I Want It!

Hi, everyone!


Since 2 months ago, I've been lusting some beauty products and also, aching to go to some places in Italy. Without further ado, let's jump right in!


1. Sephora Wonderful Cushion product line

I'm currently obsessed with all of the products in this line because they are inspired by Korean beauty products and thus, I'm intrigued and I wanna try all of them, particularly the highlighter an the cushion foundation. I've swatched the highlighter at the store and I love it so much!

Sephora Wonderful Cushion Blush in crema effetto bonne mine

Sephora Wonderful Cushion crema labbra mat

Sephora Wonderful Cushion Illuminante viso luminosità naturale

Sephora Wonderful Cushion Fondotinta cuscino fluido luminosità e finish naturale

2. Bernina Express

I learned about Bernina Express from a Chinese lady who I met in the train from Paris to Milan. This is a direct train operated by Rhaetian Railway company for the purpose of sightseeing. So, the train is connecting from Switzerland to Italy by crossing the Swiss Engadin Alps and apparently, Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscape is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. How cool is that?!


3. Visiting famous cities in Italy

I have lots of free time now and I wanna go to cities and places that I know from my friends and my parents. Here are the list of cities and places I wanna visit:

- Como (I wanna visit the famous Lake Como or Lago di Como in Italian)
- Naples (ah, Naples...)
- Sardinia
- Pompeii (museums and Mt. Vesuvius!)
- Genoa
- Perugia (chocolate!)
- Turin
- Cinque Terre
- Parma (the famous Parma ham!)

Probably some of you will wonder why I don't put Florence, Venice, Rome, Pisa, and Milan because I've been to those places before and I live in Milan until I graduate :)


That's all for now. Thank you so much for stopping by and see you on my next post.

Alla prossima ;)

My Italian Journey #1

Hello everyone!

This is my first post on documenting my journey to master Italian. This week, I had an exam for level B1 and I although I passed it, I am not satisfied with the score. So, I came up with several reasons why I didn't get high score for my exam:

1. Not enough practice!
    I feel guilty about this one. Several days before the exam I didn't study hard for it. So, of course I couldn't perform well during the exam. I got low score in the listening part, because the speakers talked very fast and I almost couldn't catch what they were talking about. But the think is, I listened to youtube videos in Italian almost everyday! But I think that I didn't listen to those videos with focus, so maybe that's why. Then, there was also an essay part and I made some grammar mistakes that I wasn't aware of.

2. Confusion between congiuntivo and condizionale
    In the test, the instructions written on it were to write some periodo ipotetico phrases, the second type (se + congiuntivo presente + condizionale presente) and the third type (se + congiuntivo imperfetto + condizionale composto). My problem is that I would confuse the conjugations of noi, voi, and loro between congiuntivo and condizionale. They look almost the same and I didn't memorize them really well.

3. Low to medium comprehension of provided text
    There was also a reading part and after I read the text, I came upon some phrases that I have to answer either yes or no. There were some phrases that I wasn't sure of when I compared them again to the text and thus, I chose the wrong answer.


Rereading these reasons, I realized that I lack the discipline required to master this language. But, I don't like spending hours and hours just learning grammar. It's boring. So, what I'm thinking right now is to read lots and lots of books in Italian. In addition, I would keep continuing watching and listening to those youtube videos in Italian. But, I guess I also have to work on my grammar too to increase my comprehension when I'm reading novels.

That's all for today. Until next time.

Ciao!

Hi, I'm back!

Hi everyone!

I rarely wrote new post for my blog, but I decided to write a new one because I'm inspired to do it now. So, I told you in my previous post that I'm currently in Italy, but I didn't tell you that I came to this country to study a Master degree (in English). Maybe it sounds weird, and I got lots of questions from people around me why would I take a Master degree in English, in Italy. I will write more on that in another post. However, now that I have no more classes in university, I took an intensive language course in an Italian language school near my university. I'm very happy because I finally have the time to focus on learning this beautiful language. I wish that I can take the CILS exam in Italy before I returned to my home country, but it seems that I can't do that and I think it's better for me not to rush it.

On top of that, I have decided to devote more time on this blog and also my Youtube channel. I'm so excited and at the same time, I feel pressured to upload a perfect post. I still don't know my style yet, but hopefully I can find one as time goes by.

Talk to you next time. See ya!

Essential Products for Autumn and Winter

Hello, everyone! It's been months since my last post. So many things happened in the last few months and one of them is I moved to Italy. Since its becoming colder here, I've tried to find products that will give winter glow to my face. Here are the products that I think are essential to fake that winter glow:

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer (Hydration)

This primer is my holy grail hydrating primer! I have oily, combination skin (prone to acnes too) and this primer not only helps to make my makeup stay put and hydrates my skin, it never breaks me out. Moreover, when I'm in a hurry and want to skip my skincare routine, I would apply this only on my bare face and my face would still feel hydrated.

