imnotphotoshopped

Hi guys!

It’s weird how little time we find to actually sit down and write. We always said we didn’t want to just post things without doing the right research etc. So we’ve been absent.

But sometimes you find a product and you sort of want to spread the word, spontaneously.

My hair has been dry; really dry. I tried using moisturizing shampoos and whatnot. But one night, after watching Chelsea Handler I found myself spending 25 minutes watching a TV infomercial. For Wen.

So I tried it and – I think I’m in love.

Here’s how it works:

You only use a conditioner product. Because I have long hair I use 10 pumps (yes. 10 pumps) on the top of my hair, massage it (much like I do with shampoo), rinse, then procede to use 18 pumps (yes. 18 pumps) in the rest of my hair, letting it act. They say the more product you use and the more time you leave it in the better your hair looks – true story, I tested less amounts and the result is not the same.

Anyway, I rinse it all and then add one more pump before leaving the shower – but I dont rinse. Then before blow drying it, I apply the complimentary products like the styling creme, or the spray. And voilá, my hair is so silky it feels like I’ve been tricked – a bit too good to be true.

So over time I noticed that after two days my roots looked really heavy and oily. But then again, it did with shampoo as well. So not much difference there. But over time my hair has become much much smoother and shiny.

I would recommend trying. It does wonders. But I don’t use WEN as my only product; I try to use shampoo and conditioner in between every couple of washes with WEN. And thats better because the product can run out pretty fast.

Visit the website to order or stay up till 2am and watch the infomercial on the E! channel like I did. But the website’s faster:

http://www.wenhaircare.com/?mboxSession=1352414269811-5357

Here’s the commercial for further information:

See ya soon!!

Pela primeira vez em português!!! Ola queridos.

Eu não tenho escrito nem mencionado muito sobre o meu trabalho porque a) pra falar de um trabalho é preciso primeiro trabalhar e b) eu queria realmente aprender sobre o que eu iria escrever. Durante as férias eu estagiei na L’Occitane en Provence, aqui no Brasil, em São Paulo. Por esse motivo que estamos fazendo o primeiro post em português: por que esse merece.

Imagine isso: você ama carros, voce tem um blog sobre carros, você gasta toda a sua mesada em carros (que bom pra você). De repente surge uma oportunidade de trabalhar na Porsche ou na Ferrari e de repente você começa a passar seus dias pensando “wow”. Foi assim que eu me senti sendo uma viciada em beleza/cosméticos/maquiagem: no céu

A melhor parte dessa experiência nem foi que eu tive minha própria mesa, que eu trabalhei num projeto muito legal, nem mesmo a carga horária de estagiária ou as pessoas incríveis que eu conheci; a melhor parte foi o conhecimento sobre produtos que eu acabei adquirindo. Não tem nem porque mentir, os produtos e a história da empresa fazem qualquer reles blogueira cair de amores.

Eu aprendi que cada produto, cada linha, tem sua história verdadeira por trás. E isso é algo que a L’Occitane conseguiu criar que quase não vemos por aí. Não é só manteiga de Karité: é a manteiga de karité que vem de uma árvore de Burkina Faso, na África, derivada de uma noz que só pode ser tocada após cair no chão. Ela só pode ser tocada e manuseada pelas mulheres que são as únicas que conhecem seus segredos e propriedades. Elas usam essa manteiga nos remédios, culinária, e cosméticos, para nutrir e tratar da pele de todos, inclusive das crianças. É uma fonte de independência e sustento para essas mulheres, uma tradição única.

Da mesma forma, os produtos anti-idade não são feitos em laboratórios – todos vem de uma flor chamada Immortelle, que mesmo após ser colhida não perde nem sua cor nem sua textura.

Eu adoraria contar todas as histórias em um post só, mas realmente acho que não caberia nem no blog nem na sua cota de paciência. Por isso, estou começando nosso próprio guia L’Occitane, dividindo com vocês dicas dos melhores produtos, como usa-los, que tipo de pele, e outras dicas que eu aprendi aqui que vocês nem imaginam.

Algo é importante relembrar: o blog é para você, mulher prática, e acima de tudo nós não fazemos propagandas enganosas: todas as dicas são testadas e aprovadas, com todas as informações de quem testou, trabalhou nas lojas, falou com clientes – eu. Esse vai ser meu jeitinho de agradecer a todas as seguidoras e seguidores que gostam do blog, para que vocês possam se apaixonar pela L’Occitane conosco =D

Nos vemos muito em breve (nesse guia também em português!!! Uhul!!!!)

