Beauty // Cocooning With Nivea & Labello

Fall is going on full force in Belgium right now and also winter is coming slowly but surely. Dry and tight skin and hands, busted lips, a running nose... The drastic change of weather is an attack on your skin, which needs to be taken care of appropriately with an adapted routine. I recently discovered some new products that I added to mine.

Nivea released a couple of products to get through winter with a baby soft skin. The area round my nose and my legs always get super dry and are definitely the biggest problem during this time of year. I decided to share some of my new favorites with you, in hopes of making your winter struggles a little bit easier.

INFO & DETAILS:

* The Nourishing Natural Oil Shower Oil (200 ml) sells for € 4,29.

* The Care Cream sells for € 3,49 (100 ml) and € 4,49 (200 ml).
* The Labello limited edition neon lip balms sell for € 3,59 a piece.

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog
© This post contains PR samples.

Review // Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Products

MAKE UP LOVERS REJOICE! Anastasia Soare aka Anastasia Beverly Hills has finally set foot on Belgian soil with her world famous brow products. After reading about her in tons of magazines, seeing her all over TV and the Internet, us Belgians can now finally jump on the bandwagon as well. Curious on where you can find Anastasia Beverly Hills products in Belgium? Keep on reading! 

Anastasia's career was launched way back in 1990, when she had to replace a friend in a famous beauty salon in Melrose Place. With tons of clients coming back for her brow treatment, she decides to start her own business and rents a space in the salon. After opening her very own salon in 1997, gaining the 'brow guru' status and appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, her popularity skyrockets -- literally. As of then, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Madonna and many others, find a way to her salon. 

As if an A-list clientele wasn't enough, Anastasia also created the unique and patented Golden Ratio method: she studied bone structures, hair structures and facial proportions to create the perfect brow for everyone. She developed 5 stencils based on simple measuring points, giving you the chance to discover the perfect eyebrows for your face and structure. 

I received a couple of her best-selling products to try out: the Brow Wiz, the Perfect Brow Pencil and the Brow Powder Duo. If you're planning to order some products online, but you're in doubt about which color to choose, go to the Great Beauty bar-website and find out which color will suit you best with the 'Choose Your Shade' scheme.

INFO & PRICES:

* The Brow Powder Duo (2 x 0,8 g / 0,030 Oz) sells for € 29,90.

* The Brow Wiz (0,085 g / 0,0003 Oz) sells for € 28,90.

* The Perfect Brow Pencil (0,95 g / 0,034 Oz) sells for € 28,90.

All products are available at Planet Parfum or on the Great Beauty Bar-website.

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog
© This post contains PR samples.

Review // Clinique 'Pop Matte' Lipsticks

Well, here's some news that definitely made my day: Clinique launched two new lipstick lines and they're both matte! I present you the Clinique Pop Matte Matte Lip Colour + Primer and the Clinique Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour + Primer. Where most matte lipsticks dry your lips, both these formulas promise to nourish and hydrate them.

I received a couple of lipsticks to review for you, so if you're curious to see how they look on me, click below to read more! Don't forget to share your Pop moment with the #CliniquePopMatte hashtag.

INFORMATION:

The Clinique Pop Matte Matte Lip Colour + Primer is available in 16 colors, of which 8 in all Clinique selling points and 16 exclusively on www.clinique.be and at Inno for € 21 each.

The Clinique Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour + Primer is available in 8 colors in all Clinique selling points and on www.clinique.be for € 21 each. 

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog
© This post contains PR samples.

Review // Makeup Revolution London 'Golden Sugar' Ultra Blush Palette

Ever since I received the 'Golden Sugar' Ultra Blush Palette by Makeup Revolution London, I've been dying to show it to you. Don't let the palette's name fool you, because this gem contains more than blushes only (think: highlighters, blushes, bronzers). Plus, it's super affordable as well. I absolutely love to discover new products that do their job and on which you don't have to spend a fortune.

I almost didn't want to review it, because I found it too pretty to use, but here I am with a new beauty post! Curious to find out more about the palette and to see the swatches? Click below for more eye candy. 

The Makeup Revolution London 'Golden Sugar' Ultra Blush Palette is available at all Di-stores in Belgium and sells for € 7,95.

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog
© This post contains PR samples.

Review // Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits

People who know me, also know that I'm a huge Kardashian / Jenner fan and that Kylie is my favorite of the bunch (if you're here to give me hate about it: I do not want to hear about it, thank you) -- I even considered getting them lips done for a second, no joke. So when Kylie announced that she would be launching her own make up line, and a lipstick line as the very first, my heart literally stopped. I desperately tried to get my hands on them for weeks, only to find out that I was too late and they were all sold out.

