22 March 2018

WHAT MAKES BECCA SO CULT?


The focus of today's post is going to be the brand BECCA Cosmetics. When I hear BECCA, I think of glowy, lit from within makeup, which looks effortless and natural. We're not going to be talking about ultra matte foundations, strong contouring and neon colours, but quite the opposite. So, how does BECCA stay relevant in today's saturated market, when it doesn't offer the widest range of products and trends?

The first thing I'm going to do is review the products I have.

Backlight Priming Filter

This primer came to my attention after I listened to Jacklyn Hill hype it up over and over again, but we're going to be talking more about her later. What made me buy it was the claim of hydrated and lit from within skin, which let's be honest, who doesn't want? I've never been big on primers, because a simple moisturizer has always done the job for me and I can't say that the Backlight Priming Filter is that outstanding either, but what makes me repurchase it is the effortless look it gives my skin. It makes full coverage foundations seem almost natural and really adds a glow, which makes me look healthy and luminous. That being said, the target customer is limited due to the fact that it does not hide pores or smooth out texture, doesn't reduce shine and oil - on the contrary, it enhances it, so I can't see anyone with oily or acne prone skin loving it.

Brightening Corrector

This corrector is the newest addition to my growing BECCA collection. The reason behind this purchase were the before and after photos shown on their website, which are really convincing to someone who's always struggled with dark under eye circles. I got the shade Light to Medium (there are only two shades) and started wearing it the moment it arrived. I personally love the coverage and hydration it gives to my under eye area, but again, it does have some downsides. I watched reviews on YouTube to see how other people used it and not all of them were positive. I think the reason behind is that again, I am the target customer, but someone with little to no dark circles wouldn't like it, as it really brightens and highlights the skin. Another thing is that it leaves a really dewy finish, so you have to be careful with how you use it. I have no problem wearing it on its own, because my under eye area is hollow, but if you don't want it that highlighted, you probably have to put another concealer on top and set it with powder.

Pearl and Champagne Pop Highlighters

Now we're talking - the product that really put BECCA on the map - the highlighters.
Since the rise of social media and its influencers, brands have become more aware and smarter in their advertising, which is a natural way to adapt to the market. BECCA made a really smart move by collaborating with one of the biggest beauty influencers, Jacklyn Hill (seems like everything she touches turns to gold, e.g. the Morphe palette too). I have to be honest, I hadn't even heard of the brand until I saw the blinding warm gold highlighter, which became an instant hit. The reason why everyone loves it is because it is in fact an amazing quality product, but also because of the name behind it. As you can see, mine had a major accident, which left a little crack in my heart too, but I managed to put it together and still use it to this day.

The other shade I have is Pearl, which is a true white. I don't use it as much, even though it's equally as blinding, because it's too light for me (don't ask me why I got it in the first place), but I still think it's a great item in my collection.


Even Aria loves Champagne Pop.


Other products that BECCA has include eyeshadow palettes, lip glosses, blushes, different forms of highlighters, concealers, powders and bronzers, which as you can imagine all aim to give you a flawless, but natural look. I'm not calling BECCA boring or a one trick pony, but compared to other brands on the market, which seem to put out hundreds of different products each year to cater to all sorts of clients and trends, this brand keeps it simple. So, what's the selling point?
I think we can all agree that throughout the changes and trends in makeup, a radiant natural look will always preservere and be something that people want to have. Another advantage is that when you have less products, you can really focus on perfecting them and giving people the quality they expect for the price. I'd say that BECCA is fairly secure, compared to Benefit and Too Faced for example, which have a lot of hit or miss products.

BECCA is also a cruelty free brand and a lot of its products are vegan, which is definitely something that influences customers. At the end of the day, it's really up to you to decide if the products would be suitable for you and if the price is justified. I have only had good experience with BECCA, so you have my thumbs up.

So, what really makes BECCA cult? 
A simplistic approach and luxurious products. Promising a look that's classic and always relevant. Smart business moves in collaborating with influencers. Delivering high quality. Keeping its clients by being true to its concept and luring new ones in by releasing easy to use effortless looking products.
Sounds like a formula for success, right?

xo,
Kalina
19 March 2018

URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 PALETTE REVIEW


Seems like I haven't done a review in forever, but I felt like doing one today. I decided to tell you a little more about the Naked 3 Palette, which quickly became my absolute favourite for every day. Find out why below!
~
Сякаш не съм писала ревю от векове, но днес реших да го направя. Искам да ви разкажа малко повече за палитрата Naked 3, която бързо се превърна в абсолютния ми любимец за ежедневието. Разберете защо по-долу!


