» HOLIDAY SPARKLE

 
I'm in LOVE with this nail-combo; Essie's Don't Sweater It as a base with Mavala's Sparkling Gold on top  and oh my, it looks like magic! I don't own any Mavala nailpolish, so I have no idea how long it lasts and so on, but so far so good!
And excuse my horrible nails - I'm simply not gifted with gorgeous ones, haha.
 
For now, I'm going to watch a Christmas movie and drink hot tea (it's so sweet and delicious with honey - I LOVE!) - having the night off from exam-studying.
 
Have a great night!
xox,
Laila
 

» FACIAL SCRUB

This Gunry Facial Scrub is great! It's light enough to use everyday, and really exfoliates the skin.
I've tried using it everyday and it literally worked wonders! My skin never broke out during the everyday-use of it, and it left my face moisturized and soft all day. I didn't use any moisturizer.
 
Although I don't use it everyday, I seriously love this product!
 
It retails for about 39-ish SEK - which is a total bargain for what you get. They've got a range of different scrubs. I got mine from Ica Maxi (again, very glamorous).
 
The corns aren't very harsh, which is why I wasn't afraid of using it everyday. I don't normally like the very corn-y scrubs.
 
xox,
Laila
 

» COCONUT OIL

 
Ecologic virgin coconut oil is supposed to be a great beauty product. People have used it for many many years on hair, face and body - and it has worked wonders for them. 
 
Since my sister started using it a couple weeks ago as a makeup remover, and I noticed a massive difference in her skin, but never got around to use it. She swears by it!
Today, I will give it a try since my skin is acting up on me, and we'll see how that goes.
 
I will update you guys about it in a couple weeks - and I'll do the same with the banana peel.
 
 
 
Have you tried it?
xox,
Laila
 

» COCO NOIR

 
COCO NOIR is my new go-to fragrance.
 
Sandalwood and Musk are the main ingredients of all my favorite perfumes, which means that I love the mix of Sandalwood, Musk, Jasmine and Rose in COCO NOIR. It creates a very strong, dark, seductive scent. I LOVE it! 
 
Despite the perfume being more evening-appropriate, I use it day and night - that's how I obsessed I am. Although it smells insanely delicious in the bottle, it gets even better as you spray it on - and the scent remains delicious!
 
Sofistication and femininity in a bottle.
It's simply perfect, and so is the black and gold bottle - it matches my mirror perfectly!
 
 
Top notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Rose and Jasmile.
Base notes: Indonesian Patchouli, Sandalwood, White Musk and Vanilla.
 
I want this in every size!
xox,
Laila
 

» LANCÔME LE CRAYON KOHL EYELINER

 
I've never really been a kohl-liner-pencil girl; I love my gel and liquid liners.
So when I recieved this eyeliner, I didn't pay any attention to it and put it with my other not-so-appreciated-pencil-liners. 
 
Obviously - from the title of this post - that changed when I, a week ago, pulled it out to give it a try. I fell in love! 
It's smooth, blendable and easy to apply. But I wouldn't recommend applying it to your lower waterline because of the super-blendable-ness of it. I basically draw a line on my top lash line, blend it out with my finger - or a brush on those oh-I'm-so-neat-days - apply some mascara and I'm out the door (well, that's a lie since I'm hopelessly in love with concealer).
 
Bottom line is that it's one of the smoothest kohl pencils I've used; I simply love it!
Now I need to re-gain my love for eyeshadows, but that's another story.
 
 
 
It retails for about 200 SEK. 
Prices may vary.
 
xox,
Laila
 

» E.L.F.

Sephora, MAC and other high-street/high-end makeup brands are expanding and new ones are getting in, as well as E.L.F!
Considering their very low prices, I wasn't sure if I was to get their products and if they'd be as good as I'd heard. Putting my skepticism aside, I picked up a few products, and the ones above are worth to be mentioned. I love them!
 
They're easy to apply and they blend nicely. I've came to love the stipple brush so much, I can't use my other stippling-or foundation brushes. So if I was to pick one favorite 'product' out of the bunch, it would be the stipple brush. I love it!
 
You can find the products at your local Ica Maxi - very glamorous haha.
 
