Balletbalm

Order at Zalando!

2012-01-26T13:44:00.000+01:00

Iordered at Zalando a few weeks ago. Zalando is a Dutch webshop, known andawarded for their annoying but funny commercials! I had always heard from thatshop through the television and people around me, but I never ordered from it. NowI saw some pretty things in the shop.

If youclick below, I’ll tell you some about it and about the good service theydeliver!

This isthe well known box you always see on television. Inside I first saw the airpackages that protect the content you bought. Very well thought about! Orderingat Zalando isvery easy. You select the product you want to buy, you put them in your cartand also the transaction is very clean and fast. I ordered on a Friday night,and they delivered it on Tuesday midday. That’s fair enough!

Also,the products you order come in a zip lock back to keep them clean.

Thefirst item my eye fell on is this beautiful blazer. It’s from the brand Only and itonly costs you 29,95 EUR. The blazer is size M, I’m a size S normally, but it’sonly a tad too big. When you fit the blazer you see it fits nice, gives you atailored look and also very important: the fabric doesn’t itch!

When Ilooked inside the sleeves I discovered this cute blue-red-white flower pattern.I like this very much.

This ishow I combined the blazer a few days later, for my granddad’s funeral. Ireceived a lot of compliments.

Thesecond product I bought was this soap of Lollia. It’s the Lollia Wish Soap andwhen I googled it I didn’t see any reviews of it. That triggered my curiosityand I decided I wanted to buy it. The soap comes in this cute box, differentfrom the site. If I’m being honest, I like the box I received more than thepaper it showed on the website! The soap has a strong scent. I can’t reallyfigure out what it smells like, but it’s sweet and creamy.

The backsays: The nostalgic romance of hand-made soap is the inspiration for orsignature formula consisting of only the finest ingredients. Nourishing OliveFruit Oil, Coconut Oil, and Shea Butter soften and smooth skin as our exclusivefragrance blend honors the art of fine soap-making.

When Iread that, my expectations were high. I decided to try it. First you see acreamy or milky consistency rather than bubbles, but when you add more waterthey start to show. Afterwards, my hands were squeaky clean. Not something Iprefer, but they weren’t really dried out.

I advicethis soap for people who don’t have hands that are dried out. Still, it’s agood product and I’m using it.

Zalandohas a wide range of products! Just a quick pick from their shop: different brands and sizes of bags, jeans in different colors and models, and some brands like Vero Moda. Go ahead and see for yourself, I really thinkyou can find something of your liking!

Have youever bought something at Zalando?

Two video’s that caught my attention last week!

2012-01-21T10:30:00.000+01:00

Credits: Dior

I think Ican declare myself a YouTube junkie. I love watching videos and I have a lot ofsubscriptions going on. Sometimes there are videos that catches your attentioneven more than normally, and I want to share them! And of course, I stay closeto my blog: ballet, and, beauty!

First isthe new Dior ad for the one-slide opening makeup palette. Even the nail polishon the models hands is perfect. Ads like this would make me buy products likethese, or at least check them out at the shops. Plus, I love some magic tricksmyself so this video was a pleasant surprise. See for -yourself!

Secondup is not a YouTube video, but a vimeo video. It’s about Parkinson and ballet.Parkinson is a disease that causes brain cells to die. That has a fewconsequences: people get stiff muscles so they move less, they get tremors anddisturbed positions like a curved or bent back.

Also insevere conditions they don’t know how to start and end a movement. In the videobelow is demonstrated how the English National Ballet gives ballet lessons tolessen the consequences of Parkinson. This is really interesting for me, as I’mnow a first year Physiotherapy student.

Parkinsons' Ballet MASTERONLINE from George MacCallum on Vimeo.

Do youwatch a lot of video’s online?

ArtEZ Mini Dans Festival 2011 and the Warme Winter Weekend

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000+01:00

Last SaturdayI went with a friend of mine to the Mini Dans Festival (Mini Dance Festival) ofArtEZ hogeschool voor de kunsten. I met my friend when we were doing the orientationclass of dance teacher two years ago, so it was really special that we metagain and went to the place we both wanted to go to school.

Later wedecided we could go to the shops of Arnhem (the place ArtEZ is located), wherewe found the Warm Winter Weekend where we saw the National Championship of Icesculpting, plus I spit fire that day!

Clickbelow for a really exciting report of both!

The MiniDans Festival is an event the seniors of the bachelor Dance Teacher have to organize.They show students from different years, plus the orientation class of thatyear. The show was called ‘Mind Your Step’. The thought behind this name is:Why stand on the same place in life, when you could also set a step forward? Ithink it’s a good theme, it makes you think.

Myfriend and I both danced in the Mini Dance Festival of 2 years ago. It was niceto be in ArtEZ again and see the friends we made back then, dance for us.

It was acombination of modern ballet and hip hop, which was very nice to see. The showlasted for an hour and it was only €3,00 to get in.

Atouching thing was to see Eva dance. Eva and I started dancing ballet at thesame studio, 13 years ago. Now she dances at ArtEZ. Great!

Later we went to the solo presentation of the orientation class. If you want, you can watch a video about it below.

Vitesse, a football club.

WarmeWinter Weekend

When myfriend and I had seen the festival, we went to the shops. We didn’t know theWarme Winter Weekend was there at that time! We were glad we went to the shopsbecause there was so much to see and do. I learned to spit fire, we both sawthe National Championship of Ice sculpting and we saw people dressed up asSanta, a Christmas tree, Snow Faries and Elves. It was so much fun!

It was hard to time the photograph, but I spat more fire than this :)
Thanks to my friend for the photo!

Spittingfire was a small success. First, I had to learn to mist the lamp oil I had inmy mouth. Well I can tell you, I spat half of the lamp oil over my chin insteadof in the air. Luckily, I had a bib!

It costme a good 10 minutes before I finally could spit some fire.

I don’tknow what it is, but I love doing crazy dangerous things. I’d also love to havea free fall or something like that.

Some more pictures of that day:

Angry Birds!!

The winners of the National Championship!
It's called Freedom.

Ice Age :)

A castle

A dancer, yay.

Hourglass. Loved this one :)

Wellthis article is becoming way too long. I truly recommend both to you, they makea nice day out.

Have youyet seen some crazy Christmas events?

Review: Teeez Boudoir Secrets

2011-12-18T19:51:00.003+01:00

Well Hi!That has been a long time no blogging. Right now I’m really looking for somedistraction, plus I got a package from Teeez to review! What perfect reasons tostart blogging again. I hope you forgive my lack of posts in the past half year.But now I can tell you, starting a new life at college and starting and endinga whole other bunch of things takes a lot of time.

I’llstart with one article a week and see where it goes from there.

So here,a review of the new Boudoir Secrets collection of Teeez! And I can tell you already…they have surprised me.

What doesTeeez promise us? (translated by me)

“Let you be seduced by the beauty of a feminineand glamorous phenomenon, driven by the desire to let you be even morebeautiful. The elegant makeup collection Boudoir Secrets is decorated withunique and vintage jewelry that make every product a treasure, hiding thesecrets of a seducing content. Because under every benefaction hides arebellious diva, like Marie Antoinette, the queen of France of the 18^thcentury, full with passion for the good things in life.”

That’s agood mouth full.

Thecollection exists out of 4 different products: Bold Eyeliner Pencil, FrenchKiss Lip Gelee, Couture Nail Laquer and Boudoir Mascara. The products have a kitsch look but I think it's a nice touch. We’ll first start outwith my favorite product of the collection.

BoldEyeliner Pencil comes out in 12 different colors. I received the colors 05Gutsy, 06 Free and 14 Cool. Though Cool is a very rich, warm royal blue. I lovethe colors and I was surprised by the pigmentation! As you might know, I’m theowner of greasy eyelids. But these waterproof pencils can last all day! Though they don't blend, are these definitely going into my everyday makeup stash.

Price: €4,79

Left to right:
02 Icy, 08 Smooth, 07 Outta Control

Secondup is the Couture Nail Laquer, they come out in 8 pastel shades. I received the colors 02 Icy, 07 Outta Controland 08 Smooth. They have a gel-like feeling and finish to me and the press informationconfirmed that feeling.

They areBig 3 Free which is a plus. (The Big 3 Free: toluene, formaldehyde and dibutylphthalate can causecancer when used in large amounts)

These lacquers don’t last extra long on my nails but theswatch is just one coat. Another pleasant surprise.

Price: €4,90

Eyes: 06 Free
Lips: 10 Lovely Rouge
Nails: pink: 08 smooth, purple: 07 Outta Control

02 Icy

Last up Ireview is the French Kiss Lip Gelée. They come out in 10 colors, I received 04Coral Shine, 05 Trés Pink and 10 Lovely Rouge.

They don’t really stick, have a lovely finish though I wouldn’t say they are high glossas Teeez claimes them to be. The pigmentation is slightly less than I wouldhave expected, still they are pretty. Especially Lovely Rouge in the darkwinter days.

Price: €5,99

Naked lips

04 Coral Shine

05 trés pink

10 Lovely Rouge

I won’tbe reviewing the mascaras as I am still using a few mascara’s and I don’t wantthem to spoil. As you know mascaras grow a huge amount of bacteria after 4months.

Price: 6,79

I ampleasantly surprised by this collection and I’m sure I will be using it a lot!The colors are exactly what I’m using on a daily basis. I also think you getvalue for your money. Definitely something I recommend you!

Donating my hair to Stichting Haarwensen

2011-07-15T10:39:00.009+02:00

I have donated my hair to Stichting Haarwensen and today I want to talk about that.
It was a pretty scary but good experience and I haven't regretted it since. It's a bit of a long article, I'm sorry, but I think it needs some explaining.

Why did I donate it?
My grandparents had lung cancer because of smoking and died from it. Cancer has from then an impact on my life so I wanted to help out. A little girl around the age of 12 that I knew from church died from leukemia and a mother of 2 kids I know also has cancer.

I suddenly thought of donating hair (I had heard from it before) and I thought it was meant to be. I've always grown my hair for ballet. Always after an exam or performance I cut it drastically like a protest.

It also means a new period in my life. I have auditioned for 2 ballet schools and wasn't accepted so I moved on to Physiotherapie, which I have been given a place in! I heard it yesterday and I was thrilled. (It was a drawing of lots.) So cutting my hair of means to me a new beginning. Wash away the old. Of course I will be dancing forever. Not that I give up on dance!

Where did I cut it?
One of my best friends; Sophie, went with me. We both wanted to cut hair so we decided to go to the salon together. We googled on a good hair salon and we found 'Knipstudio 36' http://www.knipstudio36.nl/.
The hairdresser gave us amazing personal advice and really spoke through how short / long you wanted your hair to be. No risk of cutting your hair too short! If you cut it, you will only pay €15,50. I really recommend her.
The adress:
Gerda de Man - van Wijk
Bosmuislaan 36
3903 CJ Veenendaal
0318 - 82 45 67

What is Stichting Haarwensen?
400 to 500 young cancer patients (children till the age of 19) lose their hair through chemotherapy. With being bald or a visible wig they stay that patient. Stichting Haarwensen give a good quality wig so they can be a child again, all for free. Otherwise a wig will cost you between €1.500 till €2.000 euro's.
They tailor make the wig, choose colors just like their own hair was, etc.

What are the requirements for donating your hair?

Saartje!

- Length: at least 25 cm (mine was 34)
- All hair colors are good, also dyed hair
- They prefer braided hair with an elastic (or 2, we used 2 to ensure it would stay together) on both sides. Then it's made sure that all the hairs are in the same direction.

What can you do for Stichting Haarwensen besides donating hair?
You can adopt a wig (€1.500), sponsor Stichting Haarwensen with any amount of money, Buy the doll 'Saartje' for €7,95.
Contact:
Stichting Haarwensen
Constructieweg 96a
3641 SP Mijdrecht

After donating hair you will receive a letter. I also wrote a letter to them.

Click on it for enlargement

What were the reactions of my friends, classmates and family?
They were a bit shocked of course but they all liked it and asked how long my hair was before.

Ok now here are all my photos that were made while preparing and cutting (you can click for enlargement!):

Before!

Measured hair (34 cm)

braided

Shown again - she's really caring!

Finally cutting it! I was a bit scared - haha!

Right after cutting, now Gerda cut the model in it,
I had brought a picture with me.

One of the weirdest thing I've ever seen of me!

Right after the cut, at home

Well this was my experience. Have you ever heard of donating hair before? Have you ever done it or do you want to do it? Let me know!

Love, Sam.

Essence Limited Edition: Ballerina Backstage

2011-07-01T11:25:00.000+02:00

What would Balletbalm be without an update about this amazing collection? You’ve probably seen it before, but I still want to update about it.

Watch me after the break, pointe please?

About the collection (translated myself)

Who doesn’t dream about floating over the stage like a ballerina, while the crowd bursts out in applaud? Luckily in August 2011 a lot of girly dreams come true, with the new trend edition ‘ballerina backstage’. The innovative beauty products for eyes, lips, face, neck and nails play a part in the ballerina trend of this summer and offer you a sneak peek behind the wings. Powdery pastel- and nude shades, combined with the powerful colors like bright fuchsia, shining apricot and elegant black give the romantic ballerina look just that little bit extra. The stage is waiting, so open the curtains for the first act of the essence ballerina backstage show!

