Marzia Bisognin's Blog, page 11

HELLO, TUSCANY.

April 27th, 2017

A family trip.

[image error]

Felix and I flew to Pisa to meet up with my parents, my brother, and his girlfriend. We spent 5 days driving around Tuscany.

Here are some photos.

[image error]

As I said, we begun with an evening in Pisa. I always had great memories of this city, and going back again, did not leave me disappointed.

[image error]

We arrived just in time for the sunset, which made everything even more magical.

[image error]

Here is the famous leaning tower. It’s absolutely stunning, as the rest of the square.

[image error]

We didn’t have much time before it got dark, so we had dinner and relaxed in our Inn.

[image error]

On the first full day there, we moved to Viareggio, which I was very excited to see: it’s by the sea, and if you look it up, the promenade will appear, showing all the incredible buildings.

[image error]

What I did not expect was how much this location reminded me of Los Angeles, on the board walk, with all its 70s establishments. Very cool!

[image error]

It was a very interesting contrast between the older, tall and intricate buildings, with the lower and squared beach shops and restaurants.

[image error]

In the afternoon we had time to check out the Pinocchio Park, to which I had been a couple of times before and wanted Felix to see it as well.

[image error]

Can we talk about how stylish Pinocchio is?

[image error]

Although the park is clearly for kids, it was still a lot of fun to interact and visit all the instalments.

[image error]

The next day, we stopped by an amazing villa, which was originally designed for a farm, and then became a prestigious property, with French inspired gardens, statues and paintings.

[image error]

And so here is Felix with Villa Torrigiani in the background.

[image error]

Everything there was so pretty.

[image error]

In the afternoon, we found out that in Lucca there was a Flower Festival happening, so we walked around the centre and looked at lots of plants…

[image error]

and churches!

I did not quite realise till this trip how many churches there are in Lucca. Not sure you will be able to tell from the video I’m putting together, but every couple of meters you would find another one. It was crazy.

[image error]

Still, it was a cute city!

[image error]

Next stop: Florence.

This city was also really stunning, probably – architecture wise – the best one, but because of the bank holiday that was happening on the day, it was extremely packed and didn’t manage to see much at all.

[image error]

Everything was fully booked, so instead we walked around and found an amazing food market where we ate pizza.

[image error]

That evening there was the best sunset.

[image error]

On our final full day we found some hot springs. It was pretty chilly and cloudy, so we didn’t expect many people to be there… but we were wrong. Once again, there were plenty of people, so I didn’t feel comfortable to fully enter. But hey, Felix, as well as my brother and Jennifer, really liked it!

[image error]

Our final visit was Siena, which even on a cold day appeared to be beautiful.

[image error]

I really loved going up and down the hills, seeing all these old buildings stacked together. It was very picturesque!

[image error]

To end this blog post, here is a photo of all of us together. I’m gonna start to edit the vlog now, as I have so much to go through, but hopefully – for now – you enjoyed taking a look at these photos.

RED & GREEN.

April 17th, 2017

An eyeshadow look.

[image error]

Today I wanted to make two different eyeshadow looks using my Natura palette. I intended to make separate ones, but as I was doing the green, I thought I could just do the red one right away.

[image error]

As you know, these are the 5 colours in my palette: 3 are shimmery, 2 are matte.

I wanted to split it and use the green + gold combo in one eye, and the remaining rusty shades in the other one.

[image error]

May I say I really like how the green turned out – even on its own? I think you can now see why I said that this shade is wearable. It has a very strong gold undertone to it, so that makes it easy to blend with other colours. It really brightens the eye and I think it looks very cool, especially for spring and summer.

Excuse the blush, at one point I wanted to go very avant-garde with this, but stopped at the blush as I changed my mind midway.

[image error]

But here is the other eye, which I already knew I would love.

It’s similar to my go-to makeup, but I gave it a twist by adding the golden liner.

[image error]

To complete both, I’ve used a golden eyeliner by Lush, my usual black eyeliner by Soap&Glory, and the Too Faced mascara.

[image error]

Today I’ve spent most of my day cleaning and painting.

For the past few days I have been trying watercolour, and I love the effects you can create, especially the way you can blend the shades together. I am a bit bothered by the fact that I don’t have the right kind of paper, so I will order some now.

