Book review: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Hi,kitties!
Long time no read, I've been quite busy at work busting my ass to cover for someone who's on vacation and I neglected everything else. And then, this book came into my life. Please note I think of this book like I would think about a person, that's how much I loved it.
Sure, I've been reading for the last month or so some thriller books I got as a present, but romance novels, and especially Young Adult ones are my favorite thing in the whole wide world. I know I'm too old to be reading about teenagers in love but...I like to reminisce those days when I was in high school, carefree and in loved.
So, I read quite a lot of romance and YA books but this one...I just don't know what to say because I feel like words don't cover how delightfully cheesy and wonderful this book is. Colleen Hover has her way with words and let me just say straight up: the love scenes....I've never read something so erotic and enticing.And she doesn't even use dirty words, everything is just implied, but how she captures the character's feeling during those moments makes me want to...Let's just leave it at that, shall we?
So, the book is the typical girl meets boy romance. Sky has has a pretty strange life. Her mother is against technology and she isn't allowed to watch tv or to have a computer or a cellphone. She was also home schooled, but now it's her last year of high school and Sky wants to experiment how it's like to go to a real school. Unfortunately, her best friend, Six, won't be there for her because she's going to study in France, and Sky has quite a bad reputation. And that's because she has had a lot of boyfriends. Sky's problem she can't get intimate to any of them because she just doesn't feel the most basic instinct people have: lust. Whenever a guy would insist on having sex, Sky would break up with him because she just doesn't feel the need to do IT.
Now enter her love interest, Dean Holder. Holder is the usual bad guy there is. He has quite a temper, he beat up badly a student the year before and everyone says he's done some juvi time. But he also has a sudden interest in Sky because she reminds him of someone from his past. And Sky is attracted to him because it's the first guy that actually made her feel butterflies in her stomach.
Sky and Holder are quite a broken pair. She has the intimacy issues and he is grieving for his twin sister who committed suicide, but they can help each other heal their wounds. That is until something from their past comes between them, a secret that connects them even from when they were children.
I won't say no more, but I would just urge anyone who like romance novels to read this one. You know how there are books who make you feel giddy and happy after you read them?That's how I feel right know. And yes, I know Dean Holder is an absolutely non-realistic character (18 year old boys just don't think the way he does, trust me) I couldn't help but falling in love with him. Like I don't have enough crushes in my life. I found some nice fan made pics I thought I could share with you just because I love this book so much and it just got the first place on my romance novels list.
P.S. The Romanian version of the book came out at the Epica, a relatively new publishing house I didn't hear about until now and I saw they're focuse mainly on YA books. Kudos to them, and keep up with those great books.

REVIEW: essence all-in-one BB cream

Official description:

one for all! this lightly tinted cream ensures a smooth, radiant and flawless complexion. it makes small skin imperfections disappear without blocking your pores. the oil and perfume-free beauty balm is available in three different skin tones with spf 30. the must-have amongst foundations for a smooth complexion.

Packaging: The packaging is always cute at the essence products and this bb cream is no exception. Comes in a tube containing 30 ml.
Texture: Similar to a liquid foundation.

What it does: Well, even from the description, they say it's a tinted cream. Basically, this is a tinted moisturizer with a light to medium coverage. This doesn't cover acne or anything like that, but it helped me with my redness, and that is quite enough. One think I don't like is that the lightest shade (called 01 Universal) is a hint too dark for a fair complexion like mine. If it's blended well, I can work with it. Also, oily skin isn't this cream's best friend. You can't use this without a powder or you'll shine bright like a diamond. What I do like is the SPF and the fact that it's oil free. I had some bad break outs and now I'm healing and I didn't notice this BB cream making things worse.
Price: 14,60 lei (almost 4 euros) at my local essence counter.
Re-buy or pass: I'm glad I tried this BB cream and it's a nice product for the price, but...I like Garnier better.

