The Skincare Products I Can't Live Without.

*This post contains PR-Samples

2019 was the year of focussing more on my skincare and less on pretty makeup bits. If you have your skincare down, you really don't have to focus on a full-on makeup look... because your skin does all the talking anyway. This doesn't mean that I don't wear anything on my face other than moisturizer. But I definitely spent much less time getting in the morning now. So what are my current go-to skincare products you ask? Here is the breakdown. 

The Masks

One of the best discoveries I made this year was the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask. It's the exfoliating and brightening mask I have ever come across. Whenever my skin looks a bit dull, I go for this one. I am currently thinking about trying another PTR mask. Do you have any suggestions? If my skin craves a purifying clay mask I love the Charlotte Tilbury Goddes Skin Clay Mask or the Dr. Jart Dermaclear Clay Mask. 

The Moisturizers

In the category of moisturizing products there are 4 products that I can't live without anymore. The Clinique Moisture Surge and the Clinique All About Eyes eye cream are the two products I use in the morning. A very light formula which is very hydrating at the same time. Perfect to layer with makeup. In the night I like to go for a richer cream, like the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream. The most luxurious moisturizer I have come across so far. For my lips, I always use the classic Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream.

The Pore-Minimizer

One of the factors that play a huge role when it comes to the appearance of your skin is the size of your pores. I struggle with that especially around my nose and my cheeks. The Darphin Peeling Jeunesse solution really helped me to get this problem under control this year. Such a miracle worker!

What are your go-to skincare products?

x Lisa

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The Gift Guide | Fashion Edit.

* This post contains PR Gifts

Today I will finish my little Gift Guide series with my personal favourite category of gifts: the fashion gift! I love gifting and receiving fashion pieces. I know this can be a bit tricky because of sizing and fit. But I find that bags and shoes are always a great option to bring a bit of fashion under the tree. 

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x Lisa

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The Gift Guide | Cosy Edit.

*This Post contains PR Samples

It's time to show you guys the second part of my gift guide series. Today I am going to show you guys the cosiest of gift ideas for him and her. For me personally, that's a category of gifts I always like to get for my friends and family and I am equally as excited to receive as well.

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x Lisa

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The Gift Guide | Beauty Edit.

*This Post contains PR Samples

It's the time of year again: the search for the perfect presents has begun! YAY! I personally always love thinking about the best gift for my loved ones. However, sometimes it's good to get a bit of inspo. So today I will start my mini gift guide series.
In this part, I will share with you the best beauty gifts for him and her from one of my fave beauty retailers: Notino. Did you know they also have a gift-wrapping service? Simply add one of their beautiful gift boxes to your purchase while checking out.  I hope you guys get some inspiration if you are a bit stuck with what to get your friends or family (or yourself).

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x Lisa

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The Energy Balls | Variations.

In the beginning of the year, I already told you about the Energy Balls I love to make every couple of weeks. However, since then I made some tweaks to my recipe and also added a few variations. So today I thought I would share with you my updated recipe.

If you wonder why I like them so much, even six months on. Here is why: They are easy to make and they last about a week in the fridge. They taste delish even without any added sugar. So whenever I crave something sweet but try to be good, I just grab one of these. Another plus: Even the boyfriend likes them! YAY!

So let's get into how to make them... 

• 200g of pitted dates
• 160g of ground almonds
• 50g desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
•          40ml of coconut oil
•          50g of crunchy peanut butter

Whizz everything besides the coconut oil and the peanut butter in the blender. You will get a pretty fine consistency. Then you add the oil and the butter by hand and mix it well. Then roll them into small balls, mine make about 12 balls. I then love to roll them in some more coconut or even some cacao powder. You can either pop them in the fridge or the freezer and enjoy over the next few days (or eat them all at once). 

For variations, I like to either roll the balls in sesame seeds or desiccated coconut. Or I simply add in some cacao powder in the mixture and they taste so nice and chocolatey! However, as the cacao powder on its own is a bit bitter I suggest adding a few more dates or even honey to cancel out the bitterness. I also tried adding some dried cranberries and hazelnuts... delish! You can be totally creative and try different combinations.

Enjoy! 

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YSL Libre | New Launch.

*This post contains PR Samples 

There hasn't been a big beauty launch that really excited me in a pretty long time. However, when I saw the new YSL Libre perfume launching, it was love at first sight. I know, you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover but come on... this bottle is absolutely gorgeous!

