The Awesomeness of Almond Oil.

Hey Dolls! I know I haven't been blogging lately, please forgive me and I promise I will slap my lazy ass.

Now onto the post. I have made an amazing discovery that I had to review and share with you all:

Sweet

  Almond 

Oil. 

Why is almond oil so amazing? Almond oil is a rich source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is known as skin food as it prevents cell damage and can aid in various skin disorders. Also it can protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet lights and can block free radical damage.

I recently purchached a bottle online to give it a shot and now I cannot live without it. Almond oil has many benefits for you skin such as:

- Reduces wrikles and fine lines: Because of its various antioxidants almond oil can help the apperance of wrinkles and fine line by massaging the oil into your skin on a regular basis. The vitamin E that's in the oil blocks free radical damage, so not only can it reduce the wrikles you might already have, but it can help prevent from new one appearing. Vitamin E also treats wrinkles by supporting new skin cell growth and speeding up cell regeneration. Plus by massaging this oil into your skin, you will notice your complexion glow.

- Helps with acne: Almond oil can help your skin get rid of acne. The vitamin E that's in the oil help with the healing of the skin. On days that I had a few pimples and I applied  it to my skin, I noticed that the next day they were gone baby gone!

- Reduces the appearance of dark circles: You can softly massage almond oil around your eyes, it helps reduce dark circles and fine lines.

When using Almond Oil I take a few drops in my hand (that's all you need) and massage it into my skin. Don't forget the area around your eyes!

I purchased mine from iHerb and the brand is Now Solutions. Now Solutions also has other befeficiary natural oils. The good thing about this brand is that says on the back that it's "food grade". Food grade means that it is sutible for human consumption. So if you can eat it, it sure is good quality wise for your face!

Have you tried almond oil? Any other natural oils to recommend?

See you at the next post Dolls!

I ♥ Fall Tag!

Hey everyone! I'm back with a new video, a fun tag about Fall which happens to be my favorite season.

The quality of the video wasn't what I wanted but I filmed it in a way too dark place and after lots of editing this was the best result! Anyhow enjoy the fun video and I'm open to any requests!

New Video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0FSuUUD10U&lc=dMiZGzJ3hsHg-uqW8XNfGtsu5-5hu4OuKVrkn_MCp9w&feature=inbox

L'Oreal Mythic Oil Shampoo & Hair Mask Review.

 With a name just exploding with epicness I truly can't say anything bad about the Mythic Oil range!

Mythic Oil Shampoo: This shampoo is the bomb. It contains a blend of Argan oil and Cottonseed oil. I love how the bottle has a pump making it easier to control the amount you apply to your hair (1-2 pumps is advised). I have oily hair and I was doubtful as I am towards practically any shampoo I come across as to how well it would wash my hair. And...I totally fell in love! This shampoo not only cleans your hair amazingly but it smells divine and leaves your hair super nourished and soft.

Mythic Oil Hair Mask: This formula is enriched with a blend of oils such as Argan, Avocado, Cottonseed and Grapeseed. You apply the mask throughout the length of your hair for 3 minutes and enjoy the divinity of it. This mask left my hair feeling silky smooth, lightweight and shiny...it is AMAZING!

I can't wait to go out and get the oil that is in the range too (I'm a huge fan of such products).

Thank you L'Oreal Greece for the lovely gift and the opportunity to try these babies out!

Tokyo loves modeling!

August Favorites.

Hey Dolls! I know I haven't blogged in a while and that's because my main computer is down with connection problems (long story) but I did make another Youtube video with my August favorites, so check it out and lemme know what you think! Also send me your ideas on what videos I should do!

New Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/myhouseofdoll

Kisses and see you soon! 

xoxo Gina

Finally on Youtube!

Hey Dolls!

I am officially now on Youtube and have uploaded my first video! This is going to be a learning process for me when it comes to video editing and lighting so hopefully I'll get better at this.

I'd love to hear all of your thoughts and suggestions!

My Youtube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/myhouseofdoll/videos

Sephora Instant Moisture Mask.

