My Brush Cleaning Routine

After I posted a blog post about the make up tools that changed my life (klick here), I received many questions on how I clean my brushes and sponges. Therefore, I decided to write an entire blog post about it. 

To begin with, I have to mentioned that I actually have two sets of brushes and sponges which I use on an every day basis. Those brushes would be a powder brush, a blush brush, a highlighting brush, a bronzer brush, two eyeshadow brushes, and a beauty blender. I have many more brushes, which I don't use every day. Due to me having two sets of brushes, I clean them every two weeks. But I only use one set for a week and then the other set the next week. The reason behind this is quite simple. I don't want to clean brushes every week. So I bought a second set. Now, I clean all of them every two weeks. However, I do clean my sponges twice a week because I use them with liquid products like foundation and concealers. And I kind of don't like to use them more than three times without cleaning them. 

The items I use for cleaning my brushes are two small towels, a mild baby shampoo, and a small bowl. I put a small amount of baby shampoo into the bowl. I usually start with the bigger brushes, because they need more time to dry. I dip the tip of the bristles into the shampoo. Then I hold it under the tap, which runs on a lower level. I run the brush over my hand and circle it around to get all of the product out. I hold the brush under the tap again. I, then, repeat it for a couple more times until the foam is white and clean. And then I hold the brush under the tap until all of the soap is washed out. After that, I carefully squeeze the water out and then I squeeze the rest of the water out into a towel. The brush should only be moist after this. I, then, place them bristle down onto a another towel in order for them to dry. I clean my sponges in a pretty similar way. I put the baby shampoo onto the wet sponge and work the soap into the sponge and the rest of the make-up rests out of it. I also hold it under the tap. I do so until the foam comes out white and clean. I, then, squeeze and release the sponge under the water until all of the soap is out of the sponge. I squeeze the rest of the water out of it and I repeat that with a towel. I let the brushes and the sponges try for 24 hours before using them again. 

Don’t wash or place the brushes with the bristles up because then the water can run into the part where the bristles are clued together and into the brush. The water can damage the entire clue. 

This is my brush cleaning routine. It is very simple, but effective. 

La La Land - Nominated for 14 Academy Awards

If you haven’t seen La La Land and want to see it without knowing anything or reading any other opinions on the movie, you should better stop reading right here and come back another time. 

If you do want to hear my opinion on the film, keep reading. 

I finally went to see La La Land yesterday. I had the movie on my list for a little while but I wasn’t quite sure if I really want to see it in theater or wait until it comes out on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or even on DVD. 

In general, it is a romantic musical comedy-drama film starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the lead roles. It is about an aspiring actress called Mia (Stone) and a passionate musician called Sebastian (Gosling) who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles. Both of them struggle a lot while trying to achieve their dreams. Mia dreams of becoming a well-know and successful actress. She goes from audition to audition but cannot seem to get a job in the business. Sebastian is a passionate, Jazz-loving pianist who dreams of having his own Jazz club. 

I won’t give more information on the content, because someone, who still wants to see the movie without knowing the proceedings, still wants to watch it. 

My expectations of the film were kind of high, because it received such a large amount of Oscar nominations and it won in every category it was nominated for at the Golden Globes including best performance in a motion picture actor and actress.  Therefore, I kind of expected a great movie. 

In my opinion, the film is very good and it deserves all the nominations and winnings. The scenery is very authentic and one is able to see, that it was shot on several locations in and around of Los Angeles. I loved this, because it gives the film such a great authenticity. The dialogues between the several characters are very thoughtful and thought through. They are witty, humorous, and genuine, but at the same time also serious and sincere. The chemistry between Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling and their characters fits this movie perfectly. But what I enjoyed most is the music. It is placed perfectly. And it fits the content and the scenery very well. I have to comment on the capability of singing of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. First of all, I was not surprised of the beautiful voice of Emma Stone. I have never heard her sing before, but I kind of thought that she would be great at it. And she is. On to Mr. Ryan Gosling. There is no doubt in the world, that he is an amazing actor and a very good looking and handsome man. But why did I not know that he could sing like this?! He has a deep, sexy singing voice which makes him even hotter. I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. And then there was also John Legend. He kind of put the cherry on top of incredible musical performances throughout the film. 