Packaging

Starting with the obvious, it's gorgeous. The packaging is a rose gold metal with golden letters, which represents the colours on the inside quite well. It shuts securely and as all Naked palettes, comes with a double sided brush.
~
Като започнем с очевидното, супер красива е. Опаковката е метална, от розово злато със златисти букви, което добре представя цветовете вътре. Затваря се сигурно и като всички палитри Naked, има четка с два края. 

Shades

The shades are 12 - 3 mattes and the rest are shimmers and glitters. It's kind of disappointing that the mattes are only 3, because their formula is amazing - so buttery and blendable. The shimmers are really good quality as well, which is what you'd expect from Urban Decay eyeshadow. The tones are all in the warm, pink spectrum, which is what makes this palette perfect for me.
~
Сенките са 12 - 3 матови и останалите са блестящи и с брокат. Малко е разочароващо, че матовите са само 3, защото формулата е страхотна - много маслена и лесна за разнасяне. Блестящите също са много добро качество, което бихте очаквали от сенки на Urban Decay. Тоновете са топли и розови, което прави тази палитра перфектна за мен.

Pigmentation


All of the shades are buttery, easy to blend and well pigmented, but buildable, the darker even more so. They're not super opaque like ABH palettes for example, but that makes the Naked 3 perfect for all kinds of people - from makeup artists to beginners. My absolute favourite colours are Limit and Nooner (both matte - Limit through the crease, Nooner in the outer corner) and Trick (a gorgeous rose gold) all over the lid. Those make my go-to every day look.
~
Всички сенки са маслени, лесни за разнасяне и добре пигментирани, но позволяващи наслояване, което е силно изразено при тъмните. Не са супер наситени като палитрите на ABH например, но това прави Naked 3 перфектна за всякакви хора - от гримьори до начинаещи. Абсолютните ми любимци са Limit и Nooner (и двата матови - Limit в сгъвката на клепача, Nooner във външния ъгъл) и Trick (красиво розово злато) по целия клепач. Те правят любимия ми ежедневен грим.


All in all, the Naked 3 palette is a little gem. I'd recommend getting it if you don't have any Naked palettes, but you have to be a serious lover of romantic pink tones. Apart from the lack of matte shades, I really do find this palette really easy to work with and even a pleasure to look at.

Do you have it?
~
Като цяло, палитрата Naked 3 е малко бижу. Препоръчвам да си я вземете, ако нямате Naked палитри, но трябва задължително да обичате романтични розови тонове. Като изключим липсата на матови сенки, наистина мисля, че тази палитра е лесна за работа и дори наслада за очите.

Вие имате ли я?

xo,
Kalina
14 March 2018

WHY I SKIP CLASS


As you may know, I'm in my final year at uni studying maritime management. I've thought about doing a post on my uni experience too, but I'll leave that for after I graduate.
Today I'm doing a bit of a confession on why I skip lectures more often than I actually go to them.


  1. The weather is really nice and I went to the beach. This is my favourite excuse and one of my favourite things about living in a seaside town. Plus, I can watch ships from there, so isn't it part of my education anyway?
  2. The weather is horrible and I decided to stay in bed. Another totally acceptable excuse. Who wants to go out when it's raining or even snowing? Nah. I'd rather stay in bed and watch Netflix.
  3. I'd rather work on my blog.
  4. I stayed up late watching Champions League and couldn't wake up early.
  5. I just don't feel like going.
Lol I hope my lecturers don't read my blog, because bye bye diploma otherwise. Anyways, I can imagine that if you are or have been a student, you'd totally understand me.





Както може би знаете, последен курс специалност мениджмънт на водния транспорт съм. Мислила съм си да напиша и пост за студентските ми години, но ще го оставя за след като се дипломирам. Днес правя малко самопризнание за това защо пропускам лекции по-често, отколкото ги посещавам.


