H&M Cosmetics Haul: My 1st Video

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

So, I have always wondered about whether I’d like to make videos and move to YouTube. Thing is, I like watching YouTube videos, I am chatty, and I am definitely not camera shy. So, I tried to make a video today and it kinda failed. My camera stopped recording in the middle. Some footage is missing, my face is fat, and my hair is all over the place. I fidget a lot. I also forgot to swatch one of the lippies, so of course this is not going on YouTube, but I am sharing it here cause:

I did do a small H & M haul.
It is important to be able to make fun of yourself and not take yourself too seriously.

H7M haul.jpg

So, here are my 1st video. Excuse my face. I never realised I made so many faces :p

Here is the lip gloss and swatches in pics. I know, I know. I sucked at this xxx

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and swatches

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and then part 2 coz my camera stopped.

So, this was my first lame attempt at making a video. I have learnt a lot and will actually be uploading videos on my YouTube channel. I will make a proper H&M cosmetics haul video (again) cause some of the things I bought are missing. I am also going to change the background and film some planner reviews, a skin care video and a clothing haul. If you want to subscribe to my channel, I’d love that (<3 <3). Do click here. My videos will be going live this week (just in case you are sitting at the edge of your seat).

YouTube My Pink Rambles.png

I hope you like this post. If you enjoyed what you read, do subscribe to my blog. We can also connect on social media. Click on the ones you use and connect with me 🙂 Pinterest / Twitter/ Instagram/Google+. Or just give my Facebook page a ‘like’ and you will neva, eva miss out on my super posts.

That’s all for today.

xxx

16Oct2016

My favourite Beauty/Fashion YouTube Channels (part 2)

Posted in Beauty, In your 40s, Thoughts by Joanna Malefaki

Morning everyone (or afternoon, evening depending on where you are)!

While I am a blogger with no intention on moving to YouTube (she says), I do watch a lot of YouTubers in my free time and today I am going to share with you a few of my new discoveries. This doesn’t mean they are new channels, it’s just that I started watching them now. So, what do I look for when I watch a Beauty/ fashion channel?

I like watching makeup reviews, hauls and 1st impressions. I also like fashion and shopping. I want detailed descriptions, humour and some ‘passion’ cause if the YouTuber talks like a robot, I get bored!

So, enough with the intro. Let’s move to the YouTubers I have discovered recently. Let’s share the YouTube love.

Jessica Braun

I have been watching Jessica’s videos for a few weeks now and I really like the way she reviews products. She is very eloquent and analytic in the way she describes products. She tries drugstore and high end products. Extra points: She’s a teacher!! (Gotta support fellow teachers).

Arabella Golby

Beautiful vlogging style. Love the English accent and her girlie/ chic style. Do check out this video. She is lovely.

Fancy That with Candice

Another beauty YouTuber who is a teacher (yes, there is a pattern). She uploads lots of reviews and is also very detailed in her description of products.

The Sheer Luxe Channel

This channel is a channel that shows clothes, makeup, fashion trends etc. I love their hauls. Haven’t been a subscriber for long, but I am really enjoying their videos and I do get loads of shopping ideas which ain’t good when I am in spendy mood (or is it?).

Beauty Broadcast with Emily Noel 83

Great reviews. I am really enjoying the holiday beauty product hauls/ reviews. Again, very informative.

So, that’s all for now. If you want to check out my older post with other YouTube channel suggestions, press here.

Feel free to make suggestions of channels I should check out in the comments section below!! Sharing is caring!

That’s all for now. Happy Sunday everyone!!

xxx

Joanna

12Oct2016

Flawless Skin Makeup Look: What I Use

Posted in Beauty, In your 40s by Joanna Malefaki

I like to have flawless skin, but at the same time I am not someone who will put on a ton of makeup and have a fancy makeup look. Actually scratch that. I do wear a ton of makeup, but you do not realise how much stuff is on my face. So, if you are interested in a natural looking makeup look with focus on beautiful skin, keep reading.

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A few disclaimers

I am 4o years old and my skin is in very good condition. I suffer from rosacea, so there is a lot of redness going on, but apart from that nothing else.

