Why do you wear makeup - TAG

Hello Muggles,

a few days ago the beautiful Megan from Wonderful You  did the "Why do you wear makeup"-TAG and I thought it was interesting, so here we go...

 
1. When did you begin to love makeup? 

This is actually not that easy to answer. When I was about 12 I really loved clear lipgloss - and I wore like the whole content of one lipgloss tupe on my lips every day. xD

With about 14/15 I went through quite a bad "emo" phase (but fortunately it was new to everyone, so I was the only person to look like this... people didn't make fun of me then because they we're probably scared, which would have been a whole different thing if I started 1 / 2 year(s) later xD) and I used to wear red lipstick and a lot of black liner around my eyes... yes, you read right: lipstick around the eyes. This and black liner were actually the only two make-up items I owned. This is embarassing? Why do I even tell you? :'D

Since December 2011 I'm discovering the make up world again and from a very different point. I started to watch Youtube videos and think more about what make up is really about. I'm not super into it but I'm interested and yeah... so long story short: I'm not immensly in love with make up but interested.

2. How do you feel without makeup?

I'm glad to say that I'm fine without makeup! :)

3. What do you like about makeup? 

I like the fact that makeup can underline your natural beauty. Most women probably don't wear makeup to do this but to make themselves look totally different - however in my opinion this is not the point.

I also really enjoy makeup as being a form of art. Take the girls from "pixiwoo" for example; they do the greatest things with makeup and this could definitely be considered as art.

4. Three 'Holy Grail' Items: 

1) Mascara - the classic.

I think the nice thing about mascara is that it really just underlines or highlights what you've already got. Everyone has lashes but some people (like me -.-) don't like their own lashes to be short, straight and light but a little bit more "out there". What I personally love about mascara is that it always makes you look a little bit more feminine, which I go for because I'm almost a little tomboy otherwise. :D

The one I use at the moment is the ASTOR Volume Artist Modelling Mousse in Waterproof - 800 Black. 

If you know any black, waterproof drugstore mascara, which gives you lots of volume: let me know, please! :)

2) Lipstick  / Lipbalms

I love red-, berry- and plum-toned lipsticks and tinted lipbalms.

The Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus is a perfect "your lips but better" product for me. It just highlights my natural lip colour, which I love, plus it is super nurturing!

3) Brow Pencil

My brows are not very full and defined, so I help along with a eyebrow pencil.

Currently I'm using the Catrice Eye Brow Stylist in 020 Date With Ashton, which is a very affordable pencil in the perfect shade for my eyebrows.

I did a whole eyebrow related post some time ago, which you can check out here .

***

That was it for the "Why do you wear Makeup" TAG.

If you want to do this TAG on your blog as well, feel free to do so and leave me a comment, so I can read it. :)

However, I would also like to tag some people:

        Lauren from "A Lauren to Herself"

Anna from "And This Little Piggy"

Amie from "Belle-amie"

Amy from "Brighter Shade of Pale"

Megan from "British Beauty Geek"

Hannah Justyne

Becky from "Rose Petals"

Sophie from "Sophie Rose Hearts"

Hayley from "Water Painted Dreams"

Have a lovely day and see you next time,

Hermione

Giveaways & UPDATE

Hello Muggles,

first I would like to draw the attention to some amazing giveaways from other people. :)

1) And This Little Piggy 

Anna from "And this little piggy" does an international giveaway at the moment (IT ENDS TOMORROW!).

You can win the Korres Lip Butter in Jasmine and the Soap and Glory Handfood, which are two products I would absolutely LOVE to finally try out!

Click on Anna's blog name to get to the giveaway-post and good luck to you all! :)

 2) Milk Bubble Tea

Next, there is a big giveaway on Becky's blog. It is international as well and you can win

 a vanilla creme brûlée body wash, dairy milk oreo, two essie luxe polishes, soap & glory mini hand food and mini body scrub. 

How cool is that? :)  Click on Becky's blog name and enter! :)

3) Hannah Justyne 

Here comes another suuuper amazing giveaway. You can win a MAC LIPSTICK OF YOUR CHOICE, which is just the perfect idea for a giveaway, I think!

Click on Hannah Justyne's blog name to get to her side and make sure you enter as it is international again! :)

4) the lovecats inc 

And here we go with the biggest giveaway! You can win 30 beauty products in all shapes and sizes. Definitely check out Hannah's blog if you're interested in a huuuge international giveaway! :)

Okay, that's it for the giveaways.

If you know any other international ones, you can let us all know in the comment-section down below! :)

***

Now, here comes the little update on a more personal basis.

I started University about 3 weeks ago and I really didn't expect it to be soo busy and stressful.

I don't really have that many hours of actual classes but getting to Cologne (where I study) and back takes a lot of time and I'm also working. This is why I might be a little more absent but I try to write as many blogposts as possible in advance if I have some time!

