'Nude Love', Essence Longlasting Lipstick - Swatch And Review

I'm not in love with this one, the shade is too light for me, and it settles in the fine lines of my lips.

Type of product: Lipstick (creamy texture)
Brand: essence
Product name: Longlasting Lipstick, no.11, 'Nude Love'
Price: 20 kn
Where to purchase: Essence stands in DM, Kozmo, Muller
Rating: 3/10
Would I repurchase: Nope.
How to use: I only apply a little and then dab it with a finger - this is the only way this product makes me happy.
My opinion: I'm not feeling this product because it's just too light on me - on my lips it looks frosty bright pink. Also, it emphasizes the dry parts of the lips, and settles in the fine lines. So it does not look good. The product has a bad taste (like soap). This shade is not long lasting - two hours tops. The creamy texture makes it easy to apply, and easy to wipe off/ fix mistakes. I wouldn't say this lipstick is 'nude', it's more 'bright', as in a bright pink an ice princess might wear.
Conclusion: Meeeh, I'm not feeling it.
This product is for you if: If you like very light (almost white-pink) shades in a creamy texture.
You should avoid this product if: If you don't like lip products that make your lips appear lighter than your skin.
Swatches: Swatches are on the photos below, but on my lips it looks frosty bright pink, on someone else's lips it look nude. I'd say the true color would be a little lighter than the shade on the sticker.
Links: My reviews of two other shades from this line: Colour Crush and Love Me.
Comparison post: HERE
Nail look featured in this post: HERE

What is your opinion on this line of lipsticks? I don't think I'm interested in any other shades, but I will see what they have to offer in the future. Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to follow me and comment.

Love, Jelena

'Love Me', Essence Longlasting Lipstick - Swatch And Review

Meet my favorite lipstick from this range - it's a semi-sheer (gentle) bright pink lipstick. A great every-day product.

Type of product: Lipstick (creamy texture, semi-sheer colour)
Brand: essence
Product name: Longlasting Lipstick, no.13, 'Love Me'
Price: 20 kn (around 3 euro)
Where to purchase: Muller, DM, Kozmo
Rating: 8/10
Would I repurchase: If I lost it, I'd probably go back and get it. It's my go-to every day product.
My opinion: This product does have a smell/taste to it that I do not enjoy (tastes like soap). The strange chemical smell is not the most pleasant thing to sense, but you do get used to it. Despite the fact these lipsticks are advertised as long lasting, in reality they are not - if you drink and eat, they will be wiped off your lips, but I'd say they last me 2-3 hours on average. Application is a dream with all the lipsticks from this range - they simply glide over your lips. Also, you decide how much you want to put on - do you want to apply a thin layer or a thick one. I like this shade better than 'Colour Crush' - this one is not so intense. This shade is a light bright pink, so it's not a in-your-face pop of colour (but you still get color, it's not a nude shade). It's great for everyday and gives my lips a nice pink glow. The texture is not matte, it's more of a shiny lipstick, and it does not dry out my lips.
This product is for you if: If you need a lipstick that will give you bright rosy/pink lips, and is convenient to use in a hurry.
You should avoid this product if: If you're not into pink lips, or if you want a nude-rosy pink lipstick, because this shade can be a little bright-pink (depending on how much you apply).
Swatches: Swatches are below, I tried to get you some photos in the shade, some in the sun. The thing is, this product looks so different depending on how much of it you apply, and also what shade your lips are (because it's a little sheer).

Links: HERE you can read my review of 'Colour Crush',a lipstick from this range.
Comparison post: HERE

Ingredients: RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) SEED OIL, ethylhexyl palmitate, polybutene, octyldodecanol, CANDELILLA (EUPHORBIA CERIFERA) WAX, polyethylene, mica, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-TBUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), BENZYL ALCOHOL, May contain: CI 15850 (RED 6/RED 7 lake), CI 42090 (BLUE 1 lake), CI 45410 (RED 28 lake), ci 77491, ci 77492 (iron oxides), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE).

This lipstick was added to the range this spring, so it wasn't available from the start. I've noticed this particular shade happens to be sold out in most stores I've looked into, so I guess some of you already have it. Do you like it? I'd love to hear your opinion. Anyways, thanks for stopping by, don't forget to follow me.

love, Jelena

Another Week of Traveling ...

