Annabelle, I Love You: Annabelle Cosmetics Review

Annabelle, you're always there, you're always trying, you're always priced just right and you give kickass results when called upon!  Thank you so very much  for sending me these products to try.  You left me speechless and I'll tell you why.  I never do well with mineral makeup, primarily because I react to the Bismuth Oxychloride (a common allergen) which is a staple in most mineral based cosmetics and I am an 80's child so I am used to liquid foundations and pressed makeup.  So, I applied your mineral foundation with a healthy dose of skepticism thinking the burning and itching feeling is going to start in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1........and nothing.   I WAS WRONG!  Its gorgeous, it covers and best of all it doensn't burn my face which means the chemists at Annabelle have figured out the right amount of Bismuth Oxychloride to add or detract from the product.

The lip plumping glosses are pigmented and glossy and the purple mineral shadow reminds me of those hot sexy summer nights at backyard tiki parties grooving to some tunes.  I like them very much and I thank you for making me a fan of your mineral foundation, bronzer, blush, shadows and lippies!  Excellent value for the price.

Bravo and merci beaucoup!!!!

On my face: Annabelle Mineral Foundation in Barely Beige, Annabelle Mineral Blush in Hush, Annabelle Mineral Bronzer in Terra, Annabelle Mineral Eyeshadow in Violet Vibe and lined eyes with Smudge Liner in Rich Chocolate, Annabelle Volume Lip in Iced Spice and Cherryoke.

Thanks for stopping by.  xxNadia

Vintage Versace Inspired Look

I recently made the transition from working on an airplane to working with management for one year. I'm excited about this new opportunity because it will provide new challenges in my work environment. My husband invited me for a celebratory dinner at a nice restaurant that had a gorgeous outside patio. We felt like we were in Europe, it was very similar to being at a beer garden in Mainz, Germany. We had a lovely time.

I had a craving for a bold print that evening. This top has a boat neck and big triangular bat sleeves. The print reminds me so much of early 90's Gianni Versace. The necklace is a touch gaudy and it suited the look, it was purchased at a secondhand store. Something about this necklace reminds me of art deco.

I kept my makeup in the brown and beige tones including my lips which are glossed in MAC's Boy Bait Dazzleglass. Since recently returning from our beach vacation I'm about as tanned as I would ever get. I prefer myself pale as I find its sometimes difficult to play with makeup when you are sporting a tan. The hair....well, the hair is puffy and big and lends itself to the overall look. When it comes to summer frizz I've just learned to make do with what I have. I'm glad big hair is coming back in vogue.

Thanks for stopping by, your continued support and comments are always appreciated. xxNadia

St. Tropez Bronzer Haul

I've been noticing many reviews on YouTube for the St. Tropez Bronzer. Myself, I'm not a self-tanner kind of girl because I always felt like I looked blotchy and dirty with a hint of an orangy glow. When I see myself tanned I feel like my face looks older and I'm not very good at applying it. If you saw my ankles after I self tan you would think I lived in the woods and never bathed, not pretty. However I have been noticing on others that the St. Tropez Bronzer has a more natural brown shade to it, almost like Benefits Hoola Bronzer when its applied to the cheeks. In Canada I couldn't locate a tanning salon or beauty supplier to purchase this product in person so I turned to my trusty old friend www.essentialdayspa.com I love this site. Not only because they are a Canadian company from Vancouver but because they are damn good at dealing with customers and they have a long list of beauty products available for purchase. I only order a few times a year but when I do I order my share of products.....enough said.

My St Tropez haul Includes the body self tanners in different sizes which does about 4 full body applications, the bronzing mousse which dries in 60 seconds and the body polisher which is recommended before applying the bronzer. I also bought the body moisturizer and the stain remover specifically formulated to remove any stains on the palms of your hands or under your feet or wherever else you goofed. I ended up getting the stain remover in travel size towelettes and the travel size bronzing set in case I'm on vacation and need to fake it a little longer. I wear spf 60 and a big hat when I'm out in the sun so I'm going to need to fake it for sure. I'm fighting aging skin with all I've got!!! I've heard from others that wearing gloves is a good application tip. The products is a mud color so there is no guessing if you missed a spot during the application process.

Essential Day Spa ships worldwide and I know for a fact from their online beauty forums which has every review of every product you can think of that this site is popular with the ladies from the UK and Australia. Shipping is fast and they always include generous samples and they are in constant communication with you via email so, even if a product is on backorder you know about it right away. I am very please with this company and I would recommend Essential Day Spa to anyone.

For YouTube reviews on the St. Tropez Bronzer check out sweet Sarah's channel @ sardun1 and the talented Kandee and Lisasz09

I will be posting pictures on my blog and writing a personal review very soon of my adventures in self-tanning with the St. Tropez Bronzer.......stay tuned!