Here come the products. I love the names; they are all based on different ballet movements or clothing.

essence ballerina backstage eye soufflé in 01 dance the swan lake, 02 pas de copper en 03 grand-plié in black. €2,29.

essence ballerina backstage lipgloss in 01 wear your little tutu, 02 on your gracile tiptoe en 03 do a floating pirouette. €1,79.

essence ballerina backstage blush soufflé in 01 prima ballerina. €2,79.

essence ballerina backstage nailpolish in 01 dance the swan lake, 02 wear your little tutu, 03 on your gracile tiptoe, 04 do a floating pirouette en 05 grand-plié in black. €1,79.

essence ballerina backstage click & go nails in 01 it feels like dancing. 2,99.

essence ballerina backstage hairtie €1,49.

Available from August 2011 (at least in Holland).

What do I think?

Well I love this collection. I’m going to look for those eye soufflés because I’vent used anything like that before. I’m not that much of a lipgloss person so I’ll probably won’t look at that. Wearing those click-on nails while dancing is not what I would recommend (you could seriously hurt someone) but they look so sweet. The hairtie is for me a must-have, because now I have my hair short (blogpost will be up about my new haircut sometime).

Are you interested in this collection?

Tag: Show Your Screen

2011-06-10T21:28:00.000+02:00

This tag I received from Lotte from Lotte Loves Beauty, thanks!
The purpose of this tag is:
- show a prinscreen from your screen
- give a short description about the background
- short description about the programmes you use
- you pass on this tag

Well this is my screen:

Click on it if you want to :)

It's my moodboard. I've read the book The Secret and they also use a moodboard to keep people focused on their goals in life and make them happy about it.

Well what's on it?
Upper half:
Right: Physiotherapy (study I want to follow, depends on luck)
Middle: Occupational Therapy (study I want to follow) Oh and the conversation wasn't as bad/scary as I thought! They just wanted to talk about what I want to do in the future and appartently I can combine beauty, music and dance with occupational therapy, yay!
Right: ballet; I've got a ballet exam coming thursday in London.

The two notes
Left: Movies I still want to see and to remind me to buy concealer and powder
Right: words from my dance teacher about what I have to improve in ballet: where to place my hips, my turn-out (which is really bad).

Lower half:
Left: Faith, Hope and Love sign because I'm Roman Catholic. I want to have a big faith in God and to help me through all of this. And below is a quote to go with it from 1 Corinthians 13:13: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Middle: my friends because I want to keep them close eventhough we go seperate ways after Highschool.
Right: a quote: Yesterday I dared to fight, today I dare to win by Bernadette Devling, activist. Reminds me that we have to fight for what we want to have. I found this in a quote book I was once given by a close aquaintance.

Well sorry, it's not short! Now on to the icons, I'll highlight some.

Click on it if you want to :)

Media subtitler, to add subtitles on YouTube if needed
Utorrent: to download things
Audacity to edit sound
Age of Empires 2, a friend of me said I had to try it out haha. Trial version.
Poladroid: to make fake polaroids, downloaded thanks to Elisa, also a blogger!
Spotify: to collect all my favorite music! I can't go without music.

Well I don't really pass on this tag because I find it so hard to pick. Just decide if you want to do it or not!

Love, Sam

I'm sorry. It's a no.

2011-06-01T18:51:00.003+02:00

"I'm sorry. It’s a no." That’s what have been one of the most important words in the past couple of months in my life. I auditioned for Dance Teacher in two different dance academies, but I wasn’t accepted at both.

Today I received an email of college for the study Occupational Therapy that they have doubts about my motivation for the study. Now I have to have a conversation with them about the motivation letter I sent them.
But I'm going to tell you what I'm going to do now, and what you should do when your efforts in life just don't seem good enough!

I know I’m going to fight for what I have in mind, because I really do want to follow my heart. And my heart is with the studies Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy. Even though Occupational Therapy is my second option for college, I would really, really love to study it. The only thing I know is that I’m going to fight, because I know my efforts will be good enough one day.

I’m almost sure that everyone knows this feeling. Trying your hardest to do something you love, or trying to achieve something. Name it yourself. And then hearing that effort wasn’t good enough, that tears one up inside.

And that’s the moral for this article. Not beauty related, but still something I want to share with you.

Even you got told your efforts aren’t good enough for the hundredth time, you still have to get up and fight for your heart’s desire. Because your efforts will be good enough someday!

And if not for what you are fighting for today, it might be for what you are fighting for tomorrow.

Beauty Review: Hypnoteeez Full & Flirty volume & Ssshocking Length mascara

2011-05-22T15:37:00.000+02:00

Now it’s up to these mascara’s to be reviewed: the Ssshocking length and the Full & Flirt volume mascara from the brand teeez out the new Hypnoteeez collection.

Follow me after the break!

The packaging of these mascaras are different from the others. The pattern and the zipper on the cap will make me go: ‘Hey, what’s that about?’ So I think I would look at them to eventually buy them. The mascara’s are long and slim. The only thing that is a con, is that you have to look twice before you see which one you have in your hand.

So what do they promise about the volume mascara? (translated myself)

‘Full & Flirty Volume Mascara’ gives the lashes extreme volume with the unique formula and the thick, conical brush. Thus the mascara will adhere directly to the lashes so there’s an intense color and thickness created without any clumps after one layer. Full & Flirty Volume Mascara is available in the colors Sexy 02 (black), Cool 02 (blue) and Free 03 (green). Price: € 5,99

Volume Mascara on the right

I wouldn’t necessary describe the brush as conical. I would describe it as thick and oblong. But anyway, the substance is not too dry and not too wet, just right! The brush doesn’t catch all the lashes so you will have to brush through a few times. This mascara doesn’t clump as well, not even after a few layers. It does smudge a bit, but not too much. But my lids are very greasy. It does create volume, but you’re not blown away by it. I also see it makes some difference in length!

I like this one and I think the price is fair.

Swatches:

No Mascara

So what do they promise about the Ssshocking length mascara? (translated myself)

‘Ssshocking Length Mascara’ creates visual longer lashes in a jiffy. The innovative bent brush separates the lashes and provides even the tiniest lashes easy with a layer of mascara. Ssshocking Length Mascara gives the lashes an ultimate curl and flexible length. Available in the colors Sexy 04 (black) and Gutsy 05 (brown). Price: € 5,99

What first impressed me was the brush! What a lovely brush. It’s bent just to fit the lashes and really ‘grabs’ them to ‘pull’ them up and make them longer! I love it. You can feel that the substance of this mascara is obviously wetter than the one of the volume mascara. But that’s typically a lengthening mascara thing. The worst of this mascara is that it does clump after a second layer. Also it does smudge a bit with my eyes, but like I said before, my lids are very greasy. I think the price isn’t as fair for the lengthening mascara as it is for the volume one. But the brush is certainly a plus compared to the volume mascara.

Swatches:

No mascara

I tend to grab the volume mascara more than the lengthening mascara. This is because it tends to smudge less and the substance is less wet.

What I do see with both mascara’s is that they make my lashes really black.

No mascara

So in short

Volume:

✔ Nice packaging

✔ Substance is just right

✔ Gives nice volume, as well as length

✔ Makes my lashes really black

✔ Fair price

▬ Brush doesn’t catch every lash at once

▬ Smudges a little

Lengthening:

✔ Nice packaging

✔ Gives nice length

✔ Makes my lashes really black

✔ I love the brush

✔ Fair price

Smudges

▬ Substance is wetter than the one of the volume mascara

Overall, I do like these. J

Teeez is sold in different places. Please check here for the store locator!

Beauty Review: Hypnoteeez Silk Fantasy Eyeshadow

2011-05-16T16:42:00.003+02:00

Today’s review is about the Silk Fantasy Eyeshadow from the brand Teeez Cosmetics and the collection ‘Hypnoteez’. Teeez might sound familiar, because a while ago they did some promoting again and send some bloggers products.
I can tell you already that these eyeshadows are really soft, silky and really nice to work with! Follow me after the break for more.

As you could already see on the first photo, the packaging is really colorful. It really fits the color blocking trend of this season! The product is called ‘fantasy’ and the new collection is called ‘Hypnoteez’ and the packaging is really appropriate for that name.
What they say about the packaging:

“Fashionable and premium quality packaging with Hypnoteeez design and a peek-through window to show the colors inside.”

I really like there is a peek-through window so you don’t have to seek for the right color. So that’s another plus. I hope you don't mind, I made photos outside. And there is some reflection of the willow screen in our backyard.

I received the colors Cool 07 and Sexy 12. Cool 07 is a really nice shiny royal blue color, and Sexy 12 is the same but in black. Apart from these two, there are 6 other colors from this line. So in total there are 8 lovely silky eyeshadows!
I’ll first show you some swatches:

Hazy to show the shine

You see that when you don’t use a base it’s already very pigmented. But it does get that oomph when you do apply it with a base. And I guess most girls will use a base before applying their eyeshadow.
You can see the glitters or shine in the hazy photo. Very pretty multi-colored shine!
The texture is very soft. It’s really silky and at one point I even thought I had some cream eyeshadow in my hand, it’s almost that soft! Even when they are so soft, they don’t crumble at all.

There are also some interesting facts about this eyeshadow:

This highly pigmented eyeshadow applies evenly and is extreme
long lasting without creasing. It can even be used as eyeliner, due
to the high pigmentation and ingredients that make the shadow
adhere to the skin immediately.
The silky soft texture makes this eyeshadow extremely comfortable
eyes and gives a fresh and healthy look.
With Vitamin E, a natural preservative, anti-oxidant and moisturizer
to protect collagen, encourage cell regeneration and smooth the
skin.
Fragrance Free: therefore suitable for people with a sensitive skin.
Hypoallergenic, carefully selected ingredients to prevent allergic
reactions.
Dermatologically tested / non-irritant.
Not tested on animals

The eyeshadow is indeed easy to apply and doesn’t irritate my eyes at all. I really like it!
The eyeshadows will cost you € 4,79 and I find that an appropriate price for this eyeshadow.
Of course I had to use these two wonderful in an eye look. The highlighting color in the inner corner is from Essence Quattro in 05 To Die For.

I faded the black to grey. As you can see, it's easy to blend.

Quick full face shot, maybe I'm not too charming on this one hehe.

So in short:
✔ Lovely soft texture
✔ Packaging that is different from others and it has a peek-through window
✔ Very pigmented, but a base does give that extra oomph
✔ Eyeshadow doesn’t crumble
✔ Can be used as an eyeliner
✔ You get value for your money!
✔ There are six other colors!

▬ There are no cons.

There are more Teeez reviews soon as you can have a sneak peak on the photo above! I hope to soon find time for it, as I'm in my exams. I had my first exam this morning! I think I did it well... But you never know, since the subject was Arts.

Teeez is sold in different places. Please check here for the store locator!

Painting on a character

2011-05-14T10:53:00.009+02:00

Even if you don't like ballet, just please watch this video, because the makeup in this video is stunning!
This post is about a video of 2 soloists and one principal artists of The Australian Ballet doing their makeup for the stage. It's really stunning makeup and the way this was filmed, it's just eyecandy! And we all like that, don't we?
Well, 'nuff said. Just watch the video above and I'll talk to you all of you soon.

Tip: Maybelline Puls Perfection Mascara discount!!

2011-05-05T17:31:00.000+02:00

As some of you may not check their mail every day, I just want to let you know that if you have a 'Kruidvat Jouw' discount card you might want to check this one out!
The Maybelline Puls Perfection vibrating mascara has an enormous discount; from EUR 18,99 to EUR 5,00!

Just make sure you print the coupon today, you can't print it tomorrow. Link: click
You can use the coupon to the 12th of May.

Love, Sam.

DIY Step-by-step: deshank your pointe shoes into softpointes

2011-05-02T11:31:00.008+02:00

Hello you!
I'm just putting this blogpost up for the ballerina's out there who need help with deshanking their pointe shoes into softpointes.

That old video was really fake voiced and someone wasn't really understanding it so I made a new video. I needed a new pair of deshanked shoes anyway, because my feet grew out of my old pair.

Parts of the pinte shoe

A softpointe or demi-pointe is used to strenghten a ballerina's foot so she can prepare for going en pointe. The 'example softpointe' that I'm using is my very first pair of shoes that came near to a pointe. Then I was about 11 years old. Sadly I can't seem to find the photo back that I stood on them hehe. That is also a bad thing to do, standing en pointe on your soft pointes.

Well I hope you enjoyed it and maybe it's useful for you.
I have exams for HAVO in 2 weeks time and after that I hope to start blogging again! Isn't that sounding lovely?

Tag: My handwriting

2011-04-03T10:52:00.000+02:00

I still had some open tags so I decided to start with the handwriting tag of the sweet Elisa!

Rules: Get a piece of paper and write the answers to the following questions:
1. What's your name/your blogger name?
2. What's your blog's name/URL?
3. Write "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
4. Favorite quote?
5. Your Favorite song?
6. Your favorite band/singers?
7. Anything else you want to say?
8. Tag three to five other people.

Maud, Sanne, Kalypso, Mitchin, Silva
But everyone can do this tag if you want to!

No Reins from Rascal Flatts. (I'm far from a horse lover but the song is amazing)

You're beautiful! :)

April Fools: Waikiki Beach Lipgloss

2011-04-02T11:15:00.000+02:00

Yep I got you! You were April fooled yesterday by me!
The brand Waikiki Beach doesn't even exist as a makeup brand.
It was nice to hear that I edited the 'promo picture' well, all of you believed it was a genuine product.

Wanna see how I did it?

Fist I want to say that I use the free editing software called 'Photofiltre'.
I thought of what product I could easily fool, and I chose the whoom booom essence lipgloss.

Then I looked up some cute weather pics on the internet.

And some swatches of the MNY site which I changed the hue from.

After that I edited everything together (shading as well on the lipgloss).

Then I made some swatches of my MAC Dazzleglass creme in Lightly Prancing.

At the end of the article I put down that the product was fake, but somehow so many seemed not to see it!

