Christmas Giveaway! -CLOSED-

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

Yes, my dearest Dolls you read right, I've been planning on this giveaway for sometime now and the time has come. I will be giving away a BRAND NEW IN BOX Golden Gloss no.41 from YSL.

This is my way of saying thanks to each and one of you for your kindness, support and love here on House of Doll. So thank you all! ♥ ♥ ♥

Giveaway Rules:

1) You must be a follower of my blog (+1)

2) Leave in the comment form below, your name, GFC & email (furthermore leave extra info for extra points)

For more entries:

1) Follow me on Twitter (+1) (leave Twitter name)

2) Tweet about this giveaway (+1) (leave tweet link)

3) Like my Facebook page (+1) (leave Facebook name)

4) Blog about this giveaway (+1) (leave link)

This giveaway is open internationally and will end at midnight Athens time on January 7th 2012.

GOOD LUCK ♥ ♥ ♥

Tokyo.

A month ago I adopted a new kitten, Tokyo! Didn't I give him an awesome name? I saw pictures of Tokyo on Facebook where someone was trying to find a home for him since he was found living on the street.

*sad face*

I immediately fell in love with him and just wanted to take him home and squeeze him and love him  *love*
After about a month of tracking him down we found him and he became a part of our family!

Our other 2 cats (which we have also adopted of the streets) have not accepted him yet since cats are territorial animals and they see him as an intruder in their territory. And all Tokyo wants is to play with them :/

Tokyo is a Siamese Blue Point kitten. Although he has some Lynx Point markings on him which have confused me so I just have to wait for him to grow up and see which markings are dominant.

I'm so happy to have Tokyo he is truly my Christmas gift from Santa this year!

Seventeen no. 93 Swatches.

Ice Dance Nails Tutorial.

The Ice Dance scene from Edward Scissorhands is -hands down- one of my all time favorites. Such a beautiful scene and piece of music inspired me to do my nails in homage to the Ice Dance.

Here is what I used:

- Seventeen Top Shine Supreme

- Tommy G no.347

- Forever21 Silver Glitter Polish

- White Iridescent Glitter

Step 1:

Use the silver polish to make french tips. I applied 2 coats. Your tips don't need to be perfect since imperfections won't show with the glitter on top.

Step 2:

Take the silver glitter and draw a line as shown in the picture below. Apply 2 coats.

Step 3:

Apply a coat of your clear top polish and while the nail is wet, sprinkle the white glitter on top. Do this nail by nail so that you can make sure that the glitter will stick. When they dry, apply 2 final coats of clear top polish to seal and protect your nails.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Review.

A lot of my readers have been asking me how do I take care of my hair. And I can say that part of taking care of your hair is the products you use. So naturally I was thrilled to be send the new Kerastase Elixir Ultime to try out and to share with you the results.

L'Oreal Greece sent me this gorgeous package of the product to try out and I was stunned! The collector's box is beautiful and the gold bedding of the product is actually a gold shawl -- great for a night out or for wearing during the summer.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime: What is it?

It is Kerastase's first versatile beautifying treatment enriched with a complex for four precious oils. Maize, Argan, Camellia and Pracaxi oils combine to create a luxurious Elixir for all hair types.

1. Pracaxi Oil:
Originates from Amazonian regions. Celebrated for its rich conditioning properties.

2. Argan Oil:
Deriving from Morocco, it remains one of the rarest oils in the world. It is a prized oil famed for its nourishing benefits.

3. Maize Oil:
Extracted from corn germs from Central America. A Kerastase heritage oil used in our first ever masque.

4. Camellia Oil:
A luxurious and fragrant oil, extracted from camellia flowers traditionally from Central and Eastern Asia.

There is a lot of hype surrounding this serum even comparing it to liquid gold. And I don't blame them.

It's consistency and texture is very light -- which is a major pro since you don't want heavy/oily products wearing your hair down. It applies on so smoothly that 1 pump is just enough for me -- a little goes a long way.

When I applied the Elixir Ultime I noticed right away that my hair was indeed silky smooth without any greasy residue giving my hair such a healthy and shiny glow LOVE LOVE LOVE! Even after one day of having my hair in a bun/ponytail, I can still see and feel the effect of the product.

The scent is amazing and yet light and I really love the dispenser bottle cause with a pump you can control the right amount you need, twisting it closed when your done so it doesn't spill.

One of the most exciting features of this serum is that it can be used in several ways:

-Pre-wash to remove impurities.
-Pre-blow dry or flat iron as a heat protector.
-Post-dry/flat iron to smooth, soften and shine.
-As a hot oil treatment.

Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥

The only negative thing that can be mentioned about this product is that it's pricey. But hey, you get what you pay for and for such a versatile product and from such a respected company, I can only find the price logical.

This serum has definitely taken a place in my hair routine and I will be using it on my hair extensions too.