As much as I could picture this gorgeous flacon sitting on my dressing table, I am trying to be more mindful with what I bring into my life... so of course I had to look up the notes first. As some of you might know, I love powdery elegant scents. I am not someone for very fresh perfumes. However I do like a floral scent when it has hints of vanilla or amber to make it a bit deeper. And Libre is exactly that.

YSL describes this scent as "a grand floral Eau de Parfum, with an unequivocal YSL twist.The burning sensuality of the orange blossom flowers from Morocco, twisted with the aromatic boldness of lavender from France.Lavender, traditionally used in male perfumery is given an ultra-feminine facet culminating in a couture-infused scent with a uniquely androgynous YSL attitude." 

I think this description really captures Libre so well. It's a floral scent with a masculine and powerful twist to it. I am obsessed!

Not only does the scent itself convince me, but the lasting power is out of this world as well. I can give myself a little spritz in the morning and still smell it late at night. This will for sure be my new go-to scent.

Have you tried Libre yet?

Before you run off to try it out, I need to share with you the amazing deal by one of my fave beauty reseller Notino. For all of my readers in Germany: this Black Friday week you get a discount of 20% with the code "blackde". Yes it starts today. Happy Shopping!

x Lisa

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Fall Fashion Must-Haves.

*This Post contains PR-Samples 

If there is one topic that makes me get out of my blogging-rut, it is autumn/fall fashion! Life has been crazy for me the past few months, but shopping for autumn probably kept me sane. So today I want to share with you my fall fashion must-haves from one of my fave stores: Next. Let me know if you want to see what I have been buying from other brands as well and I will try to get that up as soon as possible.

The Neutral Coat 
Every year I tell myself I don't need a new coat, and every year I buy at least a couple of new coats. Please tell me I am not the only one who is addicted to neutral coloured coats. They all look so similar but are SO different. You feel me?

The Perfect Knit 
I am someone who mostly wears dresses, so I also gravitate to knitted dress instead of sweaters at this time of the year. But I get that not everybody likes to walk around in dresses all year round. So here are a few cute options for my sweater-loving readers.

The Autumnal Dress
... and of course I needed to include some dresses.

The Cosy Loungewear 
When you think of fall fashion you probably think of big coats, cute scarves and black ankle boots. But I like to think about loungewear. For me, fall and winter is the perfect time of evenings at home. So why not looking cute while being cosy?

x Lisa 

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Staying In A Treehouse.

For my boyfriend's 30 birthday I wanted to plan something special. A few months back, we saw a treehouse while hiking and he told me how much he wanted one in his garden when he was a child. I immediately had the idea to look for a "grown-up" version for a short holiday over his birthday. I found a lovely Treehouse Hotel which is only a couple hours away from our home. 

So a couple of days back I told him to pack his bags and we left for a surprise three-day trip to our cute little treehouse. Of course, he was totally excited when he saw where we were heading and so was I. The treehouse was absolutely adorable and so were the surroundings. It is always nice to have a few days to switch off, but it is even more exciting if you can switch off in a treehouse. It was so peaceful and relaxing that I honestly didn't want to leave. I mean... can you imagine waking up in your (swinging) bed and just seeing trees and the morning fog. I want to go back asap! 

It's sometimes crazy, how the simplest things can feel like the biggest luxury. Those few days away from everything (okay we had wifi, but we barely used it) really put things into perspective. What is it you are chasing? What are your goals and dreams and what are you doing right now to achieve them? Or have you lost sight of them? I totally recommend everyone to take some time off to reflect on life and what is really important. Even when it's not your birthday and you don't happen to have a treehouse nearby. 

Have you stayed in a treehouse hotel yet?

x Lisa

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Apple Watch Series 5 | My (non-tech) Thoughts.

I feel like there is a pattern. Every year around this time I sit down and write a post about the latest gadget my boyfriend got me for my birthday. It might not be my birthday yet, but my boyfriend being him, he surprised me almost two weeks early. During a trip with his friends, he decided to get me the new apple watch series 5. I have been talking about it for a while, so it was the perfect gift. 

I have had it for a week now, so I thought today I would share with you my thoughts on it so far. 

Let's go into the specs first: I got the black aluminium, 44mm, cellular with the black sports band. And of course, I already ordered some other bands to switch it up. But this one is perfect for workouts or just wearing at home. It's super comfortable. 

