IN SEARCH OF PERFECT TRAINERS / В ПОИСКАХ СУПЕР КРОССОВОК

Hello there, 

as I have started to attend fitness classes I am quite into sportswear right now.  

I had no idea that there are so many styles of trainers (e.g.  Football, Running, for everyday city life, Training etc.) and they feel so different when you try them on.

The best style to match my needs and also the most comfortable, lightweight, flexible and soft in the ankle area (at least personally for myself) appeared to be Nike Free Training 5 Breathe .

I really enjoy wearing them and would definitely recommend them for those who need trainers for regular fitness classes! 

Всем привет,

поскольку с недавнего времени я по-немножечку начала заниматься спортом, вопрос спортивной одежды и, в частности, обуви для меня стал особенно актуален.

Перемерив множество моделей кроссовок (я и предположить не могла, что некоторые из них, в зависимости от назначения. могут настолько сильно отличаться по уровню комфорта на ноге) я пришла к выводу, что наиболее подходящая для меня модель от Nike это Free TR 5 Breathe (см. на фото ниже).

Эти кроссовки очень легкие и практически невесомые, с эффектом гибкой подошвы, что идеально подходит для моих занятий фитнесом. Еще, они исключительно мягкие в задней части (там где щиколотка) и это очень здорово, так как я могу с удовольствием носить их даже на голую ногу! 

Так что всем, кто находится в поиске, обязательно рекомендую померить и присмотреться!

Picture source: nike.com

While I was looking for my perfect pair of trainers I have managed to collect quite a nice selection of images by now. 

Just want to share them with you in case someone is out there seeking sports fashion inspiration! 

And now - please enjoy! :)

Ну а теперь традиционная визуально-тематическая подборка для вдохновения, а для кого-то может и для мотивации! :)

Pictures: weheartit.com

PS

NEW MUSIC: LANA DEL REY - HONEYMOON

It is 6:57 am and it is my day off. And I thought this might be the right timing to listen to Lana's new song (currently in my headphones). 

Dear friends, I think it is truly beautiful. I am not into that-kind-of-video any more (I have had enough of Summertime Sadness etc.) , however for me listening to this angelic song is already enough. Maybe the idea of all blurry and vague visuals is what was meant to be in order not to take attention off the music, speaking of which, - I love it, it is so clean, so fresh, so powerful... and so different from what I've listened to lately. 

It seems like Queen L is making a comeback. And this is pure Love.

Please enjoy the track.

WHAT'S ON MY WISHLIST: VALENTINO SHOES / ОБЬЕКТ ЖЕЛАНИЙ: ТУФЛИ VALENTINO

This is a purely visual post, dedicated to one item only: beautiful Valentino shoes from The Rockstud  collection.

From everything what I have seen, I  have tried to select for you the best pictures/illustrations, representing these beauties in different styles and colours, hopefully you will  enjoy this little browsing therapy!

Stay tuned!

Это исключительно визуальный пост, посвященный одному единственному предмету, - знаменитым туфлям от Valentino из коллекции Rockstud.

Для того, чтобы изрядно сэкономить вам время, я уже провела "кастинг" на лучшие фотографии и рисунки, и рада поделиться находками с вами.

Надеюсь, что данная публикация доставит вам эстетическое удовольствие!

До скорых встреч!

PS

Ну, а в качестве музыкального привета, хочу поделиться с вами как мне кажется очень летней и легкой по-настроению песней своего земляка Маркуса Ривы.

Конечно, я все понимаю и согласна, что композиция по стилю уж очень напоминает творчество моего любимого Дорна, а клип - нашумевший Blurred lines... однако, благодаря шоу "Хочу к Меладзе" я открыла для себя Маркуса, как человека позитивного, трудолюбивого и доброжелательного,  в связи с чем сейчас с удовольствием начала следить за его творчеством, а также смотреть его очень милые видеоблоги (увидеть их можно вот тут ).