Nevertheless, I have one point of critique. Although I think the film is great and I loved it, I think the first one third of it kind of lacks content a little bit. I thought it was a little dull. But they made up for it towards the second and third third. I am capable to overlook this. I liked the content. It shows two individuals trying to find their places in two different fields —film and music — but at the same time they are connected due to their relationship with each other and their similar struggles. Last but not least, I was kind of surprised by the ending, I did not expected that. 

Overall, La La Land is a great film which deserves all of its award nominations and winnings. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling did a very good job of portraying the two lead characters. At this point I also have to give huge compliments to the writers, producers, choreographers, and all the people who worked on the film. All of them did an amazing job. 

If you have not see the film, go watch it. You won’t be disappointed. 

Changing Make-Up Products from Cheaper to more Expensive Ones

As some of you might know, I like to buy, own, and test makeup (I know I sound like a 14-year-old teenage girl, but I am not). I usually do not wear that much on a daily basis (although my daily makeup routine changed a bit from the last time I told you about it). But when I do wear more, I like to play around with different things. For the past 10 years, I used to only buy drugstore products, and most of the time the ones on the cheaper — but still good — side. I always thought why should I buy the expensive things if they are all the same anyways. But in some areas of the makeup world I was very wrong. The first items I changed were my brushes. I used to use drugstore brushes — not the cheapest ones but still from the drugstore. They were/are good and they definitely do what they need to. When I found out about the Real Techniques brushes, I immediately wanted to try them out. Not only, because I only read and saw good reviews on them but also because they were a little more expansive but still very affordable. Well, what can I say. They kicked my drugstore brushes’ booty. I learnt very quickly that using a good brush changes your entire makeup. (If you want to read more about the Real Technique brushes, go to my blog post The Makeup Tool(s) that Changed My Life )

About a year ago, I decided to test more expensive products. The first product I changed was my concealer. I did not really went from drugstore to high-end, but from drugstore-cheap to drugstore-more-expensive. I started to use the Maybelline Fit Me concealer. It is not that expensive, but I actually experienced a huge difference. In my opinion, it has great coverage and it lasts very good. Although I like it a lot, I still want to test a more high-end one such as the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer or the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Other great concealers, which are not drugstore-cheap but drugstore-more-expensive and which I really like are the Instant Age Rewind Concealer and the Better Than Skin Concealer by Maybelline and the Match Perfection Concealer by Rimmel London. I love to use the Instant Age Rewind one and the Match Perfection one for concealing dark circles under my eyes. 

The next item I changed was my powder. Again, it is a drugstore-more-expensive product. It is the Stay Matte Pressed Powder by Rimmel. I love this powder. I stays on really well throughout the day. By the way, can anyone tell me why Rimmel does not sell anything in Germany anymore?

I will move on to even more expensive products which I absolutely fell in love with. The first one is a blush. I decided to get a really good one and which would be the perfect color for me. After doing research and going to the stores and asking makeup artists for help I decided on buying the NARS Blush in the color Orgasm. It is a pinkish, peachy tone which suits my skin perfectly. It gives it a wonderful healthy glow. Additionally to the blush, I also decided to get a good bronzer and highlighter. Therefore, I decided to get the Hoola Matte Bronzer by Benefit and the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Highlighter in the color Soft and Gentle. What I absolutely love about all three of those products is that you do not need a lot of product on your face to make a difference. 

I also decided to get two good lipsticks, which are the perfect colors for me. I decided to get the NARS Lipstick in the color Catfight and the MAC Lipstick in the color Capture. I cannot tell you what a huge difference I experienced with those lipsticks. Both of them stay on all day, after applying them once in the morning. They survive drinking and eating. I actually was very surprised. 

