My 2013 (dream) project!

Here we go, 2013 is coming and like always people think about their plans for the new year. To me, planning is failing. I've done so many plans in my short life, they almost never proved to be effective, yet the most amazing and important events came suddenly and unexpected. I believe everyone can live his/her own dream if they really desire it, the main obstacles are not in the concrete world, they are in people's mind. I'm that kind of pessimist person who thinks there are millions of people in the world BETTER than me, that's why I prefer to lie down in the shadow avoiding comparisons, they drive me crazy. But what in the hell BETTER means? Better than what? Better in what? Better is such a RELATIVE term. So what living a better life could mean? It could mean infinite things. 

To me, desiring a better life just means finding my inner peace through the achievement of a balanced material environment. My biggest desire for this and the following years is to find my place in the world and engaging myself 24/7 in creating a BETTER society and a BETTER world for EVERYONE. Better doesn't necessarily mean perfect, it means a little 'more something' than what it is now.  

I wanna stop artists from begging in the streets, that's one of the most unfair things in the world. I know there are incredibly worse matters goin on, but this issue is so close to my heart that I can't avoid to fight for it. Artists create positive vibrations, a good energy flow and we should know we are made of energy, our body and spirit are energy. How can artists have the strenght to leave it all and live in the streets? Because they've found their vocation, their essence, their reason of living, their past present and future nature. They are free wild sensitive creatures trapped in a money poisoned society. 
I wish I had a lot of money to show people they don't need to have a lot of money to achieve their dreams, they just need PASSION, DEDICATION and a BIG HEART... 

Kali  

#33 Aphorism of the week: Poverty

'One must be poor to know the luxury of living' 

George Eliot 

Homely Christmas 2012

Hello Friends, I just realized my blog is a way too cold, maybe the reason is that I never show myself. I don't like posting photos of me actually because I'm not photogenic at all and I like maintaning my 'privacy'. However I've decided to make an effort ;) so here I am during the usual Christmas lunch. I must confess I don't enjoy this kind of forced recurrent holidays, firstly because they are so fake, how can we eat so luxuriously while millions of people are starving? I feel contradicted, I don't ever wanna take part to such parties but I do it for pleasing my beloved ones. Anyway I don't wanna negativise your BIG PARTIES sooo... I wish you an incredible day with your family!  

Love, 

Kali  

#32 Aphorism of the week: Adults

'Adults are obsolete children' 

Denis Diderot 

Lavera Trend Sensitiv Mineral Compact Powder

Lavera Compact Powder is a fully mineral and natural setting powder that gives a flawless complexion. There are two shades available: Cool Ivory, which is really rosey, so if you don't have pink undertones, just avoid it! 
Warm Beige is a warm abricot shade, ideal for everyone from light to deep skintones. I chose this one, despite of being afraid of having an Oompa Loompa kinda effect, no worries! It is pretty transparent so your skin won't get any sort of color. 

Here we go with the ingredients: 

 Mica, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Magnesium Stearate, Magnesium Silicate, Silica, Tricaprylin, (),Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*,Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract*, Tocopherol, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Vegatable Oil (Olus Oil), Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract*, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Flower Extract*, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract*, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract*, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Alcohol*, Fragrance (Parfum)**, Limonene**, Geraniol**, Linalool**, Citronellol**, Citral**, [+/-Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Silver Oxide] 

Mica will leave that nice glowy finish (it is a matte powder anyway), silica will absorb any excess oil. I really appreciate the presence of all those vegetal oils and butter which help protect, soothe and moisturize the skin; they've also added vitamin A and E, plus some pretty vegetal extract, I adore this 'made with love' formula :) All I can say about it is that it works, it leaves your skin matte with a subtle natural glow and really helps hiding pores (I can't say anything about fine lines by now!) 

Kali  

#31 Aforisma della settimana: Futuro

'Il futuro è nelle mani dei bambini' 

Eglantyne Jebb

...Che ogni bambino affamato sia nutrito, ogni bambino malato sia curato, ad ogni orfano, bambino di strada o ai margini della società sia data protezione e supporto...

Pukka Ayurveda Nourishing Brightener

This is a 100% organic face scrub, made following Ayurveda's principles. It has been conceived for normal to oily skin and has detoxifying and replenishing properties. 
I purchased it on Naturisimo for 13£. 
Let's go directly to the analysis of the ingredients' list: 

Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Almond) Seed Powder*, Vaccinum myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract*, Emblica officinalis (Amla) Fruit Powder*, Asparagusracemosus (Shatavari) Root Powder*, Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Powder*, Rubia cordifolia (Manjishtha) Root Powder*, Hydrocotyle asiatica (Gotu kola) LeafPowder*, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Leaf Powder*, Athrospira platensis (Spirulina)Powder*, Curcuma longa (Turmeric) Root Powder*. 