Well. Have you heard any other good jokes yesterday? Post 'em below!

Beauty Review: Wakiki Beach Lipgloss

2011-04-01T14:28:00.010+02:00

I was in the drugstore Kruidvat just a few days ago. I saw this super cute lipgloss from Waikiki Beach and I just had to buy it! Now I’m going to review it for you.

Follow me after the break!

Well first talk about the packaging. I just forgot to photograph it! And after writing this review I really have to concentrate on my school work so I’m sorry for that. Luckily I could find a nice press photo of it!

The packaging is so cute, isn’t it?! I’m constantly looking at it and it really makes me smile. The clouds and the sun are really fun to watch.
The lipgloss comes in this tube and the tube contains 10 ml; 0.33 fl oz. I did remember to shoot some swatch photos of it for you. So here they are:

Click for bigger photo!

You can see the gloss is shiny and it contains gold glitters. The glitters are big compared to ‘normal’ lipgloss glitters. I’m happy the glitters don’t feel like scrub particles because then it would be really annoying to have this on your lips.
Though the gloss is pink on my hand it doesn’t show up on my lips:

The gloss is not too sticky and that is good for me. Really sticky gloss means to last long but can also be annoying. This doesn’t stay on my lips the whole day but it does last like 2 hours or so.
So you have to take this with you and put it on during the day, but who cares with this packaging! Just picture your girl-friends faces when you pull this out of your hand bag! Or maybe your guy-friends as well, I don’t know.

I saw this cute lipgloss in a basket in the drugstore Kruidvat. I don’t know if it’s available anywhere else, you’ll have to check it out for yourself I guess. I paid 99 cents for it! Yay!

So in short:
✔ Doesn’t stick too much
✔ Glitters are big but don’t feel like scrub particles
✔ Can last for 2 hours
✔ The packaging is sooo cute!
✔ It’s cheap: 99 cents

▬ Maybe you don’t like the glitters being so big

the product is fake.

My perfect acne solution.

2011-03-20T21:03:00.001+01:00

I'm ALIVEEE.
In case you'd want to know.

A few minutes ago I came across this video called Tod's - An Italian Dream.
Tod's is a brand that supplies accessories like bags, keyrings, cardholders...
They had this amazing ad that I wanted to share with you. It's an ad with modern ballet dancers and oohh they are amazing. I also have another makeup look for you, it's a lip-art!
And I also want to talk about my perfect, cheap acne solution for now...
Meet me after the break!

So this is the video I was talking about.

Lovely ey :)

Ah and this is my lipart. It's the first time I did something bright on my lips.
I think the red could be more intense and the blue on the upper lip brighter. But yeah, I like it for the first try.

And see my skin?! :O Its so clear right now! My secret right now is... Sudocrem!
Lets tell you a little story. I wanted to use a toner because maybe it would be the key to a perfect cleanse of my acne skin. I bought the Teatree toner of Kruidvat and it gave me a soapy and dirty feeling on my skin. I don't know how though. I decided to use it and after a few weeks of using it my skin was HORRIBLE. I had dead skin all over my face. When I tried to scrub it away with sugar, honey and a washcloth it made my skin RAW. By that I mean all horrible, painful and red. I immediately put it away.

Then I saw Sudocrem standing there in the bathroom cabinet. It's actually for rash on baby butts but it turned out to be the perfect cream for my acne. I put it on and the day after my skin was almost back to normal. It only needed a scrub a few days after to get rid of some dead skin but that was all! Now my skin is soft and has less acne. Not everything is gone but I don't need that anyways. I still have some clogged pores on my forehead but they never go away, so that's fair enough for me. I only applied it at night since it leaves a white layer on your skin and it's really greasy.

The cheapest solution to my acne ever!

It contains a lot of parafinum liquidum (vaseline) that can clog pores. It helps acne skin because of the zinc oxide, lavender oil and BHA (salicylic acid). If you want to know more and you speak / are able to read Dutch: Please click here for an article by Serena Verbon, BeautyLab. I didn't get the idea from her, I had already used it for a week before she uploaded it *smiley face*. And Acne.org also has a page full with reviews about Sudocrem for acne: click here.

Oh and hereby I also want to declare my love to the best hair guru on YouTube: Binosusume. Her videos were suddenly deleted from YouTube (Binosusume herself doesn't know why at all) but she's reuploading them all right now. Quite a job considering she had a lot of videos. She never shows her face on YouTube because it's not considered appropriate in Asian countries to show your face on the internet. And I also don't understand a word of what she is saying but you can understand everything just by looking at her doing her hair. It's super easy!

She also has a website: http://binosusume.blog116.fc2.com/ and the cutest chiwawa ever.
I also tried to do the braids headband, see the result in the picture below!

So yes, this is my blogpost for now! I'm still so busy with school and my ballet exam so I still can't write for you. I hope you are satisfied with this big post!

Creative tag

2011-02-11T20:56:00.002+01:00

Click for enlargement =)

Well. I didn't have a creative outburst with makeup for DAYS.
Suddenly, there was something creeping up on me. I didn't know what it was, until I took my brushes and my 120 palette out! This is what I ended up with. =) Colorful looks for the win!

I also got a tag from my beloved Laurence. The one who I also had an interview with!
It's a tag which I say with which things I can't live without.
Follow me after the break, pretty please?

What could you not miss in...

What could you not miss in your bathroom?
A LOT. I have so many products in my bathroom that I use daily or on a regular basis. My Lush Coal Face, my toner, my Lush Grease Lighting, my emu oil, my TOM essential drops serum... Name it ^^

What could you not miss in your bedroom?
My 'bantal guling' as we say it here at home. That is Indonesian for a round pillow, 'rolkussen' as we say it in Dutch. I have been sleeping with the same one since I was a baby! Hehe. Maybe like some sort of grown up stuffed animal, perhaps? Well, if I don't have it clasped between my arms when I sleep, I feel like there is something missing hehe.

What could you not miss in on tv?
Plain Jane (MTV, every wednesday at 8pm, supercool makeover serie!) and Glee!

What could you not miss in your candy cupboard?
I'm not really fond of candy. Not sweet candy. We hardly have chocolate bars in our cupboard, so that could be better. But then I think I would be fat in no time anyway. I also don't eat portato chips! So yes... I guess cookies are the only ones left over. ^^

What could you not miss in the dark?
Light, d'oh. Or my voice after I watched a thriller / horror movie. I always sing in the dark when I'm scared of a horror movie. ^^

What could you not miss in the mirror?
MYSELF, AAHH. Like, how scary would it be when you look into the mirror and you see COMPLETELY NOTHING?!

What could you not miss at your best friend?
I guess they mean their home? Uhh. No idea ^^

What could you not miss at your secret book/coffer/ closet....
Do I have a secret book? Coffer? Closet? I guess I don't. It's not Narnia.

very old shot of me in my bedroom

What could you not miss on your wall?
My lilac and purple wall paint ^^

What could you not miss / on (fill in the blank)
What could you not miss in my life?
If I would have to choose one thing: dance. I love it :)

Since it's a hell of a job to choose people I just tag everyone!
But I especially tag Laurence herself back, since she didn't even answer the questions for herself. She's making me way too exited / anxious to read her answers!!

EDIT: Some of you just kept visiting my blog and kept reacting. 22 (!) reactions on my 'it's oh so quiet' note! Wow you really care whether I don't or do blog. Thanks so much guys. I hope to return in full time blogging (read: 1 article a day) soon!

So let me know if you did this tag!

It's o so quiet...

2011-01-26T18:08:00.000+01:00

Yep it's a bit quiet here on Balletbalm.
From the one on the other day I just hadn't time anymore to blog.
Why? Mostly school. I have testweeks coming up, exams over a few months and now auditioning for dance academies is also taking part of my life.

I just don't have the time anymore and I don't have the slightest idea how long this break is going to last...
However, I still have time to read your blogs!
Leave a comment here below if I have to check out your blog regularly, I'll follow you on bloglovin'!

Thanks for the good times, if I'm coming back you'll hear from me!

Sam.

Cosmetology school?!

2011-01-15T19:01:00.002+01:00

I found this video of Petrilude that he uploaded less than a day ago.
Many girls want to go to a cosmetology school because they like makeup. However, Petrilude has a different vision to it. I have no experience with cosmetology schools whatsoever, so I'll just let him talk for me!

Q: Have you ever had the dream to go to cosmetology school? And after this video? Do you still think you want to do this or are you going to seek something that is only focused on makeup?

A: I certainly have a dream to go to a school that only teaches makeup. Such as B Academy. But it's only a mere dream to me right now, I first have to focus on a HBO school.

Shoplog: bought at Dance Direct!

2011-01-14T21:10:00.001+01:00

Finally. I wanted some fine leotards that would be different than just a basic leotard.
I wanted this for more than half a year, but I never really bought them. Seeing I'm living in a town that doesn't sell beautiful leotards, I went out to seek my faith online at Dance Direct.
Want to see what I bought? Join me after the jump!

Starting with this beautiful leotard. It's from Capezio, a well-known brand for ballet equipment. It's the CC124 and is made out of cotton/lycra. Click here to buy it yourself!
The description:

Capezio's cotton/lycra camisole leotard creates elegance with a twist, classic scoop front neck line and a dynamic multi strap back neck line make this an extremely popular choice. Front lining. Previous Ref. 90068 NOW CC124.

If we're talking about Capezio anyway, then this baby comes next. My friend Sophie was really happy with this leotard, she said it was really comfortable. I think it wouldn't immediately pop up in my mind if I would think of a leotard to buy. But seeing her so happy about this, I just popped it into my basket right away. Click here to buy it yourself!
The description:

Capezio's luxurious soft Tactel camisole leotard with adjustable straps and double crisscross ribbon like elasticated straps at the back. Shelf bra lining.

Third up is this one. Really basic and also from Capezio, but I bought it in purple. I think I'm really starting to love this brand. I really prefer it above Bloch, which is also one of the reigning ballet brands. Click here to buy it yourself!
The description:

Adult camisole leotard. Cotton/Lycra.

And the last leotard I bought is this one. It's from So'Danca in 1510 in Black. My mum said it would look nice on me and it would be comfortable! Well, let's see then. Click here to buy it yourself!
The description:

So Danca's smooth microfibre camisole leotard with double straps features an attractive circular back. Front lining.

Then I bought these thights from a brand called 'Plume'. I see you thinking!! "Why are there ever HOLES in those thights?!" Haha, that's because if you have to switch between jazz / modern to classical ballet, you have to switch from leggings to regular thights. With this, transferring between classes can made really easy. You only have to flip your foot through the hole and you are ready to go! No more taking off your leotard and then switching the legging or thights. People say you don't notice the hole being there. I'm curious about this, I never had this before! I bought two of these, in pink and in black. Click here to buy it yourself!
The description:

Ultra soft convertible seamless microfibre tights.

Then I have bought these shoes. You always need new shoes, they can wear really fast, so my mum said to my that I had to buy it as well. They were actually cheaper than if I'd buy them in the normal shops. They have a cute daisy pattern that I love! Click here to buy it yourself!
The description:

Capezio's gorgeous soft, supple and durable leather ballet shoe. Full sole. Sweet daisy motif interior and fitted elastics. Now available in half sizes from size 1.

The shipping under £80 is £9 at Dance Direct. In total that would make £78,22 which is €93,02.
You might think what ever has hit me to spend so much money. Well read my story below, it's not just because I want ballet stuff.

My grandma always thought the age of 15 was a special age. So then she would give all her grand children €100 to spend if they would turn 15. She also gave me €100, which is really special because seeing the bloodline, I'm not really family. I'm only an adopted grandchild. I promised her I would spend it on my biggest passion: ballet. In that year, there was a performance. She was so excited to see me dance, but her health didn't allow her to. She was really devastated, but then we reasoned there would be the DVD of the performance to show to her. Then a few months later she died unexpectedly, before the DVD came out. So she never had the chance to see me dance. Buying ballet stuff of her money (I never got attached to the money, I always thought it was hers), means to me I always carry her with me when I dance. Even though she ain't here anymore.

So yes, I really hope this arrives soon and that I'll love my bought stuff!

NOTD: Galaxy nails

2011-01-12T20:15:00.001+01:00

Today I made some Galaxy nails!
I watched this site and there were so many girls who did it. And being amazed by outer space myself (I think my dad influenced me as a kid, hehe) I just had to try this!

These are the kind of photos they are inspired on (Hubble space photos):

Now up to my nails.
Well it's dark already right now, so I had to photograph in lamp light. But here are some shots of it!

My left thumb, in case you wanted to ask.

These are the ones I found on the site Fuck Yeah Nail Art:

And click here for another one, which I couldn't capture. That one is also reaaally awesome, make sure to quickly check out that link.

I used this tutorial to make mine:

This links to the article which belongs to the video above: http://www.nailsbyasami.com/2010/08/space-nails.html

And I used these polishes:

#1. Catrice in I See Through You
#2. Essence Metallics in Steel Me
#3. Essence Multi Dimension in 20 Fatal
#4. Essence Colour & Go in 36 Choose Me!
#5 Cosmetica Fanatica in D26
#6 Essence glitter topcoat
#7 Essence nail art express dry drops
#8 DIY flakies.

So yes. You see I used 2 dark colors. This is because I find that #3. has little to no coverage. So I used #2. as a dark base. You can use just a nice black instead. And it's quite a pity that the flakies (#8.) stand out so much in the photos, in real life they blend in much more. Next time I'll try those circle glitters that the girl uses in the video, I guess that would make a nicer interpretation of stars than the flakies. But I like it anyway.

So yes! I hope this inspires you. I love my nail art / manicure!