[image error]

Here is what I have done yesterday afternoon while watching Felix’s livestream.

I’m now looking forward for him to get back so that we can continue watching ’13 Reasons Why’. We are halfway through. Is anybody watching it?

Here I am again changing subject haha. I hope this post was alright, I just kind of wanted you to see the green eyeshadow on ‘me eyeballs’.

Gonna go! Have a lovely start of the week.

MAKEUP + SKINCARE UBOXING.

April 12th, 2017

Yep, another one!

[image error]

You can tell me at any point if these get too much, but because I receive lots of stuff, it seems fair to somewhat thank the company as well as share, through giveaways, some of the products with you.

There are actually more products that I’ve included in this photo, so be prepared.

[image error]

The first package I was excited to open up was by Illamasqua, which I was drawn to not only because it looked adorable, but also because it smells amazing (even from closed).

[image error]

They sent me 3 products from their new May Queen line (available from the 4th of May), together with a dainty flower crown.

[image error]

They’ve include a coral lipstick, a golden/metallic eyeshadow as well as a powdered pale peachy pink shade which is very shimmery (could work as a highlight as well).

I was just checking their website and saw they have a pigment called ‘axolotl‘. I kind of feel like I need to buy it now.

[image error]

90% of the times I do an unboxing, some Tarte product makes its way into it. I’m always happy that they send me new products, as all their stuff is really amazing.

This time they sent me some gym products – the deodorant (which smells really nicely) and dry shampoo (always good to have) – and some others from the Maneater line.

[image error]

Here are the 3 mascaras they sent, so you can compare them. The Flash, Camera Lashes is one of my go-to mascaras – cute that it now comes with this holographic packaging; the Maneater is somewhat similar, in the sense that they all have plastic wands, but the applicator appears to be slightly different. Either way, I like them all!

[image error]

The Konjac Sponge Company gifted me some new, tiny refine sponges.

I’m a big fan of their products, because they make my skin feel soft and clean after using them, and they have so many varieties that can best suit your skin.

[image error]

Then I’ve also received a care package from Zoe: she sent a couple of her makeup bags, but the actual products were these 3 fragrances. They are small and cute, and smell nice.

[image error]

To stay on the ‘scent’ theme, here we have a massive Easter Egg full of Lush goodies!

Mine arrived a bit broken, so I couldn’t show you the full package, but here is what’s inside. I’m so extremely excited to pamper myself with a hot bath; finding out how the bath bombs transform in the water is one of my favourite bits.

[image error]

And finally we made it to the last brand, First Aid Beauty.

I cannot say I was familiar with this brand, but I am intrigued!

[image error]

Just to give you an idea, they sent me what I think is everything they sell. Every product. I couldn’t even manage to sort eveything out for a photo so I just took the one above.

I’m so grateful for it, but there is no way that I could go through everything right now, so instead I picked a couple of products that stood out.

[image error]

This one is definitely the first I wanted to open up: unlike all the other skincare items, this was a makeup one – which is why I was curious to see what it looked like.

I was not expecting a cushion-like packaging, which was a nice surprise, but even more interesting is the product itself: you can tell they mixed the colour correcting shades together, to give it this stunning look.

[image error]

Another product I was interested in were these wipes, mostly because they said ‘matcha’.

I like that this brand focused of sensitive skin, but also decided to bring it a step forward and also consider different types within that category: for example, I have sensitive skin, but acne prone and oily skin as well.

Often, acne products tend to irritate my skin further, so knowing that this one is targeted towards sensitive skin, I feel more comfortable trying out more products.

[image error]

EDIT: The giveaway has ended. As usual, the two winners have been notified. Thanks to everyone that entered – if you didn’t win, by now you know that I make these giveaways pretty frequently so you may be able to win next time.

CUTE HOUSES.

April 8th, 2017

Of Kensington Place.

[image error]

Commonly, on Saturday afternoon, Felix and I stroll up and down the Lanes.

Today we adventured a bit further, and found this nice street with lovely little houses. I didn’t plan for a blog post, but since I’ve snapped a few photos of them with my phone, I wanted to share them on here.

[image error]

The first one that caught my attention was this pink one. So adorable, with its white window frames and baby blue door.

