eva tries

November Beauty Favorites

10:33 PM

Hey guys, it's that time of the month again! November went by really fast, but it brought a few really nice makeup rediscoveries that I wanted to share with you all.

My number one makeup/skincare favorite is the Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser. I actually did a whole blog post about it and my general cleansing routine, so I won't go on about it too long. It's just amazing at removing makeup and it leaves my skin feeling fresh, soft and moisturized. It has definitely become a staple, and I will be repurchasing it as soon as I run out.

I mentioned that this month's favorites had a lot of rediscoveries, and the main one is my beauty blender. I never stopped loving it, but I had just gotten out of the habit of using it. I was using my fingers, which works fine, but since re-establishing my connection with this little pink sponge, I've noticed a big improvement on how my makeup looks. I'll make sure not to forget about this little guy again.

Another rediscovery was my Clinique 'Blushing Blush Powder Blush' in the shade 108 'cupid'. I've had this for a really long time (it was actually gifted to me before I really got into makeup) but I haven't given it enough attention until now. It's a really pretty shy/pale/dusty pink and I think it's perfect for this time of the year. It has some very subtle shimmers that give a very natural flushed looked like you've just come out from the cold.

A new discovery, at least for me, is the Maybelline 'Volum'Express The Falsies Mascara'. Everybody online has been raving about this mascara for months and I finally bought it (you might remember my haul) and I've been loving it. I was really scared it had been too hyped up and I wasn't going to like it, but it's really nice. It gives lots of volume without clumping and it really fans out the lashes and makes them look flirty and noticeable. It's really easy to build up, which I like since I'm a lover of bold lashes, but it can also give a really nice natural look if you want. I don't think it'll become my go-to mascara (I really like experimenting with mascara) but it's definitely really good.

My last favorite I've actually mentioned before in my september favorites and it's the 'Elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer'. Ironically, I haven't actually been using any eyeshadows this month. I've been loving this just to even out my skin tone and prevent my eyelids from getting oily. It's really good and it was only a couple of dollars, so a real bargain!

Let me know what you've been loving this month!

Knowing Yourself: Interview Ready

10:34 PM

One thing I've learnt in recent years, and it applies to blogging as well, is that you are a brand and you need to learn how to sell yourself. If you want to get a job, if you want to gain a following on your blog, or even if you want to be accepted into any closed program, you're going to have to learn to advertise yourself. This is easier said than done, especially if your brain tends to shut down in moments of pressure (as mine does). So I'm here to help you. I've gathered (from personal experience and conversations with others) some of the most frequent questions asked on interviews, and I have some tips on how to answer them.

1. What are your best and worse qualities?

This is definitely one of the most frequent questions, and, in my opinion, one of the hardest to answer. We all know our bad habits, but how can we admit to them without seeming like a bad fit for the job? How do we find a way to make our bad qualities good?

I think there's a couple of steps. The first (which might seem obvious) is think in advance. This has happened to me before, going into an interview without having thought about anything, and it was horrible. I gave all the wrong answers, and stressed about it for the rest of the week. So the first thing is figuring out one of your bad qualities (that isn't too horrible obviously). The second important thing is to balance it out. Use your good quality to cancel out the bad one. For example, if you get stressed out easily, for your good quality you should say something like "this, however, makes me very careful and organized. I always finish work before its due date, because the closer I get to the deadline the more stressed out I get." This way your flaw is an advantage. Last, but not least, is say the truth. Don't lie to try and be a better fit, it will just come back to bite you in the butt.

2. What are some interesting facts about you?

This is one of my least favorite questions, because I personally don't think there's anything particularly interesting about me. I still haven't really figured out the best way to give an answer, but I still have a few tips. An interesting fact can be anything from a hobby, to a family tradition, or anything in between. The most important thing is that it has to be relevant to the interview. You need to talk about an experience that you have gained something from. You can say something really stupid like "I don't like chocolate" as long as you explain how that has taught you something valuable (like maybe, to stick with the chocolate example, you learned how to deal with hate from everybody that likes chocolate).