Interesting YouTube videos

2011-01-11T17:59:00.000+01:00

Recently I favorited some YouTube videos!
I like them, so I thought I wanted to share them with you.

First up is this Cirque du Soleil movie. It's an amazing way in sharing their acrobatics. Just... wow.
Watch it yourself!

Now is this.. um. Face plant. The bad side of dance, I guess! I was all like "OUCH!" when I saw this!

This is like a modern ballet. Very beautiful music and the choreography is stunning.

Now a quite different subject, this short movie by Karl Lagerfeld. I love the designs of Chanel, and this is a nice way of drooling at his fashion! Recently uploaded.

What are your recently favorited YouTube videos?

Beauty Review: Lush Wiccy Magic Muscles

2011-01-10T16:30:00.000+01:00

I guess everyone knows how muscle pain feels. It can be extremely annoying, such a stiff and painful muscle. Because I write this ballet blog and of course ballet dancers deal with muscle pain, I received this product from the English Lush to review it for you. It’s the Wiccy Magic Muscles Bar.

When I opened my mail I saw this shiny metal box. You have to buy this case separately, but you get one free if you buy two (Dutch Webshop at least). It costs € 3,70 or £2.95.

It almost fits the massage bar neatly and it is very handy to store this massage bar. The bar is actually also very big, as you can see above.

The photo that Lush England sent me

Another one

So what does Lush actually promise with this bar?

The Wiccy Magic Muscles Bar is the perfect massage bar for sorting out aching muscles. Ingredients include cinnamon leaf oil, which has a warm, rich and spicy aroma and is commonly used to fight feelings of depression, weakness and exhaustion as well as being an antiseptic, antibiotic and analgesic. The Aduki beans on one side of the bar work like firm fingertips helping to relieve muscle pain and tension whilst helping to stimulate areas where circulation is slow. With cocoa butter, shea butter, extra virgin coconut oil and peppermint oil, Wiccy Magic Muscles moisturises the skin and leaves a minty fresh tingle to weary limbs, perfect after an intensive ballet or sports session.

The Wiccy Magic Muscles Bar costs £5.40, or €9,50. Quite a difference.

Here are the ingredients:

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao), Aduki Beans (Phaseolus angularis), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii), Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Cinnamon Leaf Oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita), Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), *Cinnamyl Alcohol, *Cinnamal, *Coumarin, *Eugenol, *Isoeugenol, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume

*Occurs naturally in essential oils

And do you see how lovely the ingredients are? Little to no confusion with this product's ingredients. Oh and did I already mention it's vegan?

What I first notice is the smell. It is a very strong and spicy scent. It made me first think of cloves, but when I read the ingredients on the internet, it said cinnamon and peppermint. Well, it’s a very strong smell. I guess not everybody can appreciate this smell, so I strongly recommend you to use this product in the evening. It’s not my most favorite smell, but I don’t disgust it.

What I noticed after the smell were all the brown ‘spots’. Those are aduki beans, also called azuki beans. Aduki beans come from East Asia and the Himalaya’s and they are used as a sweetener in food. Well we’re not using them here as food! They massage the skin just lovely. You rub the side with the aduki beans against the skin to massage the skin. They are like little firm fingers (so I agree with the description of Lush) that can massage every tiny and big muscle. I love how it gets really deep in the skin, but not too deep. It provides a very lovely massage that will soothe your skin.

The beige bit is the oil. The oil melts very fast and spreads easily and evenly over your skin. That the oil melts very fast can be a problem, it can melt down too much of the oil. You can’t massage too long with the aduki beans because of this. After the aduki beans you can, of course, nicely massage with this oil and your own fingers. Or get someone to massage you, even better!

Swatch. You see how oily it is?

My skin also doesn’t absorb the oil fast, or not at all. That is nice when you are massaging, because you want a long and easy massage. I don’t like to massage with an oil or gel that absorbs very quickly, because I use the oil to make my hand glide easily over my skin. Because it doesn’t absorb, this is the second time I recommend you to use this product in the evening.

Because the oil breaks down, the aduki beans also don’t stick to the massage bar any more. I have now got 11 loose aduki beans. I hope to find a solution for using the beans as they are as a massager, because they are so good for my skin and muscles!

Left, the bar when used a few times.
Right, the loose aduki beans that came out.

I was in ArtEZ dance academy last Saturday and afterwards I massaged with this bar (I forgot a cooling down), but I still have muscle pain right now. I guess you can’t really prevent or really help the muscles with just oil, because muscles lay quite deep in the skin.

After I massaged with the bar and my fingers, my legs felt really relaxed and I could sleep very well.

So in short:

✔ The aduki beans provide a very firm and nice massage

✔ The oil melts very fast

✔ The oil doesn’t absorb in the skin

✔ Actually a nice massage bar for its price. Depending on where you buy it of course.
✔ The list of ingredients is very clear, you understand (almost) everything!
✔ It's vegan!

▬ The aduki beans let go after a while, but that’s normal.

▬ Strongly recommended to only use it in the evening, or in company that will appreciate the smell being there all the time.

I really really love this massage bar. I first had to get used on how to use this, but now I really love to use it before going to bed. It makes me relax!

Would I buy this again? Yes!

Lush Valentine's Day 2011

2011-01-09T16:59:00.003+01:00

On the survey you filled in you liked beauty news. I haven't got like 'real' beauty news, but here is at least skin care news!
It's a real eye candy. Do you already feel love in the air?

I present to you: Lush Valentine's Day 2011!

What do they promise? (Translated)

Here at Lush we believe in love. In long massages, bathing together with candlelight, champagne and cream truffles. But, we also are realistic and know that the world is full of bastards and bastardees that leave you with a broken heart and thick tears on your cheeks. That’s why this year Lush launches special Valentines products that are everything but mealy!

Here comes the eye candy! Just a note: you can always click on a picture to have it super sized!
(The descriptions come come from the UK or US, prices and pictures are from the Dutch press mailing.)

The Frog Prince Bath Bomb €4,95 per piece

The Ex Factor Bath Ballistic €3,95 per piece

Magic Mushroom bubble bar slice €4,25 per piece

It's Raining Men
100 ml €7,95
250 ml €14,50
500 ml €24,95

Love Birds Soap €4,95 per 100 grams

P.S. I Love You gift package €24,95

Be Mine gift package € 49,95

This collection is available in the webshop at the 11th of January, and available in the shops at the 17th of January.

Om nom nom... Help me! That frog is just staring at me. I really want to have that frog, it's looking so cute!
Do you like this collection?

Beauty Review: Essence Studio Nails

2011-01-07T19:45:00.001+01:00

Today’s review is about the Essence Studio Nails. The prints are really cute, but how about the product itself?

This is the product. The stickers come in a sort of envelope that will enclose 2 sticker sheets, each with seven sizes of nail stickers. You have fourteen different motives on the stickers, so there will probably a motive that you like! The price is €1,99.

I have got 10 of these, but I have only tried two, which I wore 1 of. The second I tried just wouldn’t stick to my nails.

So how do you apply them?

Make sure your nails are completely clean of nail polish and grease. You can easily do with swiping some nail polish remover along your nails.
Then choose the right size for your nails with the nail fashion stickers.
Attach them
Now cut the leftovers away and file the nail sticker on the last bit.
Apply topcoat to make them last longer.

Without cutting them off

Well I had problems with applying. When I did this I was wearing fake nails, and those were really sphere. Nail stickers are flat so there were bumps on them. Which is actually very annoying. Yesterday I tried them out with my flatter nails (not completely flat, but definitely way more flat than the artificial nails) and they fitted better.

And the ends also stay annoying and sharp. You can’t file them properly. And you can also ruin the motive when trying to file them.

The size of the nails are also hard to fit. You can see that with some nails like the ring finger, the fitting isn't accurate. But they fit quite good, since they have to design something for the standard nail size, so that everyone can have the equal chance of having a good fit.

The duration of this product was really long. They lasted until my fake nails started falling off my nails. By that time I was wearing them for about 3 to 4 days. I wore them with topcoat by the way.

So in short:

✔ The motives are really cool and give you nice nails

✔ Lasts long if applied well.

✔ Nice price: €1,99

▬ They have all sorts of bumps going on when you don’t have flat nails

▬ The ends stay annoying after filing

▬ They don't fit well

Well I won’t buy them. Simply because I still have eight more in my stash (won on the essence Beautyfriends community). I don’t like them actually!

Survey about Balletbalm

2011-01-06T18:23:00.000+01:00

Hello!

This is Balletbalm of course, but maybe in your eyes Balletbalm should be different or better.
Then what better form of asking is there than a survey?

Click here to go to the survey.

So hereby I ask you to fill in the Survey. I hope it doesn't take up too much of your time, it only includes 20 answers.

I hope you fill it in, thanks already!

Abdallah and the Gazelle of Basra. (Abdallah en de Gazelle van Basra)

2011-01-05T20:26:00.000+01:00

Our tickets and booklets we got

On the 27th of December I was in Den Hague to watch the ballet named Abdallah and the Gazelle of Basra. It is quite a happy and modern ballet, which was easily to follow if you had read the story in the booklet you got.
I had taken a few photos before and after the show, it’s not recommended to make photos during the show. That can distract the dancers and the people watching around you. There was a man photographing all the time a few chairs away from me, and all people around him were as pissed as hell and said to him to stop, and he just continued. Sigh. Well. Join me after the break for some photos and the story of Abdallah and the Gazelle of Basra?

The Building we watched it in

This ballet was made by De Dutch Don’t Dance Division. It’s an eastern fairytale ballet on live music of the student orchestra. It is choreographed by Thom Stuart and Rinus Sprong. The décor was of H.S. Paulli.

On the walls.

The booklet

Abdallah is a shoe maker and in love with Irma, called the Gazelle of Basra because of her dance skills. Her mother Fatima doesn’t see any benefits in the relationship between the poor Abdallah and her beautiful daughter. Abdallah wants to give a pair to the one that can dance the most beautiful for him and of course Irma joins. There are loads of people around.
Then all the people are scared by a little boy called Hanief, he says that the army of Cabidgi Bachi comes. Then a mysterious in black dressed man comes along, seeking for a hiding place. He’s the old, wise and good sheikh Ismaël. Abdallah hides the sheikh and Irma distracts the army with a seductive dance. Hanief makes fun of the army and the army takes him as a hostage. His mother is inconsolable.

The cast. Please click for bigger picture.

The orchestra on the left, costumes on the right.

The sheikh Ismaël thanks Abdallah with a candlestick that contains 5 candles, each represent 1 wish. He is told not to use the fifth candle. Abdallah uses the first candle, it gives him slaves that give him beautiful clothing. The second candle gives him a pretty house. The third gives him beautiful princesses that pronounce the coming of the queen of the harem.
Hassan is the friend of Abdallah, and he enters together with Irma in Abdallah’s house. Irma sees that Abdallah only has attention for the queen of the harem. Fatima also comes along and suddenly does see that Abdallah with all his wealth is the right person for her daughter Irma. Abdallah however only offers her a place in his harem and Fatima gets really angry with Abdallah. Abdallah wishes Fatima gone with his fourth candle and Irma faints in the arms of Hassan.
Then Abdallah lights the fifth candle when he’s not so conscious anymore and all his wealth disappears. Abdallah realizes he had lost everything, even his beloved Irma.

The background printed in the booklet

Irma is offered by the sheikh to marry one of his sons. Irma doesn’t accept the offer, she can’t forget Abdallah. The sheikh then says that Abdallah and Hassan have to be brought at his palace.
Abdallah is very sad. He can’t be brightened up. Then he and Hassan are taken to the palace. Fatima also discovers her daughter isn’t at the palace and she follows Abdallah and Hassan.
At the palace Irma forgives Abdallah for what he has done and Abdallah and Irma marry.

Cast on stage in the end.

Again, but then with flash. It's so horrible to photograph in a dark environment!

Well yes, long story. The dancing was really good, not professional but Abdallah, Hassan, Irma and Fatima were real good. I really enjoyed it!

Inspiration: Antoni Gaudi.

2011-01-04T19:46:00.001+01:00

La Sagrada Familia

I have got a new inspiration. No it’s not a ballet dancer, no it’s not a makeup guru, it’s an architect.

Well, not some plain architect. Say hi to Antoni Gaudi.

Antoni Gaudi

I got to see Antoni Gaudi’s work when I was in Barcelona this winter. Barcelona is pretty much known as the city of Gaudi. Gaudi was born in 1852 and he died in 1926. I think it’s not really interesting for you to know his whole biography, but he was really special. He’s from the organic architecture and he did the Art Noveau or Jugendstil. He was successful in his life, was already starting at the young age of 16 and went to the arts academy.

He intertwined nature with his buildings; he thought the construction of nature was the best to use for buildings. I went to a few buildings, including his self designed home and the most popular building of him: La Sagrada Familia, which means The Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and Jesus, the Christian history.) He designed this building upside down with little weights, so he could avoid complicated mathematics if he would do it upwards.

The original La Sagrada Familia is already in bad shape. Howerver, they are still building the Sagrada. Weird huh. You are surprised to see that the outside looks far more old than the inside. The inside is really modern.

OK, nuff said. Let your eyes admire his work. There are a lot of photos, because Gaudi had so many details! All photos are taken by myself.

La Sagrada Familia:

Part of the restored La Sagrada Familia

Inside

The ceiling

Also part of the ceiling

Beautiful staircase

Stained glass

outside

The whole building, it's immense!

Also a building of Gaudi

Gaudi's self designed home:

Outside of his house

The 'Garden'. In the back are a few plant pots hanging

A light well. He designed this for the daylight to fill all his rooms.
He loved daylight.