As you can see this is a blend of dried herbs, seeds and fruits formulated to help achieving a radiant complexion. 

It contains almond seed powder (simply an exfoliating agent), bilberry extract (rich in vitamin C, it is also tonic and astringent), licorice (illuminates and gives radiance to the skin), turmeric (anti-inflammatory properties), spirulina (stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin) and various ayurvedic plants extracts that together detoxify your skin cells, lifting up your complexion! 

Is is definetely a well-formulated scrub, I love the blend of natural extracts they made and the fact that it is in a dry form so that everytime you use it, you can be free to add it to your mask, cleanser or simply to a few drops of water if you are in a hurry! What I don't like about it? It is not finely milled enough in my opinion, but I easily 'solved the issue' by putting it a few second in a coffee grinder :)  

Kali  

The Best Gift Idea: Save the Children NOW!

'We cannot leave defenseless children anywhere exposed to ruin- moral or physical. We cannot run the risk that they should weep, starve, despair and  die, with never a hand stretched out to help them'  

Eglantyne Jebb 

What 'Save the Children' is? 
In 1919 a revolutionary woman, Eglantyne Jebb, began fighting for children's rights thus founding this association that today is the most important international independent organization for defending children lives.   


While you are getting ready for luxurious Christmas Eve's dinner, tons of children are dying and YOU ARE AWARE OF THAT, so don't take more time, just choose to help someone TODAY! 
'Save the Children' gives you the chance to do a very special gift: all you have to do is choosing the gift in honor of someone you love, place your order and they will immediately send a personalized gift ecard to your honoree featuring the gift item chosen in their name, sure you will put a smile on someone's face! 
Here you can find the list of gifts available, thank you for your support! 

  

We alla wish you together a wonderful and flourishing New Year! 

Thank you! 

^-^ 

Kali 

#30 Aphorism of the week: Virtue

'Virtue, perhaps, is nothing more than politeness of soul' 

Honoré de Balzac 

Christmas Grrreen Gift Ideas! (Part 2)

Today's episode will be focused on one of my favorite online stores, Aroma-zone, a French paradise for people who love preparing their own beauty stuff at home! 

Diffuseur Brumisateur ZEN 
A simply beautiful gift, it creates a cold steam while changing color and diffusing scents, wondeful wonderful! Will someone give it to me?! (^_^)  

Box Soins complets visage, corps et cheveux 
A luxurious complete box with everything you need to prepare homemade cosmetics from head to toes :) 
You'll learn the basics of cosmetic formulation while having fun, then you'll enjoy the products that YOU made with YOUR OWN hands, such a satisfaction!  

Bon Cadeau Atelier 
You could get to your lover a gift card to attend cosmetic classes directly in aroma-zone's  laboratories, such an amazing 'coup de coeur'! 

[unfortunately the flight to Paris is not included in the price, but it would be such a great further gift to have a trip to 'La ville Lumière', don't you think?!]  (: 

Kali  

#29 Aphorism of the week: Judge

'If we desire to judge justly, we must persuade ourselves that none of us is without sin' 

Lucius Annaeus Seneca   

Christmas Grrreen Gift Ideas! (Part1)

Are you desperately looking for a gift for your Eco-friend? I'll try to give you some ideas I found around the web!  :) 
Today I'll focus on ecco-verde.com, a very nice german online store offering a variety of natural cosmetic products by cruelty free brands. 
Let's get started! 

Farfalla Festive Gemstone Oil collection 
A Christmassy box containing 7 of Farfalla's oil blends, 
a pretty gift for mums and grandmas (yea and mothers-in-law too!) 

Crazy Rumors Brew Spice Collection 
A super pretty and original box containing 4 lip balms with unusual funny flavors (Apple Spice, Peppermint Lemongrass, Spiced Chai, Orange Bergamot). I love the name of the brand and the packaging! You could also dare get it for your boyfriend ;)   

Badger Damascus Rose Face&Body Beauty Package 
This would be the perfect gift for my mum (and probably yours!) since I consider the rose as the projection of the beauty of a mature woman who has given everything for growing her children. You'll get a jar of Rose Beauty Balm, a bottle of Rose Face Oil and one of Rose Body Oil, so lovely! 