It was right next to a yellow, taller building, with a blue door (as you can kind of see from the photo). Felix liked that one better – it was cool – but this pink one was the winner for me.

[image error]

Nearby, he spotted this unwanted bathtub.

[image error]

This cottage is so hidden behind that tall bush, but I fell in love with it.

[image error]

And look at this entryway, from another cottage. So dreamy!

[image error]

This road has a mix of pastel houses and cute, hidden gems.

I can’t believe I’ve never walked in this area before, but it was so fun to look at all it had to offer!

[image error]

And of course the fact that the sun was shining made everything better.

Hope you are having a great weekend!

NATURA PALETTE.

April 7th, 2017

My own eyeshadow palette.

[image error]

I’m finally able to show you this year’s collab with Winky Lux! (available now).

[image error]

After working on my Corallo and Stella Marina lipsticks, in Spring 2016, I knew that this year I wanted to team up with WinkyLux once more and bring to life an eyeshadow palette that has every colour I would want to reach for – all in one makeup product.

[image error]

The design of the palette is minimal and elegant; I love the white and gold combo.

The packaging has this floral design with a baby blue background, whilst the single eyeshadows come in a dusty pink packaging.

The palette itself comes with 5 eyeshadows, a big mirror, and a small makeup brush; it retails for $25; whilst the single eyeshadows cost $9 each.

[image error]

I called it ‘Natura’ (nature) because I thought it was fitting for Spring, as well as the colours I’ve included: you know me, I love those rusty and gold shades, but to make it a bit more unique, I’ve also selected an amazing green shade.

Their names are:

SOLE (sun) for the golden shade;
RAME (copper) for the matte copper shade;
ROSA (rose) for the pink shimmery shade;
FUOCO (fire) for the burnt orange shade;
FOGLIA (leaf) for the green shade.

Don’t be put off by the green, I was very particular when selecting it and knew that I definitely wanted something wearable. Whilst creating a gradient, the green blends so well with both the golden and pink eyeshadows, and brings an interesting contrast to the look.

[image error]

Each eyeshadow is very pigmented, with a mix of shimmery and matte colours. I am in love with this palette, and since it was fully finished, last week, I haven’t stopped wearing it on my eyes. Each colour goes well with the other, but at the same time, by using the golden and green together, versus the rusty shades, you can also get completely different looks!

You can find it by clicking HERE.

When I showed it to Emma, whilst in the making, she commented “these shades are so Marzia” – and I agree. This palette is everything I wanted to create, so I really hope you will like it as much as I do. ❤

Marzia.

5 QUESTIONS ABOUT TATTOS.

4th of April, 2017

That I often get asked. 

[image error]

Let’s talk about tattoos!

What’s your inspiration?

I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty impulsive when it comes to tattoos. If I get an idea, and it immediately clicks, I go for it.

I usually get an artist (like for the Banana Yoshimoto tattoo) or my friend Daizo (like for the anime ones) to draw it for me – after explaining my vision – or at times I even just do it myself (for example, the quote) or bring a photo to my tattoo artist and she designs it for me (like the easel with flowers).

I don’t really pick what’s popular at the moment but rather something that has a meaning to me, something that I can look at and it instantly reminds me of a period of time (like the hand shadow). A person (the lemon tree for my dad). Or something about myself (the twig).

Some are very personal, others are more fun. What matters to me is how they all connect to each other, and most importantly how they relate to me.

 

2. How do you pick the placement?

I have a very strange way to place my tattoos; for some reason I tent to move mine off-center, rarely I opt for what makes the most sense. I find that it gives them a more personal vibe, just cause they are a bit unexpected.

Another thing I keep in mind is how often I wish to see each tattoo: when I got the chamomile near my wrist, I knew that was going to be very visible to me – that is what I wanted and I truly enjoy seeing my favourite flower at all times. Others, like one hand holding a bouquet of flowers with a libra sign, are more hidden, so they are a nice surprise every time I glance at them.

[image error]

Not many get to see it, but I know is there.

Some complained that this way they look random and unconnected, that I should just get a sleeve or something more cohesive, but my idea is to have them all around as if, when I was a kid – during a hot summer day – I would just cut out the fake ones and stamp them on my body.