He didn't number his chambers, he lettered them
with a custom made lettertype. Nice concept.

Staircase to his loft.

On the roof

This is just a really mere vision of his work, there is so much more to see, and I have photographed so much more. I cannot believe what this guy has done in his life!

Well I'm inspired. I really appreciate and respect this man. One day, I'll have my own Gaudi inspired home! Deal with it. ^.^

Catrice Limited Edition: Floralista

2011-01-03T16:13:00.001+01:00

Catrice is coming with a new limited edition. The newest limited edition is just coming into the shops, and they already have another one for us to look forward to and to drool at!

Want to know what it is? Check it out after the break!

The fashion show are clear about it: flower designs and delicate blossom patterns are more popular than ever in Spring/Summer 2011. The new Limited Edition ‘Floralista’ by Catrice is inspired by this trend and will be available in February and March 2011. Sensual, modern with a totally new interpretation! Lively colors alternate with subtle, shiny pastel colors. You can’t get enough of the ‘Floralista’ spring look!

Absolute Eye Colour
Absolute color, absolute sustainability, absolute trend: the Floralista eyeshadows. The bright green and coral colors already give you that spring feeling, ready for new makeup creations. Available in: C01 BerrFairy, C02 Coral’s Enchanted Garden, C03 First Fog, C04 Grasshopper, C05 Walk In The Woods. Price: €2,79

Eyeliner Pencil
For a natural, open look – the new Floralista Eyeliner pencil. The secret of this beautiful effect: a new formula with light reflecting pigments, for a super radiant eye glance. Available in: C01 Morning Dew. Price: €1,79

Lip Gloss
Soft pastel tones with a tempting shine give lips a full, sensual radiation. The moisturizing formula and the flexible applicator ensure you of a precise application and the best care for your lips. Pure seduction – available in C01 Pink Spring, C02 Coral’s Enchanted Garden, C03 Morning Dew. Price: € 3,79

Lipstick
A lipstick with extra's! If you use only the lipstick, it creates a beautiful pearly effect. When you use it as a top coat on other lipsticks, then the lipstick will give a soft shiny finish. The ultimate must-have in this Floralista look! Available in C01 Walk In The Woods. Price: € 3,99

Duo Blush
The soft powder blush with a silky soft texture gives a beautiful, fresh spring radiation to your face. The box is a feast for the eye, thanks to the beautiful flower pattern. Express the contours of your face with the two matching colors of the duo blush. Availabe in C01 As Lively As Ever. Price: €3,99.

Ultimate Nail Lacquer
Ultimate shine and unsurpassed coverage. The new Ultimate Nail Laquers last long and are inspired on the latest color trends – a contemporary flower see with a color palette that varies from beige to apricot to the most popular shade of the spring season: white with a breeze of lavender! Available in C01 Pink Spring, C02 Coral’s Enchanted Garden, C03 Lavender Breeze, C04 Walk In The Woods.

I think the Lavender Breeze color is very different from the rest. I’m also interested in those new formulas, I’m not that kind of person who gets blown away by product descriptions very quickly, but hearing of a new formula, always gets my attention. Maybe I’ll check it out!
I’m not really excited about this limited edition just yet, I think the previous ones of Essence and Catrice suit me better! Click here for the one of Essence, here for the one of Catrice. They should hit the shops very soon!

Floralista by Catrice is exclusively available at Kruidvat in February and March 2011.

I got my Lush stuff!

2011-01-02T13:24:00.001+01:00

I got my Lush Stuff!! I am happy with them already. Earlier this week I showed you my wish list and got them two days after uploading the article. Now some experiences with the products, prices and more!

I was in Barcelona from the 28th of December to the first of January and that explains why the products are in Spanish. Actually I wasn’t really long in the shop; we apparently needed to go fast. Well OK, I still got some products! I photographed them yesterday on the airport because there was a nice background (the shiny floor actually) with daylight mixed with bright artificial light, the best to photograph products in. I photographed everything there, except for Grease Lightning because Grease Lightning was already in the suitcase and we had already given our suitcase to the airport. So I have photographed Grease Lightning at home.

So first up is Grease Lightning. This was the first product I used from this Lush-batch because you can use it without seeing any changes on the outside of the product. The rest of the products you first have to photograph before you can use them if you want nice pictures, hehe.
It really has a fresh and spicy scent, from tea tree, rosemary, witch hazel and thyme. It’s an acne spot treatment that appears to be very effective. I can’t already tell if my acne lessens already, but I find it easy and nice to use. It gives my skin a soft and silky feeling and it mattyfies the skin, like it absorbs the excess sebum.
Grease Lightning costs you €8,90 in Holland, €7,50 in Spain.

Second is Coal Face or Jabón de Regaliz in Spanish. I like this soap, it is a nice cleanser for my acne. It gives that squeaky clean feeling to your skin, but it is a harsh soap. I already had Coal Face in my stash, it was a sample. I guess that was a sample of 15 to 20 grams but that lasted for 4 months or more. So it’s really saving and it’s great! It has a leather like scent, which is very different. It is pitch black and it has little grains in it that scrub, which my sample didn’t have. But I don’t mind, I like a scrub. It does dry out the skin a bit. In the beginning it was really drying, but after a few tries my skin got used to it.
Coal Face or Jabón de Regaliz will cost you €7,95 both in Holland and Spain for 100 grams.

Third up is Lemony Flutter. The all time favorite cuticle butter from everyone around the web. This lemony holy grail is a light butter that spreads easily and withdraws fast in the skin, even in the nails! I haven’t used this as much as the other products, because I allowed myself to touch it after making photos. But I already like it! I just did a manicure on myself and I was just amazed how fast it withdrew in my skin.

Lemony Flutter costs you €9,50 in Holland, €8,35 in Spain.

These were all my products. My little brother got himself also a soap, since he too is also in love with Lush! Before going to the shops he already searched the webshop of Lush and he chose Ice Blue, Hielo Azul in Spanish. A really fresh soap that’s packed full with mentos (seems like at least) and is bright blue! It also has a sea salt scrub. Nice choice of my brother.
Ice Blue or Hielo Azul will cost you €4,25 in Holland and €3,95 in Spain.

We also got a sample, the soap Karma. I have heard this is one of the most favorite scents of Lush!
It smells really heavy and spicy which I am not so fond of, but it is nice. I think it’s more of a man’s scent. Because I’m really of the light fresh and sweet scents, so Karma is about exactly the opposite.
I gave this soap to my brother and father, I hope they will enjoy it!
Karma costs you €5,95 in Holland and €4,95 in Spain.

So as you see, the product prices in Spain differ from those in Holland, for the benefit! I guess we have at least saved some few Euros.
I didn’t get the chance to sneak Angels Delight and some toner tabs with me, but I still got a few Tea Tree toner tabs laying around and an almost full package of ETC. toner tabs. So I’ll order some if I need more. And Angels Delight is just a mere luxury to me, since I still have untouched full sized bottles of showering soap in my cupboards screaming for me to use ‘em!

Benefits and experiences of Shea butter

2010-12-31T09:00:00.002+01:00

My cuticles were also all ragged up from the test week. So I started treating them as soon as my fake nails were gone. Since I don’t have my Lemony Flutter already, I used Shea butter the last couple of days to rub into my cuticles before sleeping. Now my cuticles are all happy again!

I want to talk to you about the Shea butter itself and a couple of my experiences with it.

Shea butter is the same as Karite butter. Shea butter is collected out of nuts, which are crushed with a rock. The nuts come from a tree that will carry fruit after 15 years. After 30 years you have nuts that will contain the quality you need for the Shea butter. That’s why it can be expensive. Shea butter comes only out of Africa and the women and girls do the preparation of the Shea butter together. The crushed nut is roasted and the oils are being separated. In the end the color can vary from white to a yellow tone.

I have Shea butter with a more yellow tone.

Shea butter contains many anti-inflammatory properties and even some SPF from 3-4 if applied in a pure form. It can also contain Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

Shea butter is good for many problems. Not only a good moisturizing of the skin, but it can help with psoriasis, eczema, sun burned skin, reduces swelling, reduces pain in the joints and muscles and can moisturize lips. Actually it is as beneficial as my beloved Emu oil.
There is even one girl on YouTube claiming that Shea butter healed all her striae.

The consistency is solid. It melts easily at the temperature of the skin and then you can spread it nicely over your skin. It is very saving, but it keeps an oily layer on top of the skin. A big part of the Shea butter that you will spread over your skin will be suck in to the skin, but there will always be an oily layer on top of your skin after the Shea butter.

That’s why I didn’t like it as much as my emu oil. My emu oil leaves not so big of an oily layer on the skin and it spreads more easily. Though I’m happy I still have it. I bought my Shea butter more than a year ago. I had used half of it, but after all that time I remembered I had still some laying around. So the couple of days I used it for my cuticles, lips and dry elbows and they have become more moisturized. Also my brother´s hands were sore and completely dry, and now they are softer.

Before

After

I have bought my Shea butter at The Secret Garden, but that shop doesn’t exist anymore. It was a shop of mother and daughter ‘Verbon’ and the mother still has a shop with the Shea butter in it.
Click here for the shop. There you can buy pure Shea butter, which is the best! I also bought some African Black Soap from her hand, which I loved, but it dried out my skin a little bit too much. It worked beneficial for my acne, though. So check that one out as well! It also contains Shea butter.

Black African Soap, light bits is Shea butter.

Whole package I bought

I like Shea butter and I think it will always be a product stuck in the back of my head.

I love you, Shea butter!

And a happy New Year already, my readers!

Beauty Review: Essence nail art piercing set

2010-12-29T09:00:00.001+01:00

This is a review about the Essence nail piercing set.

I got this with the Essence package that I won, otherwise it would not be a product that I would buy so quickly, simply because I thought it would be so annoying.

I wore this when I still had my fake nails on. I wouldn’t dare to do this with my natural nails, because it always takes me a lot of time to grow them long. And when I have my nails long, they simply break.

I had to glue on a fake nail anyway, because I lost one. I decided to keep it long and then to ‘pierce’ my nail.

This is what the package looks like:

Instructions on the inside

It contains a set of rings, two piercings and a drill. The second piercing misses on the photo below, it was on my nail.

The drill is very tiny, but it is sharp. It still took me a long time to drill or pierce my nail, perhaps because it was a fake nail, which are very strong.

This is how you open the piercer.

When I had pierced my nail I forced the ring on the piercing to open and then put it through my nail and forced the ring to close. I chose not to add another ring that was in the set, because that would make the piercing very long and unpractical.

When I had cut it off

Are they annoying?

I say it’s a so-so. You get used to them for a while. Though if you type a lot like me, and your keyboard has lifted keys with space in between, the piercing gets stuck. I kept fidgeting around with the piercing, so it’s likely to form a tick when you have this on.
I also had to crochet something and the piercing kept ruining the wool. So then I cut it off. But otherwise I thought it was pretty, nice and practical. I didn’t try playing the harp with the piercing on, though. I think that would be a hell to do.
I think this product doesn’t have anything like a wear, I think it lasts as long as your nails don’t break off or you cut it away. I didn’t test this though.

The price of this product is €1,95.

So in short:
✔ Looks pretty
✔ Can be practical
✔ Nice price

▬ Can be unpractical

I wouldn't buy this again.

Q: Have you ever wore something like a nail piercing? Let me know what your experiences are!

My Lush Wishlist

2010-12-27T09:00:00.003+01:00

Soon I will hope to visit a Lush store. Naturally I already have a wish list!
Lush, Lush, Lush…

I'm so looking forward to my trip to Lush <3

Oh and Lushholland tweeted (translated):
Today we start the amazing promotion! Free products or presents when spending 30 Euros or up!
Look for the details in the shop or on the website. "Op = op" and First-Comes First-Served.

So that's nice, eh?

Little 'break'

2010-12-27T08:00:00.001+01:00

Hey guys!

I guess you are all busy with preparations for New Years Eve and 2011.
Well, I am. And in this time of the year (around Christmas and New Year) I want to make time for my family. That's why there are only articles uploading on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
I hope you understand!

So yes, at 9 o'clock today there is an article coming online.

Have a lovely week,
Sam.

The makeup I did on Roos

2010-12-26T12:14:00.000+01:00

This post is about how I did Roos her makeup. I had to do it because she went to a bit of a posh party, which had the theme ‘Rock chique’.
Roos is a friend of mine, which I can share my passion for makeup with nicely!
We did a very heavy smokey eye with a red touch to it, because Roos once saw this.

I put the photos almost randomly in the post. So below I show you my facechart of this look and the photos!

So this I the face chart I based the look on. The right eye with the wing eyeliner was just an improvisation because it went wrong there. So kind of an inspiration source. The left eye is the makeup look we went for.
Yes the eyebrows are really off, they are looking so ugly. I didn’t really focus on making eyebrows but it was looking so stupid without. So I did that part really fast.

The day before we went shopping. I had a nice budget from Roos’ money to spend on makeup for the following day. We bought a nice smokey eyes set from Catrice, black mono eye shadow from Catrice, blush from Bourjois (4 euros! We found it in a discount shop, whohoo. Otherwise you pay 10,90 for a blush.), HEMA makeup base, Catrice eyebrow set and even more.
We also bought a peel off mask. We didn’t buy a lip color because it would wear during the night.

The day of the party I went to her house. There we mixed up some honey and sugar as a scrub, because I wanted a smooth application of the foundation. After the scrub we did a mask, from Montag Jeunesse. I do have photos of her with the mask on, but it ain’t that flattering, hehe.
Roos said it felt like a second skin and she liked it!
She had a big camera laying around and I had forgotten mine. Though, this camera was only able to shoot good pictures with flash. So they aren’t the best quality.