Hey Dolls!  I grabbed this at Sephora some time ago since it was on sale and generally wanted to give it a try ever since I saw my friend Mara raving about it.

It's really cool to use, it's a plastic pink shaker that comes with 4 packets of your will-be-homemade moisture mask. The contents of the packets are dry, you just empty a packet in the shaker, fill up water until where it is indicated, shake shake shake and voila...your own fresh moisture mask!

Moisturizes your skin and also gives off a nice cooling effect.

What I like about this product is that it contains HydroSenn+ and it does not have ANY parabens or preservatives.

And if you run out of mask packets, Sephora sells them individually.

Cool Tip: When adding water to mix the mask, I add ice cold water for more beneficial features and of course to keep cool during Summer.

Dabur Amla Hair Oil.

Hey Dolls, I wanted to share with you an amazing hair oil that I have been using: Dabur's Amla Hair Oil.

I came across it at the Beauty Congress I had attended a while back and a friend urged me to get it telling me it works wonders for her hair. Of course, as I have mentioned in earlier posts  I  have become really interested in hair care more than I have ever been due to bleaching my hair ends a couple of months ago.

So on to this awesome hair oil!

It is made out of natural sources of Vitamin E and of Amla which is an Indian gooseberry.

• Nurtures the scalp
• Gives hair a luxuriant glossy look 
• Keeps your hair silky and helps maintain long length 
• Nourishes and strengthens your roots and does good to your hair from the inside out.
• Protects your hair from weather extremities 

I use this as an hair oil treatment but applying it 1-2 times a week by massaging it onto my roots and going downwards towards my ends and letting it work all night while I sleep. This is the best method of application and seeing results. Then when you wake up the next day just shampoo your hair as you normally would. When you dry your hair you will see what I'm raving about.

The good part is that it's a dry oil so you don't have to worry about getting oil all over your pillow, it won't leave oil stains. The downhill for some might be the oils scent. It has a very strong scent which I can't really describe but imagine it smells like a strong kind of incense. I personally have no problem with it and actually like it.

This is a great hair product and it retails at a very good price! It has definitely won a place in my hair care routine!

Kerastase Cristalliste Review.

The ever so awesome peeps at L'Oreal Paris had sent me a gorgeous package with Kerastase's new Cristalliste products to try out. I used to never really look into hair care before but ever since I bleached my ends when I had ombre hair, I am now very into quality hair products and I'm always looking out for new cool things.

Kerastase is naming it's new line as "the best kept secret for long hair". The line is specifically designed for young women with long hair that have weighed down roots and dry ends -- totally me!

Also the line is paraben and silicone free which is a major plus.

I have been using the products for some time now and had noticed right away from the first use how soft and luminous my hair was. They had a nice healthy bounce and my roots were amped which was a really important factor for me since my roots get oily really fast, like the next day. The scent of the line is amaze -- smells like a big fresh Spring bouquet. 

The product that I really loved was the Lumiere Liquid. This can be used on pre-dried or dried hair. I find that the best results can be seen when use after you have dried your hair as a final touch. It's a  lightweight serum that adds shine to your hair. Not only my hair was silky smooth and shiny, but I LOVE the scent it leaves.

This is an awesome and luxurious line for hair treatment and I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to try it out! The only "negative" thing I could say is that the products are very pricey, I don't know if I would re-buy all the products once I'm finished with them. But as I have said before in another review on a Kerastase product is that we are talking about one of the top leading companies in hair care with numerous awards. You get what you pay for -- top notch hair care, the choice of course is yours!

Kisses Dolls!

Sephora Moisturizing Bronzing Body Lotion Review.

Hey Dolls, so now that Summer has not only officially come but is right in our face I have been really anxious to get my tan game on and was looking for a good product to help me out. Pal and fellow blogger Mara suggested the Sephora Moisturizing bronzing body lotion that she has been trying out so I decided to pick up a bottle myself the last time I was at Sephora.

AND I AM IMPRESSED WHOA!