Beijinhos

Mavi

I haven’t mentioned this much a) because in order to talk about the work here I had to do some work and b) I wanted to really give insight into this, and that takes time. I have been interning at L’OCCITANE en Provence in Brazil, and for that reason I’m gonna do something I don’t usually do: write both in English and in Portuguese. Mostly because its one of those worth it.

Picture this: you love cars, you blog about cars, you spend all your allowance on cars (good for you). Suddenly, you get the opportunity to work at Porsche or Ferrari and all you manage to do is spend your days thinking “wow”. Thats how I felt as a fellow beauty/makeup addict: like I was in heaven.

The best part of this experience wasn’t the nice desk, or the flexible hours, the people I met, or even the insight into the industry I love: the best part was getting to know the products. Afterall, who are we kidding here? The products are amazing.

As I came to learn, every single product here has a special true story behind it. Its not just a shea butter hand cream: its shea butter, from Burkina Faso, a country in western Africa, that comes from a small fruit in a tree that is never touched until it falls to the ground. It’s only handled by women, and these women alone know its secrets: they use it in medicine, cooking, and obviously beauty, to nourish and care for the skin of their children and their own. That is how the women maintain their independence, and it is truly a beautiful practice.

And the anti-aging products aren’t done in a lab – they come from a flower called Immortelle, which even after being plucked retains its color and texture.

I wish I could tell you all about all the stories in one post: but I can’t really. I don’t think it would fit. Which is why I’m starting our own L’Occitane guide: with all the tips for each skin, get to know the products, test them, see if you feel the magic =D

Worry not: the things learned and passed to you will not be a bullshiteous guide to just any products; I have personally tested, worked on stores, talked to clients, people who know their stuff. So these are all going to be my lovely tips, to say thank you to the followers and share with you just a little bit of this company I came to fall in love with.

See you all sooner than soon with the first post of our newest L’Occitane Guide!! Stay tuned

Love,

Mavi

Hi everyone!! I’m sorry I haven’t been writing lately, my computer broke at the same time I started my fabulous new internship (which I won’t say anything about right now because it deserves more than just a mention).

So over time I found that I had only one plan to make my hair change for the better: change shampoos over time. But the thing is, there are some small habits that have proven to be more effective not only with the appearance right after blowing and styling it, but also over time.

So without further ado, here are my tips:

1. Save on the chemicals – less is more

Unless your hair suffers from real issues and a doctor has instructed you to use specific products, don’t fall on the trap of thinking more sulphur will make your hair more this or that. The hair is already perfect in its chemistry, and simpler formulas prove to be healthier over time.

Some heavier formulas make your hair beautiful on the first wash – but then you find yourself never getting that effect again. Roots might get oily over time and the shine wears off. My advice is: simpler formulas, natural shampoos, and less chemical treatment.

2. Use a hair mask at least once a week

Cutting on the daily chemical use doesn’t require you to give up that amazing shine you get after a deep treatment. But you can limit that to a mask about once or twice a week.

The mask will help improve and prolong time between hair cuts, shampoo changes, etc.I usually skip the conditioner when I use the mask and let it act for at least 5 minutes. Also worth noting, rinse it thoroughly to get the best result.

Here are some of my favorite ones:

• Kerastase has a great line of masks for any kind of hair. My favorite one has been the Masque Nutri Thermique Maskwhich does a great job for my hair that has color treatment. It also helps any styling and blow drying become flawless

• Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm: its a great product if you have coarse/dry hair, which comes naturally with tinting and excess chemical use, harsh weather, etc. Also really good if you’re a fan of brazilian blowouts.

Try testing a few, think of your hair issues, not only how you want your hair to look; for example, if you want your hair to be straight its no use getting it dry. Instead, find a moisturizer that will make your straight hair look healthy, and beautiful no matter what you decide to do with it. Healthy is better than straight.

3. Change your blow drier settings from ‘hot’ to ‘warm’

Trust me on this, it’s the best advice. Granted, it takes a biiiit more time to dry it. But over time, the damage your hair takes is considerably lower. If you feel your tips dry, a month of this change can make all the difference. When you blow dry your hair at very high temperatures only the outer layer gets dry (super dry), but the deep tissue is still wet. So your hair breaks. If you take your time it will dry the right way.

