THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT - VIVALUXURY FOR L'OREAL PARIS

I don't think it's a secret that when it comes to eyelashes, we all want to achieve the longer and bolder look. I know I certainly do. But thanks to Mother Nature, I am stuck with very fine, poker-straight, not -even-remotely-as-long-as-I-would-like-them-to-be eyelashes. Normally, I resort to to eyelash curlers (otherwise known as medieval torture devices) and two to three coats of mascara, a practice which, of course, results in lots of clumps and flakes. So, when L'Oreal Paris approached me to try the new Voluminous Butterfly mascara, I was quite eager to see what it can do for my barely-there fringe!

The first thing I noticed about the Voluminous Butterfly mascara, was the asymmetrical brush with its tightly packed, flexible bristles which helped to lift and extend lashes outward. After applying just one coat, I immediately noticed a difference in the way my eye lashes looked. They were definitely fuller, longer, completely clump-free, and beautifully winged-out, especially on the outer corners - something I could only dream of before. And the effect lasts all day, without any flakes or smudges! Finally, since my eyes are a bit sensitive, they often react quite badly to certain mascara formulas (think red, watery eyes... not pretty at all). I didn't experience any such effects with the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara. So, if you are sensitive like me or maybe wear contact lenses, definitely give this one a try! 

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly mascara in "Black", Telescopic Precision liquid liner in "Carbon Black", Colour Riche eye shadow in " Snooze Addict", The One Sweep sculpting blush duo in "Nectar", Colour Caresse by Colour Riche lipstick in "Sheer Linen" | Metalsmiths Stearling earrings & ring | Blaque Label dress

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

BURBERRY BEAUTY + TACORI CITY LIGHTS JEWELRY

I think I mentioned before that when it comes to make up, my philosophy is less is more and today's look is no exception. I like to choose colors that are soft and natural. I swear, I tried red lipstick so many times, but it just looks wrong on me:) Normally, I skip foundation all together and simply go for a bit of bronzer or blush. The Burberry Beauty blush, I'm wearing in this post, gives the softest, pretties glow without being too obvious. Just make sure you blend well, and build intensity gradually.  

I don't like to wear lip pencils but always apply lip balm under my lipstick and use my finger instead of a brush to apply lip color. I find, this way the product goes on sheer and looks much more natural. 

I do spent a bit more time on my eyes, I'm sure you noticed I am completely addicted to my eye liner! But even so, I like a more understated approach. For a very soft smoky eye look, I like to apply Burberry Beauty sheer eyeshadow all over the upper lid and line the top and bottom of my eye lashes with eye shaping pencil in a very pretty shade of greenish-brown, extending the eyeliner just beyond the outer corners of my eyes to achieve a cat-eye look. And voila! All done:)

Bracelet, ring & earrings via Tacori | Cameo dress | Burberry Beauty Lip Velvet long wear lipstick in "Antique Pink", Light Glow natural blush in "Russet", sheer eyeshadow in "Dark Sable" & Eye Definer eye shaping pencil in "Midnight Ash"

Thank you for reading

& Keep On Smiling,

LOVE,

Annabelle

SUMMER FAVORITE NAIL POLISH COLORS

Guess my weakness for brights extends to my nail polish as well... :) What can I say,  I love the way bright colors accentuate sun-kissed skin and add a bit of drama to any outfit. What about you guys, what are some of your favorite nail colors for Summer?

OPI nail polish in "You're Such a Budapest" | Essie nail polish in "In The Cab-Ana" | Butter London nail polish in "Slapper" |  Essie nail polish in "Haute As Hello" | Essie nail polish in "Rock The Boat" | Essie nail polish in "Bikini So Teeny" | Essie nail polish in "Under Where" | Essie nail polish in "Where's My Chauffeur" | Estee Lauder nail polish in "Coral Cult" | Essie nail polish in "Naughty Nautical" | Essie nail polish in "First Timer" 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle

ESTEE LAUDER BRONZE GODDESS COLLECTION

Hey Everyone, I am so excited to team up with Estee Lauder to introduce you to SS13 Bronze Goddess collection. I was lucky enough to try products from this year's collection, and I have to confess, I am now completely addicted to the whole line and especially the bronzing powder. I mentioned before, I prefer matte bronzers because they provide a more natural-looking tan, but the reason I fell in love with Estee Lauder bronzing powder is definitely the color. Last time my tan looked this good was last Summer when I spent 2 straight weeks on the beach, doing pretty much nothing except working on my tan:) Naturally, I love a product that can make me look like that mid March:)

To achieve this look I applied Bronze Goddess bronzing powder all over the face, concentrating on the bridge of the nose and around hair line. I used Pure Color sheer roller lipgloss in "Squeeze" on my lips for a bit of sparkle, and completed the look with my favorite cat-eyes, using Pure Color liquid eyeliner in "Black Sands". Fresh, simple and not over-the-top - just the way I like it:)

Bronze Goddess bronzing powder, Bronze Goddess luminous liquid bronzer, Pure Color sheer roller gloss in "Squeeze", Pure Color liquid eyeliner duo in "Black Sands", Pure Color nail polish in "Absinthe" all via Estee Lauder | Fun times jacket via Lovers + Friends | Rebecca Minkoff heart ring stack, pave watch band bracelet & horn pendant { similar here } | ASOS Spike rings, linked bracelet & skull stretch bracelet 

Keep on smiling,

Love,

Annabelle

MY HAIR CARE ROUTINE

Bumble & Bumble thickening serum & Spray de Mode hairspray | Sephora Paddle brush with Ionic Technology | Alterna caviar repair re-texturizing protein cream | Zoe hair strengthener 

Hey Everyone,

So I wanted to do a quick little post about my hair routine, since I've been getting so many emails about what I do for my hair and which products I use. 