Vichy Idealia Life Serum REVIEW

Official description:

An ultra-light, ultra-soft concentrate, with a non-greasy and non-sticky texture.Enriched with a unique combination of LR2412+LHA molecules, the formula helps transform and protect skin exposed to stress, pollution, smoke or
Tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control.
- Hypoallergenic
- With soothing and fortifying Vichy Thermal Spa Water
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free

Packaging: I had only samples, so I don't know.
Texture: A very light, pale rose colored cream with a subtle scent.


What it does: So,yesterday was the last of my 8 days testing period and I must say I wasn't even sure if I would give this serum a positive review, until I saw the pictures. The lightning is bad, but I wanted to make them be the same ad the before pictures, meaning at night, in my bathroom, using the super macro setting on my camera. And I think the pictures speak for themselves. I didn't use any filter or anything.

What it does:Yes, I do still have redness on my skin, I admit it didn't help much with that, and I do have some acne, especially because I was on my period, but then again, this isn't supposed to be an anti-acne product. Nevertheless, the skin looks much better, especially the pores,they are much smaller. And truth been told, I do look rested, although I get little sleep at nights.The serum goes fast into the skin, no complaints with that and I didn't have any new breakouts or anything from it. I didn't use any other moisturizer because I didn't need to. I also did a collage so you can see the difference. The pictures on the left were taken last night and the pictures on the right are 8 days old.

My only complaint with this serum is that it's supposed to be suited for all skin types, but I got pretty shiny on my oily spots (forehead, chin),so that's my only issue. Other than that, like I said, I didn't even notice that much of a difference because I can't see my skin in macro vision, but after I saw the pictures...Now I don't know how I'll live without this serum.
Price: I don't know yet, but I'm pretty sure over 100 lei (over 25 euros)
Re-buy or pass: The only thing keeping me away from this serum is the price tag. I just can't afford to spend that much money. But if I could, this serum wouldn't be missing from my cabinet.
DISCLAIMER: I wasn't paid for this review. I received free samples for testing, but I wasn't obliged to write a review on my blog. I didn't manipulate the photos in any way and these are my honest opinions about the product.

My top favorite products from Oriflame

Probably you're wondering why there have been many posts featuring products from this brand on my blog. Well, I'm a consultant and I buy the majority of the products I use from Oriflame and I do that because I like them. I don't usually order for other than myself, so I basically don't have any financial gane other than the fact that I benefit from the special prices of the consultants. Therefore, I thought I would share what I think are the products you should try from this brand, that are worth the money because like almost every other brand, there are the usual hits and misses.
Let's start with...
SKIN CARE
The Royal Velvet anti-aging line

I haven't used the products, but my mother is a big fan of the Firming Eye Contour Cream and the Firming Day Cream and I occasionally buy them for her.
Unfortunately, I haven't fell in love with other skin care products I tried and I found them to be just average.
MAKE-UP
Sparkle in Paris Eye Pencil

I'm guessing this is the same formula of their basic kohl pencil. It's creamy, smooth, pigmented and it doesn't smudge.
Mascara
Honestly, every mascara I have tried was good, so I don't have any particula recommendation.
Beauty Conceal Kit

This handy kit has 3 shades for different needs: yellow, green and brown and I liked the formula too so I used mostly the green and yellow shade for red spots and dark circles.
EverLasting Foundation

This foundation has medium coverage, it's suitable for oily skin too and it stays put even without powder or primer for 6 hours at least.
Perfecting Face Primer

People are saying it's not that good, but I like this primer because it's affordable, it leaves the skin smooth and it minimizes pores.
Power Shine Lip Gloss (all formulas)

I like shimmery lips, but I hate it when a lip gloss has those chunky glitter particles in it and these are great because they sparkle without being too obvious.
Wonder Colour Lipstick

These lipsticks have a creamy formula and good pigmentation, plus a variety of shades to chose from.
FRAGRANCE
More by Demi EDP