Then I started with the foundation. She had 2 shades of foundation laying around from essence, which I applied with a foundation brush from HEMA (bought the day before). She has a really nice skin with almost no blemishes and flaws, so I didn’t use too much foundation and no concealer.
Then I applied the Etos eye shadow base (also bought the day before) and then started off with a bright silvery color from the smokey eyes set from catrice and with the colour & go eyeshadow in 06 bling bling from essence. This I applied on the whole lid to brighten the eye.

After the bright silver eyeshadow I softly smoked out the outer corner. I kept it as a round smokey eye because this is what Roos prefers. I build up the color from grey to deep black.
Afterwards I did the red, which was actually not a very good thing to do. It’s so hard to get the black off your eye shadow brush and I don’t have another eye shadow brush. So remember, if you have just 1 eye shadow brush, work from light to dark. Or use a brush cleanser which vaporates fast like MAC cosmetics has.

I did the brows with the Catrice eyebrow set. I didn’t have a finishing spray, but Roos proved afterwards that it wasn’t needed. It stayed all night perfectly on place.

I also received some products that we bought but she thought she wouldn’t use. Click here to see what, with micro reviews. Or if you have already seen it, see the photo below to remind you.
She also donated me some clothing, yay!

I really love doing makeup, massages and feel good things on people. It makes me happy!
I often do this on my friends.
So what do you think of the look?

Merry X-mas!

2010-12-25T16:31:00.002+01:00

Hi!

Just a very quick Merry X-mas wish from me!
I don't have anything in the planning, but below you can see a Nutcracker video from Petrilude that is just simply awesome!

Here are the vids from Petrilude:

Amazing stuff, right? So now I'm going to watch the last bit from Cinderella on tv, since I missed out on the other ballet stuff that was coming on TV. Next time I'm really going to plan the dvd player to record the ballets.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Swans On Ice

2010-12-24T19:44:00.000+01:00

No this isn't a Holiday On Ice show. Yesterday I came along a pond.
The pond was full of ice and then we saw some swans walking over it!
I made some photos and a video. Click below!

This are all the photos. The swans were neatly in a line. Like the swan that came first was their leader. In the very end there was a swan 'left' because it walked a bit behind the group. Seemed he wasn't feeling really well or something like that. Or like he was cold. Poor swans...
My family and I were thinking about what they were doing. Guess we'll never know!

I also made this video. It isn't really a smooth video because I had to walk over some thick snow. Sorry!

So yes, have a nice Christmas Eve.

My fake nails and how to apply them

2010-12-23T12:43:00.001+01:00

Last week I went for artificial / fake nails.
My own nails were horrible, because I scratched the nail polish off my fingers during the test week.
Fake nails only stay on your nails for one week and yesterday the week was ended.
Today they all fell off or came off easily so let me show you how it looked with the fake nails and without.
And also how to apply them!

This is before. They were just looking horrible and they were scaling.

This is the set I used, just from Kruidvat. They cost me €5,50, about the average price for a set of fake nails.

This is while I was gluing my nails on. I left the index and middle finger long for the photo; the ring finger and pinkie were cut short. So this is to show you how long they were.
They were also a bit too sphere compared to my natural nails, that’s why there is some air between my natural nails and the fake nails.

After a few days I put some studio nails on, in 13 Unexpected! . I think they aren’t smooth at all because the fake nails were so sphere. But I still like the effect!

This is how they look now, they have grown 2 millimeters since the fake nails.

The fake nails lasted for 7 to 8 days, the average. After 7 day you also have to remove them. At first I had to get used to them, but after a few days they were so much more comfortable than my own nails which were so ragged up. I just can’t stand when I have ugly nails, so I keep picking at them. I think when I wouldn’t have done the fake nails, my nails would be much more worse.
The studio nails stickers lasted for 4 days. They promise to stay on for 5 days, but they started to look ugly.

So how do you apply fake nails?

1. First make sure your nails are absolutely clean and free of oil. If they aren’t, the fake nails won’t stick as well. You can also push back your cuticles.
2. Buff the top of your nails a bit, to roughen them up. This will make them last longer.
3. Apply the glue to your natural nails or to your fake nails. Do what you prefer. I prefer gluing my own nails.
4. Put the fake nails a bit under your cuticles and then press down on your nail bed. Hold for half a minute to secure them for sticking long.
5. Enjoy! You can now do what you want with them.

So how do you like fake nails? Have you ever had them? Or are you planning to?

Ballet on TV, Christmas 2010

2010-12-22T18:31:00.000+01:00

There is coming a lot of ballet or dance on tv this christmas.

I asked my dance teacher for a list of all of them and here it is!

Date: 22/12/2010

Channel: Cultura24

Time: 20:00

Tonight is already coming a dance documentary on TV. This documentary is called Als Ik Dans Ben Ik Rijk. This documentary has been aired before. It’s a wonderful documentary about kids in the hood of Rio the Janeiro that do ballet.

Hans van Manen

Date: 23/12/2010

Channel: Cultura24

Time: 22:00

This is a matinee (midday show) with ballet pieces from the famous Dutch choreographer Hans Van Manen.

Date: 24/12/2010

Channel: Arte

Time: 21:35

Die Roten Schuhe. This is a German ballet movie. It is also available in English and then it’s called ‘The Red Shoes’. It is based on a story of succesfull dancers, but their success comes at a price…

Date: 25/12/2010

Channel: Nederland 2

Time: 13:15

I have mentioned this before, this is Don Quichot. The famous story about an old noble man who thinks he’s a knight. He has funny journeys and he is an idealist, a dumb hero with good intentions, but he makes a fool of himself instead. He thinks, for example, wind mills are giants.

Date: 25/12/2010

Channel: BBC2

Time: 16:00

The child’s story Cinderella is danced by the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

I guess everyone knows what the story is about, right?

Date: 27/12/2010

Channel: Nederland 2

Time: 23:40

This is a very…… special dance. It is called ‘Groosland’. There are people dressed in suits of naked robust people. That also explains why this is aired so late on the evening, I guess. But still I think it isn’t gross because the suits look so funny. I was constantly laughing when seeing a trailer.

The suits are very hot and with dancing in it the dancers loose loads of fluids and energy. It is based on a balletfilm from 1998 and it is choreographed by Maguy Marin.

Date: 31/12/2010

Channel: Nederland 2

Time: 22:40

Riverdance is coming on TV! This is a wonderful Irish tapdance which you have to keep your upper body completely still. I always love to watch this. It’s so graceful.

So yes. Have a happy time watching this!

How I do my eyebrows

2010-12-21T12:48:00.001+01:00

Heere is how I color in my eyebrows!
I use my catrice eyebrow set for this one, I like how there's a light and a darker color.

So click below to see how I do my brows.

Brows are a really important part of makeup. They really frame the face and give you extra expression.
So this is the set I use:

Previously I used pencil but that was too harsh in my opinion.

Now up to my brows.
They look like this when I don't have anything on them. Yes I have dark hairs, but my brows aren't 'packed' with hairs. So to say, they have 'holes', especially when some acne is going on around there.

First I color the 'tail' of my eyebrow with the darker color.
Then I work my way in to two thirds of my brow with the darker color.

Then I color in the last third of my eyebrow with the lighter color.

Yes it might surprise you because it's no way near my own brow color, but it doesn't make my expression as harsh if I use the lighter color.

Afterwards I sometimes brush my brows, but I forgot it for the last photo. Stupid, right? I don't use brow gel because I don't have them. And normal gels really become 'hard'.

End result!

So how do you do your brows?

Beauty Review: Cosmetica Fanatica products

2010-12-20T14:50:00.000+01:00

Today’s review is about the products I bought in Winterberg from Cosmetica Fanatica.
There I had bought a liquid liner, cuticle remover and a nail polish.
They are really nice products, so let me show you some more!

Oh and if you're wondering what always takes me so long before I upload a review: I really test it for a long period. This only to make sure I can give you my best opinion on the product.

Swatch of the eyeliner above, cuticle remover under.

So first the cuticle remover (€1,90). I never had a cuticle remover ever before in my life. So that’s quite new and I can’t compare this one to other brands. You use this product only to remove dead skin. Never cut away your living cuticle, since it’s a natural bacteria barrier.

The product itself looks a bit cheap because of the plastic cap and the letters that fade quickly.
This cuticle remover smells nice, like cream. You really wouldn’t have thought this because it’s in a nail polish bottle. So I expected it to smell like nail polish, and nail polish isn’t the nicest smell on the earth.
Inside the bottle there is a little nail polish brush. The cuticle remover itself is bright and light blue.
You apply just a little bit on your cuticles and then I let it be so the collagen and the ‘glue’ between the living skin cells and the dead skin cells can be broken down.
After a while you softly ‘scrape’ along the cuticle with an orangewood stick and the dead skin cells will be removed, leaving a beautiful healthy cuticle behind.

So in short:
✔ Nice smell
✔ I like the color: bright blue.
✔ I like the price: €1,90
✔ Removes the dead cells well

▬ Cheap packaging

So I approve this cuticle remover! It’s the perfect preparation for a full manicure.

Now the nail polish in D26 (€1,50). It’s a pity that the polishes don’t have nails. In that time I was in my nail polish period so I bought loads of nail polish that time. I just couldn’t resist this one. It has a bit of an oily color and it is holographic. Sadly there aren’t any glitters in there, that’s what I mostly like about holographic polishes the most. The brush is wide and applies very neatly and nice. Again, the cap looks a bit cheap because it’s grey plastic.

I'm sorry for my forefinger.

The polish lasts about 2 to 3 days, the average for my soft and bendy nails.
The photo’s might seem a bit off, but they show the color the best. And the product photography of this product was done in the fall, because if I would look outside, the only thing I see is snow. Loads of snow. So no bright colored fall leaves.

So in short:
✔ Love the color, but it has to be your taste.
✔ Love the price: €1,50
✔ Lasts 2 – 3 days.

▬ Cheap packaging
▬ No glitters

At last but not least, the eyeliner (€2,50).
It is a wonderful eyeliner, with a small ‘bottle’ and a pencil tip. It also has a long lever which makes the product maneuver steadily in your hand. It gives a nice black line on your eye and you can vary with the thickness of the line.

It doesn’t last through a heavy snow fall. I once had to bike through a heavy snow fall and just that precise day, I decided to make a very thick line on my upper lid. And yes, halfway to school everything was dripping off my face. But I can assure you that was a very, but very hard snow fall. Otherwise it can stand a bit of water. Not too much, it ain’t water proof.

So in short:
✔ Nice packaging, I like the long lever
✔ Really black
✔ Maneuvers nicely in your hand

▬ Doesn’t stay on through the (heavy) rain or snowfall.

So overall, I have good opinions on this! You can find more information on Cosmetica Fanatica in this article. If I’m right, it’s only available in Germany.

Recipe: My favorite DIY acne scrub

2010-12-18T18:07:00.000+01:00

As promised, here my favorite acne scrub recipe / tutorial as in this article.
Click below for the information about the ingredients and the video!

Here's the video:

Sugar is an natural exfoliant and can help acne scars to reduce.
It also contains glycerin, but I'm not so sure of that benefit for the skin.

Brown sugar is just a form of sugar that has tinier particles so it won't be as aggressive as the granular sugar.

Honey is antibacterial, contains loads of vitamins and has healing properties. Just what we want for acne.
This article contains more information on honey.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) contains alpha hydroxy and amino acids which allow the skin to get rid of excess oil. Don't use regular vinegar, it will burn your skin! ACV can detox your skin and can unclog pores.

Green Tea contains anti-oxidants and can detox. Gunpowder tea is a form of green tea that is much more powerful than normal tea! And if you ask me, it tastes delicious when you drink it.

So yes, I hope you like it!

What's in it? Essence Beautyfriends 'Ready To Party' prize

2010-12-17T21:23:00.002+01:00

A few days ago I won a ‘Ready to Party’ set from Essence!
I had won this on the Essence Beautyfriends Community, a forum for girls to talk about essence makeup!
I was soooo happy with this that I made a video on what’s in it.
There are also some pictures included. So, what’s in it?!

This is the video.

So to explain more: I had to say what’s my favorite essence product in a forum topic. You were able to enter as much as you could. So I did that! The 10th and 20th and the 30th who entered would win. I didn’t think I had won because I stopped entering at the 19th post (well ok, that’s what I thought at least) Then I send a personal message to Cosma (the head of the essence beautyfriends community) because it wasn’t clear whether you had to enter in the forum or send personal messages to Cosma. But then I got notified by another winner that I had won! Wow! So nice.
There were 4 prizes given away, 3 full packages to the 10th, 20th and 30th and one to someone that apparently send her favorite products by a personal message. The last one got a small package.
So I didn't get this because I blog!

Essence beautyfriends community is also giving away an ipad to a active member.
So join up!

Some photos:
Side 1:

Nail art stampy set
Nail stickers
Quick shine nail care lotion
Nail piercing set
Loop file (PURPLE! YAAAY)
Stampy polish (black and white)
Nail art express dry drops
Studio nails nail fashion file

Side 2:

False lashes
Studio nails nail fashion stickers (10x)
Essence glitter topcoat

And the note I got:

I’m so happy with it, but I guess my epic reactions in the video say it all hehe.
And I’m also happy that I got products that I didn’t had already.
So I guess you might expect tutorials and reviews.
Let me know what you want to see!

And to Essence:
Thanks so much. I can’t stress enough how happy and grateful I am!

Total look: Advent concert 2010 & Don Quichot on TV

2010-12-16T17:59:00.000+01:00

yep that's us!