3. How do you deal with a difficult situation?

No matter the interview, expect this questions. In my opinion, this is probably one of the most personals. Everybody has their methods. Some people take it slow, make lists and think it out until they get to the most rational decisions. Other kind of go by instincts. Some ask for advice and different perspectives. Whatever your method, it's fine, but learn to sell it. List all the advantages to your method, but also build a counter argument. And again, be honest.

4. What pushes your buttons?

Be careful when you answer this question, because the interviewers are usually looking for people that are easy to get along with. Answer honestly, but also try to keep it general. Don't say something that everybody does (like clicking their pen), but something that most people can agree with. For example some okay answers could be "close minded people, who don't listen to others opinions" or "people who can't work in groups" or "people that think they're better than everyone".

5. What's important to you?

This is also really common. For this my main tip is just be honest. The interviewer is going to be able to tell really easily if you're saying things just to make a good impression, or if you actually believe them.

Okay guys, I hope you enjoyed and maybe even found it helpful!

Cleansing: my routine+its importance

9:07 PM

Up until last month I would have hands down described myself as a makeup wipe kinda gal. Cleansers just seemed like a waste of energy; why cleanse to remove makeup when I can do it with the swipe of a hand? Wrong. This last month I have really discovered the importance of cleansing and the difference it makes. So here I am, trying to persuade you fellow lazy girls (I know you're out there) to give this a chance.

As soon as I get home from school I still use one of my trusty makeup wipes, just because I'm too tired to have a full cleanse but I want at least some of my makeup off. Lately I've been using some aloe based wipes, which I was really excited for but are really disappointing. I thought they were going to be moisturizing, but they're actually drying and don't do a very good job at taking off my makeup.

My actual cleansing process begins later at night with the "Kiko Cleansing Eyes&Lips" to take off any eye makeup. I like doing my eyes separately, but it's just a personal thing, so you can totally just go ahead with the cleanser (which I often do). My favorite cleanser is the "Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser". It's a cream consistency, which I've really been loving, especially now that it's colder. I've tried oil cleansers in the past, but I hate the way they leave my skin feeling. This cold cream, on the other hand, leaves my skin feeling fresh, moisturized and really soft. It's also great at removing makeup and getting deep into the skin, while still being gentle.

I like removing the cleanser with big cotton pads, because I like to see all the dirt that was on my skin. It's really gross and sad (since the cotton pad always turns black from the pollution that was trapped on my face) but it keeps me motivated to keep cleansing, since I really don't want anything clogging my pores. I also prefer this method because I find that when I rinse cleanser with water it turns too oily and it leaves the skin feeling rather slimy.

If you're still not sure, here are some more facts:

Unlike makeup wipes, cleansers actually dissolve makeup. This means they get the makeup off better, and, most importantly, out of your pores.
Not only do they remove makeup, but also other impurities. One of the biggest things I've noticed since cleansing is how much pollution clings to the skin. When I wipe away my cleanser, my cotton pad turns black from the pollution. This is horrible for the skin, and the body in general, as it's dirt and toxic waste that blocks your pores.
Cleansers also remove dead skin cells and excess oil. So basically, unlike makeup wipes, which remove only the "first layer" of makeup and impurities, cleansers actually purify your whole skin.
Cleansing leaves your skin feeling so much fresher, more vibrant and bright, cleaner, healthier, and soft. It helps with any skin imperfections, and since cleansing, I have noticed a huge improvement in my acne.
To keep the skin in even better condition, I would suggest cleansing even when you're not wearing makeup. Dirt and other impurities can still get trapped on your skin and clog your pores.

I hope you enjoyed (and hopefully decided to start cleansing)!

(Also, how many times did I say cleansing/ cleanser in this post? Sorry!)

A Year Abroad?

4:17 PM

Before I really start this post I wanted to say a couple of things on the topic of blogging, and more specifically blogging schedules. Sundays are usually when I post "Sunday Says", little inspirational posts, however today's blogpost is much different. I'm considering not doing "Sunday Says" anymore, or doing them less frequently. Please let me know what you would like. I'd also like to say that I know that I've been posting less beauty, so I would really appreciate if you could let me know what kind of things you would like to see (ex. hauls, reviews, routines, etc). Thank you so much, and let's get on with the actual blog post!