Guerlain Meteorites Perles

I bought this last month and I am very happy with it! It makes my face look flawless and I love the scent of it!

MAC Cosmetics Extra Dimension Skin Finish (Shaft of Gold)

I know this is meant to be a highlighter for dark-skin ladies, but this works as a beautiful blush/bronzer for my fair, medium skin tone. 

MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skin Finish (Lightscapade)

The most beautiful highlight I ever had in my makeup stash! This highlighter gives me the most gorgeous, healthy and natural glow. The brush that I use to apply this highlighter is the fan brush from Elf Cosmetics (the studio line).

That's all for now. Let me now in the comments below if you have any recommended products for autumn and winter. Alla prossima!

Small Make Up Bag Essentials

Buon giorno, ragazze! Buon giorno, ragazzi!

Today I have a blog post that I really love and I know many of you will love this. It's a list of essential products that I believe every woman should get (alright, maybe not every woman) because it will cover your make up needs, whether you are in a hurry or maybe you for your weekend trip and you don't want to bring too much stuff, especially make up. Without further do, let's get started.

1. Benefit One Prime Day

2. Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Palette in Warm Beige

3. NARS Multiple in Puerto Vallarta

4. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil in Jet

5. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Rich Espresso

6. Oriflame Very Me Fat Lash Mascara

7. Revlon Colorbust Lip Butter in Macaroon

8. Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir

The above picture consist of products that is inside my small make up bag. Let's talk about them, shall we? 

The first product I always apply on my face is face primer. I cannot live without it since it acts as a barrier for my face from my foundation and everything else. I either choose the Porefessional or the That Gal primer, it depends on my mood. Then I apply Stay Don't Stray on my eyelids and on my under eye. I noticed that the product helps to conceal a bit of my dark, dark under eyes. Then, I apply foundation all over my face, corrector and concealer on my under eyes (Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Palette). I would apply some concealer on my blemishes to cover them. Then, I would set my face with the Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Pale Yellow with Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. 

Moving onto the next one, I would dab NARS Multiple Puerto Vallarta on the back of my hand and apply it to my eyelids and on my cheeks. Next, I would line my eyes with Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Pencil. After that, I would fill in my eyebrows with Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Rich Espresso and it will give such natural, soft defined eyebrows. Sometimes I would apply it on the crease of my eyes in order to accentuate them with the Sephora 3 eye brush wands. 

Mascara is something I will not skimp. I would apply Oriflame Very Me Fat Lash Mascara to my eyelashes lightly, although I can build it up. Again, it depends on my mood or if I'm in a hurry, one or two coats is already enough to define my eyelashes. Another thing I cannot live without is tinted lip balm or lip butter. I choose Revlon Lip Butter in Macaroon for my lips since it is "My Lip but Better" product. It is moisturising, accentuates my natural lip colour, and it stains my lips after a a few hours. For a final touch, I would dab my mini travel size of Bvlgari Mon Jasmin Noir on my pulse points.

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

2. Sephora 3 eye brush wand

As you can see from the above picture, I try my best to bring as few make up brushes as possible, but still help me to achieve a good makeup look. The size of the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush fits perfectly with the size of the powder in the palette. It is a must brush in every woman's small make up bag, a true multitasker brush. Then we have the Sephora 3 eye brush wand which consists of a slanted eye brush that can be used to line the eyes with the single eyeshadow above or to fill in the eyebrows, the eyeshadow fluff brush to fill in the eyelids, and the pencil/crease brush to define the crease of my eyes.

1. Saint - Tropez Zip Pouch - Blush (Belgrave Crescent)

2. Small thebalm makeup bag

3. Kate Spade Classic Nylon Ezra in Sweetheart Pink

4. Jouer Ooh La La Pink "It" Bag

The makeup bag that I use to store my essentials is the one from thebalm cosmetics that I received when I bought their makeup products. Unfortunately, it is not sold anywhere. However, I have a few suggestions for those of you who want to store your essentials which are shown in the picture above.


Buona giornata a tutti!

Current Favourites March 2015

Ciao ragazze! Ciao ragazzi!

How are you? Hopefully all of you had a great weekend, because I certainly had a great one! Well, enough with that. For today's post, I will share with you my current favourites of makeup products. Some of them are rediscovered products from my makeup stash (I have so much makeup in my stash now... ups!) and some are products that I've been bringing into my office since for the past week I've been very into simple makeup look using minimal products and I love it very much!