4. Avoid hot water when rinsing

Hot water, just as hot blow drying, is a great enemy to your hair. Even your hair products work better at certain conditions. So try this out, adjust water to a warm or as-cold-as-possible/comfortable and see how different the effect of treatments can be.

5. Heat Protection – always

No matter how busy you are you always have 5 seconds to apply a heat protecting serum or product. There are approximately a gazillion of those at your neighborhood pharmacy, so don’t fret. Again, my tips on my favorite ones:

• John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Hair Serum – this product not only helps protect the hair and make it look glossy after styling it also helps prolongue the color

• Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist – has the advantage of having its effects last till next wash. It smooths hair quite well and doesn’t make it oily

• TreSemme Thermal Creations Heat Taming Spray – the lightest product by far, which is  a great plus for me since any excess makes my roots look like they’ve been treated with vegetable oil. Really great one.

Well dearies that’s all. Remember, it’s not all in the chemisty, there’s a lot of hair care that has to do with changing habits, going back to the basics. So don’t spend all your money on the latest promise – think long term too.

See you next time!!!!

Mavi

Hello dear readers!

Today I will write to you about one of any girl’s favourite products – perfumes!

Some people have many different ones and choose which to wear according to the time of the day, their mood, where they’re going, etc (like me), others have their scent they fell in love with and would never ever change… Either way spraying a bit of our favourite fragrance makes us feel beautiful, sexy, fresh and why not, somewhat more powerful than before…

Perfume should be applied before all else: before getting dressed, putting on your make up and above all before putting on any jewelery – if you are wearing pearls beware not to let your perfume anywhere near them. This way the perfume will dry well and not stain your make up, clothes and accessories. I usually put perfume on the sides of my neck, close to the ears, and on my wrists. I think the scent becomes more uniform, delicate and pleasant if you apply a tiny bit on many parts of your body. Always remember that a delicate scent is always better than being heavily sprayed with perfume, you will smell and feel more sophisticated. It is also prohibitive to wear perfume to go to the gym, your pilates, yoga, ballet session etc – it can be very unpleasant for the people working out around you.

You should always try a perfume on your skin before buying it for each skin changes the final scent. Most stores will have coffee beans available to neutralize your smelling senses between attempts to find your scent so that the previous perfume you smelled won’t remain and influence the way you smell the next.

Here are my favourite perfumes that I always replace:

Mary Greenwell’s Plum – it is the most luxurious scent I ever came across! It is rich and sophisticated, classic and balanced – it makes me think of the MET Ball and what the fabulous people attending it must smell like, I don’t know why! But really, it smells of fabulousity. Not to speak of the packaging: I fell in love with the bottle’s lid! It’s heavy and feels like a full piece of gold, just amazing (and if you’ve being living under a rock Mary Greenwell is obviously one of the greatest make up artists of all time). This is definitely a party, dinner, amazing date or night out scent.

Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal – I’ve had it for many years and it is a very feminine, delicate and rich scent. When I put it on I feel like myself, it is a scent I am familiar with and love how reacts on my skin. It is one of those perfumes you can wear day and night, and is thus perfect for bringing along when travelling.

J’adore Dior – Again another feminine, floral perfume that I just keep replacing even if it’s not my favourite amongst these! It is easy to wear, it is not too strong, and on my skin becomes even more delicate so I feel it is very appropriate for day time, going to the movies or an easy night out. I really like its bottle and I love the travel sized ones my mom got me recently.

Chanel No. 5 – Classic, sophisticated and eternal. Every woman should invest in one at some point.

Here are mine:

Highlights from left to right: Miss Dior Cherie, J’adore Dior, Petite Cherie by Annick Goutal (without the lid which I lost somewhere in a distant past…), Hermès’ Un Jardin en Méditerranée and Un Jardin sur le Toit, Plum by Mary Greenwell, Chloè and Chanel N.5 and N.19

Also remember perfumes should be stored in dark, fresh places (not your bathroom!) otherwise they’ll go bad.

What are some of your favourite perfumes??

Hope you enjoyed this post and write to you again soon,

Maria

Here is my beauty wish list with some amazing products that provide fabulous results and come in beautiful packagings…!