 So, now I need your help! I would REALLY LOVE to hear something from you - what would you like to read about / what should I write about? I always enjoy TAGs, so if you do one you can always tag me. :) I also tried out to film a Youtube-Video yesterday and it worked quite well, so I hope that I can do videos, as well, soon.

Have a lovely day and don't forget to leave a comment.

If you're reading this without being a subscriber than make sure you click on the little "Join this site" button on the right, IF you enjoyed my blog. It is totally free and just tells you when I uploaded something new. :) :)

See you next time,

Hermione 

Follow me on Twitter: @HermioneG7 

            

 

Collective HAUL

Hello Muggles,

as my university time began and I got some more money to spend then before I took a little too much advantage of it and got myself some tiny treats. 

The first things I got are from a German drugstore called "Rossmann" and it actually was my first time buying something there because there is no store in my hometown. Last week I had the pleasure of waiting for more than 2 hours for my next uni-course, so I went shopping... bad, bad thing if you knew that there are going to be 2 hours of waiting every week for me. :'D

I got some Cleansing Wipes by lilibe, which is Rossmann's own-label. There's not much to say about these ones. Mine are almost gone, so I had to get a new packet anyway.
Next there is a hair treatment from GLISS KUR and on the packaging it promises to make your brittle hair silky. I used it twice already and there's still a lot of product in it. I have to mention the scent because it's amaaaazing - it smells delicious! 
I love Cherry Coke but I usually only drink one bottle per year because I'm more of a water and juice drinker and I don't want to support Coca Cola in general BUT I had to get the Cherry Coke Lip Smacker. I already feel kind of bad about it but it's so yummy. :D It really smells and tastes like Cherry Coke and it makes your lips slightly more read, which I like. :)
Last but not least beauty-wise is a nail polish by Catrice in the colour C02 Holly Rose Wood. If you knew me, you would call me crazy for buying a nail polish when I actually NEVER do my nails... and I can only agree with you. xD I applied it one time though...

The colour is BEAUTIFUL, I think. It's a mixture of red and pink, which is absolutely my favourite colour and this is why I will use this nail polish anyways... not on my nails though. :'D I already painted the little zipper-things on my bag-pack with it and it looks lovely. :D

Here goes the H&M section. :) I got some bargains.
First, there are those ultra cool skeleton gloves. I already got one pair about 6 years ago and I loved them so much; when I went shopping with my boyfriend I saw them at the counter and did the puppy eye look, which I usually never do, and so my boyfriend got them for me. :)
Rather boring is another pair of black skinny jeans - it's just a wardrobe must-have for me and they were only 9,95 €.
Last but not least there is a floral skater dress. Just THE autumn clothe essential... NOT! xD I had to buy it because I think it's very pretty and it was only 4,95 €, so who would have said no? :')

The last thing I got are these winter-boots, which are my first boots ever to be honest. When winter slowly came closer I just always went for Skate-High-Vans in the past but this time I wanted boots and I found this pair on ebay. I was going to order some UGG-Boots but the original ones are faaaar too expensive for me and when looking for a cheaper pair I stumbled about the ones I bought in the end. As you can see they have this typical winter pattern (, which I consider as very pretty :)) and bobbles. Because of the super soft and thick lining they are very warm and perfect for the colder days that I would like to cross out of the calendar. ;)
What else is there to say? Oh yeah, they have a heel! It's exactly 2 cm and too much for me. xD No, just kidding - it is strange because I feel like I'm huuuge, even though I'm just 2 cm's taller.^^ 
I already used them, so they look to that effect. I actually don't know how and why people always make their shoes look brand-new but mine always look pretty worn after the first day. xD

By the way: During photo-sessions in my floor little Baylie-Baby wanted to say "Hello Muggles" as well. :) This is actually the first picture EVER I took of her looking into the camera. She usually avoids this. :D


Okay, that's it for today. I hope you enjoyed it.

Leave a comment if you have anything to say. :D

...Oh, and do you know that I have a Twitter-Account? No? Than click HERE and make me happy by following! :)

Lots of love and see you next time,
Hermione

Just a short "Hello Muggles" :)

Hello Muggles,

I'm sorry that I'm not this present at the moment but University started this week and it's CRAZY! There is so much to do and learn already + many kids want me to teach them English and German in my precious free time. :D

I just wanted to let you know that there won't be another school tip today but I promise to upload it as soon as possible! :)

I also wanted to tell you about a huuuuuuge and super exciting giveaway by the lovely Helen of thelovecatsinc.com! Just click here or on Helens Blogs name to get there and check it out - as it's worldwide everyone of you has a chance to win those beautiful beauty items! :)

That's it for now.