Without further ado, let's get started. Shall we?

1. Make Up For Ever HD Primer in #0
    One of my holy grail face primer. I love this because it feels like a light moisturizer when applied on my face. Plus, it has a nice scent on it. I cannot complain about this.
    
2. Benefit Stay Don't Stray in Light/Medium
    I like this a little bit more than Urban Decay Primer Potion since it's more watery and it helps to conceal my dark under eyes for a bit too.
    
3. Bobbi Brown Corrector in Medium to Dark Bisque
    I've been using this for more than 2 years now and I certainly cannot live without this! I have a serious dark under eyes and I found out that with this corrector, I look more awake and fresh. I just hope Bobbi Brown never changes the formula!
    
4. The Balm TimeBalm Concealer in Light/Medium
    This concealer is so creamy and offers full coverage, which is great news for concealing my dark under eyes and for occasional acne breakouts on my face. Its been 2 years now since I use this and I still have a lot left in that small pot. I cannot for the life of me tell when I can finish this.
    
5. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium (old packaging)
    On my previous post, I bought the MAC MSF Natural in the latest packaging. This one is my first ever MAC MSF Natural that I bought for myself and ever since then, it's a must have powder in my makeup stash for when I'm feeling lazy and when my face is having acne. It's a lifesaving powder and it looks very natural on my face. Love this very much and it will always have a special place in my heart.

6. Bobbi Brown Brightening Blush in Bronze (Limited Edition)
    One of my recent purchase ( bought this after my previous post) and let's say that it's love at first sight! I love how it gives me instant bronzed look on my face and that I don't have to apply another blush on top of my cheeks after that. Really love this and it's a must have for when I'm rushing to office ;)

7. Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 HR in Bad to the Bronze
    My Go To eyeshadow for the past week. I just have to use my finger to put this on my eyelid and I look more put together. I'm really glad I bought this.

8. Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Rich Espresso
    One of my recent purchases (also bought this after the last post) and I've been using this for my eyebrow and occasionally as eyeliner.

9. Maybelline the Hyper Curl Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara (Cat Eyes)
    My Holy Grail mascara of all time! One of my best friend introduced me to this mascara when I was very new to makeup and I love this to the moon! I just love the comb-like brush and it's always been a pleasure to apply this on my eyelashes ;)


Phew, that's a lot of products to write about this time. But then again, I love them and I hope you have an enjoyable day! Thank you so much for reading until the end and see you on my next post.

Buona giornata a tutti!

A Viera's Life

Mini Makeup Haul Feb 2015

Ciao, ragazze! Ciao, ragazzi!

            I wanna share with you some makeup products that I bought this month. I did not buy these at one time because usually whenever I buy something, it's always one product that I have thought about  carefully since long time ago. I'd rather buy something that I really like (more often that it's expensive, so I have to save up my money first), rather than buy the alternative, because I won't be satisfied.

Without further ado, let's get started.

1. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium (new packaging)
    To be honest, I still have another backup of MAC MSF Natural in the older packaging and another one that I'm currently trying to use up. However, I had a rough week and I wanted to buy something to cheer me up. So, I went to the MAC shop and without thinking too much, I bought it on the spot (I know it sounded that I contradicted myself with the first paragraph above). I love the new packaging because it's magnetic and it looks more .... expensive? I thought that it looks more like the packaging from luxury makeup brands. Hahaha, I'm one of those people who buy makeup because of the packaging ;) . I'm not gonna use this until I finish the two MSFs that I already have. I hope they haven't changed the formula of this powder though. I love MSF so much!

2. Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in no. 32 Beige Light
    I bought this because of Tati of GlamLifeGuru raved about this foundation. It's a rather expensive foundation, but the first time I put it on my face, it's love at first sight. I adore the way it feels on my face and I have since put it with my other high end makeup products and will reserve this for special occasion or when I'm feeling low ;).

3. Lorac Pro 2
    I originally wanted to buy the original Lorac Pro, but I thought maybe it's better to get this one since it has more pop of colours on it. Well, I must say I'm really impressed with the quality of the eyeshadows and I'm really glad I chose this over the original Lorac Pro. Great job, Lorac!

4. Anna Sui Super-Black Volume Up Mascara
    This is the first ever product from Anna Sui that I bought. I think this is a new mascara from the brand. There's not so much I can say about this since I haven't tried it yet and God knows when I'm gonna use it since I have an opened mascara from Maybelline that I'm using right now. Maybe.... next year? And I still have other backups of mascara in my inventory (Ups...).

That's all for now. I hope you enjoy reading this post and have a good day!

Buona giornata o buona serata a tutti!