We just had our Advent Concert of our school.
In that we sing songs about the christian christmas, so about Jesus Christ coming to earth and all the things around it. A very beautiful thing to do.
We all dressed ourselves up, but since I don't show anyone else on my blog before asking their permission, I will just show me, my and myself.

I think it's my makeup, but I look a bit Chinese here, compared to my other pictures.
I'm half Dutch and Half Indonesian if you look to the places my ancestors came from.
If you look at my 'blood', i'm half Chinese instead of half Indonesian.
Long story.

So here is my makeup:
(We customized our earrings hehe! We hang Christmas balls in them.)

And here is my dress, sorry it's still rotated to the side.

please click for bigger picture.

The dress is from Yessica and I wore a black bolero on top (I placed them both on the clothes hanger) from Clockhouse. Both available in C&A.

So here is a 'wear' picture. The picture on the right was me cropped off a photo with my friends.

So yes, this was my look from Advent Concert 2010!

And I also saw that Floris (winner So You Think You Can Dance 2010) has a new logo for his website.
Here it is:

I like the hat, it's really 'Floris'.

There is also a nice ballet on TV on the 25th of December: Don Quichot.

It's on 'Nederland 2'. Since there are little or no people that can broadcast 'Nederland 2' outside Holland, I'll just quote it in Dutch:

Het Nationale Ballet danst voor het eerst in Nederland de volledige versie van Don Quichot. Rolverdeling: Don Quichot: Peter de Jong. Sancho Panza: Karel de Rooi

It is danced by the National Ballet of Holland in the programme NTR Podium. It's on the tv from 13:15 - 15:00.
What Don Quichot is about:

Don Quichot is about an old nobleman who thinks he's a knight. He has funny journeys and is an idealist, a dumb hero with good intensions, but he makes a fool of himself instead. For example, he thinks wind mills are giants. Etcetera!

So yes! This is my post for the day.

New song of Michael Jackson: hold my hand

2010-12-14T07:55:00.001+01:00

Maybe you have seen the ads on youtube, but Michael Jackson has a new song!
I love it, it's a duet with Akon.
So maybe you don't like Michael that badly, there's still Akon to make the song for you!

See below for the lovely song.

The lyrics:
(Akon):
Akon and MJ(oh yeah)

(Michael):
Yeah

This life don't last forever
(Hold my hand)
So tell me what we're waiting for
(Hold my hand)
We're better off being together
(Hold my hand)
Being miserable alone
(Hold my hand)

(Together):
Cause I been there before and you've been there before, But together we can be alright. (alright) (yeah)
Cause when it gets dark and when it gets cold we hold Each other till we see the sunlight.

So if you just hold my hand, baby, I promise that I'll do all I can
Things will get better if you just hold my hand
Nothing can come between us if you just hold, hold my, hold, hold my, hoold my hand, hold my hand.

Akon:
The nights are gettin' darker (darker)
(Hold my hand)
And there's no peace inside (inside)
(Hold my hand)
So why make our lives harder
(Hold my hand)
By fighting love tonight
(So hold...)

(Together):
Cause I been there before and you've been there before, But together we can be alright. (alright)
Cause when it gets dark and when it gets cold we hold Each other till we see the sunlight. (ooh yeah)

So if you just hold my hand, baby, I promise that I'll do all I can
Things will get better if you just hold my hand (yeah)
Nothing can come between us if you just hold, hold my, hold, hold my, hoold my hand, hold my hand.

Bridge:
I can tell that you're tired of being lonely (yeah)
Take my hand don't let go, baby, hold me (yeah)
Come to me and let me be your one and only (hold my hand)
Cause I can make it alright till the morning. (hold my hand)

I can tell that you're tired of being lonely (hold my hand)
Take my hand don't let go, baby, hold me (hold me)
Come to me and let me be your one and only (one and only)
Cause I can make it alright till the morning. (hold my hand)

Hold my hand, (yeah) baby, I promise that I'll do all I can (hold my hand)
Things will get better if you just hold my hand
Nothing can come between us if you just hold, hold my, hold, hold my, hoold my hand, hold my hand

Hold my hand, (yeah) baby, (yeah) I promise that I'll do all I can (hold my hand)
Things will get better if you just hold my hand
Nothing can come between us if you just hold, hold my, hold, hold my, hold my hand, hold my hand.
The source of this lyrics

I love it. Michael Jackson's voice is always so different.
I also like the video, I love the part with the kids. (1:02 till 1:09)

On the internet, I found a fan made picture. Hehe, this is kinda funny.

So, what do you think? Or don't you like this song at all?

Get your skin ready to party with Lush!

2010-12-13T19:09:00.002+01:00

December is really kicking in here.
OK, the snow is almost gone but yesterday we ate our first ‘Oliebollen’ of the year (Google translates ‘Oliebollen’ into ‘Donuts’, but donuts are so different!).
Yesterday I also printed out the programme of coming Tuesday, I have to sing at our school’s Advent Concert! And in the evening, happy colored fireworks are already lighting up our skies.
But when you have to party, you have to get yourselves ready!
What better products can you use to make your skin party-ready than with Lush products?
Here a collection of a few products that Lush recommends!

First Lush Says:

It’s that time of the year again when December hits the calendar, Christmas is on its way and with party invitations galore, the need to be preened and polished is never moer so than now! In true getting ready to go out in style, the right beauty products are just as important as finding that glamorous new dress. If you’re in need of some body priming products or clutch bag beauty essentials, then LUSH has the treats to help make getting ready all the more exciting!

Sugar Plum Fairy €3,95
Made with the Fairtrade British sugar and inspired by Tchaikovsky’s Christmas Ballet The Nutcracker, this sugar scrub is perfect for ridding the body of dry winter skin. With plum kernel oil to moisturize and smooth and jasmine absolute to give a sweet aroma, the Sugar Plum Fairy scrub is sture to have you pirouetting around the shower.
- I guess this is the perfect combi between ballet and skincare!

Charlotte Island €8,95
Avoid the pale winter blues (and pasty pins!) with a visit to Lush’s lovely Charlotte Island. This fruity fragrant body tint is made with lemon infusion, organic oils and cocoa butter to brighten and hydrate the skin, leaving you with a tropical glow on your body and no harmful UV rays in sight

Whoops. Add 'bug' after the 'glitter'.

Iredescent Glitterbug £3,65
Give yourself a hint of glitter and really sparkle this Christmas with Lush’s fragrant Glitterbug. A moisturizing bar made with cocoa and shea butter to smooth and soften the skin, neroli oil, rose and vanilla for a gorgeous scent and of course sparkling glitter, this bar is perfect for adding some festive party glamour to any bare body part that you want to feature.

Snow Fairy Lip Tint €9,25
Make sure your lips are utterly soft and kissable this Christmas with this gorgeous tasting lip tint made with real dried raspberries. Snow Fairy is a limited edition lip tint that moisturizes whilst adding a hint of color. With a raspberry and bubblegum flavor and added ingredients including extra virgin coconut and shea butter, this handbag must-have will be just the secret to stealing Christmas kisses under the mistletoe.

Lust Solid Perfume €10,95
A sensual jasmine fragrance that is strong, seductive and lasts for hours as it warms on the skin. Also with rose and vanilla absolute, ylang ylang and sandalwood, this purse friendly solid stick will be your secret weapon for instant pulling power.

They sound so nice!
I hope to visit a Lush store soon and maybe I will grab some of these with me!
Have a happy December <3

Beauty Review: Herbal Essences in Hello Hydration

2010-12-12T15:57:00.000+01:00

Today’s review is about Herbal Essences Hello Hydration.
I’m a really big fan of this shampoo, this is the third time I bought these bottles!
So I guess I can give you a nice review.

So first the packaging.
They look bright blue and they stand out in the shops. Nice thing!
They made an improvement on their older packaging, but I like both.
They look really fresh and young. They open up with a click system.

What does Hello Hydration promise you?
First the shampoo:

Get drenched, quenched and revive that shine! Luscious shine starts with deep hydration,so take a deep dive into that high shine. Replenish your pretty parched head with my rich formula with orchid and coconut extracts. Do you have a thirst for more? Splash out on my conditioner and treat yourself to my high-gloss intensive mask.

Then the conditioner:

Take a deep dive in shine. Say hello to an intensive soaking of thirst quenching hydration with my rich formula with orchid and coconut extracts. Immerse yourself and quench your hair with as much fluids as it needs. Do you want a higher dose of dazzling high shine? Start with my shampoo.

They really do what they promiss! When you have applied and washed the soaps out, they really leave a layer on the hair that will hydrate and better the condition of your hair. I love it!

The smell is sweet and warm. Hello Hydration contains orchid and coconut extracts to quench your hair. And they really smell like it. Every time I use it I really like the smell. After three bottles of shampoo and conditioner! So it ain’t a smell that you will be sick of after a few times.
The smell won't also hang around you after you dried your hair, but I think if it would, you would get sick of the smell.

When you get something out of the bottle onto your hands, you will be surprised of the color. The shampoo is way brighter than the conditioner, though the swatches aren’t that reliable (the picture is a bit darker on the one side), they still fit with the real life. The shampoo is a really bright blue that will blow your mind! It won’t stain your hair in any way.
I like the color, hehe.

So this is a photo of my hair now. I don’t use any curlers or straightener at all. It's healthy and shiney!

You can buy these in drugstores for about 2,49 per bottle, if I’m right. There are loads of other versions of this shampoo as well! Think of, more shine, split ends, volume, etc. etc.
Also, the lovely Leighton Meester, known as Blair in the soap series Gossip Girl is the face of Herbal Essences.

Leighton Meester for Herbal Essences

So in short:
✔ Nice product
✔ Nice price
✔ Bright colored shampoo
✔ I love the smell, you don’t get sick from it after 3 whole bottles
✔ Really hydrates the hair
✔ Makes the hair shine
✔ Just love it!

▬ I can’t seem to think of a con.

Things I got from Roos

2010-12-11T18:53:00.001+01:00

Today I was at my friend Roos' house, and did her makeup for a party she was going to.
Afterwards she gave me some products we bought the previous day, because she wasn't planning on using them.
Yay! Big fun!
So I quickly made swatches and photos.

At first the Hema Makeup base.
Roos said it was a nice base which didn't stick or laid a layer over her face. Just a nice base.
Afterwards I put some foundation on it and it spread nicely.
So I can guess already that this is a nice product!

As second Etos Eyeshadow base.
Those who follow MissLipgloss may already have seen this product, but it seems to be a nice eyeshadow base that you can easily compare to the Urban Decay Primer Potion and Too Faced Eyeshadow insurance!
The eyeshadow I applied after it sticked nicely to it and had a fresh and bright look.

As third the Catrice eyeshadow in back.
Super nice pigmentation, has silver glitters but does crumble in the packaging.

As last but not least the Catrice Eyebrow Set.
Contains two pigmented colors with a mirror, sharp tweezer and a brush.
I didn't tweeze Roos' eyebrows but when I got home I did mine. I was happy with the tweezer, because I don't have good tweezers. The only annoying thing is that it's so short. But that also makes this set a nice set on the go.

So this is just a short review of the products, and I'll see what product I will review more detailed.
Or what product would you want to see a review about?

Cute ballet pictures

2010-12-09T17:45:00.000+01:00

Whoosh!
Such a long time that I didn't post about ballet.
I was googeling on a bag and suddenly I came across such a cute ballet drawing.
Then I looked up some more and I just had to share some cute ballet pictures with you!
Enjoy....

This is the first one I looked up.
Don't you just think those hedgehogs look so amazing in their cute tutu's?

OK, just love it or hate it, dogs in clothing.
Sometimes I think if the dogs really like to be dressed up, but this one is just cute.

These bears are sweating in their furs at the barre!

It's so hard to resist Hello Kitty <3

This cow is so musical!

When I googeled those pictures, I also saw this turtle.
I guess you could see a ballet pose in this, right?
But anyways, it's a cool turtle. ^.^

Oh and now time for some cute kids in ballet clothing!

Stretch stretch stretch at the barre...

Two kids in lovely tutus :)

And now the cutest kid I saw on the internet in tutu...

This lovely lady! Don't you think she's so adorable.

So I hope this fills in your daily portion of 'awhhh-ness'.
Have a lovely evening!

Annoying habits when you're making a test

2010-12-08T15:15:00.002+01:00

I guess we know it all: exam stress.
Well I’m not yet into my exams (that will luckily take me another few months, phew!) but I’m in test week right now.
I just discovered an annoying habit when having tests.
What are yours?

Yep, I guess this is mine. Always when I’m learning I always search for a bit of Study Avoiding Activities. (SAA) I guess everyone has this. So what do I do when I want to avoid studying? Of course! Nail polishing. So I made a nice manicure over the days but when tests come…
I just scratch the nail polish off my fingers.
Well I’m quite happy I don’t bit my fingernails anymore, because that’s just not a nice thing to do to your nails. I have been a nail biter, though. So I blame the nail polish instead of my fingernails.

People just seem to be allergic for tests.
I have heard stories of spontaneous nose bleeding or getting a runny nose from looking downwards.
They also tend to tap with their feet when they’re doing a test or the other one always clicks with their pens.

Just a few tips for when you’re learning tests:

I always tend to mix my work up while doing things on the laptop. I’ve noticed it’s not a really good thing to do! Just try to shut down your laptop while learning, or at least set them on stand-by. You’ll have the full concentration for your schoolwork. I know it’s hard!

Learn in sections. This is the best thing to do when you have one night left to the end of the test and you have to learn just about EVERYTHING. Try to learn for half an hour and then permit yourself about 10 minutes on the pc. This is about my max when I can’t concentrate at all.
The best thing you can do is learn an hour, take 20 to 30 minutes off. Or learn two hours and rest for 45 minutes. What suits you best will make the best! You’ll get to learn your favorite learning rhythm in no time.