Overall and for me, I believe that in some areas a more expensive product is the better choice, because it stays on a lot longer and better and you do not have to use that much product in general. From now on, I will purchase more expensive makeup products. They are more pricey, of course. But what I experienced is, that you do not need that much product than of a cheaper one. For example, the lipsticks from MAC and NARS are very durable and you only have to apply the once in the morning, whereas other lipsticks have to be applied a couple of times during the day. Another thing I experienced is that the pigmentation and color is so much better. 

Although, I really love the pricer products, I will not only by them. I still think, they are way too expensive. And I still believe that drugstore make-up is very good. What I have changed and will continue to change is that I won’t buy the cheap drugstore make-up any more. I will continue to mix  more expensive drugstore make-up with some high-end products here and there. I just want to add that this is my opinion and my experiences. I am not saying that cheaper products are bad and you should stop using them. I only wanted to tell you more about my experiences and opinions. At the end, you should do whatever is right for you and buy whatever is right for you. 

By the way, my absolute favorite mascara brand is not high-end or drugstore-cheap. My favorite brand is Maybelline. In my opinion, they have the best mascaras on the planet. My favorites are The Falsies and The Falsies Big Eyes. 

Welcome 2017!!

Happy New Year everyone!!!

I cannot believe that it is already the third day of the new year. Time surely flies incredibly fast.

Anyway, I wish every single one of you a very happy new year!! May all your dreams and wishes come true and may your year be filled with lots of positivity.

Saying good bye to 2016 was bittersweet for me. A lot of good things happened - graduating college, my USA adventure, many fun days with family and friends - but also a few negative things happened - I will not get into detail here.
2017 will be an exciting year for me. I am currently on the job hunt. Therefore, I do not know what the year will bring for me. All I know is that this year will bring a lot of changes. And I am excited to see what they will be like. I definitely will keep you updated.
Everyone makes new years resolution. I decided that I will not do any for this year and that is a first for me. It is a little unconventional but I thought, I will try out not having any resolutions. Let's see how that will go.

I will talk to you soon. Have a wonderful day.

The Makeup Tool(s) that Changed My Life

About a year ago, I discovered the makeup tools that definitely changed my entire life — or my makeup life. I have learnt that the right brushes make a great makeup and not necessarily the product itself. Well, of course the product is also very important but using the right brush makes a huge difference. The brushes that I discovered to be true magical workers for myself are the Real Techniques brushes. I wanted to have them for so long and I could not get them in Germany. So a friend of mine actually brought them back from the USA for me (Thank you, again).  I started out with the Core Collection and the Starter Set. The Core Collection consists out of a contour brush, a pointed foundation brush, a detailer brush, a buffing brush, and a panoramic case. And the Starter Set consists out of a deluxe crease brush, a base shadow brush, a accent brush, a fine liner brush, a brow brush, and also a panoramic case. 

In order to try out the brushes, I thought those two collections would be perfect. When I unpacked the brushes and first touched the bristles I was hooked. I have never touched any brush that was so soft as they are. I thought, if they are as good on the face, I have found the percent brush brand for me. And what can I say, they are truly amazing. Applying any kind of make up, concealer, powder, eye shadow, etc. is just amazing. They create such wonderful finish. And everything is so easy with them. I’m by no means good at doing my make up and I honestly do not wear a lot most of the times. But with those brushes, I started to be quite decent in comparison with my skills before. For example, I also was a one color eye shadow kind of girl, and now I love to do a multicolored smokey eye and it is really not that hard. Due to those brushes, I actually started to have fun doing my make up, because it finally looked decent and good. After I got the two collections, I had to get more. And I ordered them from their website (https://realtechniques.com/en/). I, now, have a pretty good collection of Real Techniques brushes and I love them all. But I do have some favorites and essentials which I believe are true miracle workers. And I will introduce them to you. I already mentioned the two collections — the Core Collection and the Starter Set. I still use those brushes most of the time. The ones from the Core Collection can be used in so many ways — from using for powder, blush, highlighter, bronzer, foundation, and concealer. For example, you are able to use the buffing brush for foundation, powder, highlighter, and bronzer. And every single time it gives you a great finish. The brushes from the Starter Set are mostly used for the eye makeup and you also can use them in different ways. I, for example, sometimes use the brow brush for a smoked liner or the deluxe crease brush for concealer. The next brush, that I absolutely love is the powder brush. It is just amazing. The 102 triangle concealer brush is the best brush to apply concealer due to it being shaped like a triangle. The setting brush is also one of my favorites, I most of the time use it with a very light powder in order to brighten up my under eyes or with a highlighter. The sculpting brush is perfect for highlighting, bronzing, and due to its shape also contouring. The last item that is very essential for me is actually not a brush but the miracle complexion sponge. This sponge is the best ever. It is just perfect for concealer and foundation. 

