My Favorite Fragrances!

First in the list is Poeme from Lancome, this perfume is my first love considering perfumes. I first smelled it when I was 18, I had gotten a sample with my birthday present ( funny how smells can bring you right back). And loved it straight a way. From then on I was spoiled; no cheap drugstore fragrances for me anymore, but being 18 this was a bit heavy on the check book for me. So from then on it has been a staple item on my wishlist; birthday, Christmas; Poeme! 

This is how it looks when the bottle isn't half full (I'm a optimist ;-) and with lid, can't seem to locate mine... 

This is what Lancome has to say about it:

"Say it all without a word.

Say it all without saying a word. A fragrance of seduction that goes beyond words!

A composition of contrasts in which the effusive note of the Himalayan Blue Poppy embraces the enchanting scent of the Datura flower. Around this duo, white flowers mingle gaily with yellow flowers...in POÊME each word is a flower, each flower a poem to express that which cannot be said."

So... now you know hahaha, in my opinion Poème is a warm floral scent, kind of oriental. But not like any scent I ever smelled before or since, so that makes it even harder to describe. On this site there is a extensive explanation of the scent.

This is really MY scent, and it feels totally funny when I smell someone else wearing it. But you girls are free to try it ;-P  It is and probably will stay my number 1 perfume, considering I'm wearing it for 12 years already, jeez I'm getting old haha.

Second on the list is Amber Elixir from Oriflame.

This one is the first I felt could compete with my beloved Poeme. Most fragrances smell great in the bottle but make me nauseous after a few hours. And this one keeps smelling yummie.   

                                                 

This is what Oriflame has to say about it;

"Inspired by the mysterious beauty of amber, Amber Elixir exudes an enticing aura of sensuality and tranquillity. Warm lingering notes of blackcurrant and mandarin embrace alluring heliotrope, mystical amber and sensual musk as you are consumed by its seductive amber glow. 50 ml."

Isn't it interesting how stilted and labyrinthine companies can get, describing a fragrance... Anywho,in my humble opinion and simpler description it is again a warm, spicy smell. It has that amber smell in it, just like Poeme, that is probably why I like this one as well haha.

Third on the list isn't technically MY scent, but it's my kids.

It's Eau de Zwitsal.

Zwitsal is a Dutch brand that caries all kind of  baby products, and used by moms in the Netherlands for decades. My mom (grandma to my kids ;-)was bathed in this when she was a baby, I was washed in it and now my babies (1,5 and 4) bath in it daily. And to let the smell lingerer a bit longer I like to spritz just a tiny bit on them when they are fully dressed, for that little hint of nostalgia. Or if my little girl sees me spritzing my perfume's and  wants to join in, I spritz it on my little princess ;-)

And lastly on my list is Miracle.

This perfume is the last in my favorites list all though I like it very much, this one has more of a sentimental value to me. When my daughter was born, my mother gave this to me, and said what a miracle it was to have this child in our lives, my pregnancy and delivery, both being difficult, ended in this beautiful miracle lying in my arms. So this fragrance reminds me of my mom, who also wears it a lot.

The description from Lancome:

You make it happen. A vibrant, sparkling fragrance that opens like the dawning of a new day with fresh, dewy notes of Lychee and Freesia. Its spicy heart echoes with notes of Magnolia, Jasmine, Ginger and Pepper as its warm base notes envelop you in the sensual splendor of Amber and Musk.

What are your favorite fragrances? Let me know in the comment section below.

Hugs and kisses DIYMama 

Bloglovin Blog Hop!

Hi everyone, after being more than a week M.I.A (Missing In Action) here I am again. It has been a very busy week, but now I'm back doing what I love to do; blogging.

The lovely Nina, from Nina's bargain beauty and some other beauty bloggers started this blogger hop

And being a new blogger myself I love to join. So please follow me on my bloglovin, and leave your link by clicking on the "add your link" button.
Some Simple Rules   1. Follow the hosts on bloglovin.  2. Share the blog hop button on your sidebar.  3. Hop around and visit at least 3 blogs. If you decide to follow a blog, please follow with bloglovin considering that GFC might go away. Leave a comment and let them know how you found their blog.  4. Leave your link. You can link your bloglovin profile or a post on your blog that you enjoy, but in this case make sure you have your bloglovin visible on your blog so others can follow you.  5. Optional: Help this blog hop grow and share it on Twitter using the #bloglovinbloghop at the end of the tweet ;) or on Facebook. 

