kat130482-blog - Tumblr blog

[kat130482-blog]

The Perfect Nude Lipsticks For A Natural Look.

Hello Beautyowls, Honesty from 1-10 how often did you put makeup on your face in the past two months? I stayed makeup-free for the most part, and I have to say that my skin and I enjoyed this makeup-free period to the fullest. However, now that some form of social life is back, I chose to keep my makeup as minimal as possible and opt for a more natural look. Here are the two Nude Lipsticks that will help you get that natural look. Nowadays, I am keeping my everyday makeup as simple as possible, trying to avoid using foundation altogether. For the skin, I use a concealer and a blush. For the eyes, a simple black liner and mascara and for the lips my all-time favorite nude lipsticks from Natasha Denona. (In my collection I currently have 11NB Natasha and 21P Sava.) 11NB Natasha 21P Sava My current nude look is natural, youthful-looking, and is super quick and straightforward to recreate. I love that I can switch between my two nude lipsticks, which help me create a different effect. These lipsticks are very creamy and smell fantastic. The formula doesn't dry out my lips, and the color wears off evenly (which is a sign of good quality in a lipstick). The lipstick is in a beautiful and sophisticated white casing with a magnetic lock (which also justifies the higher price tag 25$). Overall the nude lipsticks from Natasha Denone have everything one can ask for, and the product delivers. Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Three home gadgets worth investing in!

Spending more time at home gives you an excellent opportunity to realize which home gadgets were worth investing in and which not! Usually, when I was working full time, I didn’t have much time to think about it. However, in the last three weeks, I had the chance to go commando and Marie Condo the crap out of my home.  I quickly came to realize that ‘less it’s indeed more’ and I donated, sold or got rid of most of the useless stuff that I never used in the first place. It was shocking and embarrassing to realize how many dust-collectors I had in my home. So much stuff has been accumulating over the years that were not needed anymore. Once you undergo such a process, you quickly understand what overconsumption means.  I believe that this is one of the few positive aspects of the current situation since it made me quickly realize how few things I need in my life to get things done. At the same time, I identified the few gadgets where I spend my money well on and where indeed great investments. Here are the three staples that I would recommend investing in and are for sure worth every penny. Thermomix

At the top of my list of home gadgets would be for sure my Thermomix. I love this machine, and I cannot imagine not having this piece of equipment in my kitchen anymore. The Thermomix changed my cooking game. I love the recipes and the fact that it is such a multitasker. Whether it is for the preparation of family meals or merely for boiling water or eggs, this multifunctional tool is worth every penny. It is for sure, an expensive investment to make, and I was also reluctant at first to take the plunge, but trust me when I say it is worth it. Dyson 

Number two on my list of home gadgets is the Dyson wireless hoover. I got this one last Christmas, and I must say I am thrilled I did. The prices also drop quite a bit, and you don’t need to get the latest model. Keep also a lookout for those special offers now and then. The Dyson is super easy to handle, and I love that its wireless. You can hoover the house so quickly and easily with this appliance. I find it particularly useful for the stairs. The only drawback is that the battery lasts for approximately 20 minutes. Still, within that time, you can manage to do quite a lot, plus the battery recharges very quickly.  Kärcher 

Although I am not using my Kärcher very often, I have to say that I am happy having invested in this garden. Especially with all this virus situation, I find the Kärcher a great gadget that disinfects surfaces without using harsh chemicals. Cleaning with no chemicals is particularly handy if you have small children in the house. This gadget is very straightforward to handle and is appropriate for interior and exterior use. (It makes the cleaning of the windows so easy!) The only drawback I would have to mention is that it is quite bulky and heavy to lift, but still, I am happy I invested. I hope that you found this post helpful and that it gave you some ideas or insights in case you were thinking about investing in any of these gadgets. Should you have any questions about any of these appliances, don’t hesitate to contact me. Send me a comment if you have any alternative suggestions coming from your experience. I would love to know and share it with others. Until next time! Take Care Kate  Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Montessori Bed: 3 Things To Consider Before Buying One

We all have seen these fantastic Pinterest pictures of the perfectly curated kids' rooms. As a highlight, the famous Montessori bed is positioned center stage and layered with the perfect bedding and accurately color-coded. As an interior designer, I have to admit that I love this style, and I find it super cute. However, how practical is such a bed in reality? Here are 3 things I would like to share with you from my experience after having bought one for my 4-year-old daughter.

These types of beds look fantastic and are very easy to mount. I got mine in a soft pink tone from Etsy and decided to go with the original version that is on the floor. The the bed's size was 90x200cm, which is excellent also for an adult to sleep if needed.

