Beauty

What’s in my beach bag (other than that boring SPF)

Some people would say that in the year 2019, “what’s in my bag” posts have become a sartorial sin — something old-fashioned, boring and a bit tacky.

But guys, I love a good ol’ WIMB and you can’t change my mind. After all, I am quite of a grandma on the inside: I re-read my favourite books over and over, pile-up old magazines in the attic, and will rather stay home on a Saturday night than go out with the youngsters. I am the life and soul of the party, right?

Thus, after many years of reading all those posts out there, I decided I’d venture to write my own. However, it is July now and most mornings and afternoons are spent by the pool these days, which means any chance to wear a designer bag is sacrificed in favour of more practical options (yes, I know: #firstworldproblems). As a consequence, it feels natural to introduce a bit of a plot-twist here and share a what’s in my beach bag post instead.

So, first things first.

1. The bag

I purchased this straw bucket bag from Primark during my trip to Spain last month and it hasn’t left my side ever since then. I mean, look at it: it’s a basket; with stripes; AND pom-poms! Put pom-poms on anything and you can sign me in. Do I hear an Amen here?

But what do I carry inside?

2. Something nice to read (and by that I clearly mean Vogue)

Usually, I’d go for a good book but the pool club we are attending lately is on the loud side, so I’ve found that a nice mag will do the trick and save me the trouble of missing an important part of the story. If you’re lucky enough to chill in a more quiet venue, these are my Summer read recommendations, though.

3. Facial mist (Evian Brumisateur® Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray)

Because me being me means drier-than-the-Sahara-desert skin, which requires frequent nourishing to feel calm and replenished. A good mist is a Summer essential and I encourage everyone to give it a chance.

4. Body lotion (CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Moisturizing body lotion)

Excuse me, did I mention that my skin is super-duper dry? Because it is. So, I enjoy adding a couple of body milk drops to my usual SPF. Coco Mademoiselle is my signature choice, as I love both hydration and a good lovely scent.

5. Headphones

Whether it’s listening to music or watching the latest video from my favourite Youtuber, headphones are an essential item I can’t do without.

6. Sunglasses

You can’t really leave the house without them at this time of the year, can you? These are my old cat-eye Zara sunnies (similar model by Dolce & Gabbana here), and they have seen some Summers now but I swear they’re the most comfortable sunglasses in all the land.

7. The unavoidable sunscreen

Because SPF is B-O-R-I-N-G but also essential — and although I totally forgot to include it in the pictures (and the worst blogger award goes to…) —, I could not help but let you know that I am all about La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel SPF50. It’s creamy, it’s light and it doesn’t leave that awful chalky feeling in your skin.

And these are the contents of my beach/swimming pool bag.

What is inside yours?

July 26, 2019July 26, 2019

Allegra Caro7 Comments

Game-changer Summer skincare (that actually works)

The arrival of Summer means sandals, sundresses, and for the most favoured even eating gelato by the seaside in Capri – but unfortunately, it also means that our skin goes all the way down to Dryland. Fun times, aren’t they? No need to mention every potential reason: the burning sunlight, together with the exposure to swimming pool chemicals is enough to quickly spoil the results of our careful skincare regime during the cold season. But what can you do to improve your general skin condition over the warm months?

Especially, if your skin belongs to the dry type Summer may become a challenge and not of the best kind. For years, it has been my Achilles heel but with a good dose of patience, experimentation and yes, some investment, I am happy to say I have managed to find products that really work for me. Hopefully, they will work for you too.

This is my game-changer skincare routine in 2019.

Moisture is king

This should be obvious, shouldn’t it? And even so, quite frequently we don’t pay enough attention to such a basic step. Finding a product that works for your specific skin type and needs is everything. Guys, I am not gonna lie: It took me a number of rights and wrongs to find something which could keep my Mojave dessert-dry skin hydrated all day long but once I did, there was no way back. My absolute two favourite products happen to be Clinique.

Moisture Surge, 72 hours auto-replenishing hydrator

To me, this is like magic. I tend to apply it either as a five-minute mask or just before my makeup routine. Not only smooths the skin but it also feels shooting for a long time. The product is supposed to target fine lines and although I cannot confirm on such a radical difference, after only a few uses it became one my forever-in-rotation basics.

2. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Raise your hand if you are looking for a 12 hours moisture barrier fix. Because that is exactly what you are getting. I apply it first thing in the morning and the skin feels fresh, and flexible until my evening routine. Yes, in Summer too. Over the years, I have tried many different solutions but for me, this is the one.

Anti-aging

Since skin hydration levels go down during the warm season and sunlight is harsh, the chances to get fine lines do increase. As a consequence, I take more precautions during this period. A few months ago, my sister kindly recommended Le Lift Créme by CHANEL to me. It doesn’t only treat lines but also improves firming. After almost half a year using it, I can confirm that my skin feels far better in both departments and no new lines have appeared.