Inika Face in a Box 
I chose this set because it's complete and that magnificent powder brush looks so amazing ;) 

Kali 

#28 Aphorism of the week: Nature

'Nature does nothing without purpose or uselessly'  

Aristotle 

Ombraluce duo contouring minerale

Ombraluce by Nevecosmetics è un duo per creare un contouring definito del vostro viso, sfruttando le proprietà di assorbimento e rifrazione della luce. 
Il kit è composto da due jar, ognuna contiene 4 g di prodotto ed il loro costo complessivo è di 17.90 €. A prima vista Ombraluce Shadow (la polvere per creare le ombre appunto!) potrebbe intimidire anche le donzelle con la pelle mediterranea, ma è estremamente sfumabile tanto che va benissimo anche per le pelli chiare. In linea di massima lo sconsiglierei solo alle carnagioni chiarissime con sottotono rosa (per intenderci, alle tipiche inglesi o alle ragazze coi capelli rossi).  

Ombraluce Light è un illuminante bellissimo, discreto ma allo stesso tempo consente di evidenziare sapientemente i rilievi del nostro viso. 

A mio parere è uno dei prodotti di Nevecosmetics con una resa superprofessionale che non hanno nulla da invidiare alle marche più blasonate. L'unica pecca (per il mio pragmatismo accanito) è il fatto che siano presentati in polvere libera, ma io ho tempestivamente ovviato al problema compattandoli... molto più pratico e funzionale :)  

Bravi Bravi Vi meritate un bell'8 per questo kit! 

Kali 

La Saponaria

Ciao! Oggi vi voglio parlare di un'azienda italiana che mi sta molto a cuore: La Saponaria, un'impresa cosmetica ecologica fondata da Luigi e Lucia. Ma cos'ha questa azienda di tanto speciale? A mio parere è una delle migliori marche cosmetiche naturali, considerando l'impegno sociale ed ambientale, nonchè il rapporto qualità-prezzo. Secondo me il loro punto forte sono i saponi che, con ricette tradizionali ed efficaci ma anche combinazioni 'inedite', sono presto diventati i miei preferiti insieme al sapone alla shorea di Fitocose. Ultimamente stanno anche arricchendo la gamma di materie prime, a prezzi in linea di massima molto competitivi. Vorrei sottolineare che la Saponaria si è sempre impegnata a sostenere i piccoli produttori locali, ad utilizzare ingredienti biologici ed equosolidali evitando ingredienti ambientalmente insostenibili, siliconi, sles, derivati petrolchimici, edta, profumi e coloranti sintetici. Hanno aderito alla lista VIVO cruelty free e cercano di limitare il più possibile il packaging dei loro prodotti, usando materiali riciclabili. 

Insomma, come si può non fare i complimenti a questi due giovani creativi? Personalmente sono una vostra grande sostenitrice ed ammiratrice, contenta di aver trovato una pagina italiana da cui ordinare semplici ingredienti per 'spignattare' e saponi favolosi. Grazie mille, spero di poter venirvi a trovare nel vostro laboratorio un giorno.  :) 

Kali 

#27 Aphorism of the week: People

Some folks can look so busy doing nothing that they seem indispensable. 

Kin Hubbard 

Jesse Jessen is Back

Here is another Jesse Jessen's video showing a little improvisation...Good job!  :)  





Kali 

#26 Aphorism of the week: Lie

Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well. 

Samuel Butler 

DIY: Dry Shampoo

One of the best selling dry shampoo is Klorane's, they say it works but... is it worth spending more than 15$ for it? 
Here you can have a look at the ingredients: 

Butane, Propane, Isobutane, Oryza Sativa(Rice), Starch(Oryza Sativa), SD Alcohol 39-C(Alcohol Denat), Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Avena Sativa(Oat), Kernel Oil(Avena Sativa), CYclodextrin, Cyclomethicone, fragance(Parfum), Isopropyl Myristate Slicia. 

As you can see there are only two active ingredients, oat and rice starch, nothing more. So why don't you take a couple of minutes to prepare your own personalized dry shampoo?? It is lazysafe I promess ;) 

Here below I'm gonna share a simple and effective formula: 
- iris powder 1/2 
- cornstarch 1/2 
- essential oil of your choice (a few drops)  

Mix it all properly, possibly in a coffee grinder and put it in a nice pot with puff! (Always close it well and don't leave it in the bathroom, because of the humidity) 


Kali 

#25 Aphorism of the week: Sadness

He that is discontented in one place will seldom be content in another. 