The bed looked super cute, and my daughter loved it. The safety was also another main point. I didn't have to worry if our child would fall off the bed, but I quickly noticed some practicality issues that I would like to share with you in this blog. It is not so easy to change the bedsheets. It was a drag whenever I had to change the sheets, and it definitely took me much longer than for a standard bed. As a grown-up, I had to crawl on the floor, lift the mattress, and bend my back every time to do this work. In the beginning, it was no biggie, but after some time, it did become annoying.I was tired of banging my head on the frame. Each night after bringing our daughter to bed, I had to figure out the most quiet way to crawl out of bed. However, I always ended up banging my head on the frame of the Montessori bed. After 100 times, I got fed-up and said goodbye to the bed.I know that in many cultures, it is a custom to sleep on the floor. However, sleeping on the floor is also where most of the dust settles during the night. This might not be the most hygienic option for your child, especially if she is prone to alergies. According to some experts, the best average sleeping hight is approximately 63cm. Conclusion

I really loved how my daughter's room looked like with the Montessori bed. Still, after several months I have decided to part ways with it and share my experience with you guys. In the meantime, I went back to a standard white bed with the sale dimesions. However, if I had the option to choose such a bed again, I would opt for a raised version that is open in the front. Lesson learned here! I hope this will help you with your selection of the right Montessori bed. Should you have any questions, just drop me a comment below for more advice. Unit next time! Love Kate Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Here are some great birthday gift ideas to splurge on!

April has always been a special month for my family as a lot of us have our birthdays. This year is for sure very special, due to the global situation: no parties, no celebrations, no restaurants, and no grand gestures. Nevertheless, if you are an April child yourself or have someone dear to you who is, then it's not too late to give them something special. Here are a few birthday gift ideas I collected that would be appropriate for the coming months as well. As a bonus, these items will not have to cost you a fortune either. Whether as a birthday present or as a thank you to someone special, these choices will put a smile on anybody's face. CULT GAIA I love this dress due to its floating, and comfortable cut plus I love dresses that come with pockets. This is a piece that only by looking at it makes one happy. This is perhaps one of the more price items on this list, but the good news is that it's on SALES, and it is from Cult Gaia!!!

MARC JACOBS BEAUTY Taylor Lashae's collection from Marc Jacobs caught my eye. This is a four-piece customizable collection, but what I picked out is the Gel eye crayon in Blacquer and the Lip creme in Oh Miley 200. Classic, luxurious, and affordable weather as a bundle or single, the choice is yours! 

CULT BEAUTY I always wanted to try out the beauty products from Dr. Barbara Sturm, but I never dared to take the plunge due to the hefty price tag. When I came across this kit, I had to share it with you guys. Still, it's not the cheapest option, but you can at least have a try and see if these 'holy grail' products work with your skin before making a more significant investment. I sure will!

H&M A gem of a piece, and I hope that it is still available. I love this floaty shirt. This shirt will be great for the upcoming summer months. The natural color makes it a classic piece easy to combine. A great addition to your capsule wardrobe if you love nude tones, plus it is from the conscious line. Need I say more!

Also from H&M and even from the conscious line are these gorgeous nude pants. They will match perfectly with the shirt and also make a great addition to your wardrobe without breaking the bank and also from the conscious line. 

ALLSAINTS Ok, this might not be 100% for the summer, but honestly, you cannot go very wrong with a black pair of trousers. This wide-cut pair from Allsaints look incredibly modern and chick. Currently on SALE for a fraction of the price, so go over and have a look!

SABO SKIRT If you are looking to shop for summer dresses, then Sabo Skirt is one of the best places to look. So many fantastic pieces. This one in particular screams, SUMMER! I can so see myself wearing this at the beach once this whole lockdown is over, and I spend some amazing weeks on a beautiful riviera. Don't you?

Some are elegant, some classy, and some are great deals. In any case, I hope that you like the selection of birthday gift ideas and feel inspired. If you have any suggestions, drop me a comment. I would love to post your ideas, as well! Until next time! Love Kate Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

How To Create The Perfect Home-Office Space?

Hallo Beautyowls, In this extraordinary period, it can sometimes be challenging to find the time and the concentration you need to work from home. Why not set-up the best space possible that will allow you to focus? Below, I include 3 creative Home-Office ideas to get the functionality you need while creating a gorgeous space in your home. 1. Dedicate a space for work For those of you that could already work from home, this should be a smooth transition. Still, many employees are now facing this new situation, and understandably it requires some time of adjustment. Dedicate a specific space in your home for work, only. Keep it simple, but also try to make this area as enjoyable and uplifting as possible. The more natural light, the better. If you don't have an outside view, try to use some decoration items to keep the spirits up. I love using decoration elements that make me feel good and trigger positive thoughts. You can find some great art pieces from Society6. Go have a look, it's worth it!