I am super duper excited to write this post! Anybody that knows me knows that I love to travel, and that I've always liked the idea of coming in contact with different cultures and languages. I'm super happy and I feel really privileged to (maybe) have the opportunity to go and study abroad for a year. I say "maybe" because I still haven't been accepted into the program (fingers crossed), but I thought I would write this post and share my experiences so far with you.

I've joined a program called "Intercultura" (based here in Italy) that allows students to go and stay in a foreign country for a couple of months, a semester or even a whole year. There are more than 70 countries to choose from, from all over the world. If you're accepted you get to act like a citizen of your chosen country and even stay with a native family and study in the normal schools. It's an amazing opportunity to explore the world and create new life long bonds and friendships.

There's obviously a lot of people that apply, so not everybody gets to go. The selection program requires time and effort. It's all about finding the people best suited for such a life changing experience. Not every teenager is able to leave their family and home and venture out in a whole new place, where they don't speak the language. There's tests and meetings you have to take part in so the organizers know you're mentally ready for the experience, that you'll be able to enjoy your time away, and that you'll be able to get along with your new family and make new friendships. You also have to show that you're a responsible person and a good student, as it is an educational trip and you are going to be attending school in your new country.

So far, for me, the experience has been really fun but also stressful. I've already met some really nice people trough the program, but there's a lot of work that needs to go into it. There's many forms that have to be filled out, and many important choices that have to be made. The most important is probably the place you want to go to. You can choose up to 10 countries (minimum of three) and they all have to be countries you would actually like to live in. For me this is really hard because so many different places attract me but also scare me.

The countries I'm thinking about for now are (in no specific order): Germany, Australia, Kenya, India, Turkey, Chile. But I really don't know and I would love to have some suggestions. This is actually the main point of this post; I would love if you would tell me countries you think are interesting. Or if you've ever done anything like this, please let me know how it was! Thank you so much, and I'll let you know if I make any progress.

Underrated Thing

9:56 PM

November is an icky month, with many icky days. The weather is dull, the hype for autumn is over, and we are all just in a hurry for Christmas to come. It's also a time when school work starts building up, and exams start tearing you apart. It's easy to have one of those "off days" in November. We've all read those posts on how to feel less stressed, and how to let go of a bad day, and they're all filled with really good advice, but it seems to always be the same. "Take a bath", sure it's great, but it's also a little bit overrated. This got me thinking about some "feel-good" things that are really underrated.

1. Stuffed Animals.

When you're feeling upset, there's nothing better than cuddling with your favorite childhood friend. Stuffed animals are so soft and comfortable, and they always bring me back really good memories. If you can't sleep, grab your furry companion, huddle under a warm blanket, hug him tight, and I promise you'll feel much safer and ready for a good night's sleep.

2. Crying

If you're anything like me, you probably hate crying (especially in front of people). However, sometimes it's the best thing to do. Just let go of all that built up emotion, and let the tears flow. You'll feel disgusting and weak for a while, but once you're done, you'll feel so much lighter and happier. Crying really does take a huge weight off your shoulders, and sometimes it's the best solution.

3. Being Gross

This might not make sense to all of you, but I think that being gross can be really liberating. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, just letting go can be so helpful. Take off all your makeup, get in your comfiest (and least flattering) outfit, put your hair up in a messy bun (and not the cute kind), get all the food you can find and pig out. Forget all the "rules" and just enjoy being with yourself. Don't worry about being "gross". If you need to fart? Fart! And make it loud and proud! You want to pick your nose? So what? Do it! Just really let go of everything! You will feel so much lighter and much more like yourself.

4. Writing Letters

I really think that with technology, not enough people send actual letters. Most people have forgotten how good it feels to receive something in the mail from a friend. Write letters. If you have a friend that lives far away, write them a letter. I swear they will appreciate it much more than a text. Receiving something hand-written feels so much more personal, and you also feel as though the other person really cares about you. Writing them is also really fun. I think it's much easier to open up in a letter, and it can make you feel a bit better when you're feeling down because you know you're doing something special for somebody you love. Also, writing in general can be a really good "pick me up".