Aesop  

Suti's Rejuvenate Organic Face Oil

Lovely blend of natural oils! Suti has created a marvelous product using just a few natural ingredients, simple and effective...It's great as a daily moisturizer (mixed with aloe vera gel), it isn't greasy at all, even suitable for oily skin types, don't be skeptical, just try it! I wanna show you the INCI so that you can create it at home, avoiding to spend 28£ for 30ml ;) 

Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil*, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil*, Argania (Argan) Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Limonene**, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil*, Tocopherol, Santalum Austrocalendonicum (Sandalwood), Olibanum (Frankincense)*, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Linalool**, Geraniol**, Citral**  

Let's analyze its formula: 

- Rosehip Seed Oil: cicatrizing and powerful anti aging 

- Evening Primerose Oil: regenerating and anti wrinkle effect 

- Argan Oil: deeply nourishes and regenerates the skin 

- Tangerine Peel Oil: used mainly for its pleasantly pungent fragrance and calming effect 

- Tocopherol: Vitamin E, powerful antioxidant 

- Sandalwood: anti-inflammatory effect 

- Frankincense: cicatrizing 

- Bitter Orange Flower Oil: anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect 

- Jojoba Seed Oil: calming and soothing 

- Carrot Seed Extract: cicatrizing and illuminating 

- Rosemary Leaf Oil: powerful antioxidant. 

Congratulations Suti, I'll give you a 9 for this orangey gold blend of goodness! 

Kali

Acque Profumate by Fitocose

Le acque profumate di Fitocose sono una miscela di acqua, gel di aloe e fragranza naturale, sono semplicemente deliziose e soprattutto adatte a persone allergiche e sensibili ad alcool e profumi sintetici. Grazie all'aloe, se spruzzate sulla pelle, la lasciano morbida e delicatamente profumata. Mi sembra d'obbligo sottolineare che si tratta di acque profumate, quindi se siete abituati ai profumi sintetici persistenti 'che lasciano la scia', queste vi deluderanno. D'altro canto devo ammettere che per essere acque profumate hanno una buona durata, diciamo che sicuramente ve le sentirete addosso per qualche ora :) 
Inoltre la bottiglietta spray è graziosissima ed il costo è piuttosto basso (5,82€ per 50ml). 
Ho provato le profumazioni alla Rosa Nera e al Calicanto. La prima è una fragranza elegante, calda, sensuale, avvolgente, di classe, adatta a donne mature, diciamo non il solito visto e rivisto (o meglio odorato e riodorato) profumo alla rosa. 
La seconda è una fragranza più maschile, sportiva, frizzante, più adatta alla stagione calda. 

Ancora una volta, grazie Fitocose per l'ennesimo buon prodotto che avete creato! 


Kali 

#24 Aphorism of the week: Life

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names. 

John F. Kennedy 

Sophyto Essentials Collection

This Collection is meant to balance skin's PH while offering anti-aging benefits. 
What do I think about the effects on my skin of these products in general? I'm not so convinced about this set, mainly because of its price: 31.85£ on Naturisimo. My note for this collection is 6 but let's take a look at the single items.  
- Purifying silken cleanser: I don't find it purifying at all but it's a perfect make up remover! To be followed by a real cleanser to remove the oil excess and residues. NOTE: 7 
- Dual action exfoliating treatment: this is a fruit acids based exfoliator, perfect for quite sensitive skins because it removes dead cells without scrubbing. The only downside is that it has water consistency so it's difficult to deal with! NOTE: 7 
- PH optimizing restorative toner: this is an average natural toner, nothing more nothing less. What I didn't like about it actually was the useless presence of Alcohol so my NOTE is 6 
- Anti aging antioxidant serum: in my opinion this is a 'no-no!' product, this is not  a serum, this is water with alcohol and some good vegetal extracts, maybe it could be effective used regularly but it's too expensive considering the ingredients it contains. NOTE: 5 
- Balancing daily moisturizer: this is an average light moisturizer ideal for combination to oily skin types, I recommend it if you haven't found a nice natural moisturizer yet. NOTE: 6. 

I'm sorry for my disappointment, but I expect much from a medium-end brand like Sophyto. However I'd definetely buy the Exfoliating Treatment again because it's a really lovely product. 

Love, 
Kali 

#23 Aphorism of the week: Life

Talkers are no good doers. 

William Shakespeare 

Anahata: the Fourth Chakra

Anahata, the fourth chakra, is positioned near the heart region. It rules our intra and inter-personal relations, our conscious life. This chakra represents the adolescent stage of life and Renaissance's time era, when art and beauty were reborn after a dark age. 

COLOUR: green, which represents healing and health.  

ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Libra, which represents realtionships and Venus, which represents love. 

SENSE: touch, the most powerful unspoken means of communication. 