That's when I started to follow several Instagram-accounts who kept an eye on restock times and posted the exact hour for each time zone. If you're interested: KylieLipKitUpdates and LipKitByKylieUpdates are my favorites. I was having a drink with my best friend and randomly checking my Instagram-feed, when I saw a post announcing that the Kylie Cosmetics restock would happen in half an hour. After 10 minutes of intense explaining on why I needed the Kylie Lip Kits in my life and begging my best friend to bring me home (not sorry, it was one of those now or never moments), I was sitting in front of my laptop and desperately clicking the refresh button for the next 15 minutes. The restock happened at the exact time they promised it would and I anxiously clicked Mary Jo K, Posie K and Kourt K home. They were my top 3 favorites from the beginning and I wanted to see the quality of them first, before ordering other shades as well. I quickly got a confirmation mail that they received my order and also got a tracking code, giving me very detailed information on the location of my package. They took about 2,5 weeks to get to me and I had to pay a 36 euros custom fee, which is a lot, but I didn't really care. 

After two weeks or so, I happened to check KylieCosmetics.com for no particular reason and I saw that they happened to have restocked again. Skylie and Freedom were already sold out (bummer!) and after telling my mom (and myself) that I just had to order again -- because what are the chances, right? -- I purchased Dolce K, Koko K and Reign. Plus, I also ordered another Posie K for a friend of mine. Again: confirmation email, waiting 2,5 weeks and my babies were home! This time, I had to pay 40 euro for customs, though. I guess it's something to consider if you have to order Kylie Lip Kits from Europe, or outside the U.S. in general, as well. 

I've read about people not getting their complete order or having troubles with the shipping, but I'm dead honest when I say that I have no complaints what so ever on this matter. Everything was handled correctly and I'm very pleased with their service.

Curious to find out what Reign, Posie K, Koko K, Dolce K, Mary Jo K and Kourt K look like on my lips? Click below to find out!

For more info, go to KylieCosmetics.com. 

Review // MAC x Brooke Candy

I solemnly swear that MAC isn't paying me to write about their lipsticks, but I can't resist all their collabs. MAC and Brooke Candy are collaborating for the second time and I ordered some goodies online. Even though her collection goes from nail polishes to eyeliners, I 'only' got two lipsticks and a lip pencil. The two lipsticks I got are Witching Hour and Doowop and the lipliner is called Night Crawler.

To read more and see the lipsticks on my lips, click below.

Doowop and Witching Hour sell for € 21,50 and Night Crawler sells for € 17.
All info and prices available on the MAC website.
The MAC x Brooke Candy collection is still available online in Belgium.

Review // Clinique Pop Collection

Personal note:

I started writing this post, but for the last couple of days, I didn't have the strength and energy to finish it. The country I was born and raised in, my beloved Belgium, my teeny, tiny country, was attacked by terrorists. Dozens of people were killed in the attacks, hundreds are still badly injured. People who were coming home from a trip full of memories or were about to take off to make one. Some of them might have even saved money for years to finally be able to go on a holiday. People have lost their daughter, son, mother, father, brother, sister, cousin, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle or best friend. My heart is aching; not just for the attacks in Belgium, but for everyone affected in whatever attack all over the world. I refuse to be filled with anger towards certain religions. I live in a multi-cultural town and come from a multi-cultural family, I wasn't raised like this; I have family members who origin from Turkey, Morocco, Italy, the USA, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and the Philippines. I refuse to judge and point fingers. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected. We can not, we must not let hate rule. #PrayForTheWorld #StopTerrorism 

The original post:

Spring officially landed in Shark Attack's HQ (which is actually just my kitchen table, but it sounds so cool) with the new Clinique Pop make up collection. Consisting out of lipsticks, lip glosses and eyeshadows from subtle neutrals to popping shades, the Pop collection seems to have it all. I received three products to try out and I'm more than happy to share my thoughts with you.

Info & Prices:

Clinique Pop Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer               € 22,75
Clinique Pop Glaze Sheer Lip Colour + Primer        € 22,75
Clinique Lid Pop                                                        € 21,30

Available from mid-March and on the Clinique website.

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog
© This post contains PR samples.

Review // MAC x Dita Von Teese Lipstick

As I announced earlier, MAC and Dita Von Teese collaborated for a second time: first Dita being the Viva Glam spokesperson in 2006 and 2007 and now giving her the chance to create her own MAC lipstick, which is called Von Tease. Luckily, I managed to get my hands on this highly coveted - but unfortunately sold out - lipstick and decided to review it for you.