This fragrance has a very long lasting scent, very powerful and I recommend using it in the fall/winter season.
Volare Magnolia EDT

The Volare perfume is a hit in sales for Oriflame, but I like this reinterpretation better because I love magnolia scent. This isn't that long lasting, but it's ok for everyday use.
Manful EDT

I already told you my husband and I are loving this perfume because it's spicy and very long lasting.
As for the body care and hair care products...well, I'm sorry to say, but they don't stand out to me. I usually buy something when it's limited edition with special scents, but the formulas are not that special. For example, I used to love a Christmas edition hand cream because it smelled like oranges and cinnamon, but the hidratation was not that great.
All in all, I recommend you buy Oriflame products only when they are on sale, and not at the normal price because frankly they're not worth that much money.

Manful by Oriflame EDT review

Official description:

Feel your desires awaken with this intoxicating fusion of exotic saffron, cinnamon bark and roasted tonka bean notes. Manful Eau de Toilette exudes carnal power and cries out for closeness.

Packaging: The packaging is very simple, a white bottle with a black cap in a black box. I know it's a men perfume and so on, but I think they could have make something more special. 75 ml
Texture: The perfume has a slight redish color.
What it does: I got this perfume because I had a sample that I gave to my husband and it smelled heavenly. I came to the conclusion I like cinnamon notes in men's perfume, and my husband loves it because it's very long lasting. I kid you not, he puts it on in the morning and in the evening I can still smell it on his neck. I think it's one of the best perfumes for men made by Oriflame, if not the best. If you or your man like spicy fragrances, you should definitely try this. Let me be honest, I like the scent so much, my husband gets many more kisses daily since he's using it (wink, wink!).And everybody keeps asking what he's wearing, especially because it's a new perfume aand not many have tested it.
Price: 53 lei (12-13 euros)
Re-buy or pass:Since it has become my husband's favourite, we'll buy it as long as Oriflame doesn't discontinue it.

Sparkle in Paris by Oriflame EDT

Official description:

Embody the seductive powers of the irresistible fragrance Sparkle in Paris. Combining the sensuality of Vetiver with the dynamic freshness of Boysenberry and sparkling Champagne Accord, you’ll rouse the exhilaration and magnetism of the City of Light. 

Packaging: The bottle is very cute, with the collection's logo, an ornamented cap and a lovely shape. The box has the collection's colors, black and pink. 50 ml
Texture:  The perfume has a slight pinkish color.
What it does: Well, I had an obsession with this collection, mostly because I liked the design, so I wanted to have the perfume by all means. I had the body lotion and I loved the smell, so I figured I would like the perfume too. Well, it is a big disappointment. The scent is the same I knew, but it has absolutely no staying power on me. I even applied a generous amount of it, but after two hours the scent is gone, not only on my skin, but on my clothes too. For God's sake, my deodorant from Cien lasts longer than that, because that's the only thing I sense. With Oriflame perfumes I feel it's like hit or miss. Some are very powerful, like More by Demi Moore, and some are useless like this one. I was really in a mood for trying some of their new stuff, but now I'm turned off. Luckily, my hubby had better luck with his perfume, but I'll come to that in a different post. Bottom line, don't be fooled by the commercial and the cute design and save your money for something else.
Price: 40 lei (10 euros)
Re-buy or pass: Not only do I pass, but I regret buying it in the first place.

TESTING Vichy Idealia Life Serum

Hi, kitties!
Last week, I signed up for receiving some samples of the new Vichy serum. It's supposed to make your skin look better even if you smoke, you have a more stressful lifestyle or you suffer from lack of sleep. I smoke and sometimes I don't sleep through the night because of my cat who's crazy, so I think I'm the perfect person to test this serum. If you're from Romania, you can sign up here and you'll get 8 samples, one being enough for two applications and if you give your feedback on the site you have a chance of winning some prizes too. I tried to take some pictures of my face, without any make-up,Photoshop or other "tools" and with micro settings (God, I look like hell!)and I'll take some pictures after the 8 days are over.

