NUXE | REVE de MIEL, LIP BALM

NUXE| Reve de Miel, Lip Balm: for dry or chapped lips. 15g. £10-11.

Today, I have decided to review a lip product. As we all know it is extremely hard to get perfect lips especially when it gets colder as it does now. I may have found a must have to get close to perfection. This magical invention is the NUXE, Reve de Miel lip balm. I absolutely love this product and try to use it on  regular basis (everyday or so).

At first I was sceptic because it is in a pot which isn't ideal as it isn't as hygienic as in a tube or anything else and when you have long nails, the product can get into your nails if you're not using a brush (and I don't).

Also, this balm is extremely hydrating and I first thought it would be too much but that only because I wasn't using it right.

I think because of its efficiency, it should only be used at night to keep your lips hydrated all night long OR when the weather is absolutely awful (winter or autumn, when the weather freezes your lips and chap them!). I don't ever use it during the day as a normal lip balm. For that purpose, I'm currently using the Body Shop 'Born Lippy' in Raspberry (I may review that product if you want to read my thoughts on it).

Back to the NUXE balm, I believe you can find it on the internet even though it is a French Brand. As it lasts ages, it is definitely worth the prize (which I think is around £10 or £11)

HOW I USE IT:
Every night, once I've removed my makeup, tied my hair up and put my pyjamas on, I use this magical product, just a tiny bit on the lips to keep them moisturized. When I wake up after a long night sleep, it is still on and my lips are looking brand new or really close to it. It would be lying to say that it always repairs them completely but it almost does and it is definitely the best product I've ever tried as far as lip balms are concerned. I understand the hype about it and I hope you will to once you've tried it!


My Personal Grade:  ♥++

Have you tried it? What are your thoughts on it?

CHEERIO

Christmas Countdown D-93

HOW TO: FIGHT AGAINST PERFECTIONISM

As I've mentioned in my former post, I've been wanting to write about perfectionism as this is a major part of me and as a lot of people probably suffer from it. Yes, I say 'suffer' because to me, it can be really hard to live with a high level of expectations and it can make you struggle a lot in life.

First things first, people may not know what perfectionism really is, so let's start with defining its meaning. Perfectionism involves the need to be perfect or appear perfect and that not only in appearances but also through everything you do. Not only can you be judging yourself to that high standart but also the others which can be annoying and painful for them but disappointing for you as you never feel truly satisfied with anything. The other part of being a perfectionist is that you have a massive fear of failure that usually mean you don't live rewards entirely as you feel it is not truly deserved but you also like challenges. Perfectionism is really complex and people can experience it so differently that I can't go into details without thinking 'it may not be the same for someone else' or 'that might be right or could be something else'. Anyway, even though it is not a disorder per say, it should be taken seriously as it can be lived as a nightmare.

The main reason that you can be disappointed and always unsatisfied is that the level of expectations you're trying to reach is often intangible and hard to please.
I'm not saying that in order to be less of a perfectionist you shouldn't be ambitious and expect the best from life but if it is no realizable, just admit it and move on.
(Really easy to say but so hard to accept when it comes to your life, your decisions.)

There are different types of perfectionism as I said, it can either be:
• The need to be perfect
• The need for others to be perfect or
• The thought that others need you to be perfect.

I'm not really able to talk about it that much but I can share my experience with you since I've always been a perfectionist.
When I was little, I thought it was being a good girl that doing things properly, thinking things through to never ever make a mistake. When I think about it, that is probably why I've always said I couldn't talk English in front of anyone before I was completely bilingual  and I've been through a lot to overcast this fear. I now am close to be able to talk to anyone in English (but my family) but only because I've been to England, I've been told my english was very good which probably helped a hell of a lot. Sometimes you can't imagine how much random people can help by complimenting you.
I realized how much of a perfectionist I was thanks to the little monsters I was looking after as an aupair. They kept calling me a perfectionist and kept saying 'Everything doesn't have to be perfect Margaux!' They could not stand the fact that I need perfectionism around me.
'You haven't done the icing properly', 'this chocolate button isn't in the middle', 'you handwriting isn't really neat', etc. I might have given them a hard time without even knowing it.
 
Anyhow, I've identified Michael Jackson as a music God ever since I was little and couldn't help but thinking that his perfectionism got him to where he was. He created flawless music and flawless choreographies and I've always admired him as no one else. I only just realized lately that perfectionism not only brought him to the top but also to the grave. Trying too hard, never being satisfied up to the point that nothing is good enough. I don't know if what I'm saying makes any sense or if I'm just rambling a lot but this is how I feel.

I only figured I was that much of a perfectionist last year. I've always known I was trying my best at everything but just didn't realize it was perfection I was aiming for.
Random list of stupid things you're doing when you're a perfectionist:
• Perfect handwriting up to the point of rewriting an entire notebook from page 1 to last again and again until it looks perfect.
• Prevent yourself from doing everything you REALLY love because those things needs to be perfectly done much more than other insignificant things. (e.g: speaking English, singing, playing music, talking, etc. in public)
• Impossibility to create anything you can be proud of and therefore creation is made even more difficult than it could.
• Can't stand that people don't do things the way you would want them to do.
• Enable you to create any content such as Youtube (or even blogging sometimes) because you don't want your flaws to be revealed to everyone.

