Hi, my name is Julia! I create makeup and beauty videos on Youtube. This blog is an extension of my Youtube channel so that I can share pictures, product reviews, and other chatter with you. I would be so happy if you subscribe to my blog as well as my Youtube channel. You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook for daily updates and sneak previews of forthcoming videos.
On a personal note, I'm of Swiss-Canadian nationality and live in Switzerland. I love traveling, cooking, reading and music. In my free time I love spending time outdoors, skiing, fitness, and just staying active. I make videos about my life on my second Youtube channel - check it out!
Disclaimer: Some (but not all) of the products shown on this website are sent to me by cosmetic companies. This does not affect my opinion of the product; my priority is to give honest reviews for my readers. I do not accept payment for my reviews.
I've tried out five of these new shadows by L'Oreal and I have to say I'm pretty impressed! The are a drugstore version of the Armani Eyes To Kill shadows (which are incidentally also made by L'Oreal Cosmetics but for their Armani brand) and are a very unique texture. They are soft-pressed eyeshadows which actually have a liquid component to their formula, which makes them buttery smooth and slightly creamy. There is a stopper insert below the lid which you can use to press the eyeshadows down.
Clockwise from the top row left: Flashback Silver, Sahara Treasure, Purple Obsession, All Night Blue, Hourglass Beige
The five I've picked out here all have a very frosty, metallic finish, although I think there are one or two matte shades available (I think the black is matte.) The are really pigmented on my lids and last a very long time without fading or flaking. It's best to use a flat, slightly stiff shading brush to pack these down on the lid; I didn't have very good results with a soft blending brush.
Overall I'm very pleased with these. They have a great color pay-off and an interesting finish, and the colours are really nice and can be combined very well with each other. They are on the more expensive side as far as drugstore products go but I think they are also much more pigmented than most drugstore eyeshadows.
Check out my video review for a closer look and swatches!
I filmed another quick, easy but healthy cooking video! The point of these videos is more to serve as inspiration for healthier eating, you can always substitute specific ingredients or make your own taste adjustments.
This is a really simple and fast dinner solution, and one of my favorite ways how to make vegetables in the wintertime. You can also substitute with root vegetables like beets, rutabaga, parsnips or anything else. Roasting them in the oven means you actually have very little "active" cooking time, and you just have to turn the veggies once in a while in the oven while they are roasting.
I hope you try it out, and let me know how you liked it!
Here's a look I think is perfect for a night out partying, or maybe just for those who are looking to be a bit adventurous with a bolder look. The eyes are smokey navy blue, and the lips are multi-tonal for the added kick. Watch my video below for step-by-step instructions!
Face
Revlon Colorstay foundation, Barry M Natural Dazzle Bronzer, MAC Beauty Powder blush in Play It Proper,
Eyes
KIKO Cream Eyeshadow 09, Ben Nye black eyeliner pencil, L'Oreal Infallible eyehadow in All Night Blue, L'Oreal Infallible eyehadow in Flashback Silver, Ben Nye Toast eyeshadow, L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Hourglass Beige, Sugarpill Bulletproof shadow, Sephora eyeliner in Keep Blue, MAC Studio Finish concealer, Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Beguile, KIKO khol in 706, MAC Blacktrack Fluidline, Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara
Lips
Catrice lipliner in 060 Very Berry, Nivea Lipstick in Bedtime Plum, Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Fuchsia, Barry M Lipsticks in Nr. 100 and Nr. 37
Nails
Anny - The Show Must Go On, China Glaze - Tinsel Town
Many of your requested to see more videos using drugstore makeup. I don't buy too much drugstore makeup here in Switzerland because a) we have a really crappy variety of colors and products, and b) many "cheap" drugstore brands are insanely overpriced here! (Revlon foundation for $30 USD, L'Oreal macara for $25 USD.)
So when I was recently in the States, I went to town at Ulta and Target, picking up loads of cheap but good drugstore products, most of which are not even available here. In many cases, drugstore products can deliver great results, and with so many brands coming out with hip products geared towards a younger consumer, you should have no problem replicating most of my looks with cheaper alternatives (if you live in a country that has a wide variety.)
Here's a soft and pretty purple look using mostly drugstore products. For some items I just had no drugstore product available to me that suited the look, but in the video I give budget alternatives.
