FACE ANTI-STRESS MASK - DEAD MINERALS

Today I have another review of a Freeman Mask for you. Because I liked the Avocado & Oatmeal Mask so much, I decided to try the Dead Sea Minerals one out! 

It's supposed to deep cleanse the skin and make the pores look smaller. It's meant for all skin types, but should work especially well for oily and combination skin. 

The mask is blue and very thick. It's easy to spread out and it doesn't start leaking because of the thick texture. 

I apply about 3 times this amount  and spread it out all over my face. 

 I then let it dry for about 20 minutes and rinse it off with warm water. I remove leftover product with a cotton pad and some tonic. 

After this I apply my day cream as usual. 

What I like about the Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Mask: 

The smell, it's a nice fresh smell. Not too sweet, you don't get nauseous after 5 minutes like I've experienced with other masks. 

The price, it's only € 3,99. You get about 12 masks out of the tube. 

Softness, after using the mask my skin feels super soft. 

What I don't like about the Freeman Dead Sea Minerals Mask: 

It doesn't really do anything for my pores. They don't get smaller and my skin doesn't look better then before, it only feels smoother and softer. 

Would I buy the mask again? 

Probably not, I prefer the Avocado & Oatmeal Freeman Mask much more. Unlike the Dead Sea Minerals mask, it does remove shine and makes my pores look smaller. 

Hope you found this useful! 

x x x

FABULOUS DRESSES AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2013

The Cannes Film Festival 2013 is an annual film festival which previews new films of all genres. This year it took place from May 15 to May 26 and the President of the Jury was film director Steven Spielberg. The event attracts lots of movie stars and celebrities, where all guests get glammed up for the exclusive red carpet in prestigious Cannes. 

I listed my 10 favorite "Fabulous dresses" from the 2013 Cannes edition. 

Doutzen Kroes - Calvin Klein dress

Doutzen Kroes left her wings at home, but proves she's an angel without them in this elegant backless Calvin Klein dress.

Stacy Keibler - Zac Posen dress
Stacy Keibler looks sophisticated in this purple mermaid gown of Zac Posen. The bow gives the dress a playful touch. 

Eva Longoria - Atelier Versace dress

Eva might have had an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction, by pulling her dress up too high while walking up a stairs, she still posed like a true A-list actress on the red carpet! The seafoam green color flatters her tanned skin tone very well.  

Irina Shayk 
Irina Shayk looks stunning and dangerously sexy in these two totally different dresses. While the pink one is very girly and flashy, the black one shows a lot of Irina's enviable topmodel figure. Miss Shayk shows she's a true supermodel by rocking both completely different styles in Cannes.

Elie Saab dress

Roberto Cavalli dress

Alessandra Ambrosio - Roberto Cavalli dress

The Victoria's Secret model looked incredible in this shiny metallic gown.

Cheryl Cole - Zuhair Murad dress

The "twin sister" of Eva Longoria, at least that's how Eva and Cheryl  liked to call it on Twitter, looks marvellous in this maroon dress. The sheer parts and flower details make the dress very feminine and sexy, while the cut keeps it classy. There hasn't been a Zuhair Murad dress I didn't like. 

Lily Donaldson 
The former Victoria's Secret model showed off not one, not two, but three dresses at the Cannes Festival. And I must say she looked superb in all of them. I can't choose a favorite one, because they're all so different  and amazing.  The slits and colors of the dresses fit perfect on Lily's fit body. The only thing I wanted to see different are the boring hairstyles. Three nights the same loose style isn't that inspiring, especially at tropical Cannes. A cute wavy updo would've been refreshing!

Although it's a Film Festival, there are a lot of models parading on the red carpet, hmm, eye candy for the big actors...?

So what was your favorite dress this year? 

x x x

HEALTH AND BEAUTY BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER

Water may not be your favorite beverage during the day, but it is the most healthy option. Your body consists 60 to 70% out of water depending on your body size), so this makes it a very healthy and natural option. But what exactly are the health and beauty benefits of drinking water? I did some research and wanted to share the most important advantages of drinking water. 

No more cramps and sprains. Proper hydration helps to keep your joints and muscles lubricated, which reduces the chance to get cramps or sprains. Drinking water is also necessary for a proper digestion and will decrease chances of getting constipated. 

Energizes. Water is used by the body to help flush out the toxins and waste products from your body. When you don't drink enough water, your organs (heart, kidneys) need to work harder to pump out the oxygenated blood to all cells. This will exhaust your organs, and you as well!  

Reduces headaches. The brain consists mostly out of water. Dehydration is a very common cause of headaches. 

Daily good moods. Drinking the right amount of water is good for your mental health. Drinking enough water gives you a healthy body, you will have an energetic body which will have a positive effect on your mind and emotions.

Get clear and healthy skin. Having sufficient fluids within the body helps to replenish skin tissues, maintain the elasticity of skin tissues and ensures that the skin is sufficiently hydrated. Water flushes out toxins and eliminates dirt that clogs the pours of your skin, giving you a healthier glow. 

Glossy hair. Drinking water can make frizzy and brittle hair healthier. Water will hydrate all cells in your body, but also your hair. Hydrated cells will lead to glossy and shiny hair (IF you also eat enough vitamins and aren't suffering from any illnesses). 

Essential for weight loss. You have probably heard this a lot before, but how exactly does drinking water make you lose weight? It works in a couple of ways. First of all, when you feel hungry or are craving food, it is possible you are actually thirsty. Drink a glass of water before eating something, you might not feel hungry after. Secondly, drinking water during a meal makes you feel full sooner, which will make you feel satisfied and will decrease your calorie intake. And lastly the process of burning calories requires a supply of water in order to function effectively. Dehydration slows down your metabolism and the fat burning process.