This week we continue our tour the fifty states of the US ... 

a tour you can begin and end in the comfort of your own abode 

... no transportation needed!

American Made Brand fabrics ... 

not just a name, but a fact.

These cottons fabrics are grown and made in America.

Seriously!  

50 colors too ... how cool is that???

Don't take just my word for it ... go to

American Made Brand's website

to read their story here.

This week's AMB schedule:

Day	Date	State	Blog
Day 6	26-May	New York	Quilts from my Crayon Box
	26-May	North Carolina	A Stitch in Time
Day 7	27-May	Rhode Island	Seaside Stitches
	27-May	Vermont	Quilter in Motion
Day 8	28-May	Kentucky	Simply Sandy
	28-May	Tennessee	Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Day 9	29-May	Ohio	Olive and Ollie
	29-May	Louisiana	Fleur de Lis Quilts
Day 10	30-May	Indiana	No Hats in the House
	30-May	Mississippi	Life as a Quilter

Week One of AMB schedule:

DAY	DATE	STATE	BLOG
Day 1	19-May	Delaware	Blue Striped Room
	19-May	Pennsylvania	Cherry Lynch Quilts
Day 2	20-May	Georgia	Butterfly Threads Quilting
	20-May	Idaho	Taffy Talk
Day 3	21-May	Alabama	GreenQuilts
	21-May	Massachusetts	A Quilting Jewel
Day 4	22-May	Maryland	Spring Water Designs
	22-May	South Carolina	The Crafty Quilter’s Closet
Day 5	23-May	New Hampshire	Park Hill Farm
	23-May	Virginia	Pat Sloan’s Blog

However, if you want to, you can get

the complete schedule by visiting 

American Made Brand's schedule page

by following the link button

 on the right side of my blog.

At each stop on the tour, explore how each designer re-interprets their 12″ x 6″ state license plate in a finished quilt block of the same size and sign-up for giveaways of American Made Brand fabric.  You’ll find all types of blocks – truly something for everyone! You are going to want to collect them all.

See you along the highway!

Nail Look: Moustaches And Red Velvet Powder

All Nails: Eveline 8in1 Total action - I do not recommend this nail polish, it's too aggressive.
Thumb And Small: 2 x Essence, LE 'Season of Extremes', 'The nude the better'
Maybelline, Polka Dots, no. 197
Index And Middle: 2x Essence, LE 'Season of Extremes', 'The nude the better'
3D Nail Seal Beard Series - Beard Pattern Nail Seal-453 [3D-453] from KKcenterHk - LINK

Essence, Studio Nails, Top Coat
Ring: Catrice, LE Rocking Royals, C05 Of Royal Blood (matte polish)
Catrice, LE Rocking Royals, Velvet Nail Powder, C01 Of Royal Blood (great durability, lasts for days)

What do you think of this look? Are you loving velvet nail powder? Let me know, and thanks for stopping by, 

xoxo, Jelena

***KKCenterHk has sent me the nail stickers for reviewing purposes.

Nail Look: Coral Polka Dots

Products used for this look:
1 x Essence Studio Nails 24/7 nail base: This base looks very good alone, it gives my nails a nice transparent matte look. However, it's not a good nail base because it gets pulled when you apply polish over it, so you're left with streaks on the nails. Also it provides no protection whatsoever.

2 x Catrice ''030 Meet Me At Coral Island'': This nail polish dyed my nails yellow/pink even though I had a base coat underneath. Yuck! I mean, the shade is great, but the quality of the polish - is not.

1 x Maybelline Polka Dots, no.197: Great product, it's fast drying and fun to use.

I loved wearing this look, even though unfortunately it chipped quickly. This is a Catrice polish I've had for a long time, and I just don't enjoy it: the shade is great, but the texture (and the smell) is not. But all in all, it's a fun everyday look - pretty cute, right?

Anyways, thanks for stopping by, don't forget to follow me.


love, Jelena

Put 'er in Drive ... American Made Brand Blog Tour Week One

Monday, May 19th marks the beginning of a tour the fifty states in the United States ... 

a tour you can begin and end in the comfort of your own abode 

... no transportation needed!