Face
Revlon Colorstay foundation, MAC MSF in Blonde
Eyes
MAC Paint in Mauvism, Wet n Wild Color Icon palette #736 Petal Pusher, MAC Feline kohl pencil, L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes mascara
Lips
Milani Lip Flash pencil in In A Flash, Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss (purple one)
What a beautiful baby, don't you think? This is KIKO Nr. 336 as a base, with CND Effects Nr. 561 Sapphire Sparkle on top. I love how the CND Effects polishes just add a bit of pizazz to any cream finish polish, and they work great for layering. This one has an icy blue and purple duochrome. I picked up two of the CND Effects polishes on my recent trip to Vancouver, and I can't wait to try them out with lots of other combinations.
Yup, I changed the shape and length of my nails. I'm starting fresh and I need something low maintenance right now. My nails grow pretty fast, and I like having them short and round sometimes for a change.
I flew in from Vancouver yesterday after a rather pleasant flight - I managed to get a whole middle row to myself on the plane and even got a bit of shut-eye in - but am now rather jet lagged. I went to bed at 8:30pm and woke up this morning at 5am. Nothing like getting up super early and making the most of the day!
Now two brim-filled suitcases await me, ready to be unloaded with laundry to wash, and many beauty products to set aside for a haul video. I recently uploaded a haul of my USA shopping trip with my friend Heather, aka Sokolum79 on Youtube, so make sure to watch it to get a sneak peak of some of the things I purchased. I still bought a lot of other things while in Vancouver, so I may do another one.
I had such a great time in Vancouver with my family, but am now ready to get back into the swing of things and film new videos! Have a stellar day, everyone, and a great weekend! I'm off to the cabin for the weekend to do some skiing in the alps - first time this season. I'm stoked to try out my new boarding pants and jacket from Roxy and Burton to see how well they fare.
Glitter nail polish. I love how it looks, simply hate taking it off! I go through about a million cotton pads and at least half a bottle of polish remover if I'm going by the traditional method. My arms start to hurt with all the rubbing I have to do. (Um, yes, that sounds so wrong. Haha!)
This is a much simpler method how to remove glitter polish using foil. It's quite popular on nail forums and with nail techs, so why not try it at home next time? It makes the glitter polish just slide right off - rub free! No joke.
This look is inspired by the signature neutral look worn my Megan Fox at many movie premieres and photo shoots. I think Megan has changed her style a bit lately, she wears more red lipstick now, but this is based more on her older natural but glamorous look. It's perfect for many occasions, for example weddings, special events, prom, or pretty much anytime you want to look sexy and elegant without looking too done up.
Face
NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Mont Blanc, Barry M Natural Dazzle, La Femme Nectar Peach blush
Eyes
MAC Untitled Paint, MAC Shroom, MAC Jest, MAC Soft Brown, Catrice Go Charlie Brown, MAC Blacktrack Fluidline, Illamasqua Masquara in Raven, Elite Lashes Nr. 18
Lips
Rimmel Addiction lipliner, MAC All Revealing lipstick, MAC Prrr Lipglass
It's that time of the year again when many of us gorge on deliciously decadent food and spend our free time indoors, lazing on the couch watching movies, entertaining with family and friends, or doing not much at all. As a result, we tend to put on some extra pounds during the Holiday season. For some this is just a part of the deal, but it doesn't have to be. You can still enjoy the Holidays without getting completely derailed from your diet and workout routine, without having to deny yourself every sweet indulgence.
I put together a video with my own tips and ideas how you can strike a balance between enjoying yourself and eating Holiday goodies, without packing on the pounds. If you're interested, check it out!
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker was the inspiration behind this holiday makeup, namely the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. I wanted to create a look inspired by red-toned plum shades, mixed with shimmery light gold and some glitter for a bit of festive sparkle. I hope you enjoy this look! Happy Holidays everyone!
Face & Cheek
Lancome Teint Idole foundation, Urban Decay Glide-On Cheek Tint in Fetish, Kryolan Glamour Sparks Nr. 5
Eyes
NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk, Inglot AMC Shine 30, MAC Cranberry, Inglot DS 494, Catrice black gel eyeliner, Lit Cosmetics Twisted Sistah glitter, Lit Cosmetics Clearly Liquid Glitter base, L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara
I just love fancy nails at Christmas time, and nothing screams Christmas to me like deep red and gold. I decided to create these sparkly glittery nails, which I think are perfect for the holidays. When I had this on my nails, even my boyfriend commented how Christmasy it looked, and you know how men are about noticing things like nails!
Products:
Nailtek Foundation II
China Glaze Short and Sassy
Essence Nail Art Special Effects Topper in You're A Gold Mine
Cinema Secrets Hollywood Lights glitter in Oscar
Fan nail brush is from ebay
Seche Vite Topcoat
I hope you enjoy this tutorial! Check out my video below.