First things first, a few things about the product

What it is:

A multitasking body lotion that gives skin immediate moisture and a natural radiance. 

What it is formulated to do:

Get soft skin and a beautiful, summertime glow with this multi-action formula. Skin is instantly nourished with long-lasting moisture, thanks to the SEPHORA skincare exclusive ingredient, HydroSenn+™, which softens skin and maximizes comfort. The fluid texture absorbs instantly—without a greasy effect. The radiant glow intensifies with each application, so you develop a subtle, even tan day after day. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Petrochemicals

- Phthalates

- GMO's

- Triclosan

Ingredients:

-HydroSenn+™: Polysaccharide derived from an Indian plant (Cassia angustifolia) with ultra-moisturizing capabilities. Forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface to capture and retain water. Ensures optimal moisture all day long. 

-DHA Complex and Erythrulose: A self-tanning complex in a low dosage that provides natural-looking, gradual color. 

-Pea Extract (Peptide): Renowned for protecting elastin and collagen fibers, which break down when exposed to harmful environmental aggressions: pollution, stress, UV. 

What I really loved about this body lotion is that it is non-greasy making it super easily absorbed by your skin -- works just like a moisturizer. Has a very nice scent to it and a very discreet sparkle to it's formula.

I have been using it for a week now and have already been seeing amazing results! It's helping my skin attain a natural glow and color without having a fake orange-y tint but revealing my true tan that suits my skin tone!

I use it every night before I go to sleep and will definitely be getting more of these babies! 

MAC "Candy Yum Yum" Swatches.

Ok, ever since this lipstick first came out I wanted it like crazy. But like a lot of other Dolls I was disappointed to find that the lippie was sold out everywhere when it came out. And we're talking about a freaking year ago (talk about some serious determination) since "Candy Yum Yum" is a Limited Edition shade part of MAC's "Quite Cute" collection.

I was in luck though when fellow blogger Christine and I did a beauty swap and I finally got a hold of this famed lippie. All I can say is I FREAKIN' LOVE IT.

Such a unique color: it's a bit fluorescent, hot pink seriously words don't do it justice so I'll let the photos speak for it. And by the way, it's a matte finish which is a major plus.

Does anyone else have this lipstick?

Kisses Dolls!

NOTD: Sparkly Colorblocked Nails.

What I used:

- Sparitual Truebond Primer

- Seventeen no.23 on first 3 fingers

- Essence no.87 "Passion for Fashion" on last 2 fingers

- Essence no.04 "Space Queen" on all fingers

- Essence Quick Dry Top Coat

The Body Shop Pulse Store Blogger's Event.

A little while ago I was invited to the Blogger's Event for the new Pulse store in Kolonaki, Athens from The Body Shop. There to greet us was Dimitra Kaldi who invited us and organized the event -- thank you!

Stepping into the new Pulse store you can't help but get a fresh and homey feeling. All the products are amazingly put, the colors and the packages are just amaze!

What was also a nice touch to the new store is the fact that it is Eco friendly with LED light-bulbs everywhere and 100% FCS wood.

I would say the star product of the new store was the new line of Beautifying Oils which are THE BOMB. I cannot seriously spasm how amazing this product is so I will save all my energy and excitement for a review of the product.

Cute gift packages, ME WANTS THEM ALL!

With my Doll Olga.

With the sweet Natalie.

Fellow bloggers chatting away and me paparazzin' the shit out of the moment. The smiley face person wished to remain anonymous :P Caught half of Stavroula's head lol.

Getting pampered with a hand massage with the new Beautifying Oils. Shitty iPhone 4 pics (Thanks Deppy for the pics anyhow :P lol). Only 4S baby all the way!

After the event me and the girls had the opportunity to catch up and have some fun. We went to Showroom in Kolonaki for drinks and something to eat where my good pal Panos Fasoulis is the chef there. Below is what he prepared for me and everything was delish!

Green salad with prosciutto-melon-walnuts-mozzarella,  fresh bread bun with garlic butter & chocolate tart with fresh raspberries.