Peeling and eye puffiness

Since my skin is more exposed to the effects of the external factors, I try to keep up to date with a rigid peeling program once a week. On Sundays, I usually stay indoors so this is a good occasion to apply acids.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Is it legit to marry a beauty product? Because I am totally marrying this one (with the permission of Louboutin Velvet Matte of course), I don’t care what you say. I like to mix two/three pumps with my moisture gel in the morning and let it do its thing. After about four weeks of usage, I started seeing an obvious difference in the texture on my skin. And not even Mr. Summer can change that.

2. The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Another collateral effect of hot weather is that my eyes tend to look a bit puffier than usual. Fortunately, when consistently applied morning and evening, The Ordinary Caffeine Solution reduces any signs of redness around my eyes – and also sorts out dark circles, win-win here.

And these are my personals tricks for better skin during Summer.

Have you got any holy grail product secrets you want to share?

June 10, 2019July 15, 2019

Allegra Caro2 Comments

Is Louboutin Velvet Matte lipstick worth the price tag?

There seems to be something indefinitely mystical when it comes to high-end beauty launches – a certain feeling of excitement, almost the trance on oblation to cosmetic gods. When Louboutin announced the release of their lipstick range back in September 2015, it caused a commotion: from make-up amateurs to top influencers, everyone strived to bite the forbidden fruit. Wearing Louboutin iconic red on the lips? The concept was indeed very tempting.

I remember reading the announcement on Vogue, then enduring the same agitation. At the time, I spoke about it with every beauty addict I knew (I also told my siblings, Sebastian, and the window cleaner…), and we waited for weeks only to learn it would not be available in Spain. Oh, the disappointment! Buying online was not easy either, the product sold out in most European retailers immediately. I even tried to get the lipstick via my kind beauty mules flying from New York on Christmas but without any luck (once again, Velvet Matte was gone). As time went by, new launches overshadowed Louboutin’s and I gave up.

And then, during my last holiday, a friend of mine who works in the industry casually said he could send me some new products from their catalogue, which included Christian Louboutin Beauty range. (Just to be clear and, this is not a PR gift, but I purchased the items with a disscount.) No need to say I jumped out of my seat. And a few weeks later, when I finally opened the parcel in the most anticipated mail day ever, I got both the bestseller Djalouzi Matte Velvet and Lip Definer (and guys, I must admit I kind of experienced that vague sacred excitement I mentioned before by looking at the polished packaging).

Allegra Caro testing Louboutin Beauty — Lipstick Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte in Djalouzi, after first coat.

For a start, the presentation was as good as expected, if not better. The box is flawlessly designed but the real magic is inside – once you open it, you will find a golden metallic lip case which feels heavy and expensive. The pack also includes a little organza bag to carry lipstick in your handbag conveniently. Well, I am not going to lie: at this point, I was already sold on the concept. A lipstick that looks like a jewel? Where do I sign up?

Design and packaging: 5 / 5

However, a part of me was still sensitive enough to refrain early celebrations and wait to test the product quality. I tried it on my forearm at once. With the first swatch, I got a solid brilliant tone. By applying a second coat, you obtain a vibrant colour although slightly darker. I would say I was quite satisfied with intensity.

Pigmentation: 4 / 5

Obviously, next step was applying the product on my lips – the crucial test, if you please. Before I continue, I should disclose they are kind of dry (by this I mean Mojave Desert is wet, in comparison…), and this has always affected the way most lipsticks look on me. As usual, I exfoliated any dead skin in advance and applied a reasonable quantity of balm. Given the fact we are speaking about a matte formula, I was expecting the same heavy feeling I usually experience with similar lipsticks. A favourite of mine is Mac Diva but I only use it during weekends, when I know I will have the time to prepare my lips and touch-up, if needed. When first applied, the product is almost light. Once again, keep in mind we are not speaking about a sheer shade, but about a matte colour. Hence, I was shocked when I realised it felt even a bit nourishing on my lips! This is, in my opinion, its main strong point and what I like the most about it.

Texture: 5 / 5

Louboutin Lipstick Lasting Power — Lipstick Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte in Djalouzi, after a generous lunch. (I am afraid no decent closer photos were taken that day).

I decided to try it on a Saturday morning and I wore it for the whole day. Our weekend date consisted on a nice walk, followed by food and movies. Hence, I spent 7 hours out and about, approximately. Checking my lips after dinner, I noticed some wearing on the central section, so I can’t say the lasting power was impressive. However, my meal consisted on a giant brie and apple burger and some sweet potato fries (I girl needs to eat, ladies…), which most brands are no match for. Even so, discoloration was not that bad and I didn’t need to reapply immediately. The product wore out quite decently but it gets the lowest punctuation in this department.