2. Become creative For some of us, it can be tricky to set-up a full-blown office due to space restrictions. In this case, the best you can do is to become creative with what you have. Try to repurpose fixtures and think out of the box! Here I have the perfect example from Geneva Vanderzeil, where she repurposed her closets to create the ideal workspace. If you like this idea, then click here to get more details about her DYI project.

3. Keep it simple and tidy If your workspace is in your living room, then there are two main rules to follow. Keep it simple, and keep it tidy! Particularly for small spaces, you need to make sure that you don't clutter and that you have sufficient storage. To make your Home-Office area look extra clean, make sure that no cables are visible. If you don't want to make your own construction, you can easily find something online.  My solution was a white freestanding desk with shelves and drawers. The integrated storage helps me keep my office tidy. I love that it doesn't require any fixation to the walls, so I can quickly move it around, and the style blends perfectly with my living room! 

I hope that you found some inspiring ideas and that you are going to be able to create a fantastic Home-Office space that will be inspiring and creative at the same time. Should you have any other ideas, share them with me. I would love to have a look! Lots of love and take care, Kate Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Confinement Family Routine - How To Survive a Lockdown

So how are you doing, folks? I don't know about you, but being in a Lockdown situation sucks and has some important effects our family routines. Whoever thinks that this is an excellent opportunity to ''chill'' from work or do less, needs a serious reality check. Specifically, for the Controlling Managers, this new Home Office situation must be a bitter pill to swallow. But don't worry, this is not a vacation whatsoever! Multitasking has reached another level, and being stuck at home with your children is a tremendous challenge. Home Office, Homeschooling, Cooking, Cleaning, Organizing, Entertaining. Everything becomes blurry, making each day feel like an enormous challenge, which can only create extra stress and this is why it's important to develop a Confinement Family Routine.

A New Reality Under such circumstances, tensions could occur in the partnership and with your children. This can only add to the feeling of exhaustion that reaches its climax at the end of each day. The whole sweet routine is out of the window, which for a family can be a real nightmare. Keep Structure Brace your selves because the only solution here is to maintain structure and discipline. For all the moms out there, make a daily schedule to build your Confinement Family Routine. List all your tasks for you and the kids and write them down. Don't forget to add also some downtime that will allow you to recharge your batteries. Despite this 'Lockdown' situation, you don't have to miss out on your well deserved 'me' time.

Setting A Schedule The most important thing of all is to start your day early. Incorporate daily tasks, particularly in the morning, to get in the right mindset. My alarm goes off at 06:05, and I start the day with some thoughts of gratitude and positive affirmations. I then move into a 20-minute yoga session to get my blood flowing. If I have time, I dedicate 20 minutes to my journal. By 07:30, I am usually done and ready to attack the day. Breakfast with family is until 08:00, and then homeschooling starts for the kids while I run the first check of my work emails. If you want to get a deeper understanding of the benefits of such a routine, I recommend you to read the book 'The 5 am club' by Robin Sharma.

Work As A Team Block your time and don't fall into the trap of procrastination. Set your tasks around the fixed moments in your daily schedule like lunches and dinners. These family moments should be consistent and not negotiable in a Confinement Family Routine, then plan around them. In-between break your program into blocks that foresee specific tasks for the kids and you. You could plan 1-hour of educational iPad, 1-hour crafts and painting, 1-hour in the garden (if the weather allows it), a 1-hour walk, etc.

Communicate Communication with your partner is critical. These times are stressful enough, not only for the whole family but also for you as a couple. Share the scheduled blocks with the kids and your work by discussing those daily. Specify fixed conference calls and virtual business meetings, as well as some quiet work time for each. Keep it fair for both of you. But stick to the set family time where you are all together. I cannot stress this enough, communication is vital!

PHOTO BY @GRINVALDS/ISTOCK It's OK Naturally, there are going to be days when your routine won't work correctly. Still, it is reassuring to know that there is some type of structure that will allow you to fall back in case things should derail. This will also be helpful for your partner to have some plan to follow. It will also help you exchange time blocks when one has a busier workday than the other. But it will also guarantee consistency, and that not all the chores always fall on the same person. Many great apps will help you maintain this needed routine and assist you in putting a schedule together for free. The main thing, for now, is to stay positive, consistent, and healthy! Take Care! Jane Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

COVID-19: Cancel The Noise And Stay Ahead Of The Curve.