Obviously, there is more thought to my placement than that, but that’s what I want to achieve, it gives them a sense of fun.

 

3. What about the pain?

People have different pain tolerances for different things, as well as every part of our body is more or less sensitive than others; because of this, it is very difficult to tell how much it is going to hurt for someone else.

I was told that getting my spine tattooed would hurt like crazy, but it really didn’t. The one thing I’d noticed was my arms twitching, cause when the needle hit some spots I couldn’t control them. But not much pain.

I always say that the pain reminds me of when you use an electric razor, the one that pulls out your hair. Same feeling to me. Totally doable. Plus, if you find a tattoo artist you like to chat with, time goes by really fast.

[image error]

Overall, for me, bony areas are okay, just feel stranger and slightly more painful. Every area of the arm is totally fine, the only spots I’m more sensitive are the ones near the elbow and the line in front (like where I have the little heart). The pain, for me, generally goes from a 3 to a 7, on a scale from 0 to 10.

 

4. Why don’t you do a video about your tattoos?

I have talked about many of them here on my blog, where I feel like I have a chance to properly explain myself. On Youtube, it’s simply too easy to come across random people that just hate the idea of tattoos on itself. It doesn’t seem appealing to me to open up about something personal on a video when I know for a fact that it will bring a lot of negativity.

 

5. What about when you get old?

This is the remark people with tattoos hear all the time: “You are gonna regret that when you get old”.

But what about: “Would you rather spend the rest of your life regretting a choice you made or spend the rest of your life wondering what *if* to something you didn’t do?”

It’s a fair point, it applies to everything. It’s up to you to pick.

I was stuck for the longest time thinking, “Oh, but if I do it I may regret it”.

But then realised it was something I truly liked, so why not do it. For the fear that once my body is all wrinkly, in so many years from now, I may regret it? It sure can be a possibility, but I’m not gonna stop myself from living the present for the fear of the future.

And if I truly hated something in the future, it being 5 or 50 years from now, there is always an option. Also notice that this choice doesn’t affect anyone, and it also doesn’t hurt me: if I were smoking, for example, that could actually kill me.

I don’t think there is a need to get all weird about tattoos, they are a form of art, some enjoy it, some don’t. It’s all cool!

If you are one of those who do like it, and is maybe interested in getting some, I hope this post helped you figuring stuff out. If you really don’t get their appeal, I totally understand that, but I ask you to respect me as well. ✌️

 

Marzia.

 

MAGICAL LIP BOX.

April 2nd, 2017

Every drawer a better product.

[image error]

I’m a fan of anything lip balm related, so opening this was a lot of fun.

I’ve received this box from Lip Smacker, and was so pleased by what was inside!

[image error]

There are 4 sections, and the top one contains soda flavoured lip balms.

[image error]

This may not seem to exciting, but…

[image error]

Look at these! They smell and taste delicious, plus they are really cute. I don’t drink much soda at all – even tho it’s tempting – so any time I crave some, I may just apply one of these instead.

[image error]

The second drawer was more ‘normal’ but included handy lip balms, in so many different flavours, as well as a little Lemonade pouch.

[image error]

Next, I was surprised to see these 4 little guys. How cool are they? As soon as Felix saw them he said he wanted one, but I kept him from grabbing it right away so that I could snap a photo with all of them first.

[image error]

Of course they all have their own flavour (I’ve also licked them cause they taste so sweet) and to pull out the balm you just push up that ‘lever’ in the back.

They also work as keychains, which is nice.

[image error]

BUT. My absolute favourites are these. HOW. CUTE.

I already like Tsum Tsums, so seeing this made me really happy.

[image error]

And you can stack them on top of each other, of course.

[image error]

The lip balm is screwed in, so it’s very secure, and I love how you can collect them. I’ve just checked their website and they have many more.

Out of all the ones I’ve shown today, which one is your favourite?

This care package was such a nice surprise, I wasn’t expecting it and receiving so much selection was lovely. I didn’t wanna send out lip balms on their own, but I’ve selected a few already that I will include in a future giveaway (don’t worry, I have not licked those haha)!

That’s it for now, new blog post coming tomorrow or in the next few days. I haven’t been so active here simply because the weather is too lovely to stay inside, but I appreciate all of the people that stop by and leave a comment under my posts. ^_^)

Marzia.

