things in our everyday life and turn them into a routine. When it comes to make-up, habits often translate to creating your own "makeup uniform". And I am all for a uniform because it comes with being a superheroine among a family of superheroes. And a uniform comes handy when you want to store your weapons or want some extra protection or just want to look "effortlessly" badass. And when you are next to Batman and Robin, a good uniform is essential.
    And let's face it, who doesn't want to look effortlessly badass?

    Let's talk about a product that is classic and pretty much part in every woman's make-up every once in a while, or in more often. Eyeliner! Winged eyeliner, cat-eye, there are many styles to try and for me the right eyeliner to make it all happen is Bobbi Brown's "Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner". This eyeliner gives you the look of liquid liner with the ease and feel of a gel formula, which makes thing less messy for you, unless you are a veteran of a liquid liner! To apply it, you will need a fine eye liner brush or and an angled eye brush, whichever suits you better. You will need to coat both sides of the brush head to get better results and it doesn't try immediately when you put it on, so you can minimize tiny mistakes.
    With a little bit of luck, there will no eyeliner mistakes!

    First time I applied the eyeliner, I put some extra amount on my angled brush and ended with a thick line that was too much for me; but I let it dry to see how it would turn out and it was just like I had applied a liquid liner. I applied the eyeliner a second time, careful not to overcoat the brush, and it went on really smooth and right on point; it didn't leave any crease or smear and stayed on for as long as five hours (and it would stay on longer but I had to remove my make-up after a late night meeting with Commissioner Gordon). Its packaging is simple but its content is what really matters. Also, there are a variety of shades for you to choose and create something a little different from the classic black cat-eye; I already have a little soft spot for "Sepia Ink", a rich brown shade, and "Cobalt Ink", a dark blue shade, but I will spend some more quality time with "Black Ink".



    You are now leaving Gotham
    This little jar of black may sound too deep for gals who stick to liquid liner but don't avert your eyes at once! Bobbi Brown's "Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner" is a marvelous eyeliner which gives what it says: easy gel application, liquid line finish and durability. Just grab a fine eye brush or angled brush and I think you will love  it!

    P.S. But now let's be honest, are you a liquid eyeliner gal or a gel eyeliner with a brush? How have you mastered the cat-eye? Also, someone told me that if you want your gel liners not to dry over time, be sure to store them upside down! 

    Posted by Unknown at 3:02 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  19. We all have our little guilty pleasures. I used to enjoy plotting Batman's fall with my father, Ra's al Ghul, and spent heart, soul and time on it but I enjoyed every minute of it; until Batman and his "family" demolished our evil schemes and we had to prepare for the next time. Nowadays, Batman is my love and a whole lot more so there is space for a new guilty pleasure. When I am not chasing some lead to protect Damian from the hands of Deathstroke, I like to spend some quality time pampering my self. And when I say pampering "myself", I mean "my skin".
    Is that a crime, your Honor?

    With that confession out of my chest, I will share with you the cream that I can't get enough using. If I couldn't live with one product, that would be eye cream. I have the distinct idea that eyes need the same care and moisturizing our face needs, so I always keep an eye cream handy to massage around the eye area. I have tried various products with none making me feel excited but my heart skipped a beat when I started using Kiehl's "Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado". Avocado oil is well known for moisturizing, so this eye cream was my first purchasing option from Kiehl's stand; when I tried it at the stand, I was surprised at the cream's thickness and how easily it blended, though it took some time for my skin to absorb it. Also,I was surprised to notice that even though the cream's color is light green, it left the skin shiny and kind of glow-y.
    But what happened when it was applied on the delicate eye area?

    After including it for some time in my beauty routine, I have to say that I am quite happy with this cream and its thick texture makes it to last longer because you don't need to apply much product. In other words, this eye cream goes a long way, though you should only keep it for 6 months as the instructions say. This eye cream fully keeps your eye area moisturized and if you have dark circles, those will kind of disappear but not go away forever (you will need a faithful concealer for that).


    You are now leaving Gotham
    Kiehl's "Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado" is an ideal eye cream for keeping the eye area hydrated and well nurtured. It might take some time to adjust on how much you should use, but the result will reward your patience and spoil your eyes in a good way! Because we all need some spoiling even if we don't pay attention to it, or don't have time for it.

    P.S. What is your favorite eye cream? Do you enjoy applying eye cream and massaging the eye area to get the product right in there or just tap it quickly, wait for it to dry and apply your make-up?

    Posted by Unknown at 2:15 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  20. Every once in a while you feel like you need something or someone to rely on; maybe it is a friend to hear you out or a very good make-up to stay where it should all day without you checking it every 10 minutes. Personally, I felt like I needed a product that would make sure that my eyeshadow stayed put no matter if I had to to spend a few hours teaching Damian Martial Arts or have to save the ransacked and clobbered Gotham City from Harley Quinn and her best friend, Poison Ivy.
    So, what's going to give you that extra stay?

    Let's say you don't just need something you can trust but you need a little extra, like something that can be used on its own and cover the redness of your upper eyelids. 
    Does this all hit a nerve?

    If it does, then let me introduce you to MAC Cosmetics's "Pro Longwear Paint Pot" in "Painterly". Accidentally, I zoomed into this paint pot intrigued by the fact I have never payed it attention before; then I went on to try it on my palm and was impressed by its creaminess and how easily it blended. I am not used to cream eyeshadows but this one called for me! I tried "Painterly" on my upper eyelids and I found that it totally hid the natural redness my eyelids usually have but it also didn't feel heavy or look cakey; it matched perfectly my skin tone and gave a fresh, relaxed look. But that is not the end! This certain shade, "Painterly", can be used as a base/primer to help your eyeshadows work better and stay longer. There are other shades that work as well on their own as with eyeshadows applied on top of them.



    Painterly: nude beige.


    You are now leaving Gotham
    MAC's "Pro Longwear Paint Pot" is a  highly pigmented eye color that works as an eyeshadow and a primer at the same time, whether you want to use it on its own or as base. This creamy eyeshadow will save you a lot of application time while delivering a vibrant finish that can be combined with any eyeshadow. Sky's the limit girl and you have a lot of color options! And don't forget, this eyeshadow can be applied without a brush and personally I feel I control better the blending.

    P.S. Have a happy Easter! I wish the best to all of you and your families and hope you have a great time! What are your plans for the day? Family lunch and then some needed relaxation? I know, I will be patrolling the streets with Batman because someone said there might be a couple of egg-surprises from the Mad Hatter. Who knows? But as for you, I wish you a great time!




    Posted by Unknown at 4:06 PM | Labels: , , , , , , , | 0 comments | |