The peeps at The Body Shop gave us this amaze goodie bag -- such a sweet gesture from them! I was psyched to get so many Moringa products cause it's my favorite scent from their line, seriously heaven bottled up. I will do seperate reviews on these products as well as on some other things that I bought at the store while I was there.

The blogger goodie bag: Moringa Shower Gel, Moringa Body Butter, Moringa Beautifying Oil, Vitamin E Face Mist.

Again thank you Body Shop for the lovely event and for being so hospitable! 

Kisses Dolls!

China Glaze "Aquadelic" Swatches.

China Glaze's "Aquadelic" is a gorgeous vibrant mint shade. This is my first time using China Glaze polishes and I must say that I'm freakin' IMPRESSED!

These polishes kick ass, they glide on smoothly and you don't have to wait hours for them to dry. They are enriched with hardeners giving off a solid finish. Will definitely keep adding these to my collection!

To give my nails a special kick I used H&M's new polish "Sparkling Rainbow" on my ring finger.

Bambi Princess Mimi Sesame Grey Lenses Review.

Hey Dolls! Some time ago Shoppingholics sent me these gorgeous grey lenses to try out. I've been wanting to try out gyaru type lenses for a long time so this was the perfect chance!

I had never tried on lenses before so this definitely was an experience. Circle lenses have a bigger diameter in order to give a doe-eyed look so putting them on can be a bit tricky the first time. Then it's just a matter of practice.

Some basic info on theses lenses:

Brand: GEO

Origin: South Korea

Water content: 38% - 42%

Diameter: 15.0 mm

Base Curve: 8.7

Duration: 1 year disposable 

These lenses cost only $24 and for their 1 year duration it's an amazing price. I find them really comfortable to wear and a great way to alter my look whenever I want. I really can't wait to try more colors!

Have you tried circle lenses? Would you? Would love to hear your thoughts!

My Ombre Hair Transformation.

Hey Dolls! As you all know I recently changed my hair color and went for an ombre look. I have never ventured into doing anything bold to my hair and always kept it a classic jet black and always swore by it too. But I always admired ombre hair and thought to myself if I was going to try something I would like to try that. So I went for it!

I'm going to explain all the stages I went through to achieve my final look.

At first I went to a hair salon and they did a horrible job. They had absolutely no idea what the hell ombre is (even the famed Nicolas salons didn't know when I called them). I went equip with photos and all I got was my hair 1 hour in bleach 40% peroxide. As time went by and I felt my hair go on fire I ended up with something no way near to what I wanted: half of my hair turned FUCKING ORANGE.

DAFUQ? This was NOT what I had in mind.

So I then went to a hairstylist friend of mine who fixed the problem and did an amazing job. I get countless comments on my ombre hair he is so damn talented!

First he bleached my hair with 20% peroxide to remove all the orange from my hair. Then another bleach again with 20% peroxide. If you have black hair and go right away to a 40% bleach your hair turns orange like what happened to me. You have to go gradually with a 20% bleach.

Of course with all the bleaching process my ends got burned and had to chop off some of my hair. My hair had gotten super long (waist/butt length) and I hadn't cut in almost a year so I didn't mind.

To finish off the whole process my hairdresser put a reflet dye to even out the ombre ends and to soften up my black hair from all the blue black dye.

And Voila! Ombre hair fixed and accomplished!

Shitty orange ends!

Almost there...

Sweet Strawberry Milk Snack.

Hey Dolls! Now that it's Spring and we are full of fresh strawberries I wanted to share a recipe of a favorite snack of mine. The recipe is Japanese, I don't remember what it is called but it's simply delish and very easy to make.

You will need:

- Strawberries

- Milk

- Sugar

Wash strawberries and remove stem. Place them in a bowl.

Add sugar (as much as to your liking). I use raw cane brown sugar for dietary reasons.

Add milk.

Mash up all your ingredients with a fork. You can add more milk if you want to, I always do.  Enjoy!