TINY CLAY CREATURES.

March 28th, 2017

Trying to use air drying clay.

[image error]

Lately I have been very inspired to try and make more things; maybe it’s the spring?

I’m not that good with clay at all, but I’ve managed to make few little friends. If you are good with clay yourself, please do share your knowledge with me!

[image error]

This is the stuff I use. Is acrylic paint the best for clay or should I be using something different?

[image error]

I grab a small piece and model it with my hands. I use some water to make it smoother – again, should I, or should I not?

[image error]

I also use a wooden tool to remove the ‘wrinkles’.

[image error]

Then I cut some wire to help my animals to keep the shape or their body parts to stay together.

[image error]

When I’m happy with the position, I give it the texture I had in mind.

[image error]

And then I paint it! I probably should let it dry way longer before painting, but waiting when I’m doing something artsy is not my forte. I just can’t stop. I want to keep focus till I’m done.

[image error]

Overall what I’ve managed to make is cute, but I need to improve a lot so if you have tips for me, let me know. I would love to make a chubby pug next! (The pig in the background started off as a pug haha).

This wasn’t so much a tutorial, but rather a post to ask for tips as I do enjoy making these little things and would love to get better.

UNBOXING & APPLYING NEW MAKEUP.

March 20th, 2017

Another round of cosmetics to try out.

[image error]

It’s a rainy and windy day here, so instead of adventuring out, I took the chance to unbox some makeup I’ve received, and try it on!

[image error]

A few days ago I posted a photo on Instagram showing that Too Faced sent me some amazing care packages, one of which was shaped like a vanity mirror with lights, and that was all to introduce the Better Than Sex Mascara.

[image error]

I have been using it for a little while now, and I love it, but since I already have one, I will include this one on a mini giveaway at the end of this post.

[image error]

The other package they sent is inspired by a fairytale book. Adorable!

[image error]

It included 3 amazing heart shaped highlighters, one of which I’ve used today to do my makeup.

[image error]

I think we can all agree that this product looks stunning.

[image error]

There was also this Natural Love eyeshadow palette. If you know the brand, you may be wondering if even this new palette has a scent, but it doesn’t.

[image error]

But I can’t complain, cause it has the most gorgeous colours (check out: Fairy Tale, Bunny Nose, Honeymoon and Hot & Bothered), and it has 30 of them!

[image error]

Look at these swatches! The colours are so intense, the only thing I’ve noticed is that some shades tend to have fall-offs. But you can just wipe those away easily, so it’s all good.

I love Too Faced, and I honestly would recommend all of the products I’ve just shown.

[image error]

Moving onto this subscription box called The Klog I was happily surprised to see that it was all about Korean beauty.

[image error]

This is what it included (I removed the packagings).

[image error]

Since it had mostly skincare items, this morning I couldn’t wait to try them. I begun by cleansing my face with the Klavuu cleanser, which I liked: with just a small amount you can get it to foam up and cover your whole face. Washing it off it felt extremely squeaky, so I take it that it cleansed my skin pretty well. It didn’t feel tight, but rather soft.

[image error]

Then I used the lemon gauze to get rid of dead skin. You know me, I love lemon, so this was nice to rub around my face. It did not sting, and although at first I was worried that it may be too rough for my sensitive skin, I had no problem at all. I really liked it!

[image error]

Finally I used the Glow Creme to moisturise, and this was such a surprise. I could not get to pick it up on camera, but there is a slight pink undertone and a pearlescent look to it. Once applied, it looks like your skin has micro red sparkles everywhere, giving you a healthy and glowy appearance!

[image error]

Next up on the list is Etude House: I used to be obsessed with this brand, so the fact that they sent me something did make me happy.

[image error]

Here are the products opened up.

[image error]

The one I was most impressed by is this eyebrow stick: it not only has the brown colour in one end, but also a tinted brush on the other, as well as a highlighting powder in the middle! This basically has everything you would need in one, which is very convenient.

[image error]

The only thing I’ve noticed is that you have to apply quite a bit of pressure for the product to transfer onto your skin, but other than that, I love it.

[image error]

The lipstick they sent me is such a gorgeous shade, and totally my style (dark peach with a nude/brown tone). It’s matte, applies easily, and feels moisturising.