So, I started off with a facial cleanser. I used the Body shop’s Tea Tree facial wash. I like this product because even though it smells like a hospital and you would think that it strips your skin cause it is uber powerful, it isn’t.

I then used this really cool firming mask which I got from a pharmacy. I have one word for you. Pearls. Yeap. This face mask had pearl (extract?). It’s from a brand called

Then, I put on my Clinique Redness Solutions face cream. On top of that my Dior Forever Primer. Then time for concealer. I used my Maybeline Instant Anti age concealer under the eyes, Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer for other spots and on the cheeck bones my Touche Eclat by YSL. I blended everything using a beauty blender from H& M.

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The foundation I used was the L’oreal Infallible 24 hr Matte. I then used the banana shade from the TooFaced Cocoa Contour Palette under my eyes I let that set a bit and then used a bit of my Diorskin Forever & Ever Control Loose Powder (it’s ok. Nothing special) to set my foundation. I started contouring with the light shade on my TooFaced Cocoa contour palette. I then applied blush Mac Fleur. I used the Laura Mercier highlighter in the shade Indiscretion. I blended everything a bit and then used a bit more powder while using a big powder brush. I used my Laura Mercier baked bronzer on top of that (both Laura Mercier products have turned into favourites).

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On my eye I have the Laura Mercier Caviar stick in copper (it has melted a bit, so not very happy about that. It still looked nice on the eye, but I did have to throw away a little blob) and for mascara I am using the Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy mascara (some reviews say it flakes or sheds. I haven’t had that problem). On the lips Laura Mercier Lip Cream in Coral Reef ❤ ❤ . Perfume Chloe Love.

So, there you have it. Not a tutorial but what I use to have flawless skin and look kinda natural :).

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think? Let me know what your September favourites are in the section below.

Talk soon and thanks for stopping by.

xxx

*In the mood for shopping makeup? Check out Beauty Bar

FREE 1-2 Day Delivery on Orders $49+ For All Customers

this post contains affiliate links

6Oct2016

My ‘dumb’ beauty buy: 1st impressions

Posted in Beauty, To the test by Joanna Malefaki

C’mon we have all done this, bought something completely stupid, just to try it!!! OK. Let’s get some context.

I was having one of those days, after payday, where I was in the town center and in a spendy mood. I walked into H & M and went to the makeup counters. Lots of pretty things and then I saw a little bottle/tube that looked like lipgloss but had glitter in it. So, my brain died for a minute and yeap, I bit the bullet and bought a lip glitter thingy…. and I am showing you what I got and how I used it (and how I will never use it again except Halloween? Christmas?) Oh! This is not a ‘hate’ post. This is a fun product, just not for a 40 year old teacher like me!

What did I get?

The Dazzle lip Topper in Glisten Up

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How does it feel?

Plumping. Weird. I don’t like the plumpy feeling.Glitter on a water-y liquid. Not like a lipgloss. It feels more like a micellar water with glitter. It has different specks. Pink, blue etc.

What does it look like?

Ta daaaaaaaaaaaaa

Fancy Freesia was the lipstick I was wearing (h & M) and the dazzling lip top is on top.

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One word: Yuck. The pic does not do it justice :p

I will give it another go when my brain is in a funky mood I guess. So, there you have it lovelies. My #dumbbeautybuy (that would be a cool hashtag). Have you had one of these? What did you get? Let me know in the comments below.

I blog about makeup, clothes, travelling and I buy stuff which I review/share with you, so if you like the same things as me, don’t forget to follow. Check out my September favourites while still drinking your coffee (or tea). We can also connect on social media. Click on the ones you use and connect with me 🙂 Pinterest / Twitter/ Instagram/Google+.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ A few months later….. ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

I started making YouTube videos and I would love some TLC/Support. Check out my videos when you have time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zscMWSz6oGI&t=399s

Talk soon

Joanna

4Oct2016

To the Test: skincare: Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser

Posted in Beauty, To the test by Joanna Malefaki

If you have redness, sensitive skin and some sort of Rosacea, this post is for you. For the past 10 days I have been using the Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream. I wrote a To the Test post where I give an in-depth review. So, when I bought the redness solutions cream, the lady at the Clinique counter suggested I try it with the Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser with probiotic technology. So, I did and today, I will tell you my 1st impressions and give a mini review.