The packaging isn't bad either.
E.L.F Eyebrow Kit in Medium
The eyebrow kit is great for keeping my brows in place all day.
From the left: eyebrow wax, eyebrow-shadow (?) and both of them blended together. The eyebrow kit
comes in different shades. I've got the medium.
I love that it doesn't come with the useless mini-brush you typically get with a blush. Considering the 
very pale color, I use it only as a highlighter.
E.L.F Baked Blush in Pinktastic
Such a pretty color!
I mainly use the concealer for my under-eyes, and never actually use the highlighter. 
It's got a sponge applicator on both ends, which is very convenient.
From the left: Concealer, blended concealer, highlighter, blended highlighter. 
The highlighter it too glitter-y which might be why I don't really like it. The concealer is good when you're
in a hurry or don't want a heavy base.
 
Definitely check these products out!
xox,
Laila
 

» HOT GOSSIP

I went to the MAC counter the other day to pick up a concealer and ended up with this pretty lipstick too!
Since they had a 10% offer at Åhléns and since I needed a pink-ish lipstick, because too my surprise, I don't own an everyday pink lipstick, I thought I'd give this one a try. 
 
It feels very creamy on my increadibly dry lips and is the perfect pink - very buildable as well.
Although it looks very boring in the tube and nothing I'd ever notice if I were to pick up a lipstick shade without any help, it brightens up my face and pulls everything together.
 
My sister actually complimented my makeup yesterday (which is what I've worn for the past month or so) - being her, that's something huge! 
 
MAC lipstick in Hot Gossip
It's pretty and it's pink - and it brightens up my face.
 
I'm not sure if it's my absolute favorite lipstick, but it's deifinitely getting there.
xox,
Laila
 

» FLAWLESS BASE

My skin has been acting very dry and looked flaky underneath the long loved Maybelline FIT ME foundation with or without multiple layers of moisturizer. But this story has an happy ending; I stumbled upon this foundation in my sample box and went for the full version.
It's the Max Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless foundation!
 
It lasts all day, my face doesn't look flaky or shiny and I barely use any powder on top! (which might be because of the newly found dry patches on my face, but still!).
 
I don't use it as a concealer (because of my unconditional love for MAC pro longwear) and don't use
primer as often as I used to. Yes, it's that good!
 
 
I simply love it!
xox,
Laila
 

» BANANA ON MY FACE

Due to a certain skin product/brand that I won't mention the name of, my skin went out of control and I was left with blemishes. Once I regained the control of it, I was left with some scarring. 
Since I've tried a ton of products, I thought that I'd give some natural remedies a go, which explains why I'm typing this post with banana skin on my face.
 
You basically rub the peel of a banana on targeted areas of your face (on cleansed face), until the peel gets brown, and repeat a couple times a day - I'm leaving it over night.
It's supposed to fade scarring, tighten skin and fight acne - sounds too good to be true, right? It's even supposed to lighten the skin on elbows and knees! 
 
I'm giving this a go for a couple weeks and I'll see how it goes.
Now I need to plant a banana tree.
 
Quick tip: if you haven't tried rubbing the peel of a banana on your plants; give it a go and they'll shine!
Would it work for hair as well?
Picture from here.
 
xox,
Laila
 

» TOO TOO HOT ON A HOT DAY

It's not a secret that I'm in love with nailpolish..
I'm wearing 'too too hot' by Essie and a sparkly IsaDora lacquer on top.
Love love love it!

Now I'm simply waiting for spring/summer to arrive - which btw is on it's way since it's pretty hot today!


» MURAD AND YOUNGBLOOD

My skin has been behaving extremely horrible this past month or so. I've had horrible breakouts that wouldn't go away. And if they did, they would leave a scar. 
With that being said, and to make this story short, I decided that I needed a good facial. I had a facial (Murad's Acne Treatment) in August, and should've went every six weeks, but didn't - a horrible mistake!
 
So, pretty ladies, I'd recommend you to go and have your skin properly cleansed every other month, or every six weeks - I can't stress enough about the importance of it! 
 
I went to Clair Clinic today and had the same treatment I had last time, Murad's Acne Treatment. My skin is, and feels, really clean. Let's just hope that these bumps will clear up soon - I want to leave the house with no concealer! My New Year's resolution?
 
