Elizabetta Franchi Fashion Show | Lourdes Gio

Hello my fellow readers,

A few days ago a second Elizabetta Franchi shop opened in Malta and a fashion show was held in front of the shop situated in South Street, Valletta. When my guest and I arrived we where welcomed with drinks and some nibbles and after some time the show started.

I was amazed by how beautiful the line is, and I really want to get my hands on something from them one day. The line was a pretty basic coloured one ranging from light blue, light and baby pink, black and white.

I was surprised to see that the line also consisted of some sports wear. I didn't know that the brand did sports wear too. There were also everyday outfits, office wear and evening. The collection also consists of shoes and bags.

For my outfit I chose to wear a very soft white/cream blouse from Matalan, a floral pair of trousers from Zara and my favourite white heels from New Look. I also wore my vintage wooden bag from a bazaar in Valletta (featured here). Earings are from Accessorize and watch is from Daniel Wellington.

Hope you liked this post. If you did, make sure to follow me on the blog and also like and follow my Facebook page. 

Thank you for reading,

                                       Lourdes Gio xxx

BeYu VIP Makeup Session - Franks

Hello my fellow readers,

About 3 weeks ago I attended to a makeup session at Franks (at the Plaza shopping complex, Sliema).
I know its a bit late for this post to go up but I was abroad and didn't have the time to write it before I left. When I arrived, I was seated around a table with mirrors in front of each seat. There were brushes on the side. Franks Trainer, Claire Falzon, guided us on how to use BeYu's new collection and how to get the best possible look for our facial features.

First we started off by getting to know the importance of using a primer under the foundation, such as makeup would apply more smoothly on the face and that it lasts longer. One could use different types of primers, it depends on the skin type and what you need it the most for, such as to achieve a glowy skin look or a matt one. Then Claire, showed us how to apply it on her model and we followed and did the same on our faces. I personally used the Healthy Glow one. 

Next we applied foundation and concealer. We used the new cover and clear spot stick which is an anti-spot treatment and a long-lasting concealer in one. Under our eyes we then used normal concealer as the stick cannot be used around the eyes. After we moved on by applying eye-shadow base as this is very important because it helps eye makeup last longer. 

Then as a base colour for eyeshadow I used the Colour Biggie Long - Lasting waterproof pen in a cream colour. Next Claire showed us the new Catwalk Star Eyeshadow and how to use them, and I used light purple colours and then smoked out my black pencil liner. For mascara I used a volumizing one and for eyebrows I tried an eyebrow gel for the first time and I have to say its great although I am going to stick to my eyebrow pencil. 

Claire and her model

In 2017 its all about contouring and highlighting, I don't know a lot about this as I don't usually apply these. I usually go for bronzer and occasionally a bit of highlight on my cheek bones, but Claire showed us how to use them correctly. For lips, I used a natural pink colour to go with the eyeshadow look. 

 My cousin and best friend while applying her eyeliner

My makeup look in different lighting

I would like to thank Franks for organizing this event, I truly had so much fun trying the new collection and new ways on how to apply makeup. I also want to thank Claire Falzon for the tips and the model for also helping out (I'm very sorry I forgot the name). Thanks also for the goodie bag I will definitely try these items especially the bronzer, and you readers keep an eye out for a review and maybe even a makeup haul from BeYu as I eyed some interesting makeup products that I want to try out. (And also thanks to my cousin and best friend for some of the photos)

You can check out BeYu in any of the Franks stores located all around Malta. 

Hope you liked this post. If you did, make sure to follow me on the blog and also like and follow my Facebook page for more.

Thank you for reading,
                                    Lourdes Gio xxx

Favourite makeup Products by Diva Inside

Hello my fellow readers,

Today I have something different for you, I am having the lovely Caroline from Diva inside as a guest on my blog. She will tell you about her favourite makeup products. Make sure to follow her on her social medias, the links are at the bottom of the post. Hope you like it and go give her some love <3

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Hey there my lovelies,

Here I am being featured on the sweet Lourdes Blog’s as a Guest Blogger ☺.  I have to admit that this post turned out to be somewhat of a challenge for me as I have drawers full of makeup products!!! Like anyone that loves collecting makeup products, I tend to form a bond with all of my products so it is always somewhat difficult not to fall into the habit of constantly buying stuff!!! However, the beauty world allows for a lot of options and the truth of the matter is that I also love testing out new makeup.

However, at the end of it all I keep going back to what works best for me. Lately, I have been keeping my look quite simple and natural, opting for a little bit of colour on my lips and cheeks rather than full blown eye shadows on my eyes – ya’ll know the heat we are having does not help to put you in the mood for a full on glam!!!

So here goes my top and favourite 10 products – Enjoy.

1. Primer: Benefit Porefessional: This primer is AMAZING. Benefit’s The POREfessional minimises the appearance of pores.  I am in love with it's silky smooth formula, feels lightweight on the skin and also it’s oil-free. The fact that it’s translucent coverage it means that it is designed to complement all skin tones.  Also, on a recent trip to Rome, I learned that it also has a dual-action function that of priming as a base and touching up during the day (DOH!!). How cool is that - it can be used both under or over makeup.