[image error]

I’ve also tried the mascara, and I liked that as well! Here you can see my eyes with and without it.

[image error]

Lastly, Jane  – a brand I’ve never hear of before – sent me a few things.

[image error]

My favourites were probably the bronzer and blush, which both come in the same packaging and with the same flower theme.

[image error]

They are both absolutely lovely on the skin (not as intense as the swatches).

[image error]

The eyeliner has a super slim tip, and I found it quite tricky to apply – not gonna lie. The colour is great, dark black, it does not move or smear, so good quality, just be aware that it’s not the easiest to apply.

I also tried the matte foundation and liked it a lot; I received the ‘fair’ shade and it matched me really well. Both consistency and texture are medium, so it made it easy to blend and to build up a bit where needed.

[image error]

So here is the final look! I’m liking it!

THINGS YOU NEED TO…

March 14th, 2017

…Try, listen to, watch and play.

[image error]

Here are some product recommendations, music and more. If you are looking for good new stuff, keep reading! 

MAKEUP

[image error]

Check this out!

Amazing way to display these new Tarte lipsticks, I immediately felt excited to open them up. Gorgeous packaging, and lots of amazing shades I would for sure wear. Many nudes and browns, but also some brighter options.

[image error]

I love them cause they are extremely pigmented and stay on so well. Really high-quality; instant love. If you can grab one, do it!

[image error]

Next is this adorable compact foundation by Dear, Klairs, called Mochi BB cushion.

I’ve known the owner of the website for a few years, so any time something new comes up that she think I may like, she sends it to me.

[image error]

This shade matched my skin tone perfectly, to the point that I felt it was blending even too well into my skin. It feels very light, great for a natural look, it evens out redness and discolouration.

[image error]

If you are looking for a good ‘on the go’ foundation, this is a nice little product. Also vegan and cruelty free.

SKINCARE

Now, it may seem a bit overkill, but I have two cleanser to share with you – each has a different purpose, so it will make sense!

[image error]

The first one is by Neogen, a Korean brand, and has real crushed green tea leaves. I love the fact that it is on a stick, and it is aimed to people with sensitive skin.

I use this either in the morning (if my skin is feeling a bit too oily) or after removing my makeup – note that I do not use this to actually remove the makeup.

[image error]

I keep this as a ‘luxurious step’ because, thanks to the fact that it is solid, I use it to give myself a little face massage. As you rub it in it feels like you don’t have much on your skin, but the moment you add water, it all bubbles up and by the time you wash it off, the skin feels extra clean and tighter. I really enjoy it!

[image error]

The second cleanser is by Honest Beauty, and this is just genius: it comes in powder form.

I got this gifted around Christmas by the brand, and at the time I was travelling a bit. Instead of worrying about liquids, I just grabbed a few of these pouches each time I was going away, and they did an amazing job at removing my makeup. One pouch would take everything off!

If you don’t have a use for this then it may not be worth it, but if you travel often, this is a life saver.

TV & GAMES

[image error]

If you have Netflix, please give a go to the ‘Love’ series. The way I describe this show to people is “it’s so LA”. In a good way.

Recently the second season came out – which I finished last night – and so I had to share my love for this show once again. It’s just really good!

It’s about a rebel girl and a nerdy guy. I will leave it at that.

[image error]

I realise most people are either playing or talking about this game already, but I had to include ‘Zelda Breath of the Wild’ in this post. It’s a great game, it really is. I love the fact that you can just pretty much do anything you wish to do, you have this whole beautiful world and it does feel like an adventure.

Since it came out, Felix and I have been playing it every evening.

MUSIC

Alright, I’m finally getting around to give some more music suggestions. I get asked a lot to share new songs I have been liking, so here we go!

The ‘Late Bloomer’ EP by Haley Blais. I found her on YT, she is hilarious, and her music is awesome. Her video for the song ‘Mine’ is amazing.
The ‘I See You’ album by The XX. Particularly the song ‘Say Something Loving’ and its music video.
Jamie xx – Gosh. This is a gem I found after re-watching the first episode of the ‘Love’ show I’ve just mentioned. It’s a strange song, but listen to it as it gets incredible in the second half!

 

That’s all for today, I really hope you found something new to like!