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  1. Review: Clinique "Anti-Blemish Solutions"

    Thursday, August 28, 2014

    There are some things that go away for some time and then re-appear for good or worse. Blemishes, dryness, long nails, clean skin. Or like a memory of an old flame of Bruce, Jezebel Jet, coming back to remind to the Wayne and Batman family what it was, what traps it fell for and what it became in the future.
    For good or bad, we learn from our mistakes.

    So, a personal problem that disappears and appears again is blemishes; my face has not entirely got rid of blemishes and every once in a while I get a breakout that is a bummer. I decided to try a new cleanser and purchased the Clinique "Anti-Blemish Solutions", a cleansing foam targeted for acne. This cleanser works immediately to help clear and prevent acne; the foam formula of this cleanser is gentle for the complexion but at the same time removes the dirt and excess oil. The usual culprit behind acne is excess oil but it is hard to spot a cleanser that does the job and does not leave the skin dry and dull; this gentle cleansing foam cleans off the extra oil the complexion has and unclogs pores making more and more blackheads disappear with each application.
    I wanted to buy a cleanser that would not be too harsh on my skin and I was suggested a foam formula cleanser due to their benefit of not drying the skin and the easy application; after some time of using the "Anti- Blemish Solutions", my skin has witnessed a big reduction in blemishes and I love how fresh I feel after application. The scent of the cleanser reminds me a little bit of tea tree oil but overall I love how it brings to my mind the "clean" sense. The "Anti-Blemish Solutions" cleansing foam was a big change compared to the usual cleansers I used and I am happy to say that it did something for my problematic blemish situation.


    You are now leaving Gotham
    Acne is a trouble that everyone has faced once or a couple of times in their lives but a really good cleanser is a big help in dealing with this problem. Clinique's "Anti-Blemish Solutions" is a foam cleanser, which is a great solution for gently cleaning the skin, removing dirt and excess oil and unclogging the pores; its foam formula does not leave the skin dry but fresh, clean and ready for the moisturiser!

    Posted by Unknown at 2:16 PM | Labels: , , , , | 0 comments | |

  2. This is the summer's last Sampling Monday; summer flew by pretty quickly for me and to be honest, I am ready for autumn to come. You might have realised from past posts that cooler weather is better for me and I can't wait for temperatures to drop. There is something more comforting in leaves and rain falling, like some kind of a new cleansing start; it's like everyone in Gotham is getting ready to start anew and take control.
    Too bad Batman is prepared for that.

    This week's "Sampling Monday" pick is the (Malin + Goetz) "Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer". (Malin + Goetz) is a family-owned and operated apothecary in New York's Chelsea neighbourhood known for its natural based treatments, which incorporate gentle technologies for ultimate performance. The "Vitamin B5 Body Moisturizer" is an intensive and nourishing cream that is both oil-free and residue-free; the treatment synthesizes natural vitamin b5 and soothing bergamot extract with absorbent fatty acids for instant performance and results. This moisturiser is ideal for all skin types, naturally hydrates without feeling greasy and its natural fragrance is quite good. Let's see how it works!


    P.S. What do you think about autumn arriving? Are you feeling excited or nostalgic about the summer good times?

    Posted by Unknown at 12:34 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  3. Sunday nights are usually the last chance to relax and scout the internet for something new or something to get excited about. With Bruce taking the time to update his costume and Damian getting some medical training from Alfred, I rounded up some links to share with you!

    Multiversity Easter Eggs Revealed : With Grant Morrison's "Multiversity" getting released this past week, watch this video to learn more about the secrets hidden in this mega epic story and learn something more about it!

    Pragal Gurung MAC Collection  : MAC's make-up collaboration with Prabal Gurung is the next big news in beauty and the first photo of the products is out! Luxurious and decadent, this collection seems like the golden ticket.

    Olympia Le-Tan "I Put A Spell On You" F/W 2014 Ready To Wear : With autumn arriving soon, another look at Olympia Le-Tan's F/W collection will charm you set you in a magical fashion mood.

    All The Wrong Questions Fan Art Competition : If you are familiar with "A Series Of Unfortunate Events" and Lemony Snicket's unique writing, then you are no stranger to his latest book series "All The Wrong Questions". For the third book of the series, "All The Wrong Questions: Shouldn't You Be In School?" arriving on bookshelves around 9.30.2014, there is a fan art competition on the book series facebook page and you can submit your art to claim a prize! If you are taking part, wish you the best of luck!



    Posted by Unknown at 1:20 PM | Labels: , , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  4. And we are back! After a full week of getting some holiday time and a chance to re-visit the old Man-Bat serum I used some time ago to fight my beloved, it is time to get back on some beauty territory!
    Brace yourself for some lip balm excitement!