Anyhow, I got some goodies from Clair Clinic, and I'm extremely happy - yes, I get excited from getting new products, makeup, etc..
 
Let's see what's inside this bag, shall we?
Yup, many things - I only purchased the eye cream. The other products were free - because she's 
trying to get rid of some products (the testers, which btw look really really new)..
Murad Essential-C Eye Cream. I'll do a full review of this once I've tried it out (the only thing I
purchased - I feel extremely lucky!!).
Murad Pomegranate Exfoliating Mask. It's a sample that I'll try before purchasing the whole product.
Murad Skin Perfecting Primer. To use as a concealer. Again, this is a sample I'll try before purchasing
the product.
YoungBlood pressed blush in Sugar plum.
YoungBlood mineral radiance in Splendor. This one is great for giving your face a nice glow. And it
can be used as a blush since it has four different colors (whereas one can be used as highlighter).
YoungBlood creme blush in Taffeta.
Sugar Plum - gorgeous everyday color.
Tafetta - buildable blush, nice consistancy and gorgeous pink color.
Splendor - the two colors on the right side of my hand, and the shimmer-y glow on the bottom of my
hand would look great topped on another blush, or on their own, or to add a healthy glow to my face.
YoungBlood lipstick in Bliss.
YoungBlood mineral rice setting powder in Light. (To skip my everyday powder, to allow my skin to
breathe).
YoungBlood lunar dust in Sunset
Bliss. It would look great with Sugar Plum, since I like to match my lips and cheeks. 
Sunset. This product could be used as highlight or you can dust it lightly on the areas you would get 
tanned. You could also mix it with your bodylotion/bodybutter to create a nice glow for your body.
 
 
I will try these products and let you know what I think about them!
Take care of your skin, beauties ♥
xx
/Laila
 

» BEAUTY FAVORITES OF TWENTY TWELVE

As you can imagine, I've got tons and tons of favorites of the previous year - but I can't include all of them.. So I narrowed it down to my top favorites.
 
Starting off with skincare (masks, mists, etc).
the Body Shop Warming Mineral mask. This mask has been my go-to mask for almost two years! I 
love love love it. It leaves my skin very smooth and it really cleanse it. Note to myself - I need to get a new one!
Jojoba oil - which I got from Matas (or my mom did - I kind of stole it haha!). This is amazing for your skin whenever it gets too dry - it moisturizes it and somehow heals it..
the Body Shop Honey & Oat scrub mask. I don't know if I absolutely love it yet - but I really like it.
Yves Rocher - 3 Minutes mask. This one is amazing to bring with you on the plane (if you're into removing your makeup and putting on a mask - that btw doesn't have a color to it, just a slight hint of yellow that barely shows. It's increadibly moisturizing and my skin would've been destroyed from the airplane air if it wasn't for this mask.
the Body Shop - Vitamin E face mist. Increadible for setting your makeup, easy to find (in any Body Shop) and it's moisturizing.
Evian Facial Spray. I love it more than the Body Shop mist. It doesn't have any scent to it (if you hate scents on your face like I do) and it feels amazing on your skin. I can't talk (or write) enough about it!.
THE best thing for your lips, eyelashes, undereye-area, face, hands, dry patches, etc etc. This little
guy is the BEST thing you could ever stumble upon.. Mine is from the UAE, but you can find Vaseline in
Sweden too (and any other country, as far as I know).
Now this is the only "real"/everyday skincare I've included, since I haven't found a skincare that's 
suitable for my skin yet.. It really reduces acne. You basically just pop it on a spot (I do that before going
to sleep), and you wake up with a very reduced spot - amazing!
I've got two favorite foundations and three favorite concealers..
Max Factor - Experience foundation. It doesn't break me out, it has perfect, medium to high, coverage
and a dewy finish. Need I say more?
the Body Shop Extra Virgin Minerals foundation. It's perfect for everyday basis. But keep in mind that
it doesn't come in many shades.. If you've got really really pale skin, you will not find a suitable shade
since I've got the lightest shade of it (102), and I'm not that pale..
L´ORÉAL Touche Magique concealer. Perfect for the undereye area.
MAC Pro longwear concealer. It's perfect for oily/combination skin. It's longwear, so it stays put all
day! I simply love love love this concealer.
Yves RocherUndereye concealer. Let's face it; we all have those days when we hardly get any sleep, 
and face the consequenses the next day - horrible undereye circles.. And this concealer does magic to
that, with the only downside that it might crease during the day..
Maybelline Fit Me powder. Is great and doesn't break me out (I've got really sensitive skin), which
makes it even more great. AND it doesn't look cake-y on your skin.
MACMinerelized skinfinish. I love the finish of this powder. It looks really nice and smooth on the skin
and it provides a nice coverage. But, I think that it might be breaking me out. So if you've got really 
sensitive skin - be really careful witht this product.
the Body Shop Bronzer. The best bronzer ever! I love it. It's great as a contour, blush, bronzer. It
gives you the perfect glow AND it doesn't have any shimmer to it - it's completely matte. Which I love.
This lovely pink, shimmery blush is the perfect pink blush. It's by Chanel in a shade I can't really make 
out (and I've ruined the lid).
My all time favorite eyeshadows.
IsaDora  50 Matte Chocolates. I've used this palette - more or less - every single day since the end
of 2011. It's got the perfect colors to fill your eyebrows and the perfect everyday colors (if you're into
brown shades).
Nivea Pure Diamond eyeshadow. I'ts one of the first eyeshadows I got (when I started getting into
makeup), and I really love the white shimmery shadow. It's the perfect highlight color (for your
cheekbones, browbones, etc).
Stargazer Black eyeshadow. It's the most pigmented black eyeshadow I've ever tried.. I got it from a
punk/rock shop because I wanted a really really black eyeshadow. And I absolutely love it!
Maybelline Color Tattoo in On and On Bronze. It's easy to use, it doesn't crease, it's buildable..
 