BUT

First of all, let’s see what probiotic technology means and why it’s good for the skin. Probiotic

a food or pill that contains good bacteria that may keep you healthy (Cambridge online dictionary)

You usually find the term on yoghurt and in…. skincare.

According to Dr Bowe (cited on the Elle.com )

“Both [internal and external application of probiotics] have been shown to affect the skin in a significant way”

& they are great

“For antiaging, and also to help with chronic skin conditions—things like acne, rosacea, and eczema.”

So, probiotics it is then.

Now, let’s see what the (Greek) Clinique Pamphlet says about this product,

It takes off makeup and dirty particles in the atmosphere.
it soothes redness and irritation

(pamphlet translated by…. me)

Is this info True or False?

Well,

It does take off some makeup (can’t tell if it gets rid of the yucky city pollution etc. etc.).
It does soothe the skin.

Sooooooooooo, kinda true and TRUE.

My opinion

Packaging

It comes in a sturdy tube and it is 150 ml. It has a b ig cap and it is hard to bend the tube, so there is no danger that a hole will form and product will start dripping out.Once you open it, you can keep it for 24 months.

Cost

In Greece this retails for 28. 25 euros

(I got it during a 30% Off sale from Galerie De Beaute. That’s a store similar to Sephora/ Boots. FIY if you are a makeup junkie and are planning a trip to Greece, buy your beauty stuff from here cause we always have sales!).

How does this feel on the skin?

It feels soothing and soft. It is a cream form, but not a heavy cream that takes ages to wash off.

Once you rinse it off?

Well, if you like your skin feeling squeaky clean, this does not do that. I mean, it doesn’t strip your skin. It is a mild cleanser which is what you need cause you do not want your skin getting more red. Once you rinse it off, your face feels nice and clean. No greasy residue.

Can I use it to take off my makeup?

Yes, but it does not take everything off. I used it to take my ‘going out’ makeup (which is a lot of stuff on me face) and there was still makeup left on my face after using this cleanser. So, I went in with another cleansing product as well. I think if you are wearing a BB cream and some blush, it will be ok to use, but if you have a ‘full face’ this is not enough.

Am I happy with this purchase?

Yes.

Why?

Because I like using it before bed or when I wake up in the morning.It does take ‘light’ makeup off and I am also very happy with the Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream because, yes, I have seen the redness soften. My rosacea hasn’t gone away, and I do not expect it to, but I am really pleased with the results so far. Now, I have two products working against rosacea and redness.

You can read my review of the cream Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream here.

This is my second #Blogtober post, you can read the first one which is about planning here.

Have you tried this product? What do you think? Leave a comment below. I blog about makeup, clothes, travelling and I buy stuff which I review/share with you, so if you like the same things as me, don’t forget to follow. Check out my September favourites while still drinking your coffee (or tea). We can also connect on social media. Click on the ones you use and connect with me 🙂 Pinterest / Twitter/ Instagram/Google+.

Talk soon

xxxx

Info for this post were taken from Elle.com accessed 4th October 2016.

29Sep2016

September Favourites: Makeup, Websites and Random Stuff

Posted in Beauty by Joanna Malefaki

This post contains affiliate links

Hi everyone,

If you like makeup, beauty, but you also like watching TED talks or reading interesting articles, keep reading cause this September favourites post is for you. So, let’s start with girlie and move on to food for thought.

Girlie

Makeup

This month I wore all day, every day, my Laura Mercier Coral Reef lip cream. I have spoken about it a zillion times. I just ❤ ❤

Laura Mercier Coral Reef

and my Laura Mercier highlighter in the shade Indiscretion (gor-ge-ous).

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Sun Block & Lipstick

I am still using my Clinique City Block suntan lotion before I wear makeup, and my Rimmel Vintage Pink Lipstick is another favourite of the month (I put them together cause I already have the pic <3).