XOX DIY Mama

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Beauty Blogger Tag

Hi everyone, today my first ever blogger tag, it's started by the lovely Nina from Nina's Bargain Beauty, and I red about it on Aislings blog. We're all invited to join in so, here it goes;

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

Neither, haha my hair is most of the part straight, but flicks up here and there.

2. What is your natural hair colour?

Golden brown.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

Being a DIYMama, I do it myself ;-)

4. How often do you wash your hair?

I wash my hair daily, but am trying to cut down. And I have to say with my new shampoo, I can stretch it to 2 days without washing

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?

I pretty much wear the same style every day, being a mom my clothes have to be practical, in my opinion. No fringes, or long necklaces, while bending down for tying shoelaces or changing diapers ;-)

But I am trying to spruce up my style,and with spring/summer coming, I can't wait to go shopping again.

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

Usually I do my own, having a beautician backfground. But I do go to a specialized pedicure once every couple of months because of my Diabetes, just to keep everything healthy ;-).

7. How often to you change your nail polish?

Having my hands in dishwater, bathwater etc means my polish chips with the speed of light, so IF I'm wearing any i usually take it off after 2 days.

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?

No, just in summer, don't feel the need to do them if there isn't anyone who sees it anyways ;-)

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?

In the morning it takes about 15 minutes to put on a full face of make up, that's about the maximum of time my kids give me haha, after that they get bored and become little rascals. If I have more time, for example for a night out, it's about 30 min, that's when I really like to make more dramatic eyelooks.

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

Face; making a flawless canvas:, primer, concealer, foundation, shape, blush, highlight. Then eye's and lips.

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

I used to be a real down to earth make up kind of girl, when my mascara ran out I'd buy some, if my eye shadow hits pan I have to rebuy the same I used for ages. However..... after I discovered blogging and MUA I have to say I became a real hoarder. I have more lipsticks than I ever owned, and enough shades of eye shadow to make a different eye look every day for a year probably haha. And still I would love to have more.  

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

I would love to try them, but haven't really worn them EVER. I tried once, but my own lashes were in the way for me to properly stick the falsies on. So I gave up... but I am planning on trying again any time soon.

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

Nope.

If I feel like it I'll do a full face of make up.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

Again if I feel like it, I can enjoy wearing no make up just as much as wearing a full face of make up. It feels like a guilty pleasure to not wear make up on a lazy Sunday.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?

Absolutely! 

16. How many high end products do you have?

None, can't justify for myself to buy highend goodies, when I could buy a week worth of grocery's or a new pair of shoes for my kids.

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

After 1 or 2 uses I wash my brushes, so if I'm wearing my make up everyday it's about 2 a 3 times a week, but usually it comes down to 1 or 2 times a week.

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

Nope, I'll see whats in my closet and what goes together haha.

19. How often do you change your handbag?

As little as possible, if I change my hand bag i tend to end up with no wallet at the grocery store because of it being in my other purse.....(happend a lot) 

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?

I get up when my kids wake me, that's usually around 6:30, and go to sleep around 23:00.

21. How often & when do you workout?

Way to little, I swim once a week. And am trying to take up my running again, but it's so cold at the moment, I know: I'm a sissy.

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?

Absolutely right handed, can't even twease with my left hand.

23. How tall are you?

1.74 m, don't know how much that is in inches ;-)

24. Do you speak a foreign language?

It's absolutely rusty, but I think I can communicate quite well in English. I had German at high-school  but that's been 15 years ago, so that's no good either anymore.

25. How many pets do you have?

I have 2 cats, "Billy the kitten"(when he was younger), and Poekie.

26. How often are you on Blogger?

More often than I should be haha, love to work on my blog, about 3 times a week is average I think.

27. Do you read the comments posted blogs?

Everyone, I'm so happy if someone takes the effort writing me a comment. I try to reply every comment.

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

Some blogs make me so greedy haha, would love to have them all. And I definitely keep in mind if a product had great reviews or not when I'm buying myself.

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

This mama tends to try doing things herself before asking people to help, or buying ready made things. A real "I can do it myself" mentality.

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

Panasonic DMC -FS6.

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)

Daily, and still it isn't a Mrs Bouquet kind of house, with 2 kids and 2 cats, there is enough to keep you busy day and night.

32. What is your favorite colour?

Purple.

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?

Grazia. Don't buy much magazines, I prefer to read online.

34. Do you swear?

I try giving the right example for my kids, but that moment that you hit your tiny little toe on the edge of the door, again! That are the moments a naughty word slips out of my mouth, luckily that's so seldom that my son looks at me with question marks in his eyes " Mommy what does @#$%^% mean?" hahaha.

