Retail Therapy: Yea or nay? Mini haul: pretty stuff

Posted in Beauty, Hauls by Joanna Malefaki

So today’s #Feb ❤ is about something I really really love: shopping. So, as an answer to very catchy (?!) title; yea of course!!!Now, I know, there are more important things in life than material goods, there are other things I should be spending my money on, and that I am a borderline shopaholic and yada yada yada. BUT I do not care! I work 24/7, I make money, and if I like something even if I do not need it, I will get it. It makes me happy, it’s therapeutic, and that’s that. So, since I like shopping and since today’s focus is on that, let’s see some things I got the past few months and my first impressions.

Marks and Spencer’s

I got a very pretty summery spring-y scarf. I guess it is from an older season but who cares? Scarves are always useful, stripes are always in, and pink, well, we know I love me some pink. It’s nice and soft. I spend my summers in the UK, so something like this will come in handy. I got it during the sales for 5 euro!

I also got a hand and nail cream from Marks and Spencer’s. It is the China Blue hand cream. I don’t know how effective these creams are but they smell really nice. As a teacher, I need to have hands that are moisturised and smell nice cause I point to stuff a lot. I have loads of hand creams all around my house (even in my pencil-case), so I thought I’d give this one a shot. It says that it smells like linen and it does. Nice freshly washed clothes :). This cost 3.50 euro.

Beauty

L’oreal Paris: Eyeshadow & Lippie

I got a L’oreal Paris colour riche eyeshadow in the shade wild gold 8.50 and the colour riche collection exclusive Eva’s Delicate Rose lippie for free 🙂 <3. Both are really pretty and I love them! They were having a buy an eye shadow, get a lipstick free. Loreal rocks!

H & M Precision sponge

I started the wrong way. I have not purchased the beauty blender because I was not sure I was going to like it. You see whenever I use a sponge, I just don’t like it. So, I thought I’d give this a shot especially since Tati (one of the beauty Youtubers I watch) said it was good. This sponge is for applying liquids and creams. I also got a traveller’s kit with a little nail kit. Sponge: 2.99, nail kit 3 euro.

Colour crush planner

I got the personal A2 planner in pink. This cost 19 pounds on Amazon. I love it. It is pretty. I will be using it for my blogging schedule and fitness. It is also what I will be using when I travel.

I also got these cute pens which I love for 2 reasons. 1. They are really pretty and girly BUT 2. most importantly they say the colour of the pen ON the pen. Yay!A win for all colourblind people like me!!!

CC pic

Skin Care

Vichy Lifactiv supreme Intense Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Corrective Care. I have used this for a couple of days now. It feels nice and light on the skin. I have not broken out. It absorbs really quickly. Odorless. These are my first impressions.

Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes: This is an eye serum for the eyes and lashes. First impressions: It is nice and cooling. It doesn’t sting my eyes even though I put it on my eyelashes. I have not noticed any differences yet. I don’t really know what exactly this is supposed to do if anything. Vichy says that it will make my eyes look youthful and illuminated. Let’s see (disclaimer: my skin already looks youthful for a 40 year old). I have been using both products for 4 days now. If you would like a full review, please let me know in the comments below. I got both products for around 40 euros. Vichy was having 30% off.

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Clinique age defense BB cream SPF 30

I jumped on the BB cream bandwagon probably last and I don’t even know if I got a seat :p. I just needed something with minimum coverage to wear at home. I teach online and it feels odd to wear makeup when teaching in front of a computer. With this BB cream I get a bit of coverage and moisturising. I have been using this for more than a month now. The coverage is fine for me. I have not broken out. It did sting my eyes a bit when I went to close to the water line. It lasts for a long time. It does feel a bit heavy in the beginning but not too much that you want to take it off. It has a thick consistency. I got this for about 23 euros. Clinique was having 30% off.

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*So, if you are interested in checking out for yourself any of these products, you can click on these links

Vichy Liftactiv Supreme

Vichy Liftactiv Eye Serum

Colour Crush Planner

Pens

So, that’s all for now. Catch up on my #Feb ❤ posts by clicking here. Have you tried any of these items? Any suggestions? Extra tip: If you are planning on visiting Greece this summer, get your beauty products from here. There are always sales cause of the sucky economy!

Please do subscribe to my blog if you likedwhat you read. It does help me out a lot (look at the sidebar on ways to follow). Connect with me on Pinterest / Twitter/ Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by

*I use Amazon affiliate links. Pressing the link does not mean you pay extra for the product.