Who would have thought that in our day and age, with all the technological advancements and our modern lifestyle (in most parts of the world anyway), we would live through such times? Doom and gloom is all around us, whether you watch the news, have a casual talk with a friendly neighbor or go for your regular grocery shopping on a Saturday morning. It seems like everywhere your turn. The COVID-19 remains the main subject of the day. And although it sometimes feels as if the noose is getting tighter and ever the slightest cough causes shivers down your spine, there is also another side in all this that I would like to address today.

Asses & Reflect Take a step back, breath, and cancel all the noise around you. Now is the time to asses the situation with a clear mind. Most important of all, it's time to slow down. If you haven't noticed already, everything has shifted gear. This is an opportunity to asses what is essential and to reflect on what truly matters. Spend time with your family, with your children and loved ones, and come together as a community. Help each other and keep a positive mindset.

Keep Positive & Exercise Start your day with a grateful thought. Ask yourself, 'What am I thankful for?'. Meditate and do some regular exercise. Even 30 minutes of Yoga in the morning will help you to set a positive tone starting your day. There are tons of great videos on youtube. I am staying away from my regular Body Pump classes in the gym, but I compensate with online sessions that will allow me to stay in shape no matter what. Listen To Your Instincts Also, follow your gut! There are always those that play it cool, downplay everything and (selfishly) think that they are above the situation yet at the same time hypocritically keep the sanitizer close and rub their hands every hour. Some are ignorant or pretend to be fed-up with the COVID-19 subject (also known as a denial) and react aggressively (Stay away from those). And then some don't say much, keep calm and asses the situation as it unravels. They are trying to stay ahead of the curve. Stay Ahead Whatever the case may be, no one has the right to make you feel guilty or push you to do something that will put you in harm's way or makes you feel uncomfortable. The fact is that everybody reacts differently and assesses risk individually. However, nobody can guarantee your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Only you can help with the measures YOU choose to take to protect yourself, your family and others responsibly and respectively.

As we are facing these coming weeks together, it is crucial to understand that this is a pivotal moment in our lives, and things that we have taken for granted are evident no more. As the planet is healing itself, so should we by facing it together in a grateful manner and by most of all not forgetting to protect those that are most vulnerable from the COVID-19, which IS NOT THE FLU. Take care, and stay healthy! Jane (Guest Blogger)

Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Six Things You Can Do To Protect Yourself Agains Any Virus.

These days are quite challenging as news reaches us around the globe. Fear and uncertainty are spreading, and the whole situation is worrisome, but there is no need to panic. I decided, therefore, to put this post together to try somewhat to provide some general information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from any virus in general and not just the COVIT-19. Some are common sense others simply good measure. I any case, here are some things each one of us can do to actively declare war against any virus.

Wash your hands  Simple yet so effective, the best thing you can do is to wash your hands with soap. To guarantee the elimination of germs and viruses, wash your hands for at least 20s and make sure you get the soap also under your fingernails. If you don't know how long 20 seconds are, no problem, sing 'Staying Alive' in your head, and you are guaranteed to hit the 20 sends mark easily.

Don’t Touch  The easiest and fastest entry points of any germs and viruses into our bodies is through our eyes, ears, and mouth. Keep your self protected by not touching your face. I know this is easier said than done. However, try to become conscious of this and avoid putting dirty fingers anywhere near your eyes, mouth and nose.

Sneeze much If you feel the need to sneeze in public, please do so in a handkerchief or in your elbow afterward wash or disinfect your hands. This will help to avoid the distribution of droplets to others, plus it shows good manners.

Sniffles If you feel sick or unwell, stay home. This is not only for your own well being but also for public health. Avoid going to work, if you are working in an open space office until you feel healthy again and show no symptoms.

Fresh Air  Nothing is more soothing or healthier than a breeze of fresh air. Take a walk outside and if you cannot do that, open for a few minutes a window or a balcony door to allow the fresh air circulate in your space.

Break a sweat To keep healthy, don't forget to exercise regularly. Whether it's a 20-minute walk or an hour of intense exercise, the choice is yours. Just do it regularly and bring that heart to pump. If you follow these simple steps and combine it also with a healthy diet and a good sleep shedule, then you should be ready to face any virus that will coss your path. I hope that these guidelines were helpful. Until next time, Kate Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

The Bloom Palette By Natasha Denona

Hallo Beautyowls, Today's post is dedicated to the Bloom Palette by Natasha Denona. Honestly, I have had this palette for over a year now, and at first, I disliked this product. After a couple of tries, I considered it money down the drain, and I buried it at the bottom of my makeup drawer. Until a few weeks back, when I rediscovered the palette again and decided to give it once more a try. Packaging & Product