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Keeping the house decent, play with kids. No cooking today, were eating at grandpa and grandma today.

Hereby I challenge every beauty blogger to join in on this tag, and please let me know, I'd love to learn more about you!

Hugs and Kisses DIY Mama.

Natural Vitamin E treatment DIY

Hi Lovelies,
I really can't wait to share this easy DIY skin treatment with you girls, I've been using it for the past week now, and I have to say, I can actually SEE the difference!

My skin is really fussy about skincare, even the most prestigious brands that market them selves as being hypoallergenic; my skin isn't having it :-(  On the other side it is very dehydrated, but oily on the chin and T-zone, and *Yay* the fine lines are coming trough as well. So in my search for skincare that actually makes a difference AND which my skin can tolerate, I have tried a good deal of brands. There are a few brands I can tolerate, and the did moisturize a bit, but the fine lines weren't getting any better, and the dry patches neither.
A few moisturizers I could recommend for sensitive skin are for example the Nivea Pure and Natural range, it isn't spectacular, no facelift effect ;-) but keeps you moisturized without irritation of the skin. 



At the moment i'm using this one from Garnier, without parabens but with eco cert label. It's a simple moisturizer, so I amp it up with a few drops of oil, like Argan or in this case vitamin E.

So now over to the actual DIY;

It's pretty simple:

• get your self a bottle of vitamin E capsules (I got these.)
• make sure your face is clean, no make up or moisturizer
• cut, or prick your capsule open (with for instance a needle)
• pinch out the oil and apply on desired area's, in my case: under the eye's, forehead, and the dry patches next to my nose. (you know those "lovely" patches that make your foundation look icky ;-)
• gently sweep/ rub it in
• apply your usual day or night cream and let it sit, if your using it before bed just leave it.
• if your wanting to do some make up, you could dab the excess off with a tissue and carry on with your daily make up routine. You might want to powder a little.

  

Why this actually works:

I did a little research on the web to find out WHY it worked, I have to admit it started of like a wild experiment " hey lets put this substance on my face and see what happen" kind of thing. But after a few days I actually was noticing the difference, so I decided to find out why and share it with you.

There are tonnes of info out there why vitamin E is such a wonderful oil to use internal and external, but to sum it up for you, here is what is does and why:

• Vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidant around, which protecst you from free radicals.
• Everyday your skin is subjected to free radicals that damage your skin, these radicals damage the collagen and dry out your skin cells, what causes wrinkles.
• It helps repair damaged skin.
• It is a effective moisturizer.
• It has natural anti inflammatory effects

I really have to say that I'm surprised by the fact how good this works, and how it's not costing you a arm and a leg. So I would say give it a try for a week and let me know what you think. My skin became tighter around the eyes, hydrated and generally made me look younger/fresher/ well rested (while I'm most definitely not haha).

Let me know what you think,

Hugs and Kisses DIY Mama

Reference:

• http://vitamineoiluses.com/vitamin-e-oil-for-face-its-benefits/
• http://www.ehow.com/about_5467579_facial-benefits-vitamin-e.html
• http://www.ehow.com/list_7156828_benefits-vitamin-liquid-form-skin_.html

My Lip Life Saver!

Hi Ladies,

this has AB-SO-LUTE-LY  been my life saver for the last couple of days. Because of this " beautiful" freezing spring weather my lips just decided to no longer put up with it. They cracked and went so so sore, but this miracle worker saved my day! 

I think I applied it over ten times yesterday, and a a thick layer before bed, and today I can say my lips are back to life. The Shea butter I've used is a refined one, that means that the colour and smell are taken out. I prefer it to use on my lips, because the smell of unrefined Shea can linger, and I don't really care for that right under my nose. But has to be said, unrefined Shea Butter has far more nutrients and other goodies. So for body purposes I prefer the unrefined Shea. Here is how it looks right out of the jar.

It is a creamy butter that melts on contact with the skin, a little goes a long way. Even this little dab was to much for both hands. By the way it makes a perfect hand cream too, it nourishes the skin without leaving a oily film. And absorbs quite quick, but lasts longer then usual hand creams. Shea butter is very versatile, I use it for hands, feet, cuticles, lips, baby cheeks ( both ;-), and when mixed it makes a very nice body butter. See my other article about that here.

This is how it looks rubbed in, shiny but not oily.

Have you tried this "multi purpose savior" yet?

 When you do make sure to get the 100% pure one, a lot of brands sell products with Shea butter or butyrospermum parkii. Just check the ingredient lists on the back, and you will see the butyrospermum parkii more often then you would think. 