21Jan2016

Gift ideas for your ‘girlie’ friend (what I got for my birthday)

Posted in Beauty, Hauls, In your 40s, Planning by Joanna Malefaki

January the 8th was my birthday, and today I am sharing with you a ‘what I got for my birthday post’ because I like reading them, and you may get inspired and have a gift idea for one of your friends! So, here’s what my friends know I like:

❤ makeup

❤ bags

❤ planner stuff

❤ clothes/ scarves

and ….. that’s what I got. My friends spoiled me loads. So, let’s unwrap, shall we?

PicMonkey Collage

Pressies

One of my friends made me this beautiful scarf. It is a one piece scarf in a nice mustard/gold colour. Isn’t it lovely? A homemade pressie ❤

I love stationery, I like planner stuff, so my sis got me a big box, which I can use to store things, some washi tape, a cute notebook, and of course pens!

box up 2.jpg

My mum and my sis also got me some lipsticks, a blush, some nail polish and an eyeshadow brush. Now, let me just say that I have already used the eyeshadow brush and I love it (small shading brush: applying and blending powders). It has a very small brush, but that is what I like about it. You see, I don’t see that well and I usually smudge my eye shadow (unintentionally), but this brush allows me to control the eye shadow more! I actually went and got a 2nd one (yup). The lipsticks are called Fancy Freesia (fuchsia) and Rust me (chocolate/red-ish). The blush is called golden peach and it is a gold/pink colour that shimmers just a bit (this is me giving a colour blind friendly round up of the colours).

I also got a going out bag from the brand Coccinelle. I know, right?

A nice and warm (fluffy) hoodie from H&M. So nice to wear. I am actually planning on joining the gym (let’s see if that happens).

Victoria’s secret lip products: a lip gloss, lip oil (ummm dunno what that is) and a lip balm.

Lancome Ombre Hypnose (ultra twinkling colour high fidelity) in the colour sorbet rose (golden pink) and Ombre Hypnose Stylo in the colour 05 (grey/very light charcoal).

So, there you have it. Of course life is not about material goods but being happy. I am really grateful for all the lovely gifts I got and I am thankful. I had a lovely birthday party with my friends that night. We laughed, sang, smiled. That, in the end, is what matters. The good times.

Do subscribe to my blog if you liked this post. Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC? Remember the comments section is all yours!

PicMonkey Collage.jpg

Thanks for stopping by.

xox

16Jan2016

Had a nite out? My makeup removing routine

Posted in Beauty by Joanna Malefaki

I am forty. Yup, and I have neva, eva slept with makeup on my face. No matter how late it is or tired I am. I always remove my makeup. This post is not about how to clean your face though. Nope. I am going to talk about the steps I take to take makeup off after a night out. Some heavy-duty involved ladies, cause no makeup must be left on the face. So,

❤ Step 1

Makeup remover wipes

I use a few wipes to take off the first layer of makeup. I use a couple. Not just one. My favourite facial wipes are Nivea facial wipes. Nivea is one of my favourite brands.*You can get them here.

❤ Step 2

depending on how heavy my makeup is, I use the Sephora Supreme Cleansing Oil (nothing stays on) and most of the times… nothing does stay on.If there is a lot of makeup, I rub it gently on my face, and then rinse it off. But because this product leaves a bit of oily residue, which I do not like, I then also use The Body Shop Tea Tree facial wash or the Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser (<3 This is my favourite soft facial wash. I love the smell. It is gentle. I just love it!! I use it in the mornings to wash my face as well. Unfortunately, I just ran out and need to get some more!!* You can get it here). I have written a review for the Tea Tree Facial wash. You can read that here.

If after the wipes, there is not that much wakeup on, I use my Bioderma make-up removing micelle solution for sensitive skin. So, basically, I alternate between Sephora and Bioderma.

skin cleansers.jpg

Semi-step

Sometimes I have to use eye makeup remover as well and I am using the eye makeup remover from Erre Due (Italian brand).

❤ Step 3

Toner time! I use the Body Shop Invigorating Toner with pomegranate (signs of ageing).

❤ Step 4

My moisturiser.

So, lovelies. You really gotta take off your makeup and let your skin breathe!!

Do follow my blog if you want to read more from me. Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram. Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC? The comments section is all yours. Tell me what you use to take your makeup off. I am really interested in trying things out.

Thanks for stopping by.

Joanna

14Jan2016

Product Review: Charles Worthington Shine Booster

Posted in Beauty by Joanna Malefaki

Today I am going to talk about one of my hair styling staples. This is a product I love and always stock up on. So, this review is more like an ode to a product than a review. What am I talking about?The Charles Worthington London Shine Booster: all over gloss spray.

