24 Feb 2012

My Fitness Diary (9)

Well my dears, I finally am ready to bust out the pictures in my actual work out gear. So here it is, my current state of affairs:


Without meaning to sound self-congratulatory, I do feel extremely happy and proud of myself. I feel amazing and it's because I know I'm healthy, and in the best shape I've probably ever been in my life. I never thought that I would ever be able to post pictures like the ones above, or even be able to wear spandex someday without feeling like a liverwurst. Now the only way is UP! Stronger, fitter, faster. Not rail thin, not starving myself, not weak and frail - and I can't wait!

This isn't the end of the road for me, no way. I am liking my workout and fitness routine way too much to quit now. It's been such lovely spring-like weather outside, I'm actually itching to buy some new workout clothes and start running again, now that all the snow has melted away. I want to switch things up and keep it interesting.

It's been one hell of year for me and I have never felt more full of life and energy. It's totally been worth every blood, sweat and tears - thankfully there wasn't too much of that along the way.

I have some very infomative videos about my current weight loss and fitness status, and the second one is another Food Diary which I filmed over the course of several weeks, mainly documenting my dinners and lunches that I eat on an everyday basis. Loads and loads of vegetables, lean proteins, reduced carbs and sweets. I do like to sneak in the odd sweet treat and carb-rich meal now and then, but it's all in moderation. Definitely watch these videos to get super motivated yourself!




My new Food Diary video:


My slightly older Food Diary video:




FAQ:

How often do you work out and what do you do?
I work about between 4-5 times per week on average, but I've even managed to work out 6 times a week sometimes. But 4-5 times is about the norm for me, usually between 45-60 minutes. Over the winter I've been doing Beachbody's Insanity DVDs and they've worked great for me. It's a combination of high intensity interval training, cardio, strength and resistance all rolled into one. I also bought a chin-up bar to work more on my upper body strength, and that is my new challenge.

Do you recommend Insanity for beginners?
For complete beginners (aka couch potatoes and haven't exercised in ages) - no. Probably not. It's a really intense work out. It's probably also not suited for anyone with knee or back injuries as it's quite high impact. This can be reduced greatly by modifying moves and wearing good cushioning sneakers. I started Insanity when I was already used to working out regularly, but not quite as much. If you already do some regular exercise and your endurance is not too bad, then it's great if you want to step things up a notch. Don't worry if you can't do the entire workouts and keep up at the beginning - try your best, forget the rest. It will come. Even I can't keep up with every single move all the time until the end yet!

What do you recommend for beginners?
Keep it simple. Start with running, speed walking, swimming laps at your local pool, taking your dog for a brisk long walk, biking, etc. Work your way up slowly, don't jump in at the deep end! I started out with an elliptical home trainer in front of my TV, and worked up my endurance. Don't worry if you suck at the beginning and can't last for long - we've all been there. Your body will adjust with time and you will get fitter!

How do you find time to work out?
I make it my priority. How do you find time to watch your favorite TV shows, play video games, or go shopping? If something is important enough for you, you will make time for it. It's mind over matter. If you have kids, ask your partner, family or friends to watch them while you hit the gym. If they are old enough, involve them in your activity.

I really don't like vegetables / I don't know how to cook healthy meals.
Sorry, I can't help you there much. I've always liked vegetables (even when I was overweight) and I just am a creative cook. I love variety and there's not much I won't try. If that's not you, I would recommend to hit up a big book store and spend an afternoon browsing through their cook book section. There are so many great cookbooks out there, that focus on CLEAN eating - whole, simple foods, no prepared crap. I followed a low carb plan, that's what works for me. Once you get better at cooking, you might find you really enjoy eating vegetables. Personally, I hate boiled broccoli as well, there's nothing more tasteless.

19 Feb 2012

Nicki Minaj MAC Viva Glam Campaign


I quite liked the color combination of Nicki Minaj's campaign with MAC for the new Viva Glam lipstick. I don't have the actual lipstick so I just used what I had to try and recreate the overall look. I mainly went off the promotional video that MAC uploaded on their Youtube channel, which you can view here. Here's a quick screenshot to give you an idea of the look:



Watch my video tutorial to recreate it for yourself! Remember, you can always tone it down and use it for color inspirations.


Face
Kryolan Cream foundation, Bobbi Brown Pink Rasperry cream blush

Eyes
Mehron Paradise palettes in Tropical and Pastel, NYX Lime Juice, MAC Soft Brown, FaceFront Cometics (dark brown, sorry I don't know the name anymore), Ben Nye Toast, Kryolan Cloud eyeshadow, MAC Solar White, MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, Maybelline The Colossal mascara waterproof, MAC Lashes Nr. 42 (Pro store only)

(Note: For my waterline and tightline I also used the MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, I just dipped a pencil in it to apply it! It lasts much longer than kohl pencils.)

Lips
P2 Regent Street lipstick, Catrice Color Show Lipgloss 40 Strike a Pose

Nails
Barry M - 250 Lilac

10 Feb 2012

Kryolan Spring / Summer 2012: Tangible Goddess Collection

Kryolan has quickly become one of my favorite makeup brands as of late. Their line is focused on professional grade products that can be used for photo shoots and on a consumer level. Their packaging is simple, no gimmicks, nothing fancy, just user friendly and easy to use without a lot of bulk. Just the way I like it. The only thing I find confusing is their labeling and color names - some have names, some have numbers, which makes no sense.

Here are some of the pieces from their spring/summer Tangible Goddess collection. Corals, oranges and peaches are a strong trend for the season.