  1. Времето е много хубаво и съм отишла на плажа. Това е любимото ми извинение и едно от любимите ми неща във Варна. Плюс това, мога да видя корабите от там, така че това не е ли част от обучението ми така или иначе?
  2. Времето е ужасно и съм решила да остана в леглото. Още едно напълно приемливо извинение. Кой иска да излезе, когато вали дъжд или дори сняг? Не. Предпочитам да остана в леглото и да гледам Нетфликс.
  3. По-скоро бих работила върху блога си.
  4. Стояла съм до късно да гледам Шампионска Лига и не съм успяла да се събудя.
  5. Просто не ми се ходи.
Хаха, надявам се преподавателите да не четат блога ми, защото иначе чао, диплома. Както и да е, предполагам, че ако сте или някога сте били студенти, напълно ме разбирате.

xo,
Kalina

11 March 2018

WISH ME LUCK








Crop Top and Sweatpants Set: SheIn (Similar here) // Coat: Asos // Boots: H&M

Wish me luck, because my final semester is coming to an end and then I have a session of endless exams, which I'm so not looking forward to. The weather is finally great and I just wanna be outside, but I'll have to put in the work for a little while.

By the way, this post consists entirely of outtakes, but I like them almost as much as the original photos!
~
Пожелайте ми късмет, защото последният ми семестър скоро свършва и ми предстои безкрайна сесия, която никак не очаквам. Времето най-накрая е хубаво и искам просто да съм навън, но ще трябва да се потрудя известно време.

Между другото, този пост е съставен изцяло от отпаднали кадри, но ми харесват почти колкото оригиналните снимки!

xo,
Kalina
8 March 2018

I DON'T NEED A MAN









Crop Top & Wide Leg Pants Set: SheIn // Coat: New Yorker // Bag: H&M

Happy International Women's Day! In honour of the date, I want to share some of my favourite quotes by badass women, with the hope that they will inspire you:


  • "If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman." —Margaret Thatcher
  • "I'm tough, I'm ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay." ―Madonna
  • "Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in."―Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • "A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." —Eleanor Roosevelt
  • "I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and confidently themselves, who bring light into the world." —Meryl Streep
  • "I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back." ―Malala Yousafzai

~

Честит международен ден на жената! На днешната дата ви споделям няколко от любимите ми цитати от силни жени, които се надявам да ви вдъхновят!

xo,
Kalina
3 March 2018

I CAN FINALLY WEAR A LEATHER JACKET






Jacket: Zaful (sold out, similar) // T-Shirt: H&M // Sweatpants: Zaful // Bag: H&M

...almost. The snow is melting and the temperatures have risen, so I took the chance to take this new faux suede jacket out for a walk. Zaful really surprised me with it, because I didn't expect to love it as much. I've been venturing out into colour lately and I've been loving pastel tones, as well as bold colours such as red and orange.
You can check out the Zaful Women's Day deals if you're looking for something to wear for the holiday, because right now they have a Women's Day special sale going on!
~
...почти. Снегът се топи и температурите са качиха, така че поех шанса да изкарам това ново велурено яке на разходка. Zaful наистина ме изненадаха, защото не очаквах да го харесам толкова много. Напоследък нося повече цветове и наистина обичам пастелени тонове, както и по-дръзките цветове като червено и оранжево.

xo,
Kalina
1 March 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 FAVORITES


February has gone in the blink of an eye and although it was so short, I managed to find some new products that I fell in love with, so I'm sharing them with you today!
~
Февруари мина страшно бързо и въпреки че беше кратък, успях да намеря някои продукти, в които се влюбих, затова ви ги споделям днес!

URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 PALETTE

This palette is a staple and I'm not sure what took me so long to get it. It's the perfect palette for me, because these are the type of shades I go for daily. The quality is up there and the mattes especially are so buttery and easy to work with. I don't think I'm going to do a review about it, but I might do a YouTube tutorial using it, so stay tuned!
~
Тази палитра е класика и не съм сигурна защо ми отне толкова дълго да я взема. Перфектната палитра за мен е, защото това са типа сенки, които нося ежедневно. Качеството е високо и особено матовите цветове са толкова маслени и лесни за работа. Не мисля, че ще направя ревю, но може да заснема клип в YouTube с нея, така че следете за новини!

ZOEVA CAT EYE PEN

I have gone through more eyeliners than I can count, but this is probably the best one I've tried. The marker type is definitely my favourite, but this stands out even more, because it's very pigmented, makes the application so easy and the result is so precise. It doesn't smudge or transfer all day, but it's still easy to take off. What more could you want?
~
Използвала съм повече очни линии, отколкото мога да преброя, но тази е може би най-добрата, която съм имала. Типът писалка определено ми е любим, но тази се откроява още повече, защото е много наситена, прави нанасянето супер лесно и резултатът е толкова прецизен. Не се размазва цял ден и все пак е лесна за сваляне. Какво повече може да искате?