I'll begin tomorrow and we'll see if I will finally like something from Vichy because everything I tested hasn't convinced me to buy the products.

Garnier Fructis Goodbye Damage Fortifying Conditioner review

Official description:

Is your hair damaged, lifeless and prone to breakage?

Get ready to set your hair free with Goodbye Damage Fortifying Conditioner! Enriched with Keraphyll and Amla Fruit Oil, the powerful formula repairs hair from within, sealing split ends.

A double action to repair damaged, lifeless hair:
- On the inside : the formula penetrates into the hair fibre to fill in cracks caused by damage. Hair is strengthened from within.
- On the outside : the formula seals the cuticle for added strength. Hair is smooth through to the ends.

Packaging: Comes in an orange squeeze tube containing 200 ml.
Texture: Very thick, creamy. White color, pleasant fruit scent.
What it does: When I bought my current Schauma shampoo they didn't have any conditioners from that brand at the store, so I chose something from Garnier. My hair is long now pass my shoulders and it's tricky to take care of because the roots are getting oily fast and I have a sensitive scalp, but the ends are a little bit damaged because you know, wind, sun, hard water and so on. Therefore, I always use a shampoo suitable for greasy hair, but a conditioner suitable for dry or damaged hair and that combination works best for me. Now, about this conditioner. I wasn't too enthusiastic about the Garnier Ultra Doux conditioner I had in the past because it didn't do much for my hair, but the Fructis line surprised me pleasantly. I remember I had another conditioner and a shampoo in the past and I liked them. My hair is smooth, it has a nice shine, it's easy to style, so I have everything I want from a conditioner. This particular conditioner is in my top 3 for now. I haven't decided if I like Nivea conditioner more or not, but this one is great (I'm talking drugstore hair products here, I don't use professional stuff because they're too expensive for me).
Price: 10 lei (2 euros) in any supermarket
Re-buy or pass: Yes, I might just repurchase this conditioner.

Schauma 7 Herbs Shampoo review

Official description:

The formula with 7 carefully chosen herbs removes grease, provides freshness and perfectly restores the hair's natural volume.
Hairtype: Normal to fast re-greasing hair

• The Shampoo gently cleans the hair, removes excessive grease and leaves the hair healthy looking
  
• It strengthens the hair from the roots down to the tips
  
• The strengthening formula contains precious herbal extracts such as Camomille, Rosemary or common hop
• Herbal extracts are used for decades for cleaning the hair and improving its condition
  
• For well-groomed hair with natural volume and a light feeling of freshness all day long

Packaging: Plastic, green squeeze bottle containing 250 ml
Texture: The shampoo is more on the liquid side, it has a pale green color and it smells vaguely like herbs.
What it does: I bought this shampoo mainly because I was being nostalgic. In the 90's, when there weren't that many beauty brands in our country, friends and family who were working or living in Germany would bring us drugstore stuff they could find everywhere. Schauma was something almost everyone had because it was so cheap. And it still is.But I remembered I always liked their shampoos and plus Schwarzkopf makes SYOSS too and figured it couldn't be that bad. And I was right. For my greasy hair, the 7 herbs (which are listed only with the ingredients, so I don't know exactly what they are) get the job done. For me, it's important not to have an itchy scalp just one day after I washed my hair. Therefore, my scalp feels good and my roots are not greasy. Also, if you have a problem with silicone, this shampoo is 100% free of it.
Price: about 10 lei (2 euros) in any supermarket
Re-buy or pass: Yes, but at the same time there are other two shampoos from Schauma I want to try, so we'll see.