The Bloom comes in lovely packaging with a high-quality mirror and contains two creams and two powders. The creams have a protective transparent lid, which comes in pretty handy so they don't get mixed with any of the powders. The glow cream base and the blush are creams, and the dow glow and glow extreme are the powders in this collection. The colors are complementing each other and are within the pink, peach, and Bordeaux spectrum. The positives

What I liked about this palette was that I could create perfectly color-coordinated completed looks. The blush, I am also sometimes using as a lipstick and the highlighters as eyeshadows. The formulas are performing very nicely. I can easily layer powders and other creams on top of these products, and they stay put all day long. The not so much One of the reasons I didn't like this product so much initially was because I didn't find it an easy palette to work with. Also, the blush formula is super pigmented, and at the beginning, the first looks I created looked terrible. There was, for sure, a learning curve there, and it took me several tries until I found the right balance. I also didn't find it an easy and fast palette to work with. I found myself having to spend more time in the mornings to complete my looks. To me, the palette is also more seasonal and more appropriate for the spring and summer months, which limits its use. Conclusion Overall, I find the Bloom Palette a nice but not a must-have product. I will continue using it here and there, but I found that I could have spent the 55$ elsewhere. I am also not so sure if this would be the right product for beginners. If you love cream products, however, and love to create looks that are tone in tone, then the Bloom Palette by Natasha Denona is for you.

Let me know what your thoughts are on this product! Until next time from Zurich, xoxo Kate Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Not Without My Tailor! A revived profession!

Tailors: What I Need From Them? If you are the type of person who likes to wear custom designs, either daily or on special occasions, you need to do yourself a favor and find a good tailor. Many people consider having their favorite pieces of clothing altered by a tailor or seamstress for good reason: Professionals make your clothing look its best. Having a competent, professional tailor is necessary. They can do everything from adjusting a suit or dress to sewing a completely new design.

Who are tailors, and what does a tailor do precisely? Tailors are people who make, repair, or alter clothing professionally. Although the term "tailor" dates to the 13th century, tailors took on the modern age, and today we refer to them as makers of women's and men's clothing. They can make or repair suits, pants, dresses, coats, and similar apparel. Tailors are responsible for: Measuring customers to make sure the clothes fit rightCutting and measuring material and fabricMarking clothing to note where adjustments should be madeSewing apparel by hand or with sewing machinesFitting clothing on clients to ensure the end design fits perfectly Professional tailors are self-employed while others work for apparel and textile manufacturers, fashion stores, or dry cleaners. Some tailors work side-by-side with designers and fashion gurus to create new garments. They consult with customers and help them choose colors and fabric. Some tailors specialize in one type of garment, such as dresses or men's suits. Others specialize in a certain kind of material.

Tailors vs. Seamstress

Both tailors and seamstresses work in the textile industry. Although there is a slight difference between these two professions, both often have the same job responsibilities and duties. Their jobs include sewing, cutting, and altering garments and clothes made from different materials and fabrics. To help you decide whether you should use a tailor or seamstress, we’ll highlight the main differences. Work The work of a seamstress includes cutting fabric, sewing, and using patterns. A seamstress can sew all kinds of clothing, accessories, and other products. Tailors make, custom-fit, and adjust clothing only. Tailors usually specialize in formal attire.  Training & Qualifications To pursue a professional career as a tailor or seamstress, you need a high school diploma and basic sewing skills. Much of the training is on the job for both professions. The professional can get extra qualifications and additional courses in sewing at fashion schools. Clothing Adjustments Seamstresses tend to sew new garments for their clients while tailors usually focus on performing adjustments to clothing the client is already wearing. They can take large items and make them smaller, fix something you ripped, etc. Location Both tailors and seamstresses find employment in fashion stores, textile factories, and various departments of clothing manufacturing companies. They offer their services for custom work.  Competence & Skills Tailors and seamstresses need to have a firm grasp on hand sewing, stitching, and machine sewing. Seamstresses use their skills on other items besides clothing. They can also work on furniture upholstery or accessories.

Conclusion

Working with a professional and skilled tailor is the best way to ensure the clothes you wear are comfortable, fashionable, and flatter you.  When your clothing needs small or big adjustments, don't hesitate to reach out to an expert tailor or seamstress. Go to Ascot Tailors for more info. -Guest Post- Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

VEGAN BEAUTY - IF YOU LOVE YOUR SKIN THEN GO BASIC.!

Hello Beautyowls, Fall has officially arrived! What better time to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte and research for vegan beauty products that are going to protect the skin from the upcoming cold months. I love testing new products, especially if they are coming as referrals, so when a good friend suggested the vegan face cream from BASIC. I got curious!