But why get 00.1% of this goodness, when you can have the benefits of it pure? Shea butter isn't so easy to come by off the web, but I know Yves Rocher sells one. I got mine from the Dutch brand Erica, 90 ml for €3.99, what I believe is a bargain. Especially for it being so versatile, and being all natural.

So have you tried it yet?

hugs and kisses DIY Mama.

TBS Moringa showergel & Petal fresh Rosemary & Mint shampoo

Hi Everyone, today I had to buy some birthday presents for sisterinlaw, and whilst doing that I figured DIY Mama could use some pampering and indulgence as well ;-)

So I treated myself on these 2 beauties today. I haven't had the pleasure of trying them out, since having them for just a few hours :-P But I can't wait to get in the shower with them! The smell of these are just heavenly! 

Lets start with the Body Shops Moringa showergel Here is where you can get yours. Its very reasonably priced at € 6,50 for 200 ml.

The smell really brings back memories, I LOVE the smell of frangipani, en this is a nice fresh variant of that. It's soap free so less drying to the skin, sounds good, because mine seems to want to emulate the sahara dessert. 

Now over to the Rosemary & Mint Shampoo from Petal fresh. 

It is a big 16 fl oz/ 475 ml bottle that I bought it from De Tuinen for €6,99, so I think this is reasonably priced as well, most certainly for a sulfate, paraben, petrochemical free shampoo.

Due to it's lack of sulfates it lathers much less then regular shampoos ( I did a test run on my hands ).

I love the smell of rosemary and mint, and after rinsing it of my hands the smell of mint is what's left behind.

Rosemary and mint are good for hair and scalp for numerous reasons, so can't wait to see what this shampoo can do for my hair. I'm trying to cut out sulfates out of my hair care regime for a while now, but it's hard! Finding a product that takes care of my hair, doesn't contain sulfates etc. AND is friendly on the pocket book.

Now I just have to wait if it lives up to expectations, I'll keep you updated, but will have to try it out now for a while.

This is what's in it:

 

Have you tried either of these? Would love to here what you think, leave comment down below.

Hugs and kisses DIY Mama

My MUA mini HAUL! First Impressions Undress range. Picture heavy ;-)

After just 3 days after ordering my order came in today!! Party!!! it always feels like Christmas and my birthday at the same day, a package at the door, all your goodies wrapped up, and then the excitement of unwrapping them....The simple pleasures of live ;-)

As usual MUA sends their products in a brown paper bubble wrap envelope, and all the fragile items are securely wrapped in some more bubble wrap. (Yay some more bubble wrap to pop ;-)

I'll start with the Undress your skin Highlighting Powder, what a amazingly beautiful product, I think I have a new crush!

 First of all its appearance; it comes in a sleek white plastic container with a clear lid, I think that it is a great match for this range, it gives a clean and crisp appearance  as it should when you call it undress your skin, in my humble opinion that is. 

Then the product itself, it is pressed in this pretty swirly 3D pattern, gives a real feel of luxury I think. 

This is how it looks "on skin".

It gives that beautiful glow to your skin, without being to obvious, or glittery, it is a cool champagne/ rose gold .

Now over to there other new release from their Undress range;

The Undress me too palette.

Again packaged in sleek white, the complementary applicator is in black. This palette brings beautiful nudes, warm and cool toned. Perfect for everyday, office looks and smokey eyes.

First row swatched. The first shade "Naked"  didn't show up as well on my skin because, well, it's about my skin tone. 

Second row swatched.

Here are the Undressed and Undress Me Too side by side. Undressed has been a favorite of mine for a while now, and I think the undress me too is a good competitor in the running for my #1 everyday palette.

Lastly I'd love to show you the Undress Your Skin Illuminating foundation.

The Illuminating Foundation comes in a flexible mauve tube, and contains 35 ml, I prefer pump bottles because they keep air out, but this is OK too.

The foundation itself is of a light consistency, creamy but not thick and smothering. I'm wearing this today and I love the fresh face feel AND look it gives.

To prevent this piece becoming tooooooooooo long I will stop for today, but more to come on the other products.

Which MUA product would you love to see and read more about?

Hope you enjoyed my Mini Haul, 

Hugs and Kisses DIY Mama

MUA retweeted meYAY!

@diymamazelfdoen has a blog post about some of our Undress Your Skin products mamazelfdoen.blogspot.nl/2013/03/my-mua…
— Make Up Academy(MUA) (@MUAcosmetics) 22 maart 2013