Makeup Brushes

I use my NYX06 fan brush and I use mine for highlighter and this Artis Dupe I got from TKMaxx to apply makeup on. Does this toothbrush looking brush make a difference? I don’t really know. It does feel real nice on the skin though, so get an affordable one on Amazon and test it out.

My Circle necklace

I really like it. It’s from Top Shop.

Skin Care

I am really happy with both Clinique Creams. The Redness solutions and the Moisture Surge.

Blouse

I love the colour (or the way the colour looks on me coz I am colourblind). It is baggy and really, really nice. It’s in Top Shop everywhere.

Shoes

If you like to wear a small heal and also feel comfy, you should check out the Fall line in Clarks. I like these shoes cause they are great to wear in class (I am a teacher), but you can also wear them and go out and your feet don’t go numb! You can find something similar here.

Food for thought

Here are some of the things I liked online. The TED talk I enjoyed The optimism Bias (this was recommended to me by a friend after I said that I always have low expectations).

I started modern calligraphy. It’s fun and relaxing. You can print out pages and practice in your free time by clicking here (uppercase version. You can also practice lower case as well).

Snipping tool: You know when you have a pdf file and want to cut something out but cannot? You can use the snipping tool. It can be found at the little windows button (the one you go to when you want to shut down your pc or search for files. You search snipping tool and you start snipping.

Tomorrow is the last day of the Giveaway (Nyx Cosmetics), so check out that post if you would like a chance to win.

If you are a beauty Blogger, you may want to take part in my tag.

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think? Let me know what your September favourites are in the section below.

Talk soon and thanks for stopping by.

xxx

*In the mood for shopping makeup? Check out Beauty Bar

FREE 1-2 Day Delivery on Orders $49+ For All Customers

this post contains affiliate links

28Sep2016

Splurge or Save?: The Beauty Tag

Posted in Beauty, In your 40s by Joanna Malefaki

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You got to love makeup and anything beauty related, right? I know I do but I ain’t no money bags……

A while back I watched a video on Elle Florence’s YouTube channel and she talked about where she saves money and where she likes to splurge. I decided to write a post based on that idea but with a twist. My focus will be on Beauty/ Makeup. Where do I save money and where do I splurge? What do I usually purchase from the drugstore and when do I go to the luxury counter?

#splurgeOrsaveBeauty

TAG rules:

Just write or make a video about any category in the makeup/ beautysphere.
Share it & Use the tag #splurgeORsaveBeauty.
Tag friends (if you want to ❤ )

If you do write something or make a video, please leave a comment below cause I’d love to see your post/ YouTube video.

Splurge

Perfumes

I usually save money and go for the Eau de Toilette of perfumes I like. When I really, really like something though, I go for the Eua de Parfum. What I have in the Parfum version? Of course my Mademoiselle Coco (Chanel) and My Chloe Love.

Foundation

I have my splurge version which is my Double Wear by Estee Lauder and which gives me a porcelain face look. I wear that when I go out/ special occasions. My everyday makeup is the L’oreal Infallible Matte.

Palettes

I don’t have many, but 95% is a multi purpose palette and it is a luxury purchase.

Brushes

All my makeup brushes are more affordable. I love my Sephora Powder brush and my Mac 2.17. I have loads of Real technique brushes as well.

Skin Care

Anything that gets absorbed by my face skin should be expensive in my books. At the moment, my skin care routine has Clinique, Estee Lauder and Vichy in it.

Save

Mascara

It’s just not worth it. If a mascara is supposed to live only for 3 months, then high street all the way. L’oreal, once again.

Blush

I do not have any high end Blushes unless they are in a palette. I love my Mac Fleur and my L’oreal blushes.

Nail polish

My nail polish is 95% drugstore, so I save money here. Although, lately I have been getting them done and not really using any of my nail polishes. Interesting info. The H & M nail polishes are great. My fave one though is a Dior nail polish.

Hair Products

I tried high end (Aveda/ Mythic Oil) and haven’t been persuaded yet. So, for hair, I use my Pantene.