Так что в итоге мне, на самом деле, все равно, на что именно, возможно, похожа эта песня... мне нравится танцевальное настроение, которое она создает, и мне приятно, что этот исполнитель из Латвии!

Всем мир, дружба, жвачка,

JP

* 1st illustration is by Kerrie Hess .

What's inside my beauty kit? ♡ Что в моей косметичке?

I believe most of us (girls) always wonder what's inside someone else's beauty kits. (Well at least if I like that person's make up I normally do! ))

Just to share with you a little glimpse of what's in mine, please see my picture with according product description below.

Please note, that this is not everything, but just part of my everyday routine look beauty products.

Мне кажется большинству девушек, как и мне, всегда интересно украдкой заглянуть и узнать, какие же бьюти-секретики и продукты скрываются в косметичке наших подруг, коллег и знакомых... а также просто тех людей, чем макияж показался нам красивым и привлек внимание.

В связи с чем я решила сделать быстрый обзор/список тех продуктов (не всех, но большей их части), которые я использую практически ежедневно и которые всегда находятся в моей косметической сумочке с целью создания дневного макияжа, либо его трансформации в вечерний образ.

Прошу лоюбить и жаловать моих друзей  :)

Some of my beauty kit friends:

Trish McEvoy lash curling mascara

Colour: jet black 

One of my biggest beauty disappointments. Looking forward to finish it and come back to beloved Chanel Le Volume.

Эта тушь является одним из моих самых больших косметических разочарований... Приобрела ее, естественно, по рекомендации любимой Елены Крыгиной, однако жду не дождусь, когда использую до конца и вернусь к уже проверенной и для меня пока лучшей, - Chanel Le Volume)

Возможно сделаю более подробный образ и объясню, чего же мне в ней не хватило.

MAC penultimate eye liner 

Colour: rapid black
That's a good one! Bought it already for a second time! Very easy to use pen format. I apply eye pencil as a guidance first and then actual liner on top.

Прекрасный лайнер, нечего сказать! Покупаю его уже во второй раз и очень довольна! Формат "ручки-фломастера" очень удобен в использовании (рисовать стрелочки тонкой кисточкой я пока так и не научилась), поэтому вначале "намечаю" линию карандашом, а затем прокрашиваю ее лайнером! Рекомендую! 

Bobbi Brown illuminating bronzing powder 

Shade: Antigua (used as a blusher)
I was recommended to use this bronzer as a blusher, as my skin tone is quite pale and all the "pinks" might look just too bright on me. This product create a very natural appearance and matches with my cheek colour, when they become red as well as perfectly goes with my lips and compliments shades of new lipsticks.

Данный бронзер мне посоветовали использовать как румяна, поскольку я достаточно бледная.
На мне этот цвет смотрится очень красиво и естественно, совпадая с оттенком моего природного румянца и цветом губ, а также подходит к двум недавно приобретенным помадам.

Givenchy Acti'mine make up base 

Bought this for a second time already. Very nice base, lightweight texture and absorbing well. Has a delicate pleasant scent, signature for all this brand's products.

Отличная база под макияж, также приобретенная по наводке бьюти-гуру Крыгиной. Продукт очень нравится, расходуется экономно, быстро впитывается и обладает приятной легкой текстурой, а также ненавязчивым деликатным ароматом, свойственным косметике данного бренда.

Dolce&Gabbana Monica lipsticks 

Gentle Monica • Only Monica
I was in search for perfect everyday lipsticks for a long time! Will make a post about these in the nearest future.

Хорошие увлажняющие помады, планирую сделать о них публикацию в скором времени!

Benefit Gimme brow gel 

Shade: light/medium
This famous gel is very handy, especially when you barely have any make up on but still want to create polished appearance.

Фиксирующий, и, одновременно тонирующий гель для бровей. Палочка-выручалочка на те случаи, когда макияжа на лице практически нет, а с помощью ухоженных бровей вид можно создать весьма приличный!