NEW fragrances from essence!

essence adds two new fragrances to the portfolio, Like A Day in Paradise and Like The Party Of My Life. I have yet to try their fragrances and I just might pick up one soon if they have it at the stand in my town. On their Facebook page I found only the description of the second fragrance, which is:
Top Notes: lemon, orange, apricot,hyacinth, lily of the valley
Middle Notes: vanilla, santal wood, musk, cedar wood
Base Notes: osmanthus, jasmin, rose, violet

Holiday Catalogues: Avon C16/2013 and Oriflame C16/2013 and more

The campaign launches on November 7th nationwide and it's already running for the trendsetters.
Unfortunately, I could only find a Moldavian version of the catalogue in Russian, but the pictures are more important. The campaign launches on November 11th or 18th (I honestly don't remember).
And since I was in a mood for flipping magazines today, I found two that were very entertaining. The October issues of Bello and Harpe's Bazaar. Enjoy
 


                   
I do not own any of the materials posted here, I am just collecting them from other sources!

Autumn feeling

Everytime it's fall again I cange my musical preferences. All summer long I listen to cheerful, happy songs or clubbing hits, but when fall comes I listen to love ballads all day like some freaking emo kid (no offence to emos). So, these days I have 4 songs constantly playing.

Ok, I know One Republic isn't in the love ballads category, I just love that song. And One Republic. And I have a favorite Romanian song too. I'll post the English lyrics in a bit. Done.

I know you from somewhere, your voice is in my head
I think only about you, anyhow,anywhere
I know you from somewhere

You told me you didn't know me before
That bygones are bygones and now we're ex's
Two fools
When you scream, I scream louder
And I kinda like seeing when you're hurt
That's love and hate
I have no words when the silence screams
Hit my heart hard, tell me what you want
I'm still here because I can take it
Fearless, like in the beginning
When you didn't know,you didn't look at me like at a stranger
And now you have a shield, you don't listen to me
We known each other from another life, don't you forget

I know you from somewhere, your voice is in my head
I think only about you, anyhow,anywhere
I know you from somewhere

And I know time doesn't wait like a smart woman
Nothing normal in this aberrant world
Everything is falling,hang on to me
Because look how everybody's watching,but no one sees
Alone against the world,who's gonna stop us?
The classic cliche,you have to love blindly
The heart's watching, we haven't arrived yet
Don't ask me things which don't have an answer
'Cause I don't wanna lie
You know I can't really talk about what I feel
You have to feel me, your ego doesn't let you
Maybe not know,maybe in another life

There's a thin line between love and fear


I know you from somewhere, your voice is in my head
I think only about you, anyhow,anywhere
I know you from somewhere

W7 The Big Five Eyeshadow Palette review

Official description: Couldn't find one
Packaging: Nice, slick case with zebra print on the top, a mirror and a double ended sponge applicator. 4 gr.

Texture: Silky, shimmery eyeshadows.

What it does: It's the first W7 product I own and I love it! The eyeshadows are much nicer in reality, but they don't show up well on camera because they're on the shimmery side. And I do love shimmery eyeshdows. If I were to compare them, I would say they're like e.l.f. ones. Not the greatest pigmentation, but with a primer they do pop on the eyelid and I had no problems with the creasing. I like all the colors, which is pretty rare even for a small palette. It has a silver, a pink, two golden shades a lilac one. For me, it goes to my favourites because the formula, the shades and the packaging are great for me. They were really cheap so that's why it's not like I could demand the greatest quality, but they are decent.
Price: 14 lei (3 euros) on cosmetiq.ro
Re-buy or pass: I would buy this palette in other shade combination.In fact, I would try other eyeshadows from W7 in general, because so far I like what I got.

NEW Avon Eye Cream Swirls - Fall 2013

I just saw these on the US website and it got me thinking if we might get them here too. These are supposed to be 4 eyeshadow shades with different finishes (shimmer, matte and satin) all in just one pot.
Available shades are:

• Swirled Gold
• Swirled Clouds
• Swirled Champaigne
• Swirled Violet

They seem pretty afforable too (3 bucks each), so I guess they're part of the Color Trend line.