    As you have read in an earlier post about getting to know Black Widow Balm, I had ordered "Outsiders 3-Piece Sample Pack feat. Spell, Frida and Iron Maiden Color Balms" from the Black Widow Balm Etsy shop and I couldn't be any happier with these lip balms! 
    The "Outsiders 3-Piece Sample Pack feat. Spell, Frida and Iron Maiden Color Balms", contains 3 lip balms, Frida, which is a green forest colour balm, Spell, a deep lavender colour balm, and Iron Maiden, an iron gray lip colour balm; as an extra, I also received Calavera '12, a hot pink colour balm. All lip balms have a unique scent, corresponding to their "theme"; Frida has a distinct aroma from a blend of lavender, clove and pine oils, Spell gets its pleasing scent from a mix of lavender, black pepper and vanilla oils, Iron Maiden features a blend of basil, clove and pine oils and Calavera '12 has an aroma from a blend of raspberry, peppermint and nutmeg oils. So, when applying these balms, you also get an extra kick from the unique smell they have. 
    Read more »

    Posted by Unknown at 8:46 AM | Labels: , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  5. Summer's the season to simplify things; whether you are trying to save some space in your suitcase or you are feeling a little lazy to do the face massage you are doing when applying your night cream, summer calls for a simplicity in all ways. Even villains in Gotham, and especially The Penguin seems to be conducting simpler and less imaginative attacks on the city's banks.
    Summer really brings out something different in everyone of us.

    And summer's simplicity has also invaded the way I was removing my make-up because I was looking for a product that would work as a make-up and eye make-up remover to save time and effort. Enter a Vichy  "Purete Thermale 3-In-1 One Step Cleanser" sample that I took home and was impressed to find a product that is actually three products in one! The "Purete Thermale 3-In-1 One Step Cleanser" is a cleansing milk ideal for sensitive skin that works as a cleanser, toner and eye make-up remover; combining the properties of milk, lotion and eye make-up remover, this gentle formula cleanser offers a fast and east cleansing to the skin and eye area and taking care not to irritate your complexion. This is going to be pretty useful for a vacation and a late night when removing the make-up seems a drag; so in those cases, you apply the cleanser, using a cotton pad, to face and eyes (no need to rinse off the cleanser) and you are ready for the moisturiser! I am looking forward to seeing how this cleanser succeeds in delivering clean face and eyes!


    P.S. This is another late "Sampling Monday" but things are hectic here due to vacation preparations! Hope you have a great week and stay tuned for more!

    Posted by Unknown at 3:43 AM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  6. The weekend's here and it's high time for a much needed cup of coffee and some catching up with what's going on online! Here's this Saturday's favourite links selection to keep you (and me) distracted from the next week that's almost here.

    Space Aliens of New York : Forget about Humans of New York and embrace the concept that showcases the stories behind the aliens that inhabit New York.

    What Katie Did Sale : If you are looking for some retail lingerie therapy, What Katie Did, the brand that specialises in recreating lingerie that channels silver screen glamour of the '40s and '50, has begun its sale season! Cone bras, corsets and stockings are on sale now and  grab something before it's gone!

    You Asked "How Can I Feel Pulled-Together While Working From Home?" : xoVain is one of my most favourite beauty sites and Alle's articles in the site are always a must read! In this great article, Alle dishes on advice and how you can work from home and still use make-up.

    Exclusive preview: Brubaker, Phillips, and Breitweiser tackle post-WWII Hollywood in The Fade Out #1 : The wait is almost over for "The Fade Out" to be released and here is a preview and interview with writer Ed Brubaker, artist Sean Phillips and colorist Elizabeth Breitweiser to learn more about this dark, noir tale and how they worked to create and re-visit an era dear to us all.


    P.S. Have a great weekend and an even greater week coming up!

    Posted by Unknown at 3:06 AM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  7. There have been times in my life that I have used the word "enough". "There is not enough time for us to save Gotham City", "There are not enough assassins to take down Batman", "There is not enough bread for me to prepare Damian's snack, Alfred"  and many many other lines in which the word "enough" was trying to outline how on the edge things are.
    Enough is enough; how many times has a human have to use this phrase in a lifetime?