American Made Brand fabrics ... 

not just a name, but a fact.

These cottons fabrics are grown and made in America.

Seriously!  

50 colors too ... how cool is that???

Don't take just my word for it ... go to

American Made Brand's website

to read their story here.

This week's AMB schedule is as follows:

DAY	DATE	STATE	BLOG
Day 1	19-May	Delaware	Blue Striped Room
	19-May	Pennsylvania	Cherry Lynch Quilts
Day 2	20-May	Georgia	Butterfly Threads Quilting
	20-May	Idaho	Taffy Talk
Day 3	21-May	Alabama	GreenQuilts
	21-May	Massachusetts	A Quilting Jewel
Day 4	22-May	Maryland	Spring Water Designs
	22-May	South Carolina	The Crafty Quilter’s Closet
Day 5	23-May	New Hampshire	Park Hill Farm
	23-May	Virginia	Pat Sloan’s Blog

However, if you want to, you can get

the complete schedule by visiting 

American Made Brand's schedule page

by following the link button

 on the right side of my blog.

At each stop on the tour, explore how each designer re-interprets their 12″ x 6″ state license plate in a finished quilt block of the same size and sign-up for giveaways of American Made Brand fabric.  You’ll find all types of blocks – truly something for everyone! You are going to want to collect them all.

My license plate is still in the works:

Please come back to visit me for 

my Montana AMB Plate on June 16th!

Remember....

AMB is giving away a fat quarter bundle of the fabrics featured in this hop.... every day ... on every post!  

That's 50 chances to win!!

While the AMB FQ bundle will sadly not be available to international guests, I personally will have a second give away opportunity just for our fabulous international friends ... so please, stay tuned ...

Until then, see you along the highway!

Maybelline Colorama Blush, no. 501 - Review And Swatch

One of my favorite blushes - natural looking and feminine.

Type of product: Powder blush
Product name: Maybelline New York, COLORAMA, Blush, no. 501
Price: around 20 kn (2.50 euro)
Where to purchase: Muller
Rating: 9/10
Would I repurchase: If I lost it, I would buy it the same day.
My opinion: I'm very happy with this blush and I use it often. It has a safety seal, but overall I don't like the packaging because it has an oval front side (not convenient for storage). The packaging holds well on its own, but it is not very sturdy (I would not recommend keeping it in your purse, I don't think it can handle a lot of bumping). No smell or scent to it. The product has very delicate gold shimmer/glitter particles in it, but they are so delicate it took me a few usages to even notice them. The glitter does not show up in flash photography. The texture of the blush is very soft and smooth - so it is easy to pick up with a brush. About the shade - it's just so perfect; it makes me look as if I'm naturally blushed. In the packaging the shade looks dark red to earthy brown, but once applied to the skin it looks like a delicate rosy red. The pigmentation is a little strong, so you have to be careful what kind of brush you use to apply it. The blush is dusty, so if I use a brush that picks up a lot of product I have to take it off or blend it out. I use a very delicate brush with soft bristles to apply this blush, and then build up the product. Be careful, because it's very easy to apply too much of this blush by mistake - and then it's not easy to blend it out. However, these were my problems with the first two times I used it, but now I know what sort of pigmentation it has and what sort of brush to use, so this is in no way a problem for me. Durability is very good, after 8 hours it is still there (even on photographs).
This product is for you if: You have fair skin and want a product that will make you look naturally blushed.

You should avoid this product if: You can't stand even the smallest hint of shimmer/glitter in a blush.

Swatches: These photos were taken when it was cloudy, however in the sun the blush looks a little bit more red. This product can look like three different blushes, based on how much you apply. Do not let the look of it in the packaging fool you, it's not brownish it all, it's wine-red.

I won this product on Tatjana's blog (link HERE), so check her out. She has a great blog and also, I can't believe I finally won something! I'm so happy that I've discovered this blush through her. Have you tried any Maybelline blushes? What do you think? Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to follow me on BLOGLOVIN.

Love, Jelena.