Wipes- Cleansing

Yeap. I use wipes to take my makeup off every time I need to take it off. I just buy random ones you can find at the drug store or supermarket as long as they are for sensitive skin. Foams, balms and any other products that are supposed to clean your face are all more affordable ranges. I use Caudalie, products from Korres and the Body shop.

Wild Card

Yeap, I am cheating here. When it comes to lipstick I am 50/50. My lipstick collection is both high end and high street. My favourites are the Clinique Pop lippies and the H & M lippies.

I have A LOT of lipsticks…… Favourite drugstore: Max Factor Pink Brandy. High end: I cannot choose one lippie, but the lip cream I am obsessed with at the moment is Laura Mercier Coral Reef!!

Laura Mercier Coral Reef

So, there you have it lovelies. Check out Elle Florence’s channel here.

I tagged a few blogger friends

Aislinn from http://www.lippyinthecity.com/

Bea from http://www.thatsobee.com/

Beautylovesbooks from http://beautylovesbooks.com

NiaPattenLooks at http://www.beautyblogwales.com

Gemma – Life is Knutts http://lifeisknutts.com/about-2/

I also started making YouTube videos and I talk about makeup, beauty, Greece and planning. Do check out my channel ❤ ❤

*In the mood for shopping makeup? Check out Beauty Bar

FREE 1-2 Day Delivery on Orders $49+ For All Customers

Hoped you enjoyed this post. Catch you later.

xxx

Joanna

26Sep2016

Skin care haul and 1st impressions: Clinique & Estee Lauder

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

Hi lovelies!

I did a small skin care haul the other day and I thought I’d share with you what I got. I will also share some first impressions because ladies it’s all about beauty and flawless skin. Skin care matters especially when you get older and are in your 40s like me.

Clinique Moisture Surge

According to the pot, this product relieves the skin from extended thirst. After going through to sample pots, I decided to get the full size.

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I like this product. It feels a bit like jelly. It’s a gel formula. It is odorless. It doesn’t taste weird if you accidentally lick it and it does what it says. If you apply to dry skin, it does make the skin softer and feel more soft. I like it. I usually use it before I apply makeup. I have not regretted buying it and yes, I would repurchase. In Greece the 50 mls cost 22 euros.

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Clinique Redness Solutions

I heard about this product from a customer when I went to Boots. I bought it when I cam to Greece. I have a To the Test post already published and I give a full review of the product. You can read that post here. This cream is for redness and Rosacea.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye

I went to the Estee Lauder counter and said

I am 40 years old. I need an eye cream for fine lines (cause I don’t really have wrinkles)

She suggested I try this.

estee-lauder-eye-cream

I went for it cause I have heard a lot about the night serum, which I do not have. 1st impressions? The pot is small and expensive, so it better make me look like I am 20 years old! It feels nice on the skin. It has a gel texture. It does not sting when you apply it or make you feel uncomfortable at all. You have to stick your finger in it to get product out. A little goes a long way.

Estee Lauder cream.jpg

Let me know in the comments section if these products have worked for you. I hope you enjoyed this post.

Thanks for stopping by. If you enjoyed what you read, do subscribe to my blog. We can also connect on social media. Click on the ones you use and connect with me 🙂 Pinterest / Twitter/ Instagram/Google+.

Oh! Don’t forget to take part in my blog giveaway. You may win a bunch of NYX cosmetics.

23Sep2016

To the Test: skincare. Trying Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream

Posted in Beauty, In your 40s, To the test by Joanna Malefaki

Hi everyone!

A while ago I talked about using LaRoche Posay Rosaliac in order to reduce my redness. I have sensitive skin and rosacea. While I know rosacea is not curable unless you undergo a laser treatment, I am still a sucker for creams that claim to be able to reduce redness.

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So, while the Laroche product did not work for me for many reasons ( I will link the blog posts at the end of this post), a week ago I was at the Clinique contour in Boots and a woman came up and asked the sales assistant for the Redness Solutions Face Cream because the sample had worked so well for her and she wanted to buy the full size.