 
IsaDora Build-up Volume mascara. I've got pretty long eyelashes, but hardly any volume; which
makes this mascara perfect for me. I just love it!
Maybelline Gel liner. It's easy to use, it doesn't smudge and it's really black!
L´ORÉAL Volume Million Lashes. This one is in brown.. I was obsessed with brown mascara during 
summer, so everytime I go for a really 'natural' look, I reach for this mascara. It's really nice - and I might
get it in black too.
This last eye-product might freak you out. Even I freaked out when I realized how much I liked it!
It's the H&M - Pure White eyeliner. I use it in the innercorner of my eyes, my waterline (sometimes) and
on my browbone. I never thought I'd use an H&M product - since you really don't know what they've got
in it. But so far, so good. AND it stays put!
Dior DiorKiss lipgloss in Candy Apple. It's actually my sisters, but I LOVE the color. The product is
somewhat too sticky though - but overall, it stays on and I really like it!
MNY (Maybelline limited edition) - lipgloss in 150A (weird name). It isn't sticky and doesn't feel clumpy
on my lips - which makes it perfect. And the color is absolutely gorgeous.
IsaDora - lipstick in 124. My go-to everyday lipstick. The shade is slightly more pink than my natural 
lipcolor, which makes it the perfect 'nude' lipcolor (?).
Sephora - 3 in 1 Perfecting Basecoat. It's magic (almost). It makes the nailpolish go on smoother, and
it keeps it on longer - without chipping.
Essie Miss Fancy Pants. I like nude nails - and very simple, soft colors (most of the time). And this
color is the perfect beige-nude color. And it stays on for days (about 4-5 days) - and it only needs one
layer since it's increadibly pigmented!
IsaDora Wonder Nail in Creamy Nude. I really like the pink-nude color, it's easy to apply, stays on 
for days and it dries really quickly. But the downside of it is that you need several coats (about 3 coats)..
My current favorite perfume..
Swiss Arabian - Marhaba Million. No, it's not a dupe for One Million or Lady Million. This one is 
very very unique since I've never seen a similar perfume.. It can only be found in the UAE (and gulf 
countries - as far as I know).. It's very spicy - if you like spicy scents. And if you don't like sweet scents,
this one's for you!
I would compare the scent to Intimately Beckham by David and Victoria Beckham.. But Marhaba 
Million is more of an evening scent compared to Intimately Beckham.
Hairproducts!
got2b - Guardian Angel heat protection. We all need to protect our hair when heatstyling it! And I love
this product - and the scent.
L´ORÉALHot Curl. It's a heat protection and it keeps your curls last longer (when curling it). For 
someone that constantly curls their hair, I'd recommend trying this product - I simply love it.
Goldwell Leave in Spray. If you've got thick, long, "tangly" hair like me - you will LOVE this product.
You can actually brush your hair after using it (after showering), and it leaves it feeling soft and nice.
I need a new bottle of it..
 