Does the cream deliver? As you may remember, my face can get quite reactive since it is a combination of blemish-prone and sensitive at the same time. Introducing new products into my daily routine is a well planned and careful process for me. (Sounds familiar?!) If my skin doesn't agree with something, it comes back with a vengeance in the form of outbreaks and blocked pores, but not in this case. This 100% vegan face cream from BASIC. delivers! Although skeptical at first, the smooth texture hydrates my skin instantly and gives my complexion a radiant appearance. My skin doesn't get oily throughout the day, and I don't have to worry about any nasty ingredients or irritating perfumes that might react badly with my complexion.

The formula pros and cons! The formula feels like a rich whipped cream. This is one of the features I love the most about this product! The fragrance was something that I needed to get used to (a bit unusual to me) at first. The product has a very fresh citrusy-flowery scent that is not overbearing and doesn't linger on. The cream can be used as a day and night cream, and my makeup does apply smoothly on top of it. It's a pity though that the product comes in a jar and not in a pump. However, one can easily overcome this issue by using a small spatula or a cotton bud as I do. (Don't dip your fingers in the jar!)

What you are getting! The jar contains 45ml of product (14,00 CHF) and has an expiration date of three months. At first, this seemed like a very short period to me, which is understandable due to the natural ingredients of this product. However, if you are using the cream daily as I do, you will soon discover that you go through the product within that time. Be aware that this cream is not appropriate for pregnant women. Give it a try! If I made you curious, you can order this swiss made cream from a little gem-of-a-store called riza essentials. After using the cream for over 2 months now, I would definitely recommend it to anyone that is looking for a well hydrating natural vegan beauty product, that is gentle to all skin types as well as great for the environment. Until next time Beautyowls! xoxo Kate Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Adult Acne?! These 4 Skincare Products Will Help Reboot Your Skin!

Hello Beautyowls! It has been a long pause, I know but today I am coming to you with a blog post about four relatively unknown skincare products that are amazing and will help you reboot your skin while fighting adult acne!

It's a sensitive matter and an annoying one and trust me when I say, that I had my fair share of problematic skin over the years. Acne is a B***, there I've said it, but Adult Acne is the cherry on top of that! Although acne is a skin condition that usually appears at a younger age, also more mature skin can be affected. Especially the ones of us with a combination and oily skin are more prone to this condition. Luckily in my case this time around the symptoms where mild therefore after consulting with my dermatologist I was advised to STOP all skincare and beauty products I was using IMMEDIATELY and follow a simple 4 step regime that will not only help battle my acne but also be beneficial for my mature skin.

STEP 1 Cleansing For this crucial step in my beauty routine, I got the Expert Cleaning Foam from Dermaceutic. This advanced cleanser feels good on my skin, it is very gentle and smells great. Most importantly it gets the job done removing all my Makeup and leaving my skin squeaky clean yet not stripping it entirely of its oils. (I would not recommend this cleanser for people with dry skin though!)

STEP 2 Prevention for the daytime After washing my face, I apply this fantastic multitasking 4 in 1 face cream from Ultrasun. This cream is like the Rolls Royce of Sunscreens! A moisturizing day cream with SPF 50 that protects my skin from UVA/UVB as well as Infrared-A protection. (Be aware that this cream leaves a white cast making the skin look brighter!). I love that this product is so diverse! The cream also has anti-spot and anti-pollution properties and is also waterproof. Although a bit tacky to the touch (at first), it is very lightweight and absorbs very quickly into the skin. The cream works very well even as a primer under makeup.

STEP 3 Treatment for the Nighttime At night after cleansing my skin with the same foam cleanser from Dermaceutic, I apply the C25 Face Cream from Dermaceutic. This luxurious cream is filled with vitamins A, B5 and C as well as polyphenols. The cream is anti-aging, absorbs very quickly into my skin and feels very luxurious.

STEP 4 Exfoliation as a spa moment As the last step, I am using a soft cleanser and exfoliator once a week. This fantastic pink liquid soap from Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

The High Maintenance Shameless Foundation From Marc Jacobs!

Hello Beautyowls, I am back! I have to admit today's post was one of the most difficult ones for me to put together! As you know, I have a soft spot for foundations, and I enjoy reviewing them. I am always on the lookout for the perfect formula that has it all! As soon as the Shameless Foundation from Marc Jacobs hit the shelves, I had to give it a try. Little did I know, that this would be one on of the most controversial foundations I came across so far. If you want to find out more about my experience with this product, then keep on reading!