Overall, all of the brushes I own from Real Techniques are amazing. They literally changed my entire makeup routine and life. For me they are the best. It is so easy to apply everything with them. And what I believe is the best about them is, they are quite affordable. You can buy them over their website, I believe they ship internationally. In Germany, you are able to buy them at Douglas. And in the United States, I think pretty mich every larger drugstore like Walgreens, CVS, etc. or Target or Walmart sells them. 

At the end of this post, I have to thank Sam and Nic for inventing and selling those brushes. You two are geniuses. Thank you, thank you, thank you. They also have a youtube channel called pixiwoo. Go check that out as well, they are truly amazing!! 

I hope you enjoyed reading and I talk to you soon!! 

Gilmore Girls - A Year in the Life - Recap (NO spoilers)

I honestly don't really know where to start. 

First of all, this blog post will not be a spoiler. I will not spoiler anything for those who did not watch it yet. So you don't have to worry about that. You can keep on reading. I will only talk about my impressions of the four new movie like episodes. If that is already too much of a spoiler for you, you should definitely stop reading here and come back when you watched it. And I want to keep this recap kind of short. 

For those who read my blog and read my post about two weeks ago, in which I told you why I love this show about a fast-talking-mother-daughter-duo so much. If you not, here is the link: 

Anyway, I and many other fans have waited many years for a revival. YEARS!!! Literally years!! I never quite liked the last season — season 7 — of the Gilmore Girls. It was probably because the producers and writers changed. But season 7 is definitely my least favorite season of them all. I don't like the ending of it. It did not feel right. And apparently many people around the world felt the same way. I was very thrilled when they announced the revival, with the original producers and writers. I could not wait for the new episodes. On November 25th, 2016 it finally way time. Four brand new, 90 min  episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix. 

Oh, how I missed them!! I do have ever single season on DVD and watch them, a lot. But I really missed brand new episodes and brand new storylines. Within the first few moments of the first episode „Winter“ I started to tear up. It was so good to see new footage of Stars Hollow. And it definitely was good to see Lorelai and Rory again. 

Here are a few questions that you might wonder about:

Did I enjoy the new episodes? Oh yes, I did very much so. 

Do I like them? Oh yes, I do. I actually love them. 

Are they better than season 7 and more like season 1-6? They definitely are. 

Did I get answers to questions I had after season 7 ended? Yes, I did. Pretty much everything I, personally, wondered about has been answered. Besides one question. And a few minor ones. 

Am I alright with Lorelai’s love life? Yes, I am. I think she ended up with the person I always thought she should end up with. 

Am I alright with Rory’s love life? I don’t know how to answer that. 

Is Stars Hollow still the Stars Hollow we know and love? It definitely is. 

Do I miss some presence of some characters? Unfortunately, I do. Especially one character. 

Are the new episodes give us closure? In some points they do, in others they definitely do not. 