 
Do you guys have any beauty favorites of 2012?
xx
/Laila
 

» EVERYTHING PBP

I've been loving everything plum/burgundy/purple lately. And I've been collecting a couple products from every category to get the "perfect plum/burgungy/purple" look. Let's call it the PBP (making up some words that will never be used again - I'm such a cooling haha).
 
 
These colors look very similar in the picture, but in reality the Maybelline one is darker and the Essie
one has more purple in it. Maybelline (limited edition) in 552 and Essie in Recessionista.
 
I got this lovely thing two days ago, and IF I love it?! I'm obsessed! It can be worn as a stain or as a full
on lipstick. Sephora Crush.
 
When I got this eyeshadow many many months ago, I never wore it and was regretting buying it. BUT
now, with this recent obsession of mine, it's a staple (kind of). Maybelline (limited edition) - 337. (And I
must say that I like names, and not numbers, on products - it's easier to remember!).
 
I love love love this blush. It's a PBP color and has a nice sheen to it. I'd say it's more of a satin finish 
since it's definetely not shimmery. Maybelline (limited edition) - 501.
 
Now this product is a must. It's matte - which means that you can use it everyday (if you're not into
shimmery products - but I personally don't mind if I look like a discoball haha). MACFever.
 
And some swatches. Left to right - Maybelline 337 eyeshadow, MAC blush in FeverMaybelline blush
in 501 and Sephora lipstick in Crush.
 
Do you guys have any favorite color this winter?
xx
/L
 

» FIGURING OUT THE HYPE

Since I'm practically 'free' from uni this week (except for tomorrow and because I've done all my labs), I've been chilling around the house in cute dresses (not joking). But slouching around the house, studying, and not going out to do anything fun can be a bit depressing.. So a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do (LOL) - aka shopping. Or should I say "shopping".. There's only garbage in every store, nothing nice, nothing wearable, nothing interesting or new.. 
 
BUT, makeup and nailpolishes are ALWAYS nice! So I got myself three Essie polishes to figure out the hype people have been obsessing about!
 
RecessionistaStylenomics and Don't Sweater It.
 
Will try them out and review them!
Have you tried an Essie polish? What do you think?
xx
/L

» NOT ONLY VAMPIRES SPARKLE..

..or I might be one?!
 
Twilight fever, everyone. It's kicking in! 
Sparkling vampires, gorgeous faces, love stories - get into the vampy-twilight-spirit with glitter nails!
 
I love, love love sparkly mani!
A nail trend I've been loving is to paint the ringfinger another color! (Or in this case; a shade darker - that 
isn't shown very well in the picture..).
 
I'm wearing;
IsaDora wonder nail in North Star (749) - on most of my nails.
MaxFactor mini nail polish in Silver (20) - on my ring fingers.
 
I love the IsaDora wonder nail - nailpolishes. They don't chip after a day (like other nailpolishes that I won't even mention..). I've had this nailpolish on for three days - and so far it's all good!
 
I might review the IsaDora polishes - since I love them!
xx
/L

» GET THE LOOK - OLIVIA PALERMO

If there is someone I am inspired by - makeup wise - it is Olivia Palermo. Her makeup is always perfectly flawless and gorgeous. It is dewy, but yet covering. So I thought I'd put together a get-the-look post.
 