According to the bottle, it gives your hair

❤ a shine boost

❤ a mirror shine finish

❤ a smoothing effect

Does it do what it says?

Yes!!!! Keep in mind though that I am blond with highlights. You can see my hair in the picture below. Nice and shiny, no?

Me glasses

How do I use this?
I spray it on my dry hair whenever I want my hair to be nice and glowy. A generous spray/spritz. Nothing stingy ladies!! A good spritz goes a long way. I am blond and my hair becomes really shiny, to the point I get compliments (yup <3).

What does it smell like?

Freshness. No particular odor. It’s like coming out of a hair salon. The smell of clean hair.

Would I repurchase?

Um…. Yeah. Not just repurchase, but stock up!! I actually buy loads of bottles every summer when I am in the UK (but I live on an island…. in Greece).

If you are in the UK, you can get it at Boots or Superdrug. You can also find it at retailers who carry Charles Worthington London products.

I have talked/raved about this product before in my 5 a nite out post. You can check out what are my ‘going out essentials’ here.

Now, this is the part where I beg for subscribers and followers etc. etc. But anyhow, here goes. Do follow my blog if you want to read more from me. Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram. Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC? The comments section is all yours.

Thanks for stopping by.

Joanna

8Jan2016

Product review: One Minute Wonder Ampoule Pantene

Posted in Beauty by Joanna Malefaki

Today we are going to look at hair products that promise to make your hair feel soft and shiny. I will be giving a short and sweet review of the Pantene One Minute Wonder Ampoule.

What is it?

A hair ampoule (capsule) that ‘brings life’ back to damaged hair.

Who is this for?

According to the Pantene website,

For those who have damaged, stressed, and overworked hair.

How often can it be used?

As often as you want and it only takes one minute.

My opinion

Did it make my hair softer/shinier?

Yes. After using it my hair was not as tangled as it normally is. It felt soft but not greasy. Don’t know about the shine.

Does it weigh down your hair?

No.I didn’t have to wash my hair for a good 3 /4 days because it didn’t make my hair greasy. Very happy with this. Also, my hair did feel nice and clean after using it.

Would I repurchase?

Already did!

Price

I paid 5 euro and got 2 (then again, I am in Greece, so lots of companies have dropped prices and are holding offers).

So, there you have it a mini review. Do try it out. It’s good. This is the part where I beg for followers 🙂. Subscribe to my blog if you like what I have to say. If you don’t, gimme another chance. Check out this post.Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC? Remember the comments section is all yours.Have you tried any other Pantene products you would like to recommend?

Thanks for reading!

5Jan2016

You look too pretty to be good at …..anything

Posted in Beauty, Thoughts by Joanna Malefaki

So, before we start, let me just say that this post is not about me saying how hot I am (which I ain’t by the way). It is more about assumptions about women… made by women. Yeap!!

I mean being underestimated by a woman stinks. Especially if there is a connection between looks and effectiveness. Don’t girls know we gotta stick together? I mean c’mon! So, here is my story.

Some background info

I am a teacher and teachers get observed. That means someone comes into your classroom, watches you teach and makes suggestions on how to improve.

The pretty teacher

I am a normal looking teacher/woman. Nothing special, and if you ask me (and others) I could lose a bit of kilos here and there. But, I manage, and at 40,I feel fine about the way I look. Now, the next thing I want to ask is, “why do some people (in my line of work and other professions of course) assume that if you want to look decent/good, you probably focus more on your looks and less on your job (teaching)?” My answer to that is, ” OM freakin G”.

Now, I am going to tell you a little story. I like girlie stuff (Really? You couldn’t have the guessed that now, could you?). I do not go to extremes, but I like a bit of makeup, my comfy heels and my nice perfumes. When I go to class, I do pay attention to the way I look. is it the most important thing? Nope. Does it matter? Sure, why not?

I was going to get observed and it was a Friday. Friday at work in the UK also means going to dinner or the pub (Yeah, if I am going to go out, I will put in extra effort to look presentable. Sue me :p). So, I spent 5 mins using a curling iron, I put on a bit of makeup on, perfume and went to work. I looked OK. When I walked into the office, I got a few compliments. A nice ambient atmosphere. We also talked shop. ” What are you going to teach? Can I see your lesson plan… yada, yada, yada”. And then, this. One of my (female) colleagues said, ” So, X will observe me. He doesn’t care about whether I look good or not. He will focus on my teaching”. Me , “…..” .

edited photo

Excuse me? Should I have gone to work with a paper bag on my head, a wrinkly shirt, and smell of a cheapo deo spray? So, if I am blonde (fake blonde), wear makeup, and nice clothes, will someone automatically think that I won’t be good at my job? That I cannot teach? My co-worker made the assumption that I put effort into my looks because I was lacking as a teacher! And this was a woman! Tstststs (that’s the Greek sound of disapproval).