    But let's be clear on one thing; a girl cannot have enough lipsticks and stumbling upon Lipstick Queen, I think I have found a lipstick fantasy come true. Lipstick Queen is a cruelty-free lipstick brand created by Poppy King, who in her pursuit to find the perfect lipstick decided to take things into her hands and create it herself. Lipstick Queen offers many different lipsticks, like the classic, luxurious and pigmented-rich "Velvet Rope" line or the perfect-for-the-summer "Endless Summer" lipsticks that protect your lips from the sun and keep them hydrated and bright. For my first Lipstick Queen purchase, I chose to buy a lipstick from the "Butterfly Ball" line; the lipsticks from this line are sheer as a butterfly wing with a beautiful hint of shimmer and iridescence when they catch the light. The formula of the lipstick is soft and moisturising to keep your lips hydrated and the blue pearls contained in each shade flatter your lips and make your teeth appear whiter.
    I selected the "Moment" shade, which is a shimmering red that flatters my natural lip colour, since it is kind of similar to that colour, and makes my lips look effortlessly posh; I think that my teeth appeared a tiny bit whiter, but I might have been the only one taking note if it. The aloe vera, vitamin E, C and B really take hydration a bit further and keep your lips conditioned and moisturised at all times. The only drawback that I could say for this lipstick, if I had to say one, would be that because this is a sheer formula, you might need to re-apply it often. But this is such an easy lipstick to use that you do not need a lip pencil or even a mirror to apply; just go straight from the bullet and the job is done! Let's not forget to say that this lipstick can be used on its own or on top of another lip colour to enhance it or add a totally different finish to it; so the customization game is on! Last but not least, the packaging is so cool and avant-garde, if I may say, that it will catch people's attention and your lipstick will be the talk of the present company!


     

    You are now leaving Gotham
    Lipstick Queen "Butterly Ball" lipsticks are sheer, ultra moisturising lipsticks that will give you a iridescent, shimmery lip colour that even butterflies would be jealous for! There are seven different shades, each one packed with ingredients that will condition your lips and give you a finish that will make your teeth to appear whiter, whether they used on their own or as a topcoat to give a shimmery finish to another lipstick.

    Posted by Unknown at 8:50 AM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  8. Little or big surprises are always a thing that can put a smile on one's face. Of course there can be bad and good surprises but for the current post, let's focus on good surprises or at least surprises that we intercept as good. Because to be honest, last time Catwoman had Batman all tied up and everything seemed to be in place for her to unravel her scheme, I thought it was a good surprise for Batman to find out that I got his back and neutralised her in time.
    Or I think that was a good surprise for him.

    While searching for my next moisturiser, I was more keen to try something new and I had my eye on the "Ibuki Refining Moisturizer" from Shiseido to buy. When I was told that with this moisturiser I also got a special sized cleanser and concentrate from the same line, I knew I had found my new moisturiser. So, I went home with the "Ibuki Refining Moisturizer" along with the "Gentle Cleanser" and the "Soothing Concentrate" from the Ibuki line. For starters, let me share my thoughts on the moisturiser; I generally love products that come with a pump, and this moisturiser comes with a pump which helps me to get the exact quantity of product I need and avoid getting germs in it (as might happen with moisturisers that come in jars and are best applied when you take out the product with a little spatula/spoon). The formula of the moisturiser is not too thick and not too light, making it easy for it to be absorbed but still maintain the air of a rich cream; I do not find it to be good or bad as a base for liquid foundation but I interpret as good, a huge advantage, that it is absorbed quickly and you can go on with the make-up application. 
    The moisturiser's description claims that it intensively corrects the appearance of unevenness such as visible pores, breakouts/ blemish marks and renews the skin’s surface, revealing an incredibly smooth, uniform texture, while keeping skin hydrated all day long. From my personal experience, I have to say that my redness is not as bad as it used to be and my breakouts are less, leaving my skin smoother and looking more uniformed; but I have seen no change in my pores, they are still as visible as before, and the hydration does not stay all day long.
    Now, for the special sized cleanser and concentrate, I was quite pleased with the cleanser because it is as gentle as it gets and with a little amount of it, you have a nice foam to work on the face and the neck; now for the concentrate, I liked how soft it left my skin and primed it for the moisturiser plus the scent of it is amazing!


    You are now leaving Gotham
    Shiseido's "Ibuki Refining Moisturiser" is a moisturiser that works great if you are looking for a rich, not too heavy, formula that hydrates, softens the skin and corrects some imperfections your complexion might have; for a hydrating base before applying the foundation, it is quickly absorbed giving you no hard time at all. As for the "Ibuki Gentle Cleanser" and the "Ibuki Softening Concentrate", these two are a good addition to your skincare routine and, I think, will benefit any skincare products that you use.


    Posted by Unknown at 5:38 AM | Labels: , , , , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  9. Welcome to a new series of posts! In these posts called "A little bit of this and a little bat of that", I will be posting a few links that caught my attention and I find worth sharing with you readers! So be on the lookout for links beauty, fashion, comics and anything related to spend some time and keep on scrolling!