My ears popped out like a cartoon and I started listening carefully. Eavesdropper…. I know.

I then thought,

Hmmmmm, should I give it a shot?

To cut a long story short, I didn’t get it then, but I did a few days ago in Greece where Clinique is much cheaper.

According to the beautician,

It does not cure rosacea but it does make the redness softer and the skin looks better.

I paid 4o euros and got it. I will be testing it for me and you guys.

According to the (Greek) Clinique Pamphlet

f1b9ff52-a510-4dc7-bbc9-a69f34afb701

It helps reduce visible redness
it prevents future redness ‘outbreak’

OK, so I translated the pamphlet loosely, but bear with me. In a few words, it will help reduce/ get rid of redness

Packaging

Plastic and not heavy. I got 50 mls. Typical clinique skin care packaging.

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Odorless

Feeling on the skin

It is a thick consistency. Imagine putting a Nivea cream on your face. That’s what it feels like. Thick. It does not get absorbed quickly. It takes time. If you accidentally lick it off your lips, it does not taste like poison (I know that is a weird thing to say in a review, but did taste it).

My skin’s condition

OK, now the embarrassing pictures. Before makeup, horrible close up :p and rosacea in all its glory. Let’s focus on the after makeup shot :).

Makeup covers everything

Left side

A few days later……..

Interesting info: I have had this post in my drafts for about a week and have been using the cream. I think the redness is softening. That’s weird. I have a good feeling. I will give a follow up in about 20 days, OK. So stay tuned. Don’t forget to follow my blog for an update.

You can find small samples of the Clinique redness solutions line on Amazon.

Clinique Redness Solutions.jpg

Have you tried this product? Let me know how it worked for you. Don’t forget to check out my GIVEAWAY if you haven’t already. You may win some NYX cosmetics.

If you enjoyed what you read, do subscribe to my blog. We can also connect on social media. Click on the ones you use and connect with me 🙂 Pinterest / Twitter/ Instagram/Google+.

*In the mood for shopping makeup? Check out Beauty Bar

FREE 1-2 Day Delivery on Orders $49+ For All Customers

Hoped you enjoyed this post. Catch you later.

I now make YouTube videos and I talk about beauty, skincare and planning. Do check out my channel 🙂 ❤ ❤

xox

Joanna

20Sep2016

Giveaway:1 Year Blog Anniversary

Posted in Beauty, Blogging by Joanna Malefaki

The Giveaway is OVER- winner to be announced

Hi everyone!!

So, my blog turned 1 and I am doing a small giveaway which is open internationally.

In order to take part you need to

Follow my blog via email or WordPress follower.
Follow me on Twitter and/ or Instagram (@mypinkrambles on both accounts or just click here / Twitter/ Instagram/
Leave a comment below and tell me about you or just say, “hello”.

In order to win you neeed to do all 3. You can still take part if you are already following me. Just remember to leave a comment if that’s the case ❤ <3.

makeup-giveaway

Deadline 30th of Septmber 8pm Greek time (yeap. I am in Greece now). One winner. The winner will be chosen randomly.

The Prize

I chose NYX products cause they are not really that widespread in Europe and I haven’t really seen them in Greece. I tried a few products and I love them, so why not?

NYX giveaway.jpg

What do you win?

Nyx Strobing Palette.

Nyx Full Throttle Lipstick in the number 04 Firestorm.

Eye pencil in the shade Brown perfection.

Nyx Lip Cream in the shade Prague.

Nyx Prismatic Eye shadow in the shade Fireball.

So, if you want a chance to win just:

Follow my blog via email or WordPress follower
Follow me on Twitter and/ or Instagram Twitter/ Instagram/
Leave a comment below and tell me about you or just say, “hello”.

Talk soon!! I may be back with a small Greek cosmetics giveaway as well 🙂 ❤ <3. Good luck everyone!!

Just so you know, I am not replying to comments because I don’t want my comment to interfere with the prize process. Thank you to all you lovelies who have taken part so far.

xxx

Joanna

The Giveaway is OVER- winner to be announced