Overall The foundation launched three weeks ago at the Sephora store in Manor. The Shameless contains 32ml/1.08fl.oz. of product and retails for 51.- CHF. The makeup comes in 29 shades. The claims This product is described to be weightless, with a 24 hours wear-time and to be flashback-free. The Shameless provides a buildable to medium-natural coverage finish and is self-setting (which means no setting powder is needed). Overall this foundation makes the skin look hydrated, plumped and more youthful. The packaging One of the things I love about this product is its innovative, sleek packaging. I have to admit that this played a significant factor for me to buy and test this product. The formula The oil-free unscented formula contains encapsulated pigments with an SPF25. Appart from the natural lightweight coverage it is also beneficial to the skin. The foundation is infused with Snow Mushroom which acts as a natural hyaluronic acid and Blue Daisy extract that counteracts dullness and battles pollutants. Performance Throughout the three weeks of testing, I found that this foundation does indeed last on the skin for at least 8-10 hours. (Who wears foundations for 24Hours? If you do, stop it now!) I also like that the foundation didn't sink into my fine lines and wrinkles. As promised there is no flashback. I also love the fact that it contains an SPF of 25 which is better than nothing.

My experience I found this foundation hugely controversial, and quite honestly I am a bit confused!!!!). I never understood Youtubers or other reviewers when they sometimes mention a love-hate relationship with a product, but here I am, making that same remark. This foundation is unreliable since there are days where I love how it looks on my skin and others where I find it horrible (using the same routine and products, mind you!). Its as if the Shameless has a shamelessly sneaky mind of its own. The foundation doesn't oxidize on my skin which is a plus but I couldn't find my perfect shade, so I had to go for the next best thing which was shade Y210. I found most light and fair shades to be a bit too heavy on the yellow pigments. Since I have a mixed complexion and I tend to get oily in my T-Zone throughout the day, I did set the area concerned with a setting powder, and that was OK.

How I make the Shameless foundation work best for me A good skin canvas is key here! The way I use this foundation is in combination with either the Marc Jacobs Coconut primer or the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream + The Charlotte Tilbury Youthglow. I also used the Estée Lauder and Victoria Beckham Morning Aura Primer a few times, and it also works very well. Overall, I discovered that you need to prepare your skin very well if you want to achieve the perfect makeup day with this product. The best days I had after exfoliation and applying a hydrating mask before.  Your skin needs to be well hydrated if you want the makeup to apply smoothly and evenly on the skin. I used both a brush and a BBlender, and I found the application with the BBlender to work best. Overall you have to work very fast since the formula dries extremely quickly. Conclusion The Shameless Foundation is not an easy foundation to work with, and therefore I wouldn't recommend it for beginners. It dries extremely fast and therefore its best to work in sections. My preferred method of application is with a sponge or the fingers. If you apply it with a brush, it might look streaky. Once it dries it doesn't move (which could be a good or a bad thing depending on how good your blending abilities are!). Other powders and creams layer nicely on top of it. In general, I found this foundation to be way too high maintenance and not worth paying 51.- CHF for all this hassle. There are other foundations out there that are more reliable, with better coverage, lightweight and are easier to apply with half the money. The Shameless foundation is most definitely not a quick, reliable and easy to wear foundation! Regarding the Snow Mushroom and Blue Daisy extracts I did notice that my skin was well hydrated yet not overly oily throughout the day but I have other foundations that can also do that. Overall the Shameless foundation from Marc Jacobs is a pass for me and one that I wouldn't recommend further. Save your money for something better! Unit next time xoxo from Zurich, Kate Follow Beautyowls from BLOGLOVIN Like, subscribe, share for more news...

Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

The New Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate And Why We Love It!

Hello Beautyowls! Khiel's recently released a new concentrate infused with 12.5% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. I first heard about the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate from YouTuber and makeup artist Wayne Goss and was quite intrigued when he talked about this cream claiming that it works wonders!

I wanted to put it to the test and find out if this was indeed such a magical concentrate. As it happened, my skin went through a tough time a few months back, and I was on the lookout for a product that would calm, reduce hyperpigmentation and scars, as well as nourish and counteract signs of aging! I felt right on target when I came across Wayne's video talking about the new Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate! So here is a breakdown of the product!

The Packaging The cream is housed in a plastic bottle with a pump (and we love that!). The bottle is also tinted dark to protect the ingredients (and we love that too!). An added bonus is that the concentrate is reformulated in such a way that it has a more extended expiration date than its predecessor! The Product First things first! This cream is not new to the Khiel's product portfolio. Its predecessor is part of the Khiel's line since ten years. New, however, is the formula! Enriched with 12,5% Vitamin C concentrate and Hyaluronic Acid this cream claims to deliver immediate results and make the complexion brighter, even out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles! You can find a more detailed description of the formula and its components on Kielh's webpage.

