My 5 Must-Haves for Summer

Hello, guess what...I am still alive.
And apparently it is already summer. WHAT? Where has spring gone? I feel like time flies by so fast, it's incredible.
Anyways, I present to you my five MUST-HAVES for the summer months.

Sunscreen

A good sunscreen is so important. UV radiation can cause a lot of damage on your skin, worst of all skin cancer. Furthermore, it forwards the development of wrinkles and the skin will soon look very aged. Especially the face is a very decadent and sensitive area that we need to thoroughly take care of.
I am very strict and cautious when it comes to the sun. I prefer fake tanning over sun bathing any time and in the summer months I don't leave the house without sun protection on. For the body I usually opt for at least SPF 25 and for the face I currently enjoy using the Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50. The formula is really light, so it doesn't feel greasy or heavy on the skin at all. Neither does it have the typical sunscreen smell, but is hardly scented at all, which is very pleasant.
But don't get me wrong here. I love the sun and I love being outside in the sun, just not exposed to direct sunlight for hours and never without protection.

Sandals

For me a good pair of sandals are essential for summer. Preferably one that is durable and most importantly comfortable. Whether you are going to take a walk along the beach, to the next ice cream stand or in the park, you don't want to get blisters.
Whenever summer comes around, I basically live in my Birkenstocks. I swear to you, they are the most comfortable and practical things ever, they look cool and they go with any outfit. So get yourselves some cute and comfy sandals and your footsies will thank you :)

Nail Polish 

Yes, I will admit that nail polish is a big part of my life. So consequently it is a must-have for summer as well. This time of the year, I usually go for bright and cheerful colors. My favorites are pastels (Maybelline Super Stay Gel Nail Color in "Mint For Life", Essie "bond with whomever") but I also love me a great, vibrant pink ;) For example the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in "Speedy Sunburst".

When I have the time I also enjoy creating cute designs and patterns. I can literally spend hours drawing tiny flowers or dots on my nails, so much fun. So whip out your favorite summer colors and get painting. 

Ps.: Don't forget those foot nails, because if you are wearing sandals they also deserve some love and color.

Tinted Lip Balm 

In the summer I prefer wearing light products on my skin. So rather than having to maintain a bold lip color (which can be quite challenging at times), I tend to go for a tinted lip balm. You can just slap it on without having to find a mirror or worrying about smudging it everywhere. Another bonus would be to have SPF already included in the lip balm. Because even though we usually forget or neglect it, our lips need sun protection as well.

I really like the Maybelline Baby Lips, because they come in different colors and scents and they are super moisturizing. On top they have SPF 20.

Skirts and Dresses

Every year, when summer finally rolls around, I get so excited to break out all my summer clothes. I do actually own quite the collection of dresses, but I think they are just the most perfect items for summer. They are super comfortable, easy to just throw on and suitable for any occasion. 

My latest favorite has been this long, flowing skirt from Gina Tricot. The color is very unique (a mix between lilac and pale blue) and it is so incredibly comfortable. Can't stop wearing it. 

So, I hope you got a little bit inspired and are as excited for summer as I am (obviously only if it is summer for you right now, where ever you live).

If you'd like, leave a comment below telling me your must-haves for summer. I'd love to hear them.

Keep smiling,

xoxo

Pichen

Pink Ombré Nails

Hey Ho,
So I recently saw this idea of ombré nails on Lily Pebbles' blog and thought I'd try and recreate it. I think it is a really cute idea, especially for spring and summer and you can do it with any color. Since I am a huge nail polish collector it wasn't that hard finding five different shades of pink. 
From dark (my thumb) to light (the pinkie) I am wearing:

Topshop Matte Nails - Mystic

YSL La Laque Couture - Fuchsia Neo Classic

Rimmel London 60 Seconds - Shocker

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri - Speedy Sunburst

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear - Pop Of Pink

 Hope you're gonna try it out.

Keep smiling,
xoxo

Pichen

Easter OOTD

I am sorry for being a little MIA at the moment but I have been drowning in school work and exam preparation. 

But since it is Easter, I thought I would do a quick "Outfit Of The Day". 

Coat: Marie Lund Copenhagen 

Jeans: Big Star, Paola 344

Bag: Accessories By Goertz

Top: Gina Tricot

Shoes: Giorgio Venuti

Necklace: Topshop

Hope everyone is doing well.

Keep smiling,

xoxo

Pichen

My 5 Most Worn Lip Products

Let's talk lips! Yes, I do own quite an excessive amount of lip products. But don't we all have a guilty pleasure? 

Anyways, I tried to narrow it down to five...so here it goes.

#1 Labello, Lip Butter, Vanilla&Macadamia

First of all, can we all just please appreciate the scent of this. It smells of rich and creamy vanilla with a hint of macadamia coming through. For some reason the scent reminds me of The Body Shop's chocolate range. Besides the scent this lip butter is so moisturizing without being sticky. I smother this stuff on before I go to bed and in the morning I have super soft lips. Can't rave enough about it.