I'm not sure when I became a fan of Dita, but I think it must have been around the time that she married Marilyn Manson, of whom I was a big fan starting from my early teen years. It was her that made me comfortable of and in my pale skin and it was also her that shaped my love for pitch black eyeliner and red lipstick. Dita never misses a beat and always looks impeccable, you can Google it if you don't believe me. Oh, and she always does her own make up!

Lipstick: MAC 'Von Tease' Limited Edition Lipstick (SOLD OUT)

© Images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog

Beauty News // MAC x Zac Posen Coming In February 2016

My bank account has barely recovered from one MAC collaboration or they are already announcing another one. Next in line is none other than designer Zac Posen, whom I've always loved for his tasteful, feminine en graceful designs. I remember that I wrote one of my very first blogposts about him; which definitely shows, since I only wrote two lines, lol. A newbie in the blogging world, you can tell. 

MAC x Zac (hehe) go way back together; here's what they both have to say about the collaboration:

After dazzling women with his modern but timeless designs on the runway and red carpet for 13 years, New York designer Zac Posen presents his debut colour collection for MAC.

"Over the past 15 years I have learned a great deal from MAC about beauty. Fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand and I have always wanted to create a make up collection to complement my designs and brand. It was only natural to work with MAC to create my first ever signature collection. I wanted to keep it luxurious, a little mysterious and clean with a large dose of star wattage. "

- Zac Posen

"Zac Posen has been a part of the MAC family for over 15 years, as we've been supporters from his very first collection in 2001. Zac's classic designs and deft hand in draping, textures and overall femininity evoke a kind of throw-back glamour that still feels modern. This collection is the perfect encapsulation of both of our worlds, with something sophisticated and sexy for every woman out there."

- MAC Senior Vice President / Group Creative Director James Gager 

It looks like to collection includes:

- three lipsticks 

- a six shades eyeshadow palette

- an eyeliner

- a mascara

- a blush / bronzer palette

- a finishing matte powder

- a blush brush (try saying that 10 times in a row)

- a kabuki brush

Judging by the colors in the eyeshadow palette and the one lipstick that is visible in the picture (see it after the jump), I'm kinda bummed that they didn't release the collection for the holidays. I think that the eyeshadow palette is perfect to create a stunning look for Christmas or New Year's Eve. That being said, I absolutely love this collection and I'm putting the eyeshadow palette, the eyeliner, the finishing matte powder and maybe both brushes on my wish list. 

What do you think about the collection? Sound off in the comment box below!

The MAC x Zac Posen collection will be available in selected stores and online in February 2016. 

© Images: Temptalia.com and Chicprofile.com

Beauty News // Sophia Loren For Dolce & Gabbana At Age 81

© Dolce & Gabbana Instagram 

If I had to name one Italian fashion label that never neglects its roots, it would be Dolce & Gabbana, without a doubt. The designing duo has shown their love for their Italian / Sicilian roots in multiple collections throughout the years and they continue to do so for their beauty line as well.

At the age of 81, Italian Academy Award winning actress Sophia Loren is the new face of the Dolce & Gabbana Beauty campaign. Growing up in an Italian household, I also grew up with Sophia being the epitome of Italian beauty, class and grace. Dolce & Gabbana created a limited edition lipstick in Sophia's honor, which comes in a golden tube with her autograph engraved on it. It also comes with a beautiful, collector's item worthy, box (see it in the second picture below). Here's what the duo has the say about the lipstick:

"More than just a lipstick, Sophia Loren N°1 is a loving tribute from Dolce & Gabbana to Sophia and all women. The colour makes it truly unique: a bright cherry red created by the designers with Sophia Loren to enhance the deep pigmentation of her lips. It's her red, it's her signature."

- Dolce & Gabbana Beauty

After letting Italian actress Monica Bellucci star in their campaigns for years, Dolce & Gabbana went for another mature, voluptuous woman -- breaking the pattern of the classic topmodel image: young and preferably without too many curves. I can only encourage Dolce & Gabbana's view on this and for showing us that beauty can be found in all ages and shapes.

The lipstick was released only yesterday, but I wish you good luck on getting your hands on one (if you're planning to). I've read that the lipstick is already sold out in most places.

Dolce & Gabbana 'Sophia Loren N°1' lipstick - € 42

Event // Urban Decay Comes To Brussels!

If you can't see the video, click here.
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Urban Decay has finally landed in Belgium! They opened their shop-in-shop at the ICI PARIS XL on Rue Neuve in Brussels and I attended the event yesterday. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to vlog again, so I hope you like this video!