STILA MAGNIFICENT METALS IN KITTEN KARMA

This product is very hyped about and I can definitely see why. The pigmentation of these shadows is unreal and the effect is just gorgeous. The way I've been using it is as a liquid liner, applied with a liner brush just above my Zoeva eyeliner. I think that's my go-to look for any occasion, which means mostly filming YouTube videos in my room.
~
Този продукт е много хвален и опрелено виждам защо. Пигментацията на тези сенки е нереална и ефектът е невероятен. Начинът, по който я използвам е като очна линия, нанесена с малка четка, точно над очната ми линия на Zoeva. Мисля, че това е запазената ми марка за всеки повод, което означава предимно за заснимане на клипове за YouTube в стаята ми.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY LIGHT WONDER & ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR

These two are a match made in heaven! Double Wear is very full coverage and has a matte finish, which I don't normally go for, so I mix it with the Light Wonder to get a more natural and luminous look. I love mixing foundations to create the perfect formula and shade for me, so if you've never done that, I'd recommend trying it.
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Тези два са перфектната комбинация! Double Wear е с много силно покритие и матов завършек, което не харесвам обикновено, затова го смесвам с Light Wonder, за да получа по-естествен и озарен вид. Обичам да смесвам фон дьо тени, за да създам перфектните формула и цвят за мен, така че ако никога не сте пробвали, препоръчвам да го направите.

BLEACH LONDON LARGE FAN BRUSH

Ever since I saw Nikkie Tutorials use a brush like this I've wanted one too. I wouldn't use it for contour, because it's not that precise, but it's perfect for bronzer. It makes the application a lot easier and faster.
~
Откакто видях Nikkie Tutorials да използва такава четка реших, че и на мен ми трябва. Не бих я използвала за контуриране, защото не е толкова прецизна, но е перфектна за бронзър. Улеснява и ускорява нанасянето.

MAC FIX+

This setting spray is having a moment right now and I'm glad I finally got my hands on it. As you know, I'm all about the luminous finish of the skin and this makes everything that much more put together and glowy. I'm not sure if it actually makes the makeup last longer, but it's refreshing and smells amazing.
~
Този завършващ спрей е популярен в момента и се радвам, че най-накрая се сдобих с него. Както знаете, винаги предпочитам озарения финиш на кожата и спреят прави всичко много по-завършено и озарено. Не съм сигурна дали наистина помага с дълготрайността, но е освежаващ и мирише страхотно.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY KIM KW

I've talked about this lipstick before, but oh my god, it's just perfect. I love everything about it - the creamy formula, the pinky nude colour and the packaging. I don't have any other shade like it and I always get compliments when I wear it. I pair it with a darker lip liner like Maliboo by Kylie Cosmetics to give my lips a fuller look.

I'd love to hear what your favourite products for February have been or if you've ever tried one of mine!
~
Говорила съм за това червило преди, но просто е перфектно. Обичам всичко в него - кремообразната формула, розовия неутрален цвят и опаковката. Нямам друг цвят като него и винаги получавам комплименти, когато го нося. Комбинирам го с по-тъмен молив като Maliboo от Kylie Cosmetics, за да създам по-плътен вид на устните си.

Бих се радвала да чуя кои са вашите любими продукти за февруари и дали сте пробвали някой от моите!

xo,
Kalina
26 February 2018

10 SHOWS YOU NEED TO WATCH


Winter has finally arrived (better late than ever, eh?) and I've barricaded myself again. There's a snowstorm outside and I'm not risking going outside until it calms down.
So what better to do than cuddle up and watch some Netflix? I'm gonna share the things I loooove binge watching and would love to hear your recommendations too!
~
Зимата най-накрая пристигна (по-добре късно, отколкото никога, нали?) и отново се барикадирах. Има снежна буря навън и няма да рискувам да изляза преди да отшуми.
Така че какво по-хубаво от това да се сгушиш и да гледаш Netflix (винаги можете да пробвате един месец безплатно)? Ще споделя предаванията, които обичам да гледам и бих се радвала да разбера кои са вашите!

1. HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER
This is one of my absolute favourites. The storyline is so captivating and always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Essentially, it's a law/crime show, which may not be to everyone's taste, but Viola Davis' acting alone is enough to make you love it.
~
Това е едно от любимите ми. Историята е толкова пленителна и винаги ме държи под напрежение. В основата си е криминален/адвокатски сериал, което може да не е по вкуса на всеки, но само играта на Виола Дейвис е достатъчна да ви накара да го гледате.