I'm going to extend this last point as I've been wanting to explain this whole YouTube thing. As some of you may know, I've started a beauty/lifestyle channel in June and stopped after two months because the content I was creating wasn't good enough to me. I want to share a lot more with you guys, I want to do makeup tutorials and hair tutorials but think that my setting isn't good enough for that. I don't have any good lights, any good place in my house to film or anyone to help get it right. I'd like my videos to be much more entertaining so you don't get bored of watching them. I will go back to it when I feel ready for it. For now, I will try to post DIY and tutorials on this blog with as much good photos as I can.

I realize I haven't talked as much as I wanted about how to fight perfectionism. I would be really happy to answer all your questions if you have any. Feel free to share anything you want as we are all here to help one another. Whenever you feel like perfectionism is stopping you from doing anything you feel like doing, don't forget you are not alone, we need to accept that you sometimes learn from your mistakes, that things do get better with experience and that everything isn't just natural to everyone.
Also, procrastination isn't the best option even though it is probably the easiest one.

(I'm saying that but you can tell I haven't delt with this perfectionism problem myself).

I hope this has helped anyone who struggles with this issue or even clarify things to people who are confronted to perfectionists but can't understand what the fuss is all about.
Also, as one, I have to admit that I also think perfectionism still had its good aspects. It gives you the opportunity to always give your best, to try harder and improve in everything you do as your expectations are so high that even if you can't reach them, you will be providing a good and well thought work.

I shall leave it there. Let me know if those kind of posts interest you and if you want to read more of those. I'd be happy to make you happy!

Are you a perfectionist? How do you live with it? What are your thoughts on that particular subject?

CHEERIO

Christmas Countdown: D-94

UPDATE: UNI, NAILS, DIY, etc.

I'm sorry I haven't been as much as I want to. I have so many products I want to review, things I want to tell you, I'm actually trying to write my article about Perfectionism but want to do it properly so there might be a few other posts before it's live. I'm thinking about this blog everyday and try my best to be regular so please be comprehensive :)

I went back to University this past week and it kinda kept me busy but I sure will be back on track soon. I feel so exhausted tonight, I think I'm just not used to that rhythm yet and I'm probably going to be tired for the next few days/weeks but that is good, it means my life is getting a bit more busy which is always nice even though a bit stressful!

The first few photos are just a couple shots I've taken while creating my own shirt. I inspired myself from this pattern I had and modified it as I could as eating this gorgeous strawberry tiramisu (you should definitely try this out!)

I'm currently this nail art style and thought I would share it with you. I'm sorry I was meant to take those photographs  before but I forgot so it's not that good with the green one as it has already vanished.

I just thought the idea of a French Manicure but with different colours was quite fun and easy to make when you get used to it. I might do this with a reddish/raspberry colours to get more into this autumn period that is slowly coming up :)

What do you think of this DIY shirt? Are you going to try out this Easy and Classy Nail Art?

CHEERIO

Christmas Countdown D-95

AUTUMN SYNDROME & Christmas Countdown

I called this post the Autumn Syndrome because I know everyone is getting really excited with the venue of autumn and so am I.

This season is as unpredictable as I am because of its contradictory aspects. I've always felt that Autumn brings the saddest of everyone. I don't know if it is because it's the 'dead period' and that it leads us to think about missing ones or what but people around me usually get really sad in autumn.

Do you think it could be a Pre-Christmas blues?

We get too excited but also we might be afraid that Christmas comes too soon or I don't know, this is all a mystery to me.

This melancholic feeling of Autumn could also be due to the darker colours, the Halloween creepy atmosphere but on the other hand Halloween is so exciting and the colours get so beautiful, especially with the dead leaves everywhere. Alright, I think I'm rambling a lot but I just think this schizophrenic personality of autumn can be so unpredictable that it remains as a mystery season that we enjoy no matter what.

What are you all looking for in autumn?

Personally, I'm really looking forward to having some nice cups of tea or hot chocolate, wearing nice and cosy sweaters, walking in the dead leaves and hearing them cracking up, enjoying the makeup and fashion looks, going Trick or Treating with awesome outfits and creating my Christmas Wishlist! (I just can't get this out of my head, I know it's september but it's in 100 days guys, 100 days! Let's start the Christmas Countdown)

Is Autumn your favourite season?

CHEERIO

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN D-100

MY LITTLE COUTURE BOX

Hi Everyone,

Today, I've received My Little Box which turned out to be the Little Couture Box, and as you all know I'm really into Haute Couture, Fashion, DIY and everything related to that world so I was thrilled :)

Now, as some of you might be aware of the concept of My Little Box has changed for this new year so in spite of having 5 beauty products, it is now 2 beauty products and then little goodies. Even though it has changed its concept, My Little Box should still be worth the 15.50€ it costs.