Testing The Product I have been testing this product for over three weeks now, and so far I can say the following about it: It works! Even after the first week of application, I did notice a visible change in radiance and plumpness of my skin! (I love it when I use products that show visible results almost instantly! Don't you?) After two weeks I noticed my skin tone even out. Another observation I made was the reduction of my pores. By week three I did see a smoothing out of my fine-lines but nothing major! Overall, my skin does feel softer, more radiant and the scaring from previous breakouts is slowly but surely disappearing! How I Use The Product The cream feels luxurious and silky! When I apply the product, a fresh fruity scent hits my nostrils, followed by a slight tickling sensation that then transforms into a warming effect. I find the overall experience very enjoyable! Despite that fact that this product is marketed for all skin types, I would raise caution, for the more sensitive complexions out there. The formula is quite potent in Vitamin C, and this could lead to the skin reacting in a counterproductive way! To avoid any adverse reactions I decided to use the Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate only at night. The first week I started with applying it every other night, and once my skin was used to the product, I started application every night. I avoid using Vitamin C enriched products during daytime since there is the risk of spots appearing if one doesn't use sunscreen on top of this product during daytime! The Verdict I would recommend the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate if you are looking for a potent Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid enriched cream that will deliver within a short period visible results. Yes, this product is pricey, but overall I am glad I invested 85.- CHF for 50ml. (62$ for 50ml in the US) since I did notice my skin become more radiant, my pores tighten and my tone even-out within the first weeks of application. Although I didn't see any changes in the appearance of my wrinkles yet, it is noted on Kiehl's website that the product needs eight weeks of consistent use before noticing any changes in that area. I did, however, see an improvement in my fine lines within these three weeks though! If you have a more sensitive and reactive complexion, I would recommend getting some samples first before buying a whole bottle!

I hope that you found today's review helpful and should this product sound interesting to you and you have any queries about the Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate don't hesitate to leave me a comment. I would be glad to help! See you in my next review! Until next time, xoxo from Zurich, Kate Follow Beautyowls on BLOGLOVIN Like, subscribe, share for more news... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2x6cGsOeFM Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Tati Announcement Video! Halo Beauty Has Officially Landed!

Hello Beautyowls! Who said it was Makeup? Those were the closing words of Tati Westbrook's (Glam Life Guru) video on Tuesday! Keep your wallets and credit cards ready, since her mysterious beauty line will be available online on Halo Beauty this Friday and it was definitely not what everybody expected!

Glam Life Guru already informed on Tuesday, her followers that international shipping will be offered since day one and addressed many questions posed to her about her brand on her previous YouTube video! And here is the long anticipated announcement video that was just posted! Enjoy darlings! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVo_3iElEKM Until next time, xoxo from Zurich, K Follow Beautyowls on BLOGLOVIN Like, subscribe, share, for more news... Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Tati's New Makeup Line! Coming Soon?!

Hello Beautyowls! Tati from "Glam Life Guru" (and one of my favorite YouTubers) is starting to drop more and more hints about her long-anticipated makeup line! News About The Line The makeup line that was supposed to be announced back in January is now (based on her latest comments) going to be presented to here followers pretty soon! Posted in the comments section of her Video from last Wednesday, the famous YouTuber replied that the big announcement would follow soon and doesn't forget to include a symbolicat the end of her message. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5wNYWctgMg&t=150s Tati dropped this Wednesday as a potential date where she might show us via Youtube her creations. She also revealed a first image of the packaging already, that she posted earlier today on her Instagram page with the same "xo's Tati" engraved at the top of the cap!

Let's hope that she will drop the video sooner than later since the anticipation is big among her followers. In any case, we love "Glam Life Guru" and everything she does! Until next time, xoxo from Zurich, Kate Follow Beautyowls on BLOGLOVIN Like, subscribe, share for more news... Read the full article

[kat130482-blog]

Feeling Berlin! These Locations Are Worth Visiting!

Hello Beautowls! How are you doing? Today's post is about one of my favorite cities to visit! Berlin! My trip was this time long overdue since the last time I visited this city, was two years ago! Even after that time, I was glad to discover that the city managed to sustain its charm, creative puls, and originality. Although more expensive than two years ago Berlin is still considered one of the most affordable European cities and thus a pole of attraction for a younger more creative crowd. The city is so diverse that you can genuinely find whatever your heart desires. The best part is that it's only one hour flight from where I live which makes it the perfect weekend destination. Read the full article