2. VICTORIA
This one is my favourite historical drama and I think the reason is that I find the actual Queen Victoria extremely fascinating and it's fairly accurate. I love shows, which you can learn from and this one has made me dig up facts and read a lot about Victoria. Did you know she kept journals of every day of her life, which are now published in over 100 volumes?
~
Това ми е любимата историческа драма и мисля, е причината за това е, че намирам кралица Виктория за изключително интригуваща, а сериалът е сравнително достоверен. Обичам сериали, от които мога да науча нещо и този ме накара да потърся факти и да чета доста за Виктория. Знаете ли, че е водила дневници всеки ден от живота си, които сега са публикувани в над 100 тома?

3. AMERICAN CRIME STORY
I watched the first season "The People vs OJ" and couldn't get enough. It's another crime show, as you can tell I'm into them, but it's very different, because it tells real stories. The second season is about the murder of Gianni Versace and I can't wait to watch it!
~
Изгледах първия сезон "The People vs OJ" и не можах да се наситя. Още едно криминално шоу е, както виждате доста ги харесвам, но това е различно, защото е базирано върху истински истории. Вторият сезон е за убийството на Джиани Версаче и нямам търпение да го гледам!

4. JANE THE VIRGIN
This is also one of my favourites, because it's really dramatic and fun at the same time. It's meant to be like a telenovella, so be prepared for lots of twists and turns and romantic storylines.
~
Това също е от любимите ми, защото е много драматично и забавно едновременно. Измислено е като теленовела, така че се подгответе за доста обрати и романтични истории.

5. RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE
Such a pop culture phenomenon and once you watch it you understand why. Drag is an art form and I appreciate all the hard work and creativity the queens put into their looks and there's always a dash of shade and sass.
~
Такъв културен феномен и когато го гледате, разбирате защо. Drag е вид изкуството и аз оценявам труда и креативността, които "кралиците" влагат във визиите си. Винаги има и известна доза shade и sass.

6. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
This one is a classic and I can always watch to feel better and cheer up. It's one of those feel-good shows and if you've never watched it, do it now! I honestly don't think it even needs an explanation.
~
Това е класика и винаги го гледам да се разведря. От онези сериали, които те карат да се чувстват добре е и ако не сте го гледали, направете го веднага! Наистина не мисля, че има нужда от обяснение.

7. PROJECT RUNWAY
Another reality competition show (I'm a sucker for those) and it's a must for all fashion lovers. Seeing the designers make their ideas come to life and the whole behind the scenes process of fashion is so inspiring.
~
Още едно риалити състезание (обичам ги), което е задължително за всички фенове на модата. Толкова е вдъхновяващо да виждаш как дизайнерите дават живот на идеите си и целия процес зад кулисите.

8. THE CROWN
A historical drama about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. I don't like it as much as Victoria, because it's a bit slower, but it's a good show nonetheless. I don't know how I feel about the recast for season 3 though.
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Историческа драма за живота на кралица Елизабет II. Не ми харесва колкото Victoria, защото действието се развива по-бавно, но все пак е добър сериал. Не знам какво мисля за промяната на актьорите в 3 сезон обаче.

9. FIRST DATES
This is a British dating show and it's a reality but not exactly. I love how cute it is and even if the dates don't go that well, it leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. I got really into it when I had exams and needed something to help take away the stress.
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Това е британско шоу за запознанства и е риалити, но не точно. Харесва ми колко е сладко и дори срещите да не протекат добре, оставаш с едно топло чувство. Започнах да го гледам, когато имах изпити и се нуждаех от нещо да ми помогне срещу стреса.

10. UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT
A little bizarre as a concept - mole women get rescued from an abduction by a priest, who predicted the end of the world. Kimmy is one of them and the show follows her as she tries to adjust to life in New York, having grown up in a bunker. It's quite funny and easy to watch.
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Малко абсурдно като замисъл - жени, които са били отвлечени от свещеник, който предсказал края на света, са спасени. Кими е една от тях и сериалът я следва, докато тя се опитва да се приспособи към живота в Ню Йорк, прекарвайки голяма част от живота си в бункер. Доста е забавно и лесно за гледане. 


Bra: Zaful // Robe: Lidl

These are my 10 recommendations for a snow day, or any day for that matter. What have you been watching recently?
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Това са моите 10 предложения за снежен ден или който и да е ден, ако сме честни. Вие какво гледате в момента?

xo,
Kalina