 
 
Get the look - Olivia Palermo
 
Get the look - Olivia Palermo by llalila featuring a shimmer eyeshadow

 

 

» THETRUTHABOUT CONCEALER

Concealer is one of the makeup items that I believe is worth splurging on. Why? It can be worn without foundation, and it should be long lasting and give you a medium-full cover without looking like you've caked on ten layers of makeup.. Because that can be gross..
.
I haven't tried that many concealers, but from the ones that I've tried I learned that MAC have amazing ones. They are long lasting and gives me the exact amount of coverage that I seek for - I don't really have active acne (thanks to my skincare) to cover, which is the reason (one of the reasons) for my being so happy!
.
.
The first one in the picture is the L´ORÉAL Touche Magique (I believe that it's the name of it). I accidentally got a color that was a couple shades lighter than my skin, which is the reason why I used it for my under eye area (I think that it is supposed to be used as an under eye concealer..), and I liked the bright look it gave me. But, as you guys know, products tend to reach an end.. and the reason for why I am keeping an empty concealer is that if I ever want to get it again (when I remember to), I will know what color I am! 
.
The second one is actually a foundation, not a concealer - as the sales lady told me.. (I still don't know why I didn't read the label.. it says "foundation"). Anyhow, it's by Viva la Diva. It's not long lasting and it is way too creamy. It made my face look oily and greasy and I completely hate that product! Good thing that my sister loves it - I don't have to throw it! I like that Viva la Diva is much cheaper than other brands - so you can look great while being in an economy crisis..
.
The third one is the MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer and I have already written a post about it. Click here to read the story behind it. Anyway, I think that the product is OK. It is a bit greasy, but it has a very full coverage. You have to learn how to handle it since it can crease sometimes. Overall I like it, but I don't love it. I don't think that I will re-purchase it.
.
The fourth one is also by MAC and it is my all time favourite, the Pro Longwear concealer. That product is perfect. It doesn't comes off - pro longwear - and it gives you a very natural look. You can use it by itself, with a little bit of mineral powder and you're ready to go. I actually got a new one today since I'm out of mine and I can't wait to use it tomorrow! 
.
The last one is by Yves Rocher and it's their under eye concealer. I love to use this product under my eye area (I used to dislike it, but I started using it when I had used every single drop of the L´ORÉAL Touche Magique one. And I fell for it. It can crease if you don't blend it well, and it can be a bit dry. Overall, I think that it's really good.
.
What's your favourite concealer?
 
 
 

» HOW TO BRIGHTEN UP THE DAY

If you've been studying for many days in a row, without even leaving the house, you know what I mean by saying that you feel very gloomy and run from the mirror because of the tired eyes and pale skin..

I have some tips on how to feel and look alive again, using a bronzer and eyeliner..

1. Wash your hair and put on a hairmask. I usually like to get a hair mask that "goes with my shampo and conditioner"

2. Put a face mask on - after you've cleansed your skin.. I like the "one use" face masks from Kicks; the little packs that you usually use one time - or two, depends on how much you use.

3. Do something with your hair - don't leave it in the typical "home-bun".

4. CONCEALER - use concealer under your eye area. Because you are doing this, but not going out, I prefer to use a "roll on" under eye concealer - since it's not as heavy as "actual" concealer.

5. Sweep a bronzer all over your face but focus on your cheekbones - we are not contouring - chin, eyelids, temples and nose.

6. Frame those eyes! Use a black, liquid liner and frame your eyes - you can wing it out if you like!

7. Fill in your brows.. I don't like the look of eyeliner and non-filled brows - but that's just me.

8. Put on a lipstick! Or your favourite lipbalm.

After doing all these steps, I feel a lot better and can go back to study!
Don't forget to change your sweatpants to leggings and a tunic - comfortable, but not too "home-y", if you know what I mean.

xx

» MY FAVORITE BLUSH

I've had this blush for almost 6 months now (more or less) and I stopped using it during winter.. I thought it was "too bright", and prefered darker colors - like plum.

With a brighter weather and spring-fever, I started to use it again! And I really like the consistency of it - it's not dry, as some blushes tend to be, it doesn't make your skin flakey or anything. It's very light and goes on pretty sheer, which is good since we don't want to look like clowns now, do we?


It's from Chanel and it's called something rose - I believe. I swapped it on my hand to show it to you,
and my hand ended up looking huuuuge haha!

What's your favorite blush?

» HOW TO?

I've been trying out different makeup looks for graduation, and I think that I finally came up with "the perfect graduation look".
I'm very excited about it and thought I'd ask you guys if you want me to "show it" to you or if you think that tutorials are boring?


Here are the products that I'm going to use.

A more detailed post about some of them will be up soooon!
xx


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