Givenchy Mister light instant light corrective pen 

Shade 3
One of my disappointments, as the packaging is absolutely inconvenient. You have to "turn" the pen for ages before the actual product comes out, which is quite irritating, especially when you are in a rush (e.g. in the morning).  Concealer itself is not too bed and looks quite natural, lasts for a decent time and absorbs quickly. But due to a silly packaging I am not planning to come back to this product ever again.

Высветляющий корректор (консилер) от Givenchy. Тоже небольшое разочарование - дурацкая, очень неудобная упаковка (ручку которой надо очень долго и упорно крутить, пока продукт наконец соизволит вылезти наружу) ! Сам корректор неплохой, впитывается быстро и хорошо держится. Однако из-за упаковки больше покупать не буду.

Tom Ford Traceless perfecting foundation 

04 Bisque

My current absolute favourite among foundations! Read further details in my post .

Любимый на данный момент, и самый лучший для меня  тональный крем! Больше об этом продукте можно прочитать в моей публикации о тональных основах.

Givenchy Doctor White brightening loose powder

This lightweight powder is just wonderful! It looks very natural on the skin, lasts beautifully and smells like roses!

Очень нравится эта пудра! Легкая, невесомая по текстуре, незаметная на лице! И приятно пахнет какой-то свежестью и розами.

Ladies, would you be interested to find out more about any of these products?

I am planning to create a post dedicated to Dolce&Gabanna Monica lipsticks, however I might as well share my personal feedback regarding other beauty products if you wish!

Let me know and don't forget to subscribe to this blog's pages on Facebook and Instagram @helenslifeblog. 

Love,

JP


Прекрасные дамы, дайте мне, пожалуйста, знать, в случае если вам было бы интересно узнать мое более подробное мнение о каком-то из этих продуктов конкретно! Я ничего не скрываю и буду очень рада помочь.

Как я уже сказала, в скором времени я планирую сделать публикацию, посвященную помадам от Dolce & Gabanna,  уже даже почти собрала визуальный материал!

С нетерпением жду вашей (будем надеяться, - положительной! )) реакции и заранее спасибо за поддержку!  :)

Пожалуйста, подписывайтесь на страницу блога на Facebook  и Instagram @helenslifeblog. 

Обнимаю,

Ваша Леночка.

PS

Ну и для развлечения вам разной музыки )))

My 2015 Eurovision Song Contest favorites.

Hello everyone,

this post will just be a quick catch up about my 2015 Eurovision Song Contest favourites.

These days I am going to sleep and waking up with one song in my head:

"Goodbye to Yesterday" (Elina Born & Stig Rasta).

I just loved the distant singing manner and a very special (I would say, - unusual) performance, as if they are not on the stage and there is no audience, but it is just them two, having a private conversation.

And while I realise that this might not be the brightest "winning" song in terms of Eurovision Contest format, this certainly was (and still is) one of my personal favourites.

There is something very honest about the lyrics,  about the way they looked at each other... No exaggerated emotions or fake smiles, nice neutral vocals and a very catchy refrain.

Very well done, Estonia, thank you for such a wonderful song!

And original video as well! They both are so pretty!

Moving on to the less romantic theme, I must say that I quite liked a very talented boy from Belgium.
This song, - Loïc Nottet - Rhythm Inside, - has very contemporary cool vibes to it, I loved how powerful it is, as well as absolutely loved the choreography.  Definitely one of my favourites!
I wish this young man best of luck with his future career, he is truly gifted!

Quite an unusual video:

To be very honest with you,  I am not sure how come Austria almost did not get any points at all? ))

I thought they were fairly cute (weren't they? :)) ... I wasn't a huge fan of the burning piano idea, but I quite liked the song, as well as how stylish/fun the guitarist and drummer looked like ))
C'mon, people, there were songs/participants that were much weaker than them!!! Like all these "dying swans" (I mean extremely boring ladies singing slow romantic ballades that everyone is already fed up with)))
OK. Whatever ))

A Monster Like Me by Mørland & Debrah Scarlett representing Norway was not bad as well, I liked the way they matched.