Urban Decay at ICI PARIS XL
Rue Neuve 123
1000 Brussels

Review // Dr. Hauschka Eyeshadow Palette 01

"Four matte shades of brown and grey enhance the natural beauty of your eyes, allowing for a combination of elegant looks that take eyes from day to night, Silk powder offers pH balancing and protective qualities."

- Dr. Hauschka

Dr. Hauschka has always been a 'familiar yet still unfamiliar' brand for me. I've heard about it from time to time when I was undergoing treatment for my skin, since it's known to be a great brand for sensitive skin, but I never got around testing it. Which is probably also why I didn't know they have cosmetics at well. When I received some goodies to try, I was more than happy to find out more about the Dr. Hauschka Eyeshadow Palette 01. My eyes are super sensitive and I wear contacts, so it was time to put Dr. Hauschka's philosophy to the test.

Disclaimer: This post contains PR samples. 

Review // Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer

Clinique rings in spring and summer with the launch of their Pop Lip Colour + Primer collection: 16 gorgeous, popping colors with built in primer that will provide your lips with a beautiful color and will nourish them at the same time. The colors are divided into the Nudes, the Tawnies, the Pinks and the Violets, so everyone is set to find at least one favorite! 

The ever so sweet and kind ladies from Clinique sent me a Tawnie to review and I got another Tawnie and a Pink myself, which I will write about as well. But first, here's an insight to what Clinique has to say about the Pop Lip Colour + Primer: 

THE PRODUCT

A full lip color with built in primer that provides dramatic lips and comfort immediately. It contains shea butter and murumuru butter.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

* A deep, long-lasting color with a hybrid formula of lip color and primer, all in one. 

* Guarantees a perfectly smooth and precise application, every time again. 

* Does not dehydrate the lips and gives a creamy, silky smooth finish. 

COVERAGE: Full coverage

FINISH: Silky smooth 

I could live without any make up product for the rest of eternity, but my lipsticks and I are inseparable. For a while now, my bestie Dario has been wondering how many lipsticks one could possibly have (TONS! A LOT!), but I feel that a good lipstick can upgrade even the simplest of outfits; you'll never see me without. Since I always wear matte lipsticks (they dehydrate the lips like a mofo, though), I was curious to see and most importantly feel the difference. Plus, the lipsticks are Made In Belgium. Yes, in my tiny country! #proud #highfive

Are you as curious as I am? Click below to find out more. 

The Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer collection is now available in stores ($ 18 / € 22,20).

P.S.: To share your popping moment, you can use #CliniquePop on your social media. 

This product was sent to me by a PR company / brand.
This does not affect my opinion in any way. 

Review // Yves Saint Laurent Couture Mono Eyeshadow In '07 Caftan'

About the Couture Mono eyeshadows on the Yves Saint Laurent website:

"Yves Saint Laurent presents all day wear and the highest chromatic power, now in 16 iconic shades. No crease, no migration, only intense color pay off that makes a statement. Available in matte, satin, metallic and shimmer finishes. Presented in an elegant gold compact with two applicators - a foam tip for blending and a brush for precision - ensure effortless color control. "

I'm not the best when it comes to applying eyeshadow - I usually go for some mascara and eyeliner - but I do follow a lot of beauty bloggers. So, I've managed to pick up some tips here and there and when I received a gem from the Couture Mono collection by Yves Saint Laurent, I thought it was time to put these tips to use. Want to know more? Click below to see my review and an eye look that I created. 

EYESHADOW: Yves Saint Laurent Couture Mono '07 Caftan'

The Yves Saint Laurent Couture Mono collection is now available in stores ($ 30 / € 28,35 - 2,8 g).

This product was sent to me by a PR company / brand.
This does not affect my opinion in any way. 

Personal // Redecorating My Bedside Table

Hey guys! I have some news... I bought a house! Yes, I'm definitely growing up now. The house belonged to my grandparents and after they both passed away, we had to decide what to do with it. We quickly came to the conclusion that we didn't want any strangers living in the house my mother aunt, sister and I grew up in, so my sister and I decided to buy it. It feels kinda scary, since it is a very big step, but I'm so glad that we did it.

Everything that belonged to my grandparents is still in there and when we were cleaning up, I found a couple of silver trays. My mom wanted to throw them away, but I thought it would be perfect to display all of the jewelry that I wear the most. I love mixing the old with the new and even if it is 'just' a tray, it belonged to my grandmother, so it's nice to keep it around. One thing led to another and suddenly, I found myself redecorating my entire bedside table.

My bedside table used to be stacked with little statues from Disneyland (Tinkerbell, the Little Mermaid), trolls (don't ask) and jewelry boxes that are too small to actually put some jewelry in. I gave them all a new home across my room and decided that, next to my jewelry, I wanted my daily make up on there as well. And voilà, you can see the result above and below. 