2. Foundation: Clinique Beyond Perfecting: When I am not using my BB cream foundations, I love all of the foundations I own and I will continue purchasing more different ones, as I love testing out new foundations, but when I need to feel well put together, without a shadow of doubt I choose this one.

3. Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind : This one was an easy one considering the amount of backups I have. It's just amazing I love how it suits my skin, covers all my dark circles and imperfections! I love it's semi-matte finish, longevity and that it feels amazing on my skin.

4. Brow wax and powder: Flomar: I love using these two products as they simply go so well together! The benefits of the wax used, as a base is that it helps to intensify and shape the eyebrows easily. Product contains non-greasy Jojoba oil, which whilst moisturizing and nourishing the skin, ensures lively and healthy looking eyebrows. I apply it after I apply foundation, spooling my eyebrows into shape, let it set a bit and then apply the shadow. The shadow is great for defining my eyebrows giving them a very natural look. I love the consistency of the shadow, very nicely pigmented. It might be a bit chalky if you go in heavy handedly however nothing a tap will not solve.  Ideally applied with an eyebrow brush to minimize fallout it glides nicely on, especially on the pre applied wax primer, giving you a very nice result.

5. Face Powder: RCMA No Colour Powder : If you missed my raving moment on this product, well you might want to read it first here. Highly raved from a MUA and YouTubers alike, this product is UNBELIEVABLE!! This is a NO colour powder which means there is really no colour payoff when you put this on your skin which is amazing!!!

6.Blush: Milani baked in Luminoso : The colour of this blush is everything. It has a soft, smooth texture that is a little powdery/dusty to work with, but it doesn’t dry or appear powdery once blended and buffed into the skin. The more you blend it the more luminous the finish becomes without looking overly shimmered or frosted. It's just beautiful.

7. Contouring palette: PUPA Milano: This palette is amazing, very compact, sturdy and the perfect quad for any new beginner that would like to try contouring and highlight. Highlighter is very nice, subtly illuminating powder The light contour shade is a clear and tonalized powder ideal for the centre areas of the face, underneath the eye area.  Perfect for blending and to correct the gray areas. The medium contour is a slightly cool toned powder, good for toning and blending the darker shade of contouring.  Whilst on the other hand the dark contour is ideal for creating that intense shadow of contouring underneath your cheekbone and temples.

8. Mascara: Flormar Precious Curl Mascara: Right off the bet, I really like how this mascara works and I also like the appearance it gives to my eyelashes. It really separates them and gives them precise definition. The wand is curved and chubby but it doesn't clump my lashes, and definitely does not stick them to each other. It's quite long lasting.

9. Liquid lipstick: Gerard Cosmetics in Iced Mocha: Quite possibly the hardest product to narrow down as I have quite a few liquid lipsticks that happen to be my favourite, however, I have to admit that the GC Iced Mocha is the one that I like mostly on me as a day, afternoon or night colour!  The payoff is very intense at first application, so you must be very careful. I recommend using a lip liner before applying this but the end results is worth while.  A texture Iced Mocha is quite creamy like Colourpop’s liquid lipsticks.  It applies really nicely and evenly on the lips.  The best part though has to be the very hydrating and comfortable wearability, almost like having nothing on the lips.

10. Setting Spray: Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day in Lavender : I can say that I have tried and tested many different setting sprays but this one has been my go to ever since I got it. I particularly like the earthy floral scent which admittedly is slightly overpowering when you spray on the product but it does not linger for more than 5 seconds. I have been wearing this daily and I can say that it maintains my makeup perfectly :D I will definitely re-stock!

Caroline's networks :

Blog : https://divainside.org

IG : www.instagram.com/mydivainside

Twitter : www.twitter.com/mydivainside

Snapchat : mydivainside <3

Pinterest : www.pinteres.com/mydivainside

Email for collabs and PR:c_abela75@yahoo.co.uk

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Hope you liked this post. If you did, make sure to follow me on the blog and also like and follow my Facebook page. 

Thank you for reading,

Lourdes and Caroline xx

Renato Balestra Fashion Show

Hello my fellow readers,

On Friday 21st of July, was the fashion show of Renato Balestra at St. George's Square, Valletta.
For this fashion show I was assisting in backstage and therefore, I had the chance to feel the fabrics of the dresses and see them up close. The show was organised by the Chamber of Fashion Malta.

The set up of the cat walk was very nice, it wasn't the original straight one, but was all throughout the Square's fountain. The models came out from the Italian Cultural Heritage building right in front of the Grandmaster's palace.

One could see the beautiful dresses and their colours. The colour scheme of this collection was very neutral with colours such as cream, white, gold, orange, silver and very light blue.

Some pictures I took in backstage before the show:

The fashion show:

Behind the scenes: 

Some detailing in the dresses:

And finally, I had the chance to meet the designer himself and take a photo with him too:

Some Snapchats and makeup of the night:

Hope you liked this post. If you did, make sure to follow me on the blog and also like and follow my Facebook page. 

Thank you for reading,

                                       Lourdes Gio xxx