Plan it!

Or just try to learn small sections two weeks before your test week. This is probably the best thing I can advise you. But just make yourself do it, eh!

So good luck on your tests and what are your annoying habits while making a test?

Fashion: The Heel Condom

2010-12-06T18:29:00.001+01:00

There’s something new on the market.
Heel condoms.

Yeah I know you might think this is something really bizarre, but it’s actually not!
It just are ‘caps’ for your normal heels, to brighten them up so you won’t have to buy a new pair.
Super handy!

I didn’t get paid to do this or whatever, nope I wrote this article because I thought it was a nice concept! Sorry if this may seem like an advertorial.

Sandrysabel Ortiz is the brain behind this concept. She’s only 23 years old. Way to go!
It all started in Spain and in news outlets such as AOL, Yahoo news and of course the internet.
I guess it got so much attention because of its extraordinary name: The Heel Condom.

Ortiz says about her concept:

I want women to experience that in times of economical stress they can still feel empowered by each step they take.

This article was actually tipped by my dad who spotted it on ‘WaarMaarRaar’, a Dutch site about weird facts. Wouldn’t think that, right? He claimed it was the newest trend to be.

The whole collection, ten pieces.

The Heel Condom comes in ten different looks that will change your normal heels into an extravagant pair. They can also protect your heel, but seeing the fabrics of the ‘condom’ it won’t last that long…

I’m all about the light ruffles and chic things, so if I had to choose, I would buy this pair.
But I hardly wear pumps because I want to care well for my feet while they’re not dancing, so I won’t buy and review them for you!

How they work:

Please click for bigger picture.

I think they will look nice under a simple black dress, so they can catch all the attention.
The prices range between $20 and $30.
You can buy them here: http://www.theheelcondoms.com/

What do you think, is ‘The Heel Condom’ hot or not?
Or should they choose another name?

Happy Sinterklaas! +look

2010-12-05T17:50:00.002+01:00

Happy Sinterklaas!
OK, I guess a few of you may say: WHAT?!
Well, Sinterklaas is the Dutch Version of Santa Claus.
I made a look inspired on it, not very complicated and didn't take me that much time.
So it was just for fun!
Cause I got you to answer me a bigger question...

So yes, I got a chocolate letter (character?) from Sinterklaas, very sweet. I adore chocolate! <3
I guess this won't take me so long to put this all into my tummy. Bad for a ballerina, right?
I didn't get any extra things, but that's just fine I think.

Sinterklaas' colors are red and yellow. That's why I used them!
I also used some glitters, they represent the shiney cool wrapping paper of the presents you give to eachother at Sinterklaas.

A drawing of Sinterklaas

So yes this is the look:

Products used:

HEMA eyeshadow base

120 palette

Essence All Eyes on Me mascara

Pritt to put the flakes on my face. It's not harmful

So now the bigger question that you got me to answer...

This is so looking like a MacDonalds ad.

Yep let me know!

Just don't, and really don't scrub before you wax.

2010-12-04T08:00:00.002+01:00

I was watching dermTVdotcom on YouTube the other day.
DermTVdotcom is a dermatologist on YouTube that answers questions from viewers or otherwise explains about the skin.
I'm really into skin care and the theory behind it (would love to be a dermatologist, would it not have a study of freaking 18 years) and find this one really interesting.

It's about not scrubbing or using Retinoids or Glycolic Acids before you wax, preventing the burn from waxing.
Why? Find out after the break!

Yep, I think this is really clear.
I never wax myself, I'm a big fan of my epilator : Philips Satinelle Plus. On me it doesn't hurt a bit which is very nice.

Many people ask where I bought it: Blokker!
For about 25 euros, I believe it was a discount.

So yes, never scrub or exfoliate when you are planning to wax.

Oh and maybe if you have any questions that aren't answered by him yet, we could do a joint entry of our question to him with all readers of Balletbalm? Anyone?

Beauty tip: Rexona for Teens deodorant!

2010-12-03T08:00:00.001+01:00

In the earlier days I saw this deodorant just staring at me. I found the deodorant very interesting and I guess there was even an ad about it on tv. The packaging was so nice, but the price wasn’t at that time, around €3,25. In the end I decided to take one with me and I was hooked.
It works so much better than other deodorants!! And now there is even a sweet price…

Yes, I really love this deodorant. This deodorant was the one and only that kept me ‘dry’ and not smelly for the whole day. Of course everyone wants to smell nice, but it’s more important for dancers. You don’t want to be in a musty room while your dancing, though you only notice it when you’re going in or out the studios.

The only thing is, once you get a favorite product, it disappears in the stores. That is what I had, but then it popped up in Zeeman in Nijmegen for like 1-2 Euros. I didn’t decide to buy it because I thought it would be available in our local Zeeman too. I checked one Zeeman, but they got all three other scents of this deodorant that I don’t even like.

Well today I went to ‘Action’ an über cool cheap stuff store with almost good quality and sells brands like Nivea, Dove, Garnier etc. for less money. I actually went there to buy some stuff for school but when I spotted my favorite deodorant in the right scent, I just couldn’t let them behind. At first wanted to buy three of the same scent, but then I thought I might get sick of the scent after a while. My favorite scent is the one with the white bottle called 'Fun Spirit'.
I decided to take ‘Music Fan’ with me which also has a nice smell, more neutral.

'Fun Spirit' has a really sweet scent. I can’t really describe it but I just love it. Maybe I’ll go back in a few days to buy some more. It’s so good stuff!
The packaging is really good, it’s geared towards teens and I think this is a packaging that would attract teens to buy it.
It also contains 0% alcohol which is really soft to the skin.

So yes, it keeps me dry and it’s now available in Zeeman and more recently in Action.
The price in Action is €1,19 and in Zeeman it costs you €1,99.

Go buy this stuff!

Ps: I have seen new editions of almost the same packaging as ‘Music Fan’ but I don’t know if they work as good as ‘Fun Spirit’. They are also more expensive than those of Action and Zeeman.

Essence Winter Trend Edition: I love Berlin!

2010-12-02T18:36:00.000+01:00

Sneak peak from the collection!

A new trend edition called ‘I love Berlin’ from essence! They took a metropolis as inspiration for a makeup look. This trend edition is really colorful, so if you love essence trend / limited editions or colors, this is something for you!

So at first, what do they say about it?

“Berlin is unique. As capital, cosmopolitan and – thanks to the Fashion Week - a few years a fashion city! The ideal inspiration source for a makeup series, Yasmin Teufert thought when she entered the essence “be a trend maker” contest!
The essence trend edition “I love Berlin”, available in January and February 2011, was a precise co-operation between winner Yasmin and essence. It is a reflection of the huge diversity based on trends of this metropolis. The cool, bright makeup is stylish designed and a true love declaration to Berlin. Essence takes you on a super special city-tour through Berlin!

essence I love Berlin liquid eyeliner
Eyeliner that provides endless variation: the liquid eyeliner is available in five expressive colors that provide the perfect look for every opportunity. The thin brush makes it super easy making a beautiful accent line. For eyes that are as fascinating as Berlin! Available in 01 Love This City, 02 Green Grass, 03 Buddy Bear, 04 Berlin Story and 05 I’m a Berliner. Price: € 1,99.

essence I love Berlin eye shadow palette
This eye shadow palette with nine different colors gives you the ultimate city look that is as diverse as the city Berlin! Are you planning to go shopping, city watching or partying all night; the combinations are endless. For the perfect look, where ever you go and whatever you do! Available in 01 style victim. Price: €3,49.

essence I love Berlin gel relaxing eye pads
What’s more delicious after an exciting day in town than taking a relaxing time-out to get some new energy? The cooling eye pads let your exhausted eyes sparkle! First put them in the refrigerator and put them on your eyes, lay back and let yourselves be carried away to another world. In no time you’ll be in shape for a visit to Fashion Week! Available in 01 cool down. Price: €2,49.

essence I love Berlin lipbalm
In this big city is January cold and freezing. With the new I love Berlin lipbalm your lips will stay protected so that makes them soft and supple despite the cold temperatures. Nice detail: the subtle gloss provides a brilliant smile from ear to ear! Available in 01 Love This City and 02 City Lights. Price: € 1,99.

essence I love Berlin nail polish
Stijlish, extravagant and extremely hip, that’s Berlin! And so are the nail polishes presented. Five sensational bright colors add a special accent to every look. Whether you’re visiting Check-Point Charly, the Brandenburger Tor or the Zoo, with this nail polish you’re the biggest attraction! Available in 01 Love this city, 02 I’m a Berliner, 03 Green Grass, 04 Buddy Bear and 05 Berlin Story. Price: € 1,79.

essence I love Berlin matte tip painter
Berlijn is a real fashion city. But with even the trendiest Berliners will be surprised with this new matte tip painter! Apply this to the tips of your nails combined with the color of your choise. Give your creativity free reins and create your own personal nail design, Berlin Style! Available in 01 Berlin Story and 01 Green Grass. Price € 1,99.

essence I love Berlin studio fashion nails
What do you think of nails with a picture of a piece of the Berlin Wall? The nail fashion stickers in ‘I love Berlin’ graffiti style is the secret for extra trendy I love Belin nails! Apply the adhesive stickers on your nails and file them in the right shape. So Berlin! Available in 01 Berli-nail and 02 Berlin Calling. Price: € 1,99.

essence I love Berlin studio nail fashion file
This file is not only to file your nails in the right shape, with the cool design is it also a super handy tool for en route. Never enter the urban jungle of Berlin without! With the easy pocket size is the studio nail fashion file never further away than your bag in case of a nail emergency! Available in 01. Price: €1,29.

So do you like this?
I think there are really nice products in there like the polishes!

You also have to wait a little bit for this one, essence ‘I love Berlin’ is exclusively available at Kruidvat in January and February 2011.

Catrice Winter Trend Edition: Urban Baroque

2010-12-01T19:12:00.002+01:00

Today I looked in my email and saw something very exiting: the newest Trend Edition from Essence and Catrice!

In this blogpost I’ll be describing the TE / LE of Essence.

The products are already looking so beautiful. Click below to see some delicious pictures!

So what do they say about their collection?

I had to translate it, because I received it in Dutch.

Romantic nostalgic and soft, winter like powder shades are united in the newest Limited Edition “Urban Baroque” by Catrice. With the inspiration of a lush boudoir the complete new city look is introduced in January and February 2011.

Soft pastels are being connected with city like ornaments and tattoos.

“Urban Baroque” by Catrice – the new winter look where you can’t get enough of!

And seeing the pictures, I truly agree. The products are looking sophisticated and really like a lush boudoir. Very queen-like names are given to the products, which I love. It makes me think of the Victorian age.

Please click for a bigger picture.

Urban Baroque by CATRICE – Absolute Eye Colour Duo

Really soft eyeshadow shades in trendy grey tones, from soft to cool combinations – thé winter trend right now! The silky soft texture promises a perfect eye makup in different styles: nude or city cool. Available in C01 Candelabra, C02 Feather Fan, C03 Fleur de Lis. Price: €3,49

Urban Baroque by CATRICE – Smooth Lipstick

Obvious on the catwalks: the nude-look for lips is hotter than ever! The creamy and long lasting Smooth Lipstick of CATRICE provides lips the optimum water supply – and a perfect natural nude-style. Available in C01 Marie Antoinette, C02 Elisabeth and C03 Victoria. Price: €3,99

Urban Baroque by CATRICE – Illuminating Powder

The absolute highlight of the season: the soft scented Illiminating Powder of CATRICE. A brilliant gloss powder for the skin – soft as silk and mysterious. Available in C01 Masquerade Ball. Price: € 4,49.

Urban Baroque by CATRICE – Powder Brush

With this professional round powder brush you will create the perfect even skin tone. The brush takes just the exact amount of loose or compact powder and spreads this evenly over the skin for a natural effect. The brush is made with super soft hairs of high quality – a caress for the skin. Price: €4,59.

Urban Baroque by CATRICE – Ultimate Nail Laquer

Inextricably connected with the Urban Baroque look are the cool nails. Soft, seducting shades combine sublime with the nude look on the lips. Super nonchalant! Thanks to the professional brush and the long lasting texture are these nail polishes the absolute favorite of this season! Avaliable in C01 Pearls & Chains, C02 Barock & Rock, C03 Princess & Ballerina, C04 Biscuits & Cupcakes. Price: € 2,49.

Urban Baroque by CATRICE – Urban Tattoos

The Urban Tattoos in different designs give the baroque look of this winter a ultra cool accent! On the wrist or shoulder, the tattoo-sticker provides even more attitude. The ink lasts long but is also easy to remove. Available in C01 Temporary Couture Tattoos (four different sheets, two with text and two with prints and bracelets). Price: € 2,99.

So are you already exited to buy this? I’m looking forward to those nice powdery shades. I like the tattoos, although they might have gotten the idea of Chanel, but that makes buying them even more a lot of fun. I also like the lipsticks, nude shades are always nice.

You still have to wait a little bit, „Urban Baroque“ by CATRICE is exclusively available at Kruidvat in January and February 2011.

365 project: 30/11/2010 (005/365) Sign yourselves up for SYTYCD4!

2010-11-30T18:44:00.000+01:00

Photographing your laptop screen is big fun.

Whoa we just ended the previous season of So You Think You Can Dance (season 3) and they already facebook-ed that you can sign yourselves in for season 4. Yeah they made a bit of a typo above, it's season 4 coming up next year for Holland, or indeed season 3 for Belgium since the first season was only available for Holland.
So do you think you're good enough or above the age of 18, please enter here on the website of vtm!