What do you think about it?

Beauty // Subtle Ombre Lips

I was playing around with my lipsticks, trying to create my own interpretation of the ombre lip, and I though it would be fun to set up a super quick tutorial on how I did it. The ombre lip has to be the easiest and quickest way to add that extra something to your look. For this tutorial, I went for very subtle ombre lips. It's perfect for both day and night, even though I prefer something stronger and more 'out there' when I go to a party. And the colors are super appropriate for spring and summer; if only the weather would co-operate here in Belgium. I stepped outside with the lips above and a couple of people told me that there was something about my face, but that they could put their finger on it. When I pointed out my lips, they were all very positive about it and they asked me how I did it. Mission accomplished! Ready?

Review // Chanel Beauty Spring '15 Rêverie Parisienne Lipstick & Lipgloss

Hell must be freezing over, because I got myself a lipstick other than MAC. And I got the matching lipgloss as well. After seeing the gorgeous Chanel Spring 2015 Rêverie Parisienne beauty campaign, I just knew I had to get my hands on the lipstick that the model was wearing. Of course, I couldn't let it all go unnoticed, so I decided to review the new goodies for you. 

Here's what Chanel says about the Rêverie Parisienne collection:

"Beauty blooms with a captivating colour collection inspired by the springtime gardens of Paris. Vibrant corals lend balance to wistful, satiny shades of pink, creating an enchanting spectrum of shades that range from delicate to deep."

You can find the entire beauty collection in stores now. 

* Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour °50 La Romanesque / € 32,99

* Lèvres Scintillantes Brilliant Extrême Glossimer °194 Crazy Fuchsia / € 27,99

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog

Review // MAC x Prabal Gurung 'Ultramarine Pink' & 'Carmine Rouge' Lipsticks

I'm not sure what happened to the quality of these pictures, but as you can see, the quality turned into crap. #cries I also shot other beauty products that same day and it also happened to those pictures as well, so I just wanted to give you a heads up aka 'Expect some crap pictures in the next posts' while I'll try to figure out what went wrong in the meantime...

I know I'm kinda late with this post on the MAC x Prabal Gurung collection, but I honestly wasn't even counting on finding it on stores anymore. But I did! I went shopping in Antwerp a couple of days ago and there will still quite some items available. Score! I snatched up the lipsticks Ultramarine Pink and Carmine Rouge. My bestie Dario always asked me what I'm planning to do with "another lipstick", but I just can't help myself. If there happens to be a ALA (Anonymous Lipstick Addicts) somewhere, do let me know.

Prabal Gurung is a fashion designer based in New York City and is from Nepalese descent. He launched his career in New Delhi, India and when he moved to New York City, Prabal Gurung interned for Donna Karan while attending the famous Parsons School of Design. He showcased his first collection during New York Fashion Week in February 2009 and has dressed major celebrities and royals such as Oprah, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga and many more. 

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog

Beauty // MAC 'Keepsakes' Holiday Collection

The holidays are rapidly approaching, which means that tons of beauty brands are launching their holiday collections. These collections are usually synonym to festive and exclusive packaging, tons of glitz and glam; kind of collector's items, really.

MAC also launched their holiday collection, which is perfect to give to any MAC-addict or just to any woman. Just like MAC says it, the collection consists of "chic, coordinated sets for eyes, lips and face in a variety of colour combinations to give you endless options." The theme of the collection is based on heirlooms and keepsakes, which - for me, personally - definitely can be seen in the packaging of the face and eye palettes. Perfect for underneath the Christmas tree! 

My favorites are the Plum Eyes and Smoky Eyes Palettes, the Red Lip Bag, the Natural Face Palette, the Studio Brush Kit and both of the Viva Glam Kits. What are yours?

© All images by MAC

Review // MAC The Matte Lip 'Damn Glamorous' & 'Trust In Red'

Yes, another red lipstick to review. Oh, and it's matte - again. Those who know me know that I can't go without popping matte lips, preferably red. So when I found out that MAC was launching a limited edition collection of matte lipsticks - aka The Matte Lip - and that there was a gorgeous red color among them, I caved and bought it. 

The lipstick is called Damn Glamorous (what's in a name?) and is described by MAC as a "bright pink red" color. I also purchased the matching lip pencil, which is called Trust In Red. I always get both lipsticks and lip pencils: when applying my lipstick, I start by contouring and 'coloring' my lips with the lip pencil first and then apply the lipstick over it. It will last all day long, I promise you. 

Curious to if Damn Glamorous really is that damn glamorous?
Click below to find out.

© All images by Shark Attack - Fashion Blog