    The Myriad Monikers of Gotham's Villains 2.0 : This pulp-inspired design chart featuring all Gotham's villains would make a great addition to the desk room and help me keep track of the never ending list of villains coming after us.

    Caramel strawberry, brie, butter/sugar toasts : A nice and original recipe that re-introduces the idea we had of the good ol' toast into a delicious, mouth watering dessert that calls you to get in the kitchen and prepare it!

    Isa Arfen Autumn/Winter 2014 Collection : After seeing this lovely photo on the Charlotte Olympia instagram, I fell in love with the dress (and the hair obviously) and checked out Isa Arfen's collection for Autumn/Winter 2014. I love everything dogtooth patterned and the whole collection is a winner!

    3.1 Phillip Lim for NARS Nail Collection : The 3.1 Phillip Lim for NARS nail collection is out and is looking hot! The nail polishes are limited and apart from them there is a fancy cosmetics pochette available ideal for travels and weekends out of the city.

    And let's close this first post of favourite links with a little song to relax. Till next time!



    Posted by Unknown at 2:44 PM | Labels: , , , , , , , | 2 comments | |

  10. There comes a time in a comic book series that something terrible happens. We have all read about Batman getting crippled by Bane in "Batman: Knightfall" story and it never really gets any easier; a hero's fall is not an easy story to read about but even heroes once in a while have hard and dark times to face.
    Because every hero and human fall into the dark and emerges in the light again.

    So, it is kind of a shock for us readers to witness Archie Andrew's death in "Life With Archie" issue 36. Archie Andrews is the fun, loving and funny protagonist of Archie Comics that we all have read or watched or stumbled upon at least once; Archie with his best friend Jughead and his sweethearts who always give him a hard time to choose one Betty and Veronica, have had many adventures throughout the 72 years of the existence of the comic book. Endless funny stories with Riverdale's high school  principal Mr. Weatherbee, pranks and fights with Reggie Mantle and many love misunderstandings with Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge and other ladies that caught Archie's eye are a few examples of the colourful stories that make the Archie Comics. But each story must come to an end, though this time is a more dramatic. In issue 36 of "Life With Archie" we read the story of Riverdale's best known and loved redhead as he sacrifices himself to save a friend from perish; we follow Archie through the events that lead to the unfortunate event and witness the end(?) of a legend.

    With this comic book to read and the heart aching conclusion I had to face, I wore my favourite mascara and kept on reading to the end. "They're real!" by Benefit Cosmetics is the only mascara that stays on at all times, lengthens and separates the eye-lashes, and didn't smudge while I shed a tear of two while reading; this mascara proved itself a saviour in hard reading times.


    P.S. To paraphrase a well known Bauhaus lyric from "Bela Lugosi's Dead" let's honour Archie Andrews memory by exclaiming "Archie Andrew's dead, undead undead undead!"

    Posted by Unknown at 12:51 PM | Labels: , , , , , | 0 comments | |

  11. And it's the first Monday of August! Phew, we made it to August and I can say that a step closer to Autumn, sounds like heaven right now. Don't get me wrong, summer near the beach is amazing but summer in the city is okay as long as the cooling system is working in the Wayne mansion; and going after Deathstroke in the middle of the night while trying to stay alive, is not so bad with a little wind blowing.
    So, while dreaming of cooler weather let's talk about Sampling Monday results!

    Kiehl's "Midnight Recovery Concentrate" : After reading so much about this online I was sceptical about how it would work for me; fortunately my doubts were shattered! First of all, the smell of the "Midnight Recovery Concentrate" kind of reminds me of thermal water, which I like. Secondly, I applied this before my moisturiser at night and my skin really looked more healthy, fresh and even my redness was reduced. In other pros, you do not need to apply a big amount of it, a little goes a long way, and you will definitely see a change for the better.

    Maria Galland "Intensive Hydrating Creme 96" : I am a sucker for moisturisers but this one stole my heart. This is a rich, full hydrating moisturiser, ideal for dry and mixed skin-though for people with oily skin it might seem a tiny bit heavy-and great for all seasons. I quite liked how it smelled and I think that after applying it a few times, my dryness improved. Honestly, I would love this to be my next moisturiser.

    Avene "Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+" : I am surprised at how light and easily absorbed this sunscreen is! Even though this is a thick formula, again a small amount of the product will do the job and can be used as a base for your make-up. The sunscreen is white so you need to be careful not to leave any white spots and blend it well.



    This round of samples was a good one and I will definitely consider buying some full sized products from this instalment!

    P.S. Let's hear it for Monday and hope it goes great! Also, are you excited for the autumn arriving slowly?







    Posted by Unknown at 2:25 PM | Labels: , , , , , , , | 2 comments | |