You can calculate how much water your body needs on this website. http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm 

The average amount for a woman is 1,5 to 2 liters a day. 

I have always loved drinking water, but there are times I prefer drinking juice or a fizzy drink. Of course you are allowed to switch it up, but try to balance it out. For example drink 2 glasses of water before every meal and lots of water during exercise, save the juices and fizzy drinks for during the weekends or a hard day at work/school! 

x x x 

Sources and more info: 

http://www.mangosteen-natural-remedies.com/benefits-of-drinking-water.html

http://www.ivy-rose.co.uk/HumanBiology/Nutrition/health-benefits-of-drinking-water.php

http://www.sheknows.co.uk/beauty-and-love/articles/948509/why-water-is-the-best-kept-beauty-secret

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_water.php

COBALT BLUE GLITTER NAILS OF THE DAY

Some quick nail inspo. A great nail look for a night out!

How to get these glitzy nails: 

x x x

GIRLS NIGHT OUT MAKEUP LOOK

The weekend is almost there - WhooHoo!-, so I thought I'd post a look to inspire those of you who are planning a Girls Night Out! When I go out for drinks or clubs I really like to experiment with my makeup. I like to play with different colors to create new looks. The "rule" is to either accentuate your eyes OR your lips, but I don't really like this rule. My makeup rule is: rules were meant to be broken, and makeup is a way a way to express yourself and your mood, it has to be fun! And if you're feeling like combining extreme winged liner with extreme fuchsia lips, rock it!

But anyway, for this look I kept everything pretty basic. I've been in a pretty good mood lately, so natural looks are very popular at the moment! :)

First I applied my usual foundation, concealer and bronzer.

Secondly I did my eye makeup (I always work in this order). First a primer, to keep the eyeshadow in place the whole night, then some white eyeliner in the inside corners of my eyes (to brighten up the look), then a golden brown shade in my crease and then this green sparkly shade from Catrice in the outer corners of my eyes and under my bottom lash line.

Then I blended it all with a blending brush and a natural brown eyeshadow. After this I applied a thin line of liquid liner slightly winged out on my top eyelid. Mascara on top and bottom lashes and black liner on my bottom waterline.

For my lips I used this lip liner from Catrice, it's a natural dark pink color. I lined my whole lips with it.

Then I went over with this nude/ dark pink lipstick from Bourjois and a shiny neutral lipgloss.

 I finished off with some mineral powder on my face and some pink blush on the cheeks!

Do you like wearing natural looks when you go out? Or do you prefer full on makeup with dark smokey eyes and false lashes?

x x x

SUMMER COLLECTION H&M WITH DOUTZEN KROES

The gorgeous supermodel/ "Angel" Doutzen Kroes is the new face and body of the Summer Collection 2013 of H&M. The Swedish fast fashion brand previously showed off Beyoncé's curves in swim and beachwear and now Doutzen is promoting more items from the Summer collection. 

The pictures were taken in a Mexican beach house by Terry Richardson and they certainly make me dream of a relaxing vacation, chilling at the beach with some cocktails under a palm tree. 

The fashion isn't very surprising. It's very safe and a bit boring and there aren't any daring prints or cuts. Though I will be checking it out for the inexpensive basics. 

I love this picture! I want the hat! 

Other items from the collection

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BILLBOARD AWARDS 2013

My 5 favorite looks of the Billboard Awards 2013!

My number one girl of the night is Selena Gomez. The bright colors of the dress and makeup work really well with her pulled back honey brown locks. I think she looks super cute! 

x x x

MENU MONDAYS

A new Menu Monday today. I have noticed I post every Menu Monday eggs for breakfast, but I don't eat eggs everyday for those who were wondering. I think it's just a habit to eat them on Monday!

Breakfast

2 eggs

2 cracottes

strawberries

cup of coffee with milk 

Lunch

2 non fat yogurts mixed with light grenadine 

strawberries

1 banana

oats

Golden Grahams

Dinner

salad with light mozzarella, cucumber, red peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes and olive oil/vinegar dressing,  with a small portion of steak fries on the side

Snack

non fat greek yogurt with some Golden Grahams

So that's how I started off my week this time! I could've been healthier by leaving the fries out, but it was a holiday in Belgium yesterday, and a holiday equals to a little bit of cheating! At least in my diet books ;)

x x x

TUTORIAL FALSE NAILS - FRENCH MANICURE

WHAT YOU NEED

   

• Nail polish remover and some cotton pads
• A nail set - this one is from Broadway Nails, the Fast French Sensibly Chic (in medium length) 
• A nail file

 LET'S GET TO IT!

1. Remove nail polish (if) you have on. File your nails if necessary. Push back your nail cuticles with the "tooth pick" included in the nail set. 

2. Take out your fake nails and start fitting them onto your own nails. 

3. Lay your chosen nails out in a row, in order that you're going to put them on. Put a drop of glue onto the inside of your fake nail and spread it out. Place it on your natural nail, first close to the cuticle then on the edge. Press down your nail for 20-30 seconds to avoid glue bubbles under your nail. Finish off with a topcoat or any color of nail polish you want.

Between steps 2 and 3 it is possibly necessary to file down the sides of the false nails, this to make them fit better.

RESULT

These Broadway Nails can last up to 7 days, but I wear them for only 3 to 4 days. 

x x x