NOTE: F# 

MANTRA: 'yam' or 'a' 

NUMBER: 12, in numerology, it reduces to the number 3, which represents the relationship between wisdom, power and love which have to be maintained in balance. 

ELEMENT: air, in fact the relation between our lungs and heart is vital. 

GLAND: Thymus Gland, the core of our immune system. 

When Anahata is clear and balanced we can experience love and fulfillment, our heart and lungs are strong and we feel calm and joyful. 

When Anahata is unclear, we have immune deficiency, heart and respiratory problems, we feel insensitive and sad. We are unable to receive love just like we are unable to give it.  

Kali

#22 Aphorism of the week: Nature

The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease. 

Voltaire 

Crema contorno occhi by Fitocose

A mio parere uno dei must haves di Fitocose è la crema contorno occhi alla rosa rubiginosa, un'emulsione corposa ed estremamente nutriente. Non posso esprimermi sul potere antirughe, ma posso dire con piacere che distende la pelle della zona perioculare, donando un aspetto più fresco e riposato al viso. 
Ha una base di acqua ed aloe (effetto calmante ed antinfiammatorio) in cui sono stati sapientemente miscelati il burro di karitè (il tipico ingrediente nutriente), lo squalane (attivo derivato dall'olio di oliva, con effetto emolliente e ristrutturante), l'olio di rosa rubiginosa (attivo antirughe per eccellenza) e il G-orizanolo (derivato dal riso, aumenta il naturale fattore di protezione UVA epidermico).  
La consiglio a qualsiasi tipo di contorno occhi come trattamento notturno, mentre come crema contorno occhi diurna solo alle pelli mature e disidratate. 

Per ulteriori informazioni 

Kali ;)  

P.S: l'unica pecca è che 30ml sono una quantità enorme per riuscire a finirla in 4 mesi, quindi dividetela con le amiche per evitare che si irrancidisca prima che possiate terminarla! 

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème (Iced Gold)

This is one of Jemma Kidd's Best Sellers, but is it worth buying it? 
Yes and no. If you already have a good natural looking highlighter, then don't purchase this one because it's not gonna give you much more. 
It's a nice golden shade with almost imperceptible sparkles which gives a slight touch of light where you put it. 
What impressed me most about this cream highlighter is the consistency, a dry cream which gets kinda powdery when you apply it, I like it because it's not heavy at all.  
For more infos

Cheers (: 
Kali 

#21 Aphorism of the week: Life

He who despairs over an event is a coward, but he who holds hope for the human condition is a fool. 

Albert Camus 

CMD roll on against pimples

This is an easy effective way of getting rid of your pimples with a 'roll' of a pen! Why do I recommend it? Because it is VEGAN, handy and really effective without drying out the skin. Here is a list of the ingredients:

Aqua, Alcohol, Panthenol, Malaleuca Alternifolia Oil (tea tree), Urea, Aloe Barbadensis, Tocopherol, Glycolic Acid, Xanthan Gum. 

Such a simple and easily reproducible recipe! 

Tea Tree Oil and Glycolic Acid have an anti-inflammatory action, while Panthenol, Urea and the Aloe gel protect and soothe the skin and vitamin E just adds an antiradical function. 
It works without any doubt at reducing the appearence of existing pimples helping drying them out, besides you could apply it when you foresee any 'rising' whiteheads. 

If you don't feel like purchasing it, just add a few drops of tea tree oil to a scoop of aloe vera gel and you'll have approximately the same result. ;) 
For more infos
Kisses, 
Kali 

#20 Aphorism of the week: Beauty

'Nothing is beautiful from every point of view' 

Horace 

Nuxe Teint Eclat Prodigieux

Today's subject is Nuxe's tinted moisturizer, which is claimed to deliver a healthy glow without the necessity to sunbath. Let's get straight to the point: is it effective? Yes/No. It is a non-greasy moisturizer that really gives an 'effet bonne mine', enhancing the healthy appearence of the skin. By the way it does a minimum job at evening out the skin tone, so if you have imperfections you might want not to use this alone. The ingredients are not so good considering that it is supposed to be a 'natural' product. 

It has a silicone base with way too many actives of natural origins (I mean when there is   such a variety of actives in one product, you can be sure there will be such a tiny quantity of each one that they'll barely be effective). 
I personally don't mind this moisturizer, just thanks to the healthy glow effect. I usually use it as a base before applying mineral foundation. I wouldn't spend 25 $ to repurchase it again because is not a fundamental step in my routine. 

By the way I have the shade number  01 which is a light rosey apricot, don't  get scared  if you have a warm undertone  because I do and this is a good shade for me. 
Click here for more infos







Cheers,  
Kali