Lasting Power: 3 / 5.

Once we got home, I noticed no major changes in its appearance: the colour was still there, although not as vibrant as in the first part of the day. I could easily remove it by using a little pump of my usual Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.

My two cents

In general, my opinion is quite positive – presentation is flawless, pigmentation and texture are surprising. Its weak point is doubtlessly the lasting power but to be fair, it wasn’t designed for this specific purpose. Let’s go ahead with conclusion then.

Is Louboutin Velvet Matte lipstick worth the price tag?

The answer is yes, as long as you value design and comfort.

If you are looking for a morning-to-night product though, I would recommend to look for something specific. Personally, I would repurchase and I will probably try some of the other available shades (Sevillana, Rococotte, I am looking at you girls).

But what is the last product you have tried?

Would you recommend?

March 18, 2019March 18, 2019

Allegra Caro10 Comments

January favourites: Rogue & Rouge edit

Hello February, you gorgeous thing!

I was really excited to meet you at once. Please, don’t be shy and come in: January cannot tell when is time to say goodbye and go home…

Really, people: Is it just me or it lasted approximately 250000 years? Because I was starting to fear I was trapped in my own version of The Groundhog Day (only without Bill Murray and an added worrying quantity of quick trips to the corner store to buy yet another pumpkin seeds pack to ruminate while watching Netflix. Dark times, my friends, let’s never talk about them again).

Earlier last month, I was still in Spain visiting my family. I feel like that happened last century though. Yes, I have been doing my best to scare the January blues away but I must admit it was far tougher than I initially anticipated. I would try literally anything to keep me going: Yoga, reading, long nice walks, riding a Hippogriff… but nothing seemed to work. At some point, the pitch-black evenings had an effect on me which could only be slightly relieved by compulsively stalking dresses online. In all honesty and as materialistic as it might sound, the sales were a bit of a fix (yes, I know you are not supposed to admit this publicly but c’mon, we all have been there…), with some of my most recent favourites on the beauty, fashion and entertainment departments popping out all through the month.

Don’t get me wrong, January was not a shopping madness period. I managed to buy on a budget and save up quite a reasonable amount in relation to average price. Personally, I think that the better quality the product is, the more you are saving. In the end, you get better value for all those hardly-earned pounds.

But long story short, these are my January 2019 favourites.

Beauty

NARS Blush in Orgasm

I have been following NARS for a long time now but they have been only available in Spain very recently. So, one of the first things I did when on holiday was visiting the closest high-end mall and going straight to the NARS counter. Orgasm blush was in my bucket list for ages and after I tried the tester I knew it — Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. And I was completely right – I don’t think you will see me wearing another product for a while…

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle

It is no secret I am a CHANEL perfume lover. Coco and Coco Noir are two of my favourites but Mademoiselle was my first love and will always hold a special place in my heart. My last bottle was finished a couple of months ago, so I proceeded to get me a new one and has been my best friend all January.

NYX Lip Lingerie in Lace Detail

Lately, I have been searching for a flattering nude lipstick to wear in the mornings to avoid my natural paler-than-a-white-walker complexion (which is a completely accurate description of my skin tone during Winter, in case you wonder). I saw a blogger I like praising the Lingerie line and decided to give it a try. Now, I was so fascinated by their colours palette, it took me some effort not to buy the entire range. I am happy I chose Lace Detail though since it lives on my handbag now, always ready for duty. And speaking about handbags…

Fashion

PINKO Love Bag in honey (similar model here)

Have you ever fallen in love at first sight? Because that’s exactly how I feel about this purse. Just look at that beautiful mustard/honey tone and little brooch details. Isn’t it the cutest thing ever? If this was a boy, I would totally have a crush. Now that I come to think about it, you can totally have a crush on a bag, right? RIGHT?

Entertainment

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Like many people, I only discovered the novel after watching the movie and immediately felt curious about it. Now, I am not joking when I tell you this book saved me from the aforementioned January blues in the evenings. It is a wonderfully fun, witty and acid critic towards social class, cultural relativism, and gender roles. Don’t even bother to finish reading this post. Go and find the book. You can thank me later.

You (Netflix)

Another fiction work which saved my mental health from the darkest days in the year (although speaking about mental health might be slightly ironic here). I am not going to spoil the fun here but YOU is just genius. A bit like Hannibal and The Perfume having a child together. Are you looking for plot twists? Psychological impressionism? A good cast? I think I’ve said enough.

And this has been my first favourites monthly round-up. Thank you so much for reading and please, let me know if you have any suggestions or comments on how to improve this new section.

What have you loved in January?

February 6, 2019February 22, 2019

Allegra Caro2 Comments