I hope you have a LOVELY day! :)

See you next time,

Hermione

My first Beauty-Box (PINK BOX)

Hello Muggles,

I read so many posts about several beauty boxes and watched way too many Youtube videos of people unpacking them, so after I got my first salary (after starting to work in a tutoring center - so you know that it's not that much, if you ever worked there^^) I decided to order my first beauty box ever.

I know that Glossybox is something you know in many countries and I actually wanted this one as well but after seeing many people being disappointed I chose a German alternative: The Pink Box. :)

Just to give you some facts: I paid 12,95 € (about 10 British Pounds) and got five full size products, one sample and one magazine.  

I think, as far as this goes, that's pretty good! :)

The Pink Box looks simliar to other beauty boxes. You got the box itself, the products are wrapped in this little paper and bow and there is a card, which tells you everything about the things you got. The magazine and one of the full size products weren't in the actual box but in the bigger parcel.

Here are the products I got:

FA Luxurious Moments Shower Gel (Full size -> 250ml / 1,49 €)

FA Luxurious Moments Deodorant (Full size -> 150ml / 1,49 €)

GLISS KUR Marrakesh Oil & Coconut 1-Minute Intensive Deep Conditioner (Full size -> 200ml / 3,99 €)

GLISS KUR Marrakesh Oil & Coconut Shampoo (Sample of 50ml -> 250ml / 2,79 €)

CATHERINE nail file "Pretty in Pink" (Full size -> 3,00 €)

E.l.f. Plumping Lip Glaze (Full size -> 1,8g / 1,79€)
Petra Magazine (2,60€)

Quite a decent amount of products right? After paying 12,95 € I got things worth about 15 €, which is fine. :)

Until now I just tested the e.l.f. Lip Glaze, which is in deed the first lip gloss I used for at least 7 years, and I quite like it. I love the very creamy and thick consistency and the taste of peppermint is another plus point. The colour is okay - I wouldn't have chosen it though but I guess this is the nice part of a beauty box.

Okay, if you would like me to write a review about any of these products (except for the nail file because I really won't use this at all :'D) let me know in the comment section!

Do you know the Pink Box? Or are you subscribed to any other beauty boxes?

See you next time,
Hermione 

Mini Beauty Haul & Review

Hello Muggles,

in the last two weeks I bought two lipsticks and a mascara and I thought of telling you about it. :) 

Because my camera wasn't working I couldn't take pictures before, so this is why I used all items quite a lot already and can make reviews as well.

I bought both Astor products very early in the morning when my train has been cancelled about two weeks ago. My thoughts when I entered the drugstore were something like: "I definitely need a new waterproof mascara and I will buy the Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express one because I read good things about it." Standing in front of it, I figured that I didn't like the brush - so screw all the research, which should have helped me finding the perfect mascara and go for one you don't know anything about. :D

This is what I did and I ended up buying the Astor Waterproof Volume Artist in 800 Black.

As you can see it has quite a small wand but I prefer those one to the huge ones because they often already look clumpy and clumpy eyelashes is definitely something I want to avoid. ;)

I'm a little disappointed with the volume the mascara gives - because it's not that noticeable - but it's a nice mascara to wear everyday. It makes your lashes look more black and defined (I know it's a black mascara and of course it makes your lashes look black but my lashes are quite fair and I already saw mascara that looked a little "dusty").

On this day I also bought an Astor Lipstick in "123 - Rose Attraction"

I think the colour could be described as a blue-toned purpely pink. :D It is shimmery but I'm sure it will look very nice in winter because it's quite a cold colour.

At the beginning of this week I went to the drugstore to buy ear-plugs for a concert... and I went out with buying another lipstick and forgot the ear-plugs. :'D

I got the p2 Pure color lipstick in "101 - Rue de Rivoli".

I already mentioned it in my "Tops & Flops (September)" post because I'm totally in love with dark lipsticks. :) I think this one is a very nice autumn colour and a perfect mixture of a dark cherry-red and plum. As much as I love the colour, I have to confess that the lipstick itself is not that overwhelming. As you can maybe see on the picture above it is very pigmented but the colour tends to be blurry and not 100% perfect. This is probably why I got it for 1,95 Euro. :') 

Nevertheless, you can work with it! I will do a post about how to work with beauty products that are not perfect but for now all I do is to apply it with my fingers and put some lip balm on top because it is too dry for me.

As long as I'll not be able to buy MAC lipsticks or anything like that I will like it - it kind of became my favourite thing to wear on my lips. :)

Another product I forgot to include at the top photo is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2in1 Wash Mask.

When people ask me what skintype I have I always answer with "Dry!" but actually I found out that it's slightly more a combination-thing. It doesn't make any sense but my forehead is extremely dry and has some oily parts too... I don't know.
Well, nevertheless, the Neutrogena Visibly Clear helps to calm my skin in general. It removes the flakes from my dry parts and helps the rest of my forehead to not become too oily.
Works for me and I'm fine with the product! :)

*** 

I hope you enjoyed this tiny haul.