5. Children Books

I think that as we grow up, we forget about some things that we really used to love, like children books. When you're feeling sad, try reading a childhood favorite. It will bring back so many memories and probably cheer you up. Kid's books are also really positive in general and they try to spread a good message and teach a valuable lesson. Even when you're older, you can still learn some important things from them.

6. Old Books/ Books with Pretty Covers

Keeping with the theme of books, try finding some old ones. Older books, for me, are amazing. They smell of life. They're books that have been held and loved before; books that enjoy telling their stories again and again. Holding an old book feels like holding a little piece of the earth. They also usually have really pretty covers, so, even if you're not in the mood for reading, you can look at the cover and instantly feel a bit happier.

7. Walk

Taking a walk can make such a difference. If you're feeling down, go out in a nice part of town, put on your favorite music, walk slowly and admire the world around you. I've recently discovered that walking can be really helpful and pleasant. It's easy to get lost in your own little world and forget about your problems and worries.

The Christmas Tag

7:39 PM

I know that for many people it might be a bit too early to start thinking about Christmas, but I'm not one of those people! For me, November is the official start of the holiday countdown. So here's a little tag (that I saw missbudgetbeauty do) to get us all in the festive spirit!

1. What is your favorite christmas movie?

"The Grinch" for sure! I think it's the only movie I've watched every holiday season since I was little. It's not Christmas without that mean green monster.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

What's this thing about opening them Christmas Eve? Absolutely not! Everybody knows that Santa spends the night delivering gifts! The joy of Christmas is going to sleep the night before with a bare-footed tree, and waking up to find the floor covered in presents.

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?

Not really. I kind of have a hard time organizing Christmas memories in chronological order. I do remember, however, being really happy when I was ten years old and I was going back to Italy for the holidays. It was the first time I went home after moving to New York, and I was really excited to see my family and spend Christmas in a familiar place.

4. Favorite festive food?

This is a hard one. I don't know, at our house the menu changes pretty much every year, so I guess there's not one set "must-have" food for me.

5. Favorite Christmas gift?

My first computer. I remember I was so excited. A couple of months before Christmas I went to pick it out with my parents, but of course I wasn't allowed to use it yet, and I barely made it to Christmas day alive. I was so excited! Having my own computer really changed my life a lot and it made the holiday season that year even more special.

6. Favorite Christmas scent?

I either like warm cozy scents, like vanilla, or spicy scents like cinnamon. I don't have a favorite Christmas candle because I'm not usually picky with scents, and I like to try as many as possible.

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

My family must be the family with the least traditions ever. I swear, we never do anything, and I hate it. Until a couple of years ago we used to spend every Christmas Eve with my aunts and uncles (on my mother's side) and have a big family dinner, but we've stopped doing it for some reason. So, no, sadly.

8. What tops your tree?

Don't hate me, but I really don't remember!

9. As a kid, what was the gift you always wanted but never received?

This one I know! Every single year for as long as I can remember I wrote to Father Christmas asking for a puppy. "A real puppy this year please, I really want a real live puppy." But, as you might have guessed, I am still dog-less to this day :(

10. What's the best part of Christmas for you?

Well obviously I love having time away from school, being with family, and receiving gifts. But my favorite part is actually just the Christmas spirit. Knowing that the whole world is excited and cheerful. Knowing that every little kid is at their best behavior, barely able to contain their joy. Knowing that families are together, and knowing that everybody is feeling grateful for something. I just think the Christmas air is sweeter!

Wasting Time | Sunday Says

7:56 PM

An Evening Stroll

8:18 PM

I'm wearing a really casual "rocker-chic" look.
(Here's me being silly showing off how "rockish" is it)
Anyway I'm wearing an H&M beanie, an old cropped band t-shirt,
shorts with tights, and some black booties to dress everything up.
Very casual and comfortable.