Caudalie Divine Oil – said to be the ultimate dry oil moisturizer for hair and body, can’t wait to try it

Ren’s Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum – it helps moisturize, renew skin cells, relax the muscles for a younger effect and help reverse superficial damages to the skin – what else do we need…

Shades of Nature eyeshadow palette by Sephora and Pantone – a limited edition palette with a variety of essential and amazing colours in this beautiful ultra thin packaging (and suddenly there is a new necessity in my life, on behalf of my kit)

Nars matte finish lipstick with the grape shade Vendanges – trendy, deep and luxurious colour, with a goth glam to it

Yves Saint Laurent Limited Edition Swarovski Union Jack Eye Palette – the Jubilee celebrations period is the perfect time for investing in all things Union Jack and here is my pick…

Cowshed’s Grumpy Cow Uplifting Bath and Shower Gel – because few things in life are better than an energising bath at the end of the day…

What are your latest beauty buys?!? What’s on your wish list!?

Write to you again soon,

Maria

Hello dear readers,

I wanted to share with you five quick and simple things I do during the day that change how I look and feel for the better – specially in busy, stressful ones…

1. Moisturize your lips: it will only take 3 seconds and your smile will glow, your lips will look fresh and juicy.

2. Moisturize your cuticles: your hands will look much more beautiful and you will love the long-term result: you’ll be able to extend the gap between your manicure sessions!

3. Add a splash of blush: in 6 seconds you will look healthier and energized.

4. Add a little mascara: even if you already have mascara on, add a little bit more to the roots of the lashes towards the end of the day; it will lift your eyes.

5. Change your earrings: preferably for bigger ones! I know it sounds silly, but it helps pick up your mood and will give you a new look…!

1. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream lipstick; 2. Mavala’s Mavapen nutritive oil for cuticles; 3. M.A.C. Dainty mineralize blush and Chanel brush from travelling set; 4. Maybelline’s Colossal Volum’ Express mascara, 5. Lulu Frost earrings

What are your beauty tricks for making it through the day!?!

Thanks for stopping by and write to you again soon,

Maria

Hello dear readers,

Today I’m starting a new column called “Keep It Simple”!

I tend to search for the perfect way to do everything to the point it all becomes so complex and nearly deconstructed that I either let it be, and give up, or take a long time to solve an issue or just go crazy to do things the way I think they must be done… (Do you know what I mean!?)

And then the problem is that the result isn’t always the best I could get – not even after spending so much time on something… So I have learnt to keep it as simple, logical and practical as possible, after all we don’t have to be Superwomen in EVERY aspect of our lives – who has the time!?!? And who says that to do our best we have to suffer and go nuts rushing after everything!?

I’m going to start by telling you what I believe is one of the most important parts of doing your make up – and that’s the lighting. The lighting has to be even and you must try to avoid any settings that will create shadows where none exist and in consequence over illuminate other parts of your face. One example is that when light comes only from above it creates shadows under your eyes and you’ll probably end up exaggerating on the concealer and highlighting pen on that area.

The ideal light for making yourself up is natural daylight. But it is not possible to do our make up outside on a daily basis and definitely not possible to do it during the winter! So the main aspects to take care of when setting up artificial lighting is that it has to shine on you directly, from in front of you, evenly from both sides, for example by installing a column of lights on both sides of the mirror:

This portable solution has a triple mirror with side lighting (sold on Screenface – we’ll talk about this amazing store soon…), the downside is that it is heavy and very expensive.

But you don’t need to have a professional theatre, television, make up artists’ setting like the ones shown above as most are not only expensive but impractical – they take up a lot of space, minimum amount of planning and people to install, execute, punch holes on your walls, etc, etc.

How to keep it simple:

My favourite solution is the round magnifying mirror with lights.

The one I use has 3 different types of artificial light – warm, cold and neutral, the ideal being a mixture of cold and warm light in order to mimic to the best natural daylight (aka the neutral one). I always do my makeup using the magnifying side – the difference it makes when doing the finishing touches and fixing foundation marks from the brush or finger application is really amazing. The resulting make up is that much better and more natural looking because you can see very well all you are applying so you have less room for making mistakes or overdoing it. The mirror is also evenly lit which prevents any undesired or misleading shadows on your face.

Babyliss’ Halo Lighted Round Mirror:

There are obviously many other brands, with many other models and sizes to pick from…!

Hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful!

Write to you again soon,

Maria