One of Lady Gaga's makeup looks from her new music video caught my eye...
So I decided to recreate it! I personally love this look and would definitely wear this for a special night out somewhere. The look is focused around a defined crease line, winged eyeliner with pointed ends on the inner and outer corner, bold red lips, and strong brows.
Watch the video tutorial!
Face Lancome Teint Idole foundation, Ben Nye concealer wheel, Kryolan Micro Silk Powder, Barry M Natural Dazzle bronzer
Eyes MAC Untitled Paint, Sleek Oh So Special palette, Lancome Le Crayon Kohl in Brun, MAC Blacktrack Fluidline, Max Factor Natural Glaze eyeliner kohl, Essence Multi Action mascara, Elite Lashes Nr. 6, Duo Lash Adhesive
Brows MAC Brows in Spiked, Sugarpill Bulletproof
Lips Catrice Lip pencil in The Roof Is On Fire, Illamasqua Sangers lipstick
I've wanted to do an interpretation of Disney's Princess Jasmine for the longest time, and since I missed out on doing this for Halloween, I thought - sod it - I'll do it NOW! Why not?
I didn't really want to do a look that actually mimicked the character in the animation film; rather, I wanted to allow Jasmine to be reborn in her own new look. The colors were inspired by her outfit, and the style of makeup from Arab looks, since she is supposed to be an Arabian princess after all.
Face
Revlon Colorstay foundation, Ben Nye concealer wheel, MAC MSF in Blonde
Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion, Ben Nye Turquoise, Nars Outremer, Kryolan Cloud, Sugarpill Bulletproof, Calypso Mineral Twilight, Lit Cosmetics Peacock glitter, MAC Blacktrack Fluidliner, Kryolan Aqua Color White, MAC Mixing Medium, Ben Nye black eyeliner, L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara
Lips
P2 Sunset Boulevard, Revlon Lipgloss in Pink Pop
There's a couple of really great sales I wanted to tell you about for some of my favorite products. First off, Lilash! This is my favorite miracle product for long, luscious eyelashes. You can check out the video where I reviewed the product in detail:
Details: $99 per tube of LiLash and LiBrow (regular price $140) Plus Free Shipping & 2 Free Gifts with the Purchase of 2 or more products! Coupon Code: THANKFUL (although the landing page may auto apply that coupon) Valid 11/24 to 11/29 ONLY!
The next worthwile sale is from Sigma!
Sigma is offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on all their brushes, makeup kits and accessories (everything in their online store) for one day only. Plus there are some great items on sale in the "Special Deals" section, which you can find on the left side menu on their website. I've recently tried out the Synthetic Precision Kit (pictured above) and really love it, just haven't had time yet for a detailed review.
I tried out a new recipe for cheesecake and I absolutely loved how it turned out! This cheesecake was so incredibly delicious. I made it for a dinner party with 6 guests, and everyone loved it. It's so perfect for upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, and makes for a beautiful presentation.
Crust
1 9-ounce box chocolate wafer cookies, crumbled
2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, grated
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
dash of cinnamon
Filling
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature (about 900g)
1 cup sugar (200g)
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 large eggs
grated peel from 2 oranges
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons orange liqueur (like Grand Manier) or brandy
Topping
1/2 cup sugar (100g)
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
2 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (500-600g)
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
1-2 tablespoons Cranberry liqueur (optional)
For crust:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Finely grind cookies and
chocolate in processor. Add cinnamon, then butter; blend until moist clumps form. Using
plastic wrap as aid, press crumb mixture onto bottom and 1 1/4 inches
up sides of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides.
Bake until set, about 8 minutes. Cool completely.
For filling:
Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Using
electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until light.
Beat in flour. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, just until blended. Beat in
orange peel, liqueur, and vanilla.
Pour filling into crust. Bake the cheesecake in a waterbath, or slide a roasting tray of water underneath the cake form. Bake until filling is just set in center but
still moves slightly, about 1 hour. Turn off oven, place wooden spoon into the oven door to allow the heat to escape slowly, and let the cheesecake cool fully. Then cover and chill
overnight.
For topping:
Stir sugar and water in medium saucepan over medium-low
heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium; add cornstarch
mixture and bring to simmer. Add cranberries; cook until beginning to
pop, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Stir in orange peel and cranberry liqueur. Cool
completely. Cover and chill overnight. (Cheesecake and cranberry topping
can be made a day ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
Run knife around top edge of cheesecake to loosen.
Release pan sides. Top cheesecake with cranberries and serve immediately.