Mahidevran Sultan Nail Art

Hello ladies! For a long time I was obsessed with a turkish telenovela, called 'Muhtesem Yuzyil'. From all the female characters (and there are a lot), my favorite (and to me, the most beautiful) was always Mahidevran Sultan. She is portrayed by a turkish actress Nur Fettahoglu. In the show the female characters wear gorgeous costumes and amazing pieces of jewelry - but no nail polish (because historically they didn't have nail polish 500 years ago, at the time the show takes place). I always wondered what sort of nails the ladies would wear if they had the option. So I created this look to honor the most beautiful character.

Products used:

All Nails:  1 coat, Catrice LE Neo Geisha, 'Discreet Artist'
Index and Small: 1 coat, Smart Girls Get More, no. 115
Nail Art jewels: random nail art wheel

I know croatian ladies have heard of this show - are there any fans out there? Who was your favorite? Hurrem? Let me know, and thanks for stopping by,

love, Jelena

Travel Season Starts Here ....

Hit the road with the AMERICAN MADE BRAND Blog Tour, designed to take you on an inspired trip across the USA, our blog tour visits all 50 states in just 25 days starting May 19th. 

I can personally say there will be lots of pictures, perhaps a tutorial, and definitely a giveaway, right here at Why-Knot-Kwilt on June 16th, the day of my state's reveal.

From the Clothworks' website:

Every Blogger has been specially selected as a representative of the state they call home. At each stop on the tour, explore how each designer re-interprets their 12″ x 6″ state license plate in a finished quilt block of the same size and sign-up for giveaways of American Made Brand fabric.  You’ll find all types of blocks – truly something for everyone! You are going to want to collect them all.

So please, starting May 19th be sure to begin a wonderful nation-wide tour with me and explore this great country of ours with AMB; no gas required!   The full schedule can be found by clicking on the AMB button on the right-side of my blog.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you all along the road ~

Avon Clearskin, Blackhead Clearing Mask - Review

Type of product: Face Mask
Brand: Avon, clearskin line
Name of product: Blackhead Clearing, Deep Treatment Mask
Price: 25-36 kn (75ml)
Where to purchase: Avon catalogue (item no. 1251 8)
Rating: 9/10
Would I repurchase: Yes.

How to use: Apply (baby blue) mask on clean face in a thin layer, wait until mask turns bright white - rinse with water. Use about 2-3 times a week.
Opinion: This face mask is designed to fight the blackheads - and I sure do have a big problem with these (I have oily skin and clogged pores). I can say that I do see a positive effect when using this mask: it draws the blackheads closer to the surface so it's easier to get them out. It's a little bit difficult to remove the mask, you have to wash your face a few times in a row. Also, make sure not to leave it on for too long because it could dry out your skin. All in all, with every use, my face is getting cleaner!
Conclusion: I love the effect this leaves on my skin - my skin is so clean and smooth. And it is cleaner - the blackheads are slowly decreasing in number and size.

So far I'm really enjoying most of my Avon products. Before this mask I had forgotten about face masks for a while, and I stopped using them (I do not know how the hell this happened). I now see how stupid I was and how important it is to use a face mask regularly in your cleaning routine. Are you an Avon fan? Have you tried their face masks? Or maybe some other mask you might recommend me? Anyways, thanks for stopping by, you can follow me on twitter, instagram and facebook (on facebook I usually write in croatian). Until next time,

xoxo, Jelena

Make Up Bowl, Week 1

Happy weekend! Let me explain the concept of 'Make Up Bowl': every three weeks or so, I will put some of my rarely-used or brand-new make up items in a bowl, and I will use them more frequently. I want to use the products in my stash more often, and also I will show you the products that I'm currently testing out, and give you a quick and fast review. This is a fun project for me, I'm finding some lost treasures. Anyways, you may have seen this on my INSTAGRAM, where I will post the make-up bowl before I write the actual post. So let's get started!

Balea Juicy Orange Lip Balm: I've been neglecting all my lip balms ever since I've discovered Carmex. This one does a good job, I just hate the time I have to wait for the smell to disappear. Review HERE.

Labello Lip Butter: This is a fun product, I shouldn't have been neglecting it. I wear it when I'm running errands, and the smell is gorgeous. Review HERE.

