Tag: Most worn things - Summer Edition

Hi everyone! 

I was watching some YouTube videos this morning and saw Pixi2woo do the Most worn things tag - Summer Edition (watch her video here). As it is finally starting to feel like summer in Belgium, I'm in a summery mood today so these are my most worn things for the summer of 2012 so far:

Nail polish(es): My favorite nail polish colors this summer are my Essie polishes in Tart Deco and Off the shoulder. I have been wearing both colors almost all the time, either on my finger or toe nails. They are such bright and happy colors that they give me an instant summer feeling! (I posted a review of the pink one)

Hair product: This category is the one I had to think about the longest. I decided on my dry shampoo that I mentioned in my latest drugstore haul. I use dry shampoo all year round but I like it especially for giving my hair more volume when I wear it up in the summer or for work.

Bag(s): I found this a difficult one too, but I chose my black bag from Primark because I took it on vacation with me. It's not really a summer bag but it is a pretty big one (I like to take 1001 things with me all the time!) and it goes with almost every outfit. The green one is also from Primark, I love the color and it fits a LOT! 

Shoes: These sandals I bought at the beginning of the sales at Eram (I believe it's a French brand) and have worn them probably 50% of the time since! I love the pop of neon pink because it is bright, on trend but very wearable at the same time.

Accessories: I've been LOVING wearing a stack of bracelets this summer! It is an easy way to add some color and personality to an outfit. The ones in the picture: blue and gold bangles are from H&M and the beaded ones I made myself (let me know if you'd like a DIY post!)

Clothing item(s): The two clothing items I chose are my bright pink shirt dress from New Look and my baby blue jeans from H&M. Both pieces stand out because of their beautiful colors. I especially love the dress because it can be worn both casual as smart, depending on how you style it.

Foundation: As you can see I've almost ran out of this foundation and I will be buying a new one soon. It's the Photo Finish Liquid Foundation 18h by Catrice cosmetics (a drugstore brand that is available in several European countries). I like the color on me and it does stay put for a pretty long time.

Blush: If you've read my June Favorites you know I love the MAC blush in Peaches, especially in the summer time ;) It is actually the ONLY blush I'm using at the moment!

Lip product: My favorite summer lip product is a Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry. I absolutely love this product because it is a moisterizing balm and gives your lips a natural hint of color in no time (I can even apply it without a mirror!)

Mascara: The mascara I'm currently using is the NYC High Definition Volumizing Mascara. It is not an exceptional mascara but I like it and it is budget proof.

Eyeshadow(s): My most worn eyeshadows are some from my Urban Decay Naked Palette and the MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study. The Paint Pot is perfect for a touch of color/shimmer on your eyes if you don't want to wear actual eyeshadow. The shades from the UD Palette I use the most are: Sin, Naked, Buck, Half Baked and Smog.

That's it! What are your Summer favorites?

XOXO Jorien

Manicure Monday: My first Essie experience + Essie Off the shoulder

Essie - Off the shoulder

At the end of last month I bought my first Essie nail polish ever! I had been wanting to try the popular American brand for a long time but it was only available in Belgium at very few salons... Until about two months ago, when selected Kruidvat* stores started carrying the brand! Can you imagine my excitement? :p 

I went to one of the selected shops that carries the brand with my sister, just to get my hands on some much anticipated Essie polish! When I spotted the Essie display I was overwhelmed by the beautiful colours and at first I couldn't decide which one to get, but I went for one of the polishes from their Summer Collection. I chose the hot pink one, called Off the shoulder because I didn't have anything like this in my collection yet.

When I first applied the polish I was really impressed by the quality! I really like the broad brush, it makes the polish very easy to apply. The pigmentation is outstanding: you could get away with only one thin coat, however I like to always apply two for a more even look. The polish dries very quickly which made painting my nails not as time-consuming as it usually is. I was happy with the durability of my manicure (it lasted about four days), especially because I didn't apply a top coat which I normally do. 

The only downside I could find is that the polish has a very strong smell in comparison with other nail polish brands I've used. I noticed this when I opened the bottle for the first time but while painting my nails I wasn't bothered by it.

Last but not least, I LOVE the colour! It is the perfect summer hot pink in my opinion. It is very in your face so it may not be for everyone but if your on the hunt for a bright summer pink I advise you to have a look at this one. When I first used it I couldn't stop looking at my nails and for the first time ever I immediately repainted my nails in the same colour :)

For some reason the photo above doesn't do the striking pink shade justice, in person the colour is brighter and a bit darker**. I liked the picture on my laptop but when I uploaded it, it just wasn't the same colour. I advise you to take a look at the polish in stores if you're thinking about buying it!

In short:

+ broad brush for easy application

+ pigmentation: 1-2 coats

+ fast drying

+ durability

+ LOVE THE COLOUR

- strong nail polish smell

XOXO Jorien

* Kruidvat is a chain of drugstores in Belgium and The Netherlands
** I found that if you click on the photo to see it in full size, it gives you a better representation of the colour ;)