Do I like the ending and the very hyped last four words? WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING BY ENDING THIS WITH THOSE WORDS?! I mean come on. That ending is like…  I… it… whoa… I don't even know. It ends with a BAM. There are sooooooooo many new unanswered questions now. I could write them all down but then I would definitely be spoilering. All I’m saying is, I NEED MORE!!! There has to be more new stuff planned. 

Overall, I definitely enjoyed every single second of the new episodes. They represent what we love so much about the Gilmore Girls and the entire show. But after the ending, it definitely has to continues. 

College Graduate - What to do now?

Well guys, it is official. I am a college graduate. With a Master’s degree. After six years of classes, exams, studying like a maniac, I am done with college. I am done with college. I am a college graduate. I am a college graduate with an actual diploma. I am sorry for repeating this so often, but I still kind of not believing this whole being a college graduate kind of thing. It has not settled in yet, I guess. If feels weird and anti-climactic. It has been a little over three weeks since my very, very last final exam and a few days since I picked up my diploma. For those who are wondering, yes I  had to pick up my diploma in the office at my university. Yes, this is kind of weird and feels unofficial. And yes, I am actually kind of pissed of not really having an official ceremony where I will get my diploma. Oh, I am sorry, there will be a an official something. BUT, I will have to give my diploma back before I will receive it again. Then, some important person will say three words and will hand out the diplomas again. This whole thing should take about 20 mins. Great ceremony right? I don’t think so. 

Anyway, I am a college graduate. I cannot repeat it enough. I probably have to, just to believe it. I don’t know when that will start. But I guess I have to start believing it because now the real life thing is about to get real. It already started to get real. I just avoid it getting real. But, I guess I have to start at some point. My college life is officially over since a couple of days. There is nothing left at school. And there is nothing left for me to do at school. What do people say? It is time for me to spread my wings and fly. You know, my big, major, large question here is: Fly where? 

I keep asking myself the same questions all over in head. Day in day out. Before I go to sleep. After I wake up. During the day. What to do now? What do to with my life? What to do everyday? What in the world do I want to do? 

I know very well that the next step for me is to find a job. An actual job that pays more than 450 € every month. And believe me when I say, that I cannot wait to earn more money. And I already applied for several positions in different fields. By the way, apparently very few companies do reply if they received your application. And very few companies — almost none — reply at all. I think that is very rude and unfair because we, the applicants, wait for answers on how far the whole application process is. And I have several „open“ applications — which I have sent out months ago — from which I never heard a thing. I believe the positions are already filled but it would be nice to get some kind of information, even it is a rejection. 

I already applied for different jobs. But I am not sure what I actually want. It is hard to figure that out. I did not major in business, economics, natural sciences or something with engineering, in which your paths are exactly mapped out for you. I majored in liberal arts — cultural and literary studies to be exact. And there is no map. Finding a job in this field is not that easy. First, you actually have to figure out what you want to do. There are many fields one is able to go to. Journalism, publishing, cultural things, research or one is also able to go into economic or things like that with a little extra training. But as previously mentioned, you first have to figure out what field you want to pursue a career in. And I am not quite sure what I want. I am applying for different things and I am searching for different opportunities. But in the meantime I have to figure out what I want to do. Secondly, when you finally figure out what you want to do, you actually have to find a position. And believe me, all I have been hearing, this is not easy. I am doing everything at the same time. Figuring out what I want and searching and applying for a job. And at the same time, I am also incredibly freaked out I won't figure out what I want and won't find a job and end up getting an unemployment check every month. 

As much as I don't want to admit it but I feel lost. Everyone keeps telling me that I will find something soon. A job, they mean. And I do believe them, but at the same time I don’t. Sometimes I feel incredibly sure about my future and what I want to do, and sometimes I don’t have clue. It is a freakin’ circle I can’t seem to break out of. However, I still am the optimistic person I’ve always been. I know that someday I will find my true calling and figure exactly out what I want. And at some point I will find the perfect first real job. I just have to keep applying and hoping.