Catrice 'Yellow Submagreen' and 'Mud Spencer & Coralle Hill': I got these two little palettes during the last Catrice sale. The one with the yellow eyeshadow is pretty useless to me - I do not enjoy any of these colors, and they do not match my skin tone. I will only use the fourth shade in some smokey eyes looks. But the second palette is amazing - I am enjoying all the shades, the coral one compliments me amazingly, the second shade is great for under the brow; all in all, I will use this one often - this was a great purchase. I have already reviewed these products HERE.

Essence Blush up! (heat wave): This product is great - if you use a soft brush, but do not use it with a brush that picks up a lot of product - you will look like a clown. Honestly, this blush just has too much orange in it. I use the pink side of the blush only. The final result is ok, but the product is so dusty (I never noticed that before). Make sure to not wear white when applying this LOL. Review HERE

Maybelline Colorama Blush 501: this is my new favorite blush. Review coming soon. I won this on Taya's blog, and I am so happy. It looks so natural on me. Highly recommended.

Essence soft touch mousse make-up: I bought this so long ago (I think they've even changed the packaging since), and I've never worn it. I expected to hate it, but it turned out great. The shade is a little off for me (that's the reason why I haven't been using it), but the texture is great. You have to be careful not to apply too much. It just makes my skin so soft. This is not for those with dry skin because it will make you look horrible. But works on my skin. It's just the shade - it's a bad match.

S-he stylezone mineral loose powder: I have only been using Rimmel's powder lately, so I've been neglecting all my other ones. I'm not feeling this product. The finish on my skin is not natural, and I feel like it makes my skin look dry (even when it's not). I don't think I would recommend this - there are better products out there. Also the packaging is tricky to work with.

Catrice Camouflage cream: I got this one (I have 2 shades) as soon as they got out, and I never wrote a review - the reason being - I don't see why everyone likes them. While I feel that they're great at hiding color problems (they are very pigmented), they emphasize the bad parts of my skin texture. Like, I placed it one time under my eyes, and when I looked in the mirror, I saw that I had huge creases - the product settles where my skin folds and mades me look horrible. I just don't see this as a product that I might enjoy in the future. Only on some parts of my face, but not a versatile product (for me). More in the review (coming soon, I promise).

Catrice LE Translucent Mattifying Powder: I use this product when I'm not wearing foundation underneath. It has a very soft silky texture and it's easy to apply. It's not the best product I have, but it does a good job. I should use it more often. This is for every-day when I'm not wearing heavy make-up.

Look by Bipa lipliner: I have 4 shades, they are all amazing, I highly recommend these products, they are a dream. Review and swatch coming soon.

Essence stay with me lipgloss: I am not a person who enjoys lipgloss, but this is a great product if you're in a hurry - it takes a second to apply, and the shade is very natural. Do not use it when it's windy because your hair will get caught in it LOL. It's an ok product, but the brush is a nightmare - it's got a very weird shape - it almost works against you. These are no longer available.

Catrice LE Meet Rosy Lipstick: I wrote a not-so-happy review HERE. I tried giving it a chance but somehow I'm not feeling it. It's too dry. When I do use it, I dab it on my lips with my finger, and make sure to check my lips every once in a while (because all the product curls up in one line, especially if I do a lot of talking). The shade is lovely, but the texture is my enemy. 

Wet'n'wild Lipsticks:  what I can say in short is: amazing texture, color, pigmentation, but very bad packaging. And the shape of the lipstick is bad; so for me, application is very complicated. If these came in Catrice packaging and Catrice shape, I would buy a lifelong supply. The shades are gorgeous, I just have to take extra time to apply them, that's all. ;) Reviews coming soon. 

L'Oreal Contour Khol eye pencil: This is one of those random products that I can't remember if I've ever used, and then I try using it and I remember why. The color is bad for me (it's a dirty mix of blue and green), and makes me look super weird. It's not easy to apply - this one is not being used for a reason. 

What do you think about the idea of a make-up bowl? Do you have products that you hardly ever use? I am loving this, and am forcing myself to go through my stash. I'm also trying out fun new looks, instead of always wearing the same products. This will become a permanent thing for me. Anyways, thanks for stopping by, see you soon, and don't forget to follow me (links are on the right).

xoxo, Jelena.