What I got in the September 2012 Box:

• Eye Pencil in Black: Nothing is written on it, what brand it is or anything, I've tried it on my waterline and the colour isn't pigmented at all. It will probably work once you've put it close to a candle or if you use it as a eyeliner. I guess this is a full size product but I'm not sure it's good quality.

• Roger Cavailles, Nutrissance, Lait corps Hydratant (dry skin): Right. I won't say much about this as it is a 10ml tube which means it is hard to try it out and see if we actually like it and more importantly, it says on the tube: ECHANTILLON GRATUIT. NE PEUT ETRE VENDU which literally means that it shouldn't be sold and it is, to us. 

The only nice thing about this is that they come in a cute little bag MLB... (4th photo)

• My Little Couture Book: I've read it in 5 minutes, a few pages are interesting and the rest is kinda pointless. 4 ways to tie your scarf, and 2 of them are exactly the same.. I'm not so thrilled about this.

• Peter Pan Reversible Collar: It is quite nice even though easy to make. I'm happy they put at least one accessorize related to fashion as it is the Couture box. 

• Tiny Badge from Mlle Emma : It's nice even though not entirely my style.

• Little Notebook sponsored by Fiat: I like this item though they probably got it for free. I'm a notebook crazy lady so I was happy to get a Liberty Notebook.

• Enveloppe and letter paper.

• My Little Box Bag: I love this bag, it can be really useful whenever I shop with a clutch or with a full bag, I can take it out and put my bargains in it or even take it to the Beach when the summer comes back! That's a winner here!

• Mini Diet Coke Can designed by Jean Paul Gauthier: Was that free as well? I like diet coke, I love Jean Paul Gauthier and already had those two designs on bigger cans but alright.

The last mini things were a chance to go to the Jean Paul Gauthier show in Paris and I did not win and 3 mini tiny little dresses you can cut and put anywhere you want which is useless. There. I said it.

So, my thoughts on this box are quite mixed as I knew it would be quite disappointed but I wanted to try it out anyway. I unsubscribed as I think it isn't worth its price. I really thought My Little Box was the best one as it was offering great products of great quality and the design was really original and cute. Since this box was about Couture, I thought they would put high end products as they did in the past. Even though Roger Cavailles is famous for its quality, it is a free sample so I could have got it myself. Also, they talked about accessorize, I thought of jewellery and there weren't any so.. Even though I knew it wouldn't be up to anyone's expectations, I was still a bit disappointed because of the price of the box.

Did any of you guys get this box? What did you think of it? Have you unsubscribed?

CHEERIO

MAGNIFICIENT MAGGIE'S BOOK REVIEW JOURNAL

Yes as you can tell by that blogpost name, I am starting an actual Journal to gather all my thoughts, reviews and ideas in one only place so I can make proper posts or maybe future videos on it.

I actually wanted to clarify something with you and be totally honest.

As you can see, I haven't been uploading any videos for 3 weeks or so. The reason for this is that I am currently thinking that it might be too soon for me to put me out there as I still don't know if I'm good at this, if I'm interesting enough and especially if I create videos that I actually like. Because I've always had a problem with perfectionism (and I may write a next post on that particular subject as I know a lot about it and have to deal with it every single day of my life), I'm struggling a lot with creating content and editing it in a nice enough way so I can be proud of myself and feel good by posting something good to my eyes. I know that a lot of youtubers didn't start with proper camera settings or with good lights or weren't perfect at doing all this but that's cool for them. I still have a lot to work on concerning 'What I expect from myself' and I think it might be good if I'm creating my universe first with this blog, take my marks and finally enter that youtube world when I feel ready for it.

That being said, let's talk about this actual Journal :)

I had this book for years now and never actually used it. It was created in order to review books you've read and share it with you friends or just read through to remember how much you liked a special book. The actual name of this book is 'Magnificient Moggie's book review journal' but I turned it into Maggie's as when I used to live in England, the little monsters I was looking after used to call me Maggie for fun and it can a became what I like to see as my 'British name'.

Sorry in advance if I keep repeating the word 'book' in this post, it's just inevitable or I could call it something else like Barbie or I don't know but it might be confusing ;)

I want Barbie (ahah) to be Thoughts, Reviews and Ideas of a Creative Nerd which means that I will be reviewing beauty products, films, books, objects, anything I like and write about it taking the time to find the right words for it and maybe do like a Chronological List of Feelings about it throughout its using. I may as well create like an article or video content just to organize my thoughts, create different kind of lists as I love them so much and finally, I will be writing about any DIY, or anything I will be creating and making with my own hands so that I can share it with you and explain how to do it.

I will try my best at keeping tracks of everything, sticking to the aim of the book and most importantly write regularly :)

I hope you guys enjoy the idea that things will be more organized, that I will have taken time to think about what I'm writing about and I hope you understand this whole Youtube Not Ready statement I've made.

It's always nice to hear from you and see how you feel about what I'm doing so let me know if you have a couple of minutes spare.

CHEERIO