Comments are appreciated as always. :)

See you next time, 

Hermione

Tops & Flops (September)

Hello Muggles,

September has already come to an end and I thought of telling you what I liked and disliked. :)

TOP:

1) Danisnotonfire

If you could see me writing you would know how red my cheeks are right now. :') 

I'm turning into a creepy girly-girl when thinking about Dan from danisnotonfire 

I don't watch his videos because he's handsome as hell (oh yeah, we all know it's true - you know it's true, Dan) - although this probably is the reason why I watch so many of them - BUT he's just the funniest guy ever and he makes me laugh every single second - pure entertainment especially in the grey days of autumn that are to come! :)

Watch his videos, if you like a good laugh... and you can handle the handsomeness. ;D

(I also love AmazingPhil, of course! Rawr!)

2) Essiebutton

Let me just talk about Youtubers at once. You probably already know how much I adore Estée from essiebutton but I can't get enough of watching her videos. :) She is hilarious and entertaining like no other and you just have to watch the video I put up below - especially the end will demonstrate you why I'm so in love with her. :D

3) Books ("The Future of us")

As "books" is quite a lame headline for something I liked this month (because I didn't just like books in September...) I added one of the novels I read, which was "The Future of us" by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. I read within 24 hours because it's just very easy to read and to be honest I had a lot of time and fun reading it so it was ticked of very fast. I will do a more detailed review about it because it's one of the few books I read in the last couple of months that is actually written in English - so everyone of you should be able to read it, which makes the whole thing of writing / reading a review more interesting! ;)
Other books I read were "Log Out" by Sylvia Witt and Oliver Uschmann, "Das Portal" by Elke Pistor (which I didn't like), "Der Krähenturm" by Kerstin Pflieger and last but definitely not least: "Solange die Nachtigall singt" by Antonia Michaelis!
I also finished the "Jane Eyre" audiobook - which I loved! :)


 

4) Dark red / Plum lipstick

Picture by P2 - I bought the middle one (Rue de Rivoli)

 

This is probably mostly autumn inspired but I love darker lipsticks on other people and so I bought my first really dark one, which you will also see in an upcoming collective haul very soon. :)

My favourite look for autumn is wearing a dark lip and only mascara on your eyes - no eyeshadow or anything else that diverts from your lipstick.

There`s a quite interesting "Dos and Don'ts of Dark Lipsticks" on the Glamour page. Just click here to check it out. :)

  ***

FLOP:

1) The Hunger Games (Film)

Picture by mmm-mag.com

Okay, I know that it's not nice to talk about anything in a bad way but I'm just being honest here and I don't want everything to be perfectly good every time because it just isn't. 

After this short disclaimer I would like to talk about how disappointed I am about "The Hunger Games". This film is SO hyped and everyone I know watched it in the cinema and liked it so I wanted to have a look myself. Here's the truth: I watched 30 minutes! That's it.

Firstly, the camera was driving me insane.

Secondly, I think the actors aren't good and convincing at all - worst of all: Liam Hemsworth! I just didn't believe him. He was like thrown in there like anyone told him: "Just be the "pretty" friend of Katniss, don't show any personality:" o.o

Thirdly, the animations. How can a film, which was this expensive have animations that look like in Blue's Clues? 

And in the end: I felt sooo bad watching! I literally felt like one of those crazy people in the Hunger Games world that watches the Hunger Games in TV or something. I couldn't deal with that and felt so bad after thirty minutes that I decided to end my Hunger Games experience there. 

Maybe I will read the books but probably the topic in general is not for me.

Don't be mean with me because I'm just talking about my opinion and if you liked the film than why shouldn't that be okay? Hurray for you. ;)

2) Learning Latin in 3 weeks

Yes, it's as stupid as it sounds. Because I'm about to do "English Studies" in university I have to learn Latin. It's not enough that I already did 4 years of French and 3 years of Italian - no, it has to be Latin, as well! -.-
The genious I am, I decided to do two crash courses for three weeks each. I finished the first one last week and should be able to know about 600 words and a million forms of grammar. Sad story is I am not. So the plan for the following 11 months is to do revision all the time. Hopefully that will work because there is an Latin exam to come next year... and I have to pass! 
Hurray to the future. ;D




 3) Bye, bye summer - hello autumn

Picture by wallpaperzzz.com

As romantic as this autumn picture might look like... I don't like it. I'm surprised how many Youtubers and Bloggers adore this time of a year - but they mostly said they like it because of the fashion... I also like autumn fashion but I fancy warm and sunny days anyway. :'D
I don't know how to survive winter yet... -.-
xD


***


Okay, I think that's enough for now. I hope you enjoyed it.

Please let me know what your September top and flops are or link your own blog in the comment section down below! :)

See you next time,
Hermione