Has anyone tried this serum? Any thoughts?

My MAC Lipstick Collection.

Hello my December Dolls! So as you all know I am a lipstick junkie and pretty damn proud of it. So I thought I'd start sharing my lipstick collections and the best place to start off would be of course MAC. I think I found all of them (I tend to forget lipsticks in bags) but I couldn't find my "Russian Red". It's somewhere (must find).

Let me know what your favorite MAC lipstick is. I'd really like to know what my readers love wearing. Kisses ♥

The Nudes/Neutral

From left to right: Myth, Hue, Fleshpot, Shy Girl, The Faerie Glen (LE), Creme Cup, Honeylove, Kinda Sexy.

The Pinks

From left to right: St Germain, Victorian (LE), Lazy Day (LE), Angel, Pink Nouveau, Something New (LE), Girl About Town.

The Oranges/Reds

From left to right: Ever Hip (LE), Vegas Volt, Lady Danger.

The Purples

From left to right: Snob, Blooming Lovely (LE), Playtime (LE), Petals & Peacocks (LE), Up The Amp, Style Curve (LE).

Skin 79 Super+ BB Cream Review.

This is a review that I've been meaning to do for quite some time now, ever since I got the Skin 79 Super+ BB cream. I was constantly reading about BB creams online and witnessing in general the BB cream craze.

So what are BB creams?

BB stands for Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beblesh Balm. It was initially used by dermatologists to help laser surgery patients protect, soothe and refine highly sensitive skin while providing light coverage for post-laser scars, acne and other blemishes.

Then BB creams started to become very popular in Asia as they were discovered to be a "secret weapon" amongst Korean actresses for their flawless and youthful skin.

So of course I had to try it!!

SKIN79 has Adenosine and Arbutin which are effective in pigmentation lightening and in lessening wrinkles, giving you radiant and supple skin. This brand also provides UV Protection. It also incorporates a mixture of sunflower, rice bran and ivy extracts called Osmopur which protects skin from various harmful conditions. An ingredient called Phyto Complex keeps skin moist and healthy.

Functions of Skin 79's BB Cream

Skin Protection

Skin Brightening

Skin Tone Balancing

Wrinkle Care

Sun Protection

Make Up Base

Works As Prescribed Regimen

A lot of people complain on how the Skin 79 Super+ BB Cream has a greyish tone to it's color but that tones down as soon as the BB cream oxidizes. It's very light-weight and goes on the skin very smoothly. Has a very light pleasant smell to it too. I wouldn't say that it could cover up difficult imperfections on the skin though.

Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥

BB creams are a great alternative to foundation as it's light-weight formula does not clog up pores and gives our skin a much needed break from heavy make up. Whenever I wear this cream my skin feels so fresh and light and I have noticed that I don't break out too. Also I found this cream to be a savior during summer. Light and enriched with an SPF25 it was exactly what my skin needed not to feel weighed-down by foundation.

If you choose to wear something on your face why not choose something that can actually do GOOD for your skin? 

Think about it.

The only "con" I can point out about this product is that it only comes out in 1 shade. But let's be realistic, these are Korean products and it's only logical that they would come out in a universal light shade. But what I would do during summer is after I would set the BB cream with face powder I would brush my face lightly with a bronzer until I would get the desired tone that I wanted. Piece of cake.

So I would definitely recommend Skin 79's Super+ BB Cream and I personally can't wait to try out more BB creams from different companies.

November Randomness.

So I just woke up a little while ago and I have not eaten (not good -- Gina hungry) but yet I felt a randomness within that I just had to share. Random stuff of my November. I know we're only half way through November but trust me I'll be too damn lazy to do the rest of November.

Randomness.

After my awesome birthday party I wanted to go to a cute little Italian restaurant with my boyfriend for a birthday dinner on the actual day of my birthday (November 7). I like making my birthday a many days' affair. Cause I'm special. And it numbs out the idea of the age part. Anyway, so November 7th was a Monday. I took a day off work just so I could go to Sette for dinner thinking "Yay dinner on my birthday at such a gorgeous restaurant".

WRONG.

The restaurant is closed every Monday. FUCK. *clenches fists, turns towards the sky and screams "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo" in slow-motion*

So we went the next night. Awesome place, awesome food. Sette in Halandri. Everybody must go there. I wanted to take pictures in the restaurant of the food and the place for a blog post but my boyfriend was too shy cause it's a small quaint and classy place. So no post. Blame him. I spent over an hour getting ready and no pictures there! And I was picture perfect (sad face). Whenever this happens, usually there is a thought that we'll take photos when we leave. But trust me after 3-4 hrs I'm either tired/hungry/drunk and again no pictures. I'm thinking this is a trick my boyfriend plays on me cause he's always lazy to take pictures of me. But I'm on to him -.-

That's why I need an iPhone cause the front camera would be perfect for me. Independent cam-whore.