1. To keep my hair healthy I normally wash it no more than 2-3 times a week. I find that excessive washing makes my hair really dry, regardless of the products I use. When I do wash my hair, I always make sure to apply shampoo only to the scalp and never to the ends of my hair, which tend to be somewhat dry. I usually just work the shampoo gently down the ends of the hair, making sure not to scrub, which can lead to breakage or knots.

2. Unless I am short for time, I skip blowdrying completely, and just let my hair air dry. Pretty sure, you’ll be surprised how much healthier your hair looks and feels if you skip the blowdryer a few times a week. I know I certainly was, and overtime definitely saw a lot less split ends. I also like to apply Alterna caviar repair re-texturizing protein cream to prevent split ends and keep my hair from getting too dry. Now, I could never say goodbye to my blowdryer forever, but I do like to give it a day off every once in a while.

3. Every morning, I brush my hair for at least 10-15 minutes, using Sephora Paddle brush with Ionic Technology for maximum shine. Combing hair regularly helps to improve circulation and keeps scalp healthy. The importance of brushing hair daily, is something I learned from my mother, who always had the most beautiful, long hair. So, I make sure to follow her advice:)

4. Straight styles are the easiest for me, since my hair is pretty straight to begin with. Usually, I flat iron only the ends to give it a more polished look. I finish with just a bit of BB Spray De Mode hairspray with flexible hold to help the style last all day.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN  

Keep on smiling,

Love,

Annabelle

WIN TOM FORD BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Hey Everyone, I am super excited to team up with Bal Harbour Shops for a New INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY! This time, one lucky reader has a chance to win Tom Ford Ultra Shine lip gloss & Powder Blush cheek color. As always, the rules are simple:

THIS GIVEAWAY is open to everyone,

OLD FRIENDS AND NEW and it will SHIP INTERNATIONALLY

TO ENTER:

1. FOLLOW Bal Harbour Shops on Facebook by CLICKING HERE

2. FOLLOW VivaLuxury on Twitter by CLICKING HERE OR BlogLovin by  CLICKING HERE

3. Twit the following message "International Giveaway with @vivaluxury - win Tom Ford make up, to Enter --> http://vivaluxury.blogspot.com!"

Please leave a comment here including your email address so I may contact you if you win! This Giveaway will last for 7 days, until Thursday February 28, 2013. I wish everyone the best of luck!

Tom Ford Ultra Shine lip gloss in "Sugar Pink" & cheek color in "Love Lust" via Bal Harbour Shops | Zara blouse | House of Harlow pyramid wrap ring | Nordstrom bangles { similar option here } | J Crew chain worn as a bracelet { similar option here & here } | Essie nail polish in "Peach Daiquiri"

Keep on smiling,

Love,

Annabelle

FRESHLY COATED

Nail polish colors inspired by my beloved macaroons, uhhhh......., yes, please! Which is why I am so excited to team up with Estee Lauder to showcase some of my favorite nail colors from their SS13 collection. Nail polish junkie in general, I have a particularly soft spot for pastel and bright hues! Since choosing which one of these pretty shades to wear first was one of those oh-so-difficult tasks, I figured why not mix-and-match! What do you guys think? Yay or Nay on wearing several nail polish colors at the same time?

Estee Lauder nail polish in "Lilac Leather", "Coral Cult", "Diletantte", "Absinthe" & "Narcissist" | Bow rings { similar options here & here } | Cara Accessories pave spike stretch bracelet - sold out { similar here } | Pastel raisin bib necklace via Minusey | Blouse - old { similar here & here }

Thank you for reading & 

Keep on Smiling,

Love,

Annabelle

FAVORITE NAIL POLISH COLORS

Being a complete nail polish addict, I thought it would be fun to do a post dedicated entirely to some of my favorite colors. To me, nail polish color is a finishing touch, essential to completing any look. In general, I lean toward bold and bright, but every so often I like to mix it up a bit and wear soft and pretty pastels. How about you guys, what are your favorite nail polish colors?

Essie nail polish in "Play Date" - last seen HERE | POPbeauty nail polish in "Baby Blue" - last seen HERE | Sephora by OPI nail polish in "True Romantic" - last seen HERE | Illamasqua nail polish in "Robin Egg" - last seen HERE | Essie nail polish in "Borrowed & Blue" - last seen HERE | Butter London nail polish in "Diamond Geezer"  - last seen HERE | Butter London nail polish in "Queen Vic" - last seen HERE | Essie nail polish in "Aruba Blue" - last seen HERE

Thank you for reading & 

Keep on smiling!

Love,

Annabelle