Clockwise from top left:
Professional Eye Shadow Trio Set Matte "Goddess" (Colors Bamboo, F 06, Flamingo)
Lipstick LF401
Eyebrow Powder Medium
Cream Lines in Ebony
Eyelash Adhesive
Lashes TV5
HD Micro Foundation Cache 200
Dermacolor Light Mascara in Black
HD Microsilk Powder MSP11

Here are some swatches and further products:


The eyeshadow trio contains three colors (beige, orange, pink) and all are very well pigmented and have a matte finish.

Matte Blush in Color 926 is a medium beige-peach tone.

Eyebrow Powder in Medium


Lipstick in LF401: a natural rosy peach in a satin finish that goes on very creamy and feels nice


I haven't tested all the products yet besides swatching, but am looking forward to seeing how they perform and look in my videos. I can definitely see myself reaching for the lipstick color often, as it's such a wearable and flattering shade. The blush also looks really beautiful and perfect for fair to medium toned skin.

The question I get most frequently when I show Kryolan products is: Where can I buy it? This is the hardest question to answer because Kryolan has made it fairly difficult for end consumers to easily purchase their products, something I really wish they would change. As Kryolan is a German brand, it is more easily available there and they have some Kryolan stores in larger cities (I have shopped several times at their Berlin store near Ku'Damm), but if you live in other countries, you best bet is to check on their website and see the contact details for their distributor and find out from there where it is sold in your area. There is no universal website where you can order from online. Kryolan is sometimes sold in beauty supply stores or stores that sell professional lines, and at makeup trade shows. One reliable USA shop I know is camerareadycosmetics.com, otherwise you will have to find local suppliers in your area.


Products sent for consideration by Kryolan.

8 Feb 2012

10 vor 10: Primetime News Interview


Back in October I was interviewed by the national Swiss news crew for their evening news called "10 vor 10". It was obviously a huge highlight for my Youtube career, and I've been really impatient to see the finished result. Yesterday it finally aired across the country, and I sat glued to my TV in anticipation.

I recorded and subtitled the interview for you, so if you're curious, take a look!


Thank you to Urs Schnellmann and the team at 10vor10 for the interview, and thanks to all my viewers for your wonderful and continued support of my work on my channel. It's obviously a huge reaffirmation for me to continue working hard on my videos and enjoy this whole experience.


5 Feb 2012

Madonna inspired by Marilyn

I was watching Madonna's newest music video for her song "Give Me All Your Luvin'" and I was completely enthralled by the dance sequence where Madonna, MIA and Nicki Minaj are all styled after Marilyn Monroe. So I guess this is somewhat of a Marilyn look without the red lips, and inspired by Madonna. Hah! You can watch her music video here if you haven't seen it.

I took a few very fuzzy screenshots to give you an idea, and my interpretation below.






I just love these kind of retro throwback looks, they are still so flattering today and just scream womanliness and sex appeal without being over the top. Watch my video tutorial if you want to see how I achieved this look. It's perfect for Valentine's Day too.

Oh and since I might get questions, I do have a video coming up about how I style my hair and what products and tools I use, so keep on the look out for it.




Face
Nars Sheer Glow foundation in Mont Blanc, La Femme Nectar Peach blush, Estee Lauder Shimmering Powder in Light Snow

Eyes
MAC Bare Canvas Paint, Catrice Grey's Philosophy, MAC Copperplate, NYX Aloha, Catrice black gel eyeliner, Catrice It's a Girl, Max Factor kohl in Natural Glaze, Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion, Elite Lashes Nr. 6, Duo lash glue


Lips
Catrice Lost in the Rose Wood lipliner, P2 Rodeo Drive lipstick


Nails
Anny - Crazy Flamingo


2 Feb 2012

Updated Makeup Collection, Storage, and Lighting Ideas

Over the past few months I've sorted through my makeup collection and given away over 5 pounds of makeup, as well as constantly giving away products here and there to friends and family. I wanted to pare down my collection and organize my vanity area anew. Having done that has given me such a new found love for the products I already own, and I've rediscovered products that I forgot I had that were sitting unloved in the back of a drawer somewhere.

Many of you asked to see an updated collection video, so I filmed one and also took some pictures of my state of affairs at the moment. I didn't take a picture of every drawer, nor of all my eyeshadow palettes that I own, but I wanted to give a little peek behind the scenes of MissChievous.

Watch my video for lots of details, plus some tips on my furniture, storage solutions and lighting.

















Whew! I know it seems like loads (and it is for the average person) but I think it's really not that gigantic compared to others on Youtube. I'm trying to reduce the amount of makeup I buy, I think over the last year and a half, I've really reduced the amount of money I spend on beauty products because I just want to enjoy what I already have. It's hard to find truly unique items anymore once you have a sizable collection. Of course, often I buy things specifically to review or use them in my videos, and some things I receive from PR.

I hope you enjoyed watching! :)

xo,
Julia

1 Feb 2012

Bring on the Romance! Date Makeup

With Valentine's Day just around the corner (as much as I dislike this commercialized holiday) I thought I'd come up with a soft and wearable look perfect for a date, or maybe just a night out with friends. You should never change who you are to impress a guy (or a girl), and for me personally, that means keeping my makeup simple and enhancing my natural features. I don't want to look like Angelina Jolie or Lady Gaga, I just want to look like a more "beautified" version of myself.








The black and white picture is actually a screen shot taken from my video while I was editing. I love how it turned out! I love black and white photography for portraits.

Watch my tutorial for all the steps how to achieve this look.


Face
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation, MAC Beauty Powder in Play It Proper, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Petticoat

Eyes
Too Faced Shadow Insurance, P2 Open Up Your Eyes Brightener, MAC Jest, MAC Vanilla, MAC Smut, Catrice Gel eyeliner, Max Factor Natural Glaze kohl pencil, Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion, Elite Lashes Nr. 18

Lips
MAC Chatterbox lipstick, Revlon Lipgloss in Pink Pop

Nails
Catrice - In the Bronx

Video on Youtube