He did surprise me with roses that night. So sweet, I was really happy. Fuchsia and pale pink ones. Gorgeous.

Picture taken with my Blackberry and edited on my iPad (irony). And new wallpaper on both cause of the pure awesomeness of this gorgeous picture.

I have been curling my extensions lately for when I go out. Note: I DO NOT wear my extensions on a daily basis cause I don't need to. My hair is really long, down to my waist I just bought extensions cause even though my hair is super long and straight, it lacks volume. So hair extensions is a great way of making your hair look fuller.

Anyway curling just your extensions and mixing them in with your natural hair is a quick way of creating soft curls without curling every single strand on your head. Gina no patient. Will not get into details as a post on the matter is in the works.

I finally got this in the mail and since it's from England, I can't use it until I find a plug extension for it so it can fit in a Greek socket. Dammit! My mermaid hair shall have to wait. And it's blog post. Delays, delays...

Hello Kitty makeup case I got recently. Cause I adore Hello Kitty and all things Sanrio and I just had to have it.

More Randomness.

Being bored at work and thinking of ways to entertain yourself. Whenever someone at work asks you a question: take it as dirty, give them the look and chuckle to yourself.

Everyone supporting Movember when you're paying for laser hair removal sessions.

Your mobile carrier sending you that text message informing you that they will cut off your phone if you don't pay up soon. Delaying payment on purpose thinking to yourself: "Bring it on bitches" -.-

Thanking you all for baring with me on this random-ranting rave. Till next month's Randomness.

For my Greek readers I recently gave an interview if you care to read. Everyone who can't read Greek, press the link then put it in Google Translate. Works like a charm and saves me the boring task of translating myself.

L’oreal Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer Review.

I always use a primer before I apply my foundation and I'll tell you why.

A primer does multiple tasks:

1. It creates a layer between your makeup and your skin thus protecting your skin.
2. It smooths out the surface of your skin making foundation application a piece of cake.
3. It helps make your makeup last longer and helps it's overall performance.

So I was excited to try L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer. The product is of a pink mousse consistency and super velvety to the touch. Whatever I write about this product cannot compare to the actual feel of this primer, you really have to get your hands on it -- it's amaze!

I've been using the primer for sometime now and I'm a believer. My skin instantly smoothed out from any imperfection. It glides on very smooth and gives your skin a velvety feel. I saw that not only did it help my foundation apply better but when I applied the primer under my eyes, it made my concealer go on smoother and of course last longer without getting "cakey". Keep in mind that only a small amount is needed -- only a dab!

Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥

Flormar Cosmetics Review.

Flormar is an Italian cosmetics company which started out in the 70's. They have a wide range of products from make-up, perfume and even personal care products. They pride themselves in their high quality and yet economical prices. I was recently sent a package with products from Flormar as a gift!

Here's what I was sent

- He Is Black Code Deodorant

- Mono Eye Shadow in 002

- Supershine Lip Glosses in 131 & 125

- Pretty Lipstick in P313

- Supermatte Lipstick in 201

Reviews

He Is Black Code Deodorant: I was actually surprised to receive a MEN's deodorant (taking that I am a...girl...) but nevertheless I actually sometimes enjoy colognes and scents that are meant for men so I wore it anyway. Nice scent and long lasting. Surely I can't wear it on a daily basis since it's a men's deodorant and the strong scent does not mix well with my girly perfumes so I guess I'll end up giving it to my boyfriend or dad.

 Overall: ♥♥♥♥

Mono Eye Shadow in 002: Lovely shade and I really liked the feel of the shade and how it applies. Goes on very smooth, color pigmentation is just fine. Overall a great eyeshadow that I have been using quite often lately! Also thumbs up for the mini mirror in the case of the eyeshadow, great for applying.
 Overall: ♥♥♥♥


Supershine Lip Glosses in 131 & 125: The glosses are really cute, shiny & sparkly. They apply great on the lips and give that "juicy" look to lips.

 Overall: ♥♥♥♥♥ 

 Pretty Lipstick in P313: This shade is a somewhat dark pink that has a frosted tint to the color and glitter in it. When I first saw the color I was skeptic cause I personally don't wear frosty-lipsticks but the shade actually turned out looking great and I enjoy wearing it. Lasted about 5-6 hrs with re-applying only once.
 Overall: ♥♥♥


 Supermatte Lipstick in 201: I was super excited when I saw this lipstick cause first of all, it's RED (and you all know how I love red lipsticks) and second it's a matte lipstick (and you all know that I love matte lipsticks) BUT I was super disappointed in this product. It was the worst of all in the package because it is not a matte lipstick let alone a supermatte one. It glides on like a glossy lipstick, the color was really weak, you really need to work it to get the super red of the color...not a matte lipstick.
 Overall: ♥

Thank you Flormar!  ♥

Swatches in Natural Light.