And of course (oh, of course! :)) I enjoyed performance of the winner, - Måns Zelmerlöw  representing Sweden! Not only this gentleman is attractive (my younger sister Sashenka surely knows who he looks like :D),  but the song and the energy, and most importantly, - the visuals were amazing as well!

All in all I can say that this year I really enjoyed the contest.  There were many decent participants and I was pleasantly surprised! No more monsters etc.  (no offence to any kind of monster fans, please! )) 

I hope you enjoyed this year's Eurovision Contest, too.  And who were (are) your favourites?

Certainly let me know.

xxx

MY BEAUTY REVIEW: FOUNDATIONS.

My dearest friends, 

as I have already published this post in Russian language, I might be a little bit short here and quite stick to the point. 

This time I want to share with you my relationship stories with foundations that I was happy to meet  along my life. Some of them where great loves, some of them, - just nice buddies to spend some time with, however what's true for sure,  I've been there, done that... and tried them all! And what's most important, - I am happy to provide you with a very personal feedback.

I've started to use liquid foundations relatively short time ago (around two-three years), as I was really into Bellapierre Mineral foundations before then.

My very first liquid foundation was LE TEINT TOUCHE ÉCLAT by YSL. I would describe this buddy as quite lightweight, very natural looking, with light to medium coverage and delicate illuminating  healthy glow (SPF 19). Great option for those who trust and love famous TOUCHE ÉCLAT concealer by YSL.
I consider this option as classy and safe, suitable mainly for those, who have non-problematic skin, without too many blemishes, just to enhance natural beauty (perfect for all girls with good skin in their early 20ties, when there's not much to cover, but just to even out the skin a little bit).

The next one I remember I absolutely loved was LINGERIE DE PEAU INVISIBLE SKIN-FUSION FOUNDATION by Guerlain. It absorbed instantly and provided with quite a matt, velvety finish (SPF 20). The company explains its name (Lingerie)  as "second skin, which becomes one with your own skin like a second sensual covering to make it more beautiful",  - and darlings, I can admit it's very true! :)
It is a very luxurious foundation with subtle floral scent and I would love to use it at some point again.

Then it was foundation from TERRY. 
Unfortunately I don't remember exactly which one it was: Sheer Expert or Cover Expert. 
And this is already a more serious, multi-corrective product, which adjusts, adapts automatically and blends with the skin to reveal it's natural qualities. I would describe it as a medium to full coverage foundation, which absorbs quite quickly and (of course!) feels comfortable on the skin. But somehow looking at it back from now, I think it was quite heavy and would be probably appropriate for those, who's skin really requires a lot of coverage.

Now I might not be a big fan of the TERRY foundation, but what I can definitely recommend is their Concealer!
Only few people know, that it was particularly Terry de Gunzberg, who created famous YSL's concealer TOUCHE ÉCLAT while working at Yves Saint Laurent:

"While working at Yves Saint Laurent in '92, I came up with this click pen, Touche Éclat. The term "éclat" did not exist in the vocabulary of the cosmetics industry at the time. The words were "coverage," "perfection," "matte," "sheer," "iridescent"—but not glow. I invented the word "glow" in this industry. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s true. I always believed even when I was a makeup artist that glow is much more interesting than perfection. My focus was to get the glow."

So if you love YSL concealer, consider this version, created for her own brand, is 10 times better and more effective! I absolutely loved it! And yes, it is a little bit more expensive, but believe me there's plenty of product inside!

Thank you, dear Terry, for creating such a life-saver for all women with dark under-eye circles like mine! :) 

Quote and picture source: www.makeup.com

Next on my list, -  Luminous Silk Foundation by GIORGIO ARMANI. 