I wonder. Do looks really matter? Will you automatically think that if someone looks horrible, they are better at their job? I guess you won’t. So why is the opposite so easy to assume? And why would a woman be the one to say that to me? Mind boggling!!Sad even!

FYI: my observation went great!

Have you ever faced these kind of prejudice/bias? Feel free to comment below. This is the part where I beg for followers :). Subscribe to my blog if you like what I have to say. If you don’t, gimme another chance. Check out this post.Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC? Remember the comments section is all yours. This post was first published on my edublog. I have adapted it here. Thanks for reading!

Makeup (2).jpg

3Jan2016

Ever used Greek skincare? Enter this giveaway and give it a try!

Posted in Beauty, In your 40s by Joanna Malefaki

GIVEAWAY CLOSED Winner: Lynsey Buchanan

Hi everyone!!

On Friday, it’s my birthday. I am turning forty and I thought I’d do a couple of giveaways to celebrate! So, here is the first one. It has to do with skincare. I use and love these products. They are from two of the most popular Greek brands: Apivita and Korres. Both companies choose highly concentrated natural ingredients. I am very happy with all the masks and they do moisturise and brighten the skin.

skin care giveaway

What is in the Giveaway?

Korres

Travel size natural clay deep cleansing mask

Travel size cranberry instant lifting facial mask

Apivita

Express gold prickly pear mask (moisturising and revitalising)

Express Beauty with cucumber (instant hydration)

Express beauty with pomegranate (revitalising and radiance)

Express beauty with aloe (moisturising masks)

These products are for all skin types.

One winner will win all these products (see pictures).

What do I have to do to enter?

Leave a comment below saying ‘hello’ or anything else you want to share :). Don’t worry if the comment doesn’t show up immediately. First time comments need moderation but they do eventually show up.
Follow this blog via email subscription (first tab on the sidebar). If you have already subscribed, you don’t have to subscribe again.
Follow me on Twitter OR Instagram. (@mypinkrambles on both accounts).

Please make sure you fulfill ALL 3 requirements 😀

This giveaway is open internationally. The winner will receive the pressie via register mail (unfortunately, I cannot be held accountable for postal damage if it occurs).

Duration of the giveaway is from today 3rd of January till the 16th of January. The winner will be announced here and tagged on Instagram or Twitter. So, subscribe via mail, comment, and follow on Twitter or Instagram. Please make sure you fulfill ALL 3 requirements 😀 in order to take part in the giveaway.

skin care giveaway.jpg

The winner will be chosen randomly via Rafflecopter. So, that’s all lovelies. Good luck!!! GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Winner to be announced.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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1Jan2016

(In your 40s) looking for a natural glow? My New Year’s Eve makeup look

Posted in Beauty by Joanna Malefaki

Hi lovelies!

Happy 2016. I hope all of you had a lovely time and feel energised about new beginnings!!This is a new year. Let’s have some fun. Let’s talk about makeup up that looks natural, doesn’t budge and stuff I luv.

So, let me start by saying that I am not a makeup artist. I am a teacher and I like (understatement of the century) makeup. I keep things simple because I cannot see that well and cause I am colourblind. I was really happy with my New Year’s Eve makeup look and I thought I’d share what I used with you guys. This is not a makeup tutorial. It’s more like a New Year’s Eve favourites/going out look. So here goes.

vintage makeup.jpg

What did I use?

I was having a bit of a breakout which is why I needed coverage. It was New Year’s Eve which is why I wanted something to stick! I started off with priming. I put on some illuminating moisture lotion SPF 15 from Sanctuary Spa (I love this brand!). Then I put on Estee Lauder Matte perfecting Primer. Afterwards I moved on to concealers. I used the Max factor Master touch under eye concealer and Erre Due Miracle Concealer (Greek Brand). I actually used the under eye concealer on some spots as well ( I am sure the makeup gurus are rolling their eyes at the moment).
For makeup I used my favourite. Estee Lauder Double wear (seriously this makeup does not budge-eva!). On top of that my Chanel health Glow Sheer Powder. I then sprayed my face with Vitamin E face mist (Body shop) which I use as a makeup setter.I waited for a bit. I then did a bit of contouring ArtDeco Bronzing Powder (limited edition). For blush, Benefit Rockateur and on top on that Erre Due Sparkling Powder for face and body (number 406) I put that on with a little fan brush. I then used a highlighter. Makeup Academy Undress your skin shimmer highlighter in iridescent gold. I put a bit of that in the corner of my eyes as well.