This is a little "tbt" post to this weekend. On saturday evening, my best friend and I decided to take a little walk and explore our neighbourhood a bit better. It was the perfect time of day; the weather was 'fresh' but not cold, the sun had just set, and everybody was in high spirits because it was saturday.

We started by crossing the bridge, and we were already in awe. We both walk over the river (on that exact bridge in fact) everyday to get to school, but that was one of the first times I actually noticed how beautiful it was. The artificial lights were painting their reflections on the river's surface, and the whole scene was enchanting and very festive. So, of course, we had a little photo shoot. It was silly and quick, so the photos didn't come out great, but I personally think my best friend came out great (don't you agree?).

There was also a really good (and cute) musician on the bridge, so we stopped to listen for a while. And though I really enjoyed his music, I must admit he wasn't my favourite artist of the night. "Crazy bird man" (as I have named him) was. Don't for a second think that that name is meant to be offensive! I absolutely adore the guy! He plays very creative and fun music (with various bird calls-hence the name), and all the kids (and many adults too) stop to admire the bizarre man.

I, personally, have loved him since I was a little girl. I remember when my parents used to bring me to the square at night, we would meet him on the way. I would stop to listen to his music and I could stay there for hours. I always found it so amazing how he seemed to absolutely love those crazy sounds he was creating. He always seemed to have fun, and that made me have fun too. I can happily say that none of that has changed, and I was extremely thrilled to see him during our little walk.

Next we headed to one of my favourite places in the whole city. It's a little corner of book heaven. This small shop sells old, used books (in english) for really cheap. As soon as you step inside the store you're overtaken by the smell of old books and you actually feel as though you're in a different world. The shelves are filled (yet very neatly organised) with old books. There's everything from old classics to books about cooking to newer adventure thrills. The best thing for me are the covers of the books. Yes, I know, "never judge a book by its cover", well it's really hard when the covers (how many times can I say covers and book in a post?) are so beautiful. They're beautiful because the books have been alive already, they have been handled and loved, they have imperfections and scratches and it makes them all that much more special. I ended up buying a children's book (because it looked lovely and I can) and a collection of short stories by W.S.Maugham; it only cost me 10 euros for both and I can't wait to read them.

Our last stop was a well earned coffee break (also my friend found 20 euros on the street so why not treat ourselves?). We stopped at this cute coffee shop and enjoyed our cappuccinos.

Hope you enjoyed!

Priorities | Sunday Says

7:21 PM

The grey that brought a smile

4:53 PM

October Favorites

7:58 PM

Growing Up | Sunday Says

1:45 PM

As we grow up, more and more responsibilities are thrown our way. We start accumulating chores and deadlines and our calendars become cramped. We have less free time on our own to relax or go out with friends. With time people change, as do friendships and relationships. The stress of every little thing keeps piling on on our shoulders, and sometimes we feel as if we're suffocating. Sometimes we feel torn between two sides of an arguments, and we feel pressured to make a decision. Or pressured to complete an assignment. Or pressured to try something we're not comfortable with. Pressured and stress, and we start to realise that life isn't all that great.

"Why did I try to grow up so fast?" We ask ourselves while looking back on our childhood. Looking back at all the times we tried on your mom's shoes, and all the times we played house, or we tried to imitate other people, or we stopped doing something because it "wasn't cool" or it was "for little kids".

There's nights where all I want to do is curl up in my bed, turn back time, and go back to being a little kid. Go back to playing with friends in the park, to times when lies and backstabbers didn't exist. To times where colouring was the only homework. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but we can't think like this. Sure, being a kid is great, but it's also not.

When you're little you don't have any independence, you don't have a voice. You don't know the world, and you don't know yourself. Growing up is such a privilege because with all the pressure and stress come great things. We get to experience the world and see new places. Meet new people and create new bonds. Fall in love and create new life. We get to pursue our dreams and we get to feel accomplished when our hard work pays off.

So please try to remember, life is wonderful. Growing up means having more time to make new memories and try new things. Yes it comes with a lot of work, but it's worth it. We have the opportunity to make our lives great; too many people are denied this privilege.