Prize: €2,69

#2 p2, Sheer Glam Lipstick, 071 Mona Lisa Smile

I love the p2 lipsticks in general but this particular shade must be my most worn lipstick of all time. I've already gone through one of these and immediately repurchased it, that's how much I love it. It is creamy, moisturizing, lasts surprisingly long for a sheer lipstick and I especially like the shade "Mona Lisa Smile". In my opinion this is the perfect colour for "your lips but better". A hint of red but since it is sheer nothing crazy. Another bonus is that they are super cheap. Anyone who can get a hold of the brand p2, honestly do yourself a favour and check them out :)

Prize: €1,95

#3 L'Oréal Paris, Color Riche, Collection Privée, Eva's Nude

This was such an impulsive purchase but also such a winner. The line consists of five very different nude shades and I had read some blog posts about them when I stumbled across them in the drugstore. I didn't have a lot of time so I just grabbed the shade Eva's Nude and it turned out to be a winner. The consistency is very creamy and a good pigmentation. The shade I have is more on the red side with a golden sheen running through it. It looks very sophisticated and classy so does the packaging, even though it is only from the drugstore. The only thing that might put you off, which doesn't bother me at all is the scent. It does smell a little "grandma-like". Other than that: a definite winner!

Prize: around €10

#4 Manhattan Lip Lacquer Nr. 40C Choc Shock

These lip lacquers are known as a dupe for the Rimmel Apocalips. I can't compare the two since I only own the Manhattan one. Lip Lacquers are basically a mixture between lipstick and lipgloss. They are usually quite a bit glossier than a regular lipstick and act more as a stain. The Manhattan lip lacquer fulfills all these criteria. Choc Shock is a very nice berry shade and the colour pay off is really good, one layer is perfectly fine. The lasting power is maybe not as convincing, since it does require a lot of touch ups throughout the day. Still a really good product.

Prize: €4,99

#5 Chanel, Rouge Coco, 79 Plumetis

Of course I saved the most expensive one for last. Chanel lipsticks are probably one of the most exciting thing for a woman to own since they are so timeless and sophisticated. Already the smell and the packaging feel very luxurious without mentioning the amazing product itself. The Rouge Coco is my favorite range and this particular shade is such an easy wear. For me this is the perfect nude shade and the tiny gold speckles running through it make it that extra bit special. You just feel good all around whilst wearing it.  

Prize: €30,99

So there you have it, my most worn lip products. May you feel inspired and may your wallet not suffer too much :)

Keep smiling,

xoxo

Pichen

Drink It Up

Happy Wednesday everyone. We've already made it half way through the week. Yeah :)
In order to make the last couple of days more enjoyable, I thought I'd introduce you to my favourite hot drink at the moment. This is perfect for everyone who likes it healthy and delicious.


GREEN TEA - with a twist

All you're going to need is:

Organic Green Tea
Agave Nectar
Milk of your choice (I usually use soy or oat milk, but any kind works)
Cinnamon and Sugar (optional)

Now you just need to make a cup of green tea like you normally would. Heat up a splash of milk in a saucepan (or if you have a milk frother use that one). I then heavily froth my milk with this tiny milk frother and pour it in my green tea. Add a dash of agave nectar and stir it up. For a really cool caramalised crust sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top. It's as easy as that. Enjoy!

Let me know if you try it.

Keep smiling,
xoxo

Pichen

#1 Outfit of the Day

It's time for an "Outfit of the Day"! This is what I wore today...

The pants are from H&M

I picked the shirt up from Gina Tricot

The leather jacket is from Biba

My velvet booties are also H&M

Keep smiling,

xoxo

Pichen

London Haul

I might have done some sneaky shopping while being over in London. How could I not have? Space NK is heaven for all the beauty lovers. So I picked up a few make up bits but also some other stuff.

First I got the Rimmel Match Perfection foundation in 100 Ivory. I've been using it for the past week and I do like it. I'm probably going to do a proper review on that one.

Next, I couldn't resist the Scandeleyes Eyeshadow Paint in Rich Russet, because of Lily Pebbles. It's as amazing as she was claiming it to be. Just the perfect golden brown shade to wear on a day to day basis and so easy to just pop on, blend with the finger or a brush and you're good to go. The best part though is that it doesn't crease and it stays on the eyelids all day. Just the way I like it!

I also picked up an addition to my Real Techniques collection. The Expert Face Brush makes the application of foundation incredibly easy. It helps blending the edges perfectly and leaves a really nice finish. Great one if you want to invest in a good but affordable foundation brush.

I bought a matte nail polish from Topshop in the color Mystic, which is a gorgeous raspberry red.

Batiste Dry Shampoo is a must-have if you're lazy like me and you hate washing your hair.

I also invested in my very first two Mac eyeshadows plus the quad palette. The colors I got are Satin Taupe (a classic but so worth it) and Coppering.

In the tote bag from the fashion show I also received a mini Essie nail polish in Naughty Nautical, a Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me and a label.m hairspray (which smells delicious).

When we went to Covent Garden, I treated myself to this beautiful dress, which is so me. It's exactly the style of dress I love most and it was just made for my closet, so I had to have it.

Lastly, I didn't actually buy these shoes in London. I tried them on in Topshop and I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to get them. I've been wanting some classic black boots with a heel for a while. So when I got home I ordered them online and I don't regret my decision. They are from Kurt Geiger from the Carvela line and the shoe is called Tamera. Incredibly comfortable and very well made.

Keep smiling,
xoxo

Pichen

London Fashion Weekend: The Outfit

Soooo, as you may have read, I went to London for the Fashion Weekend.
Here is what I ended up wearing.

The dress I ended up wearing is really sleek and chic. The color of it is navy and I picked it up from S. Oliver.

Boots and jacket are from H&M and the bag is from Zara. 

Keep smiling,

xoxo

Pichen