I moved on to eye shadow. Chanel 847 Envol (illusion d’ombre). Just on my eyelids. For mascara, of course, L’oreal and this time Mega volume Miss Magna. After the mascara the natural brow shaper in the colour rich brown by Bobbi Brown. My lipstick is H&M in the shade Fareham Brick. Finally, I used Charles Worthington London Shine Booster on my hair (love, love, love).

My look in pics

Do ignore the diabolical smile and the glaring eyes :p. I am not used to selfie taking and I dunno how to touch up stuff……

And

Just so you know. I am 40 years old and my skin is in good condition. So, there you have it. All that makeup and it looks like I was wearing no makeup :). This is the first time I have written a post that focuses so heavily on makeup, so any feedback will be highly appreciated.

Now, this is the part where I beg for subscribers and followers etc. etc. But anyhow, here goes. Do follow my blog if you want to read more from me.Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram.Maybe even give my Facebook page some TLC? Comments section is all yours. Thanks for reading.

Have a lovely day/night!

27Dec2015

My 5 a night out

Posted in Beauty, Thoughts by Joanna Malefaki

So we have all heard about our 5 a day as in the five vitamins/foods we need to consumer every day but what about the 5 going out essentials? What about my #5aniteout?

I am going to write a post that will hopefully turn into a chain/tag. If this were an educational post, I would probably be tagging other edu bloggers, but because it isn’t, if you feel inspired, go for it. Write a post and let me know what your 5 essentials for a night out are. They can be anything beauty/makeup/accessories/clothes related BUT they have to be five of your all time classics. So, here are mine in no particular order.

My going out essentials (pin).jpg

Makeup

The moment I started wearing Estee Lauder Double Wear stay-in- place makeup I knew it was the One. It doesn’t budge, it makes your skin look healthy and glowy, and did I say it doesn’t budge? It’s just fabulous. Love. Love. Love.

Double Wear

Cosmetics

I don’t really use eyeshadow which is why for lips I am all about ‘bold’. Go for it!! Favourite lippies from Bobbi Brown and YSL.

As mentioned earlier, I don’t do eyeshadow (cause I am colour-blind and I am scared I will mess up). I do do mascara though. I like using different ones and layering up. My favourite brand at the moment is L’oreal. I love the wands and the product!

Makeup

Mademoiselle

I love Coco Mademoiselle (Chanel). I have been wearing this for years. A bit goes a long way. I often spray it in the air and walk into/under the mist.

Shine Booster

I have blond hair and the Charles Worthington London Shine Booster is my favourite product. Whenever I am in the UK, I stock up. It makes my hair so shiny. It’s fantastic. If you haven’t tried this one out, you really need to!!!

Hair Spray.jpg

Earrings

Last but not least, while I am a bag lady, I do love my earrings, and a night out is never the same without a bit of bling. I like sparkly, shiny, handmade and statement earrings.

So, these are my #5aniteout. Let me know what you think of this post. What are your going out essential? If you do write a post or do a video, please let me know and I will add your post to my post. Do follow my blog if you want to read more from me. Connect with me on Pinterest/ Twitter/ Instagram

5 a night out with effects

Thanks for stopping by. Have a lovely day/night.

Hugs,

Joanna

19Dec2015

My new M&S bag: #Blogmas Day 19

Posted in Beauty, Hauls, Travelling, Uncategorized by Joanna Malefaki

So, today I did a bit of Christmas shopping with my mum. She bought her presents and she got me a new bag. I ❤ bags. I am a bag lady :).

This one is from M&S (Limited Edition). You wear it as a crossbody bag. I wanted one of these cause when I travel I prefer cross shoulder bags.

It’s black with silver metallic details (zippers). It is soft. It has three pockets. One is for your phone the other is for I dunno what and a third one is for things you want to keep safe. My purse fits in there.

It cost 39 euro but M&S is having a sale in Greece so I got it for 29.

The bag’s tag has the bag code number just in case you want to check this bag out.

Bag Tag.jpg

So, here’s me new bag. The little things ❤ ❤ that make us happy.

Please follow/subscribe to my blog if you like what you read. I am @mypinkrambles on Twitter/Instagram. Maybe even give my facebook page some TLC? I am off now. Gotta go find exercises and worksheets for my learners tomorrow. What have you been up to? Leave a comment, say hello 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!