I am so glad, that he went for the bigger size for me. I was debating to get the small one, but the bigger screen just makes so much more sense and I don't think it is too chunky. 

I also did not have an apple watch before, so there is no way for me to compare this series to the older ones. Anyway, I am not one to go into the tech details, so let's talk about why I think it's a great addition to my lifestyle right now. 

I limit screen time 

In the past week, I spend so much less time on my phone. I normally have it next to me all the time and I also check it constantly. I have my phone on silent most of the time, so I feel the need to check for new messages, calls or emails. And when I already have it in my hand, I tend to scroll through social media or the new-in section in Zara almost automatically. But now I know my watch will notify me about messages, calls and emails. That way I don't randomly check my phone. 

I don't take my phone everywhere

Because my watch has cellular, I can ditch my phone when going out. Of course, I still take it with me if I go to work on a day trip. But for shorter outings, like food shopping or going for a walk, I like to leave my phone at home. If I need to call someone or someone is trying to contact me, my watch got me covered.

Working out is so much more fun 

I have recently picked up working out again after being injured for the past 4 months (and becoming unfit as hell). And, at least for now, I am so much more motivated. Just pairing your earphones to your watch and not having to carry around your phone in the gym is a lifesaver! Plus: tracking your workouts is so motivating as well. 

Have you tried any apple watch yet?

Let me know your thoughts! 

x Lisa

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It Cosmetics CC Cream - Worth The Hype?

{This Post contains PR Samples}

I remember reading about the IT Cosmetics CC Cream the first time on The Anna Edit and I was immediately drawn to it. A glowy foundation with medium coverage that is also long-lasting? Sign. me. up. So I immediately went over to Douglas and treated myself. I have now been using it for the past year. So today I thought I would share with you whether or not I think it lives up to its promises.

Glow

YES YES YES. For me personally, it has the perfect amount of glow. My skin looks healthy and youthful when I wear it but it's not that glowy that it slides off my face. It just hits the sweet spot of the perfect amount of dewiness. 

Longevity 

Yes and no. I have pretty dry skin, so on me, the cc cream stays on perfectly without looking dry or cakey. However, I can imagine if you have more oily skin this foundation will be too dewy and will simply slide off your face. So if you are in the dry skin club with me, it's perfect. If you have enough of your own oils going on, maybe give it a pass. 

Coverage 

The perfect light to medium coverage. This foundation has enough coverage to cover light blemishes and imperfections completely but it won't cover everything. But this is exactly what I like about a base product. And the best part: it doesn't cling to dry patches. YAY. 

Shade range 

This is the only downside I can find about the cc cream. The shade range is pretty sad. When it first came out IT Cosmetics only released four shades if I am not mistaken. And right now, at least in Germany, you can choose between twelve shades. However, most of them are still very light and pull pretty warm on me. My skin is light but has a neutral to cool undertone. And if you have darker skin you probably have even more trouble finding the right shade. I currently use "Light" in summers. Then I recently got the shade "Fair Light", which I thought would be the same tone as "Light" just a bit.... lighter, well it pulls much warmer. Needless to say, it doesn't look that great on me. I might try out "Fair" soon, but I am afraid this will simply be too fair on me. 

Price 

This really is not the cheapest foundation or cc cream ever. But all points considered I still think it's worth it and I will definitely repurchase once I run out. 

Have you tried the cc cream yet?

x Lisa

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The Perfect Winged Liner Guide.

{This post contains PR Samples by Notino.de}

I have been wearing a winged liner since I was about 14. I just can't do my makeup without it, I literally feel naked. I would rather not do my brows than skipping my liner. With that being said, I feel like I tried many many liners and techniques over the years and thought this would be the perfect post to share with you guys. So here we go.

The Liner
The most important part about getting that perfect winged liner is the product itself. The kind of product you like really comes down to your preferences. I love a felt tip and waterproof black liner. My current faves are the NYX Epic Ink Liner and the Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner Pen. For days when I don't need my liner to last forever, I choose the Charlotte Tilbury Feline Flick. Not my fave for a longlasting wing, but an easy product to use anyway.

The Technique 
First,  you will want to draw a thin line in the inner corner of your eye as close to the lashline as you can. Cover around half to three-quarters of your lash line. Then it's time to define the wing. When you are happy with the wing simply connect the two and fill the gap. YAY!

The Style
There are many many styles when it comes to a winged liner or even a liner in general. Just try out what suits your personal style. This is the fun part!

x Lisa

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