This is a medium coverage foundation based on hydrating oil-free formula, which makes this product great especially for oily/combination skin types.

And while my emotions regarding this foundation were positive, but still quite neutral, I know at least two colleagues of mine, who absolutely love this product and would not use another foundation (at least in the nearest future from now).

Amazing quality for  lightweight, natural complextion, - this foundation is definitely worth your attention.

(picture source: weheartit.com, original: beautyandmakeupeu.blogspot.com )

Now let me  introduce you to an old friend of mine, - BOBBI BROWN Skin Foundation SPF 15.

To be very honest with you,  there's nothing very positive or very negative I can say about it... it has been OK, but would I necessarily use it again? Doubt it.

Meanwhile there's nothing wrong with it: it has a long-wearing formula that minimises imperfections and feels quite weightless on the skin.

I wore 2.5 shade called Warm Sand.

The linked product from Bobby Brown that I can certainly advise to you is Skin Foundation Stick.

Some people use it as foundation for the whole face, however I prefer to apply this product locally (on top of foundation) to cover the spots and conceal imperfections (e.g. on the chin, round my nose etc.) 

I use Bobby Brown Concealer Blending Brush for that and it works just perfect. 

I believe it is best to apply another product where a little bit more coverage is needed, rather than put 10 layers of foundation on your spots, which will only attract more attention to these areas.

So my conclusion is: great product, 10 out of 10, must have for a flawless evening make up. 

While I have changed already about 3 foundations, I still use the same stick and am very happy with it!

Next (and one of my favourite) is a Teint Couture foundation from GIVENCHY.

It is a long wearing fluid foundation (SPF 20) that will provide you with radiant finish and feels very comfortable on the skin. Like all Givenchy products that I've tried, it has a beautiful signature delicate scent, I absolutely loved using this foundation.

Even though it comes just in 25ml bottle (most foundation are available in 30ml) and I was quite sceptical about how long it will last, it served me for quite a long time.

For me it is a real Couture! :)

Next product that I have tried (but ended up buying a different foundation) is latest Dior Star foundation from DIOR in shade 022 (SPF 30, High five! :) .

Now, this is considered to be a brightening foundation, where colour-filter pigments neutralises imperfections to recreate that perfect light. Also formulated with anti "light-trap" skincare ingredients to help reduce the appearance of dark areas, pigment spots and redness (information source: www.harrods.com ).

Well I fully agree to everything what's said above, this product's very comfortable on the skin, quickly absorbent and very well covering.

If I wouldn't have bought another one that I am just about to show, I would definitely try Dior Star.

(picture source: weheartit.com )

Well...my current  "Mr Big" and true love of my life is TOM FORD Traceless Perfecting Foundation (SPF 15). Mine in shade 04 Bisque.

We clicked immediately and it was probably the first time when I came to work saying to my girls: "I think I have a beauty crush" :)

It is a long wear foundation with buildable, medium-to-full coverage. When you apply it on your skin it might seem a little bit yellow-ish first but then it adapts to the shade of your skin and as a result looks incredibly natural!

It also absorbs instantly and I can say that I have never experienced anything similar before! When it is on, I feel like it is 100% my skin, but just a more beautiful version of it! :) It is hard to explain and I certainly advise to try it if you have a chance.

The only disadvantage is the price as it is nearly 2 times more expensive then all foundations listed earlier...

But other than that it is just perfect (at least for my skin).

Well, I believe this is it, my dear friends! I really hope this post has been useful and you find out something new and interesting for yourself.

My main advise and golden rule when choosing foundations is ALWAYS to try it first! And preferably, not just once.

If you have no chance to get a tester that will be enough for 2-3 days application, then at least come to the store with your naked face in the morning, seek professional advise, ask to apply it and see how you feel and how it last during the day.

Foundation might be quite a pricy product and you will use it for several month, so it is very important to research the market and try different options before making your choice.

I wish you all luck with finding your perfect one! 

Lots of love, 

JP

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PS