Barcelona Spain: Photos, Tourism and Travel Information

It is hard to believe that just a few days ago I was exploring Europe, meeting other travelers from Idaho, Germany and Britain and munching on authentic Italian cuisine in Italy! It is difficult to express the wonders and ambiance of ancient ruins, quaint cobble stone streets and exotic flavors. The life and aura in Spain and Italy are so different from my life here in Toronto.

I began my long, strenuous journey in Barcelona after a 14 hour delay, over bookings, 2 flights, buses, trains, shuttles and almost 48 hours of travel! As I finally rolled my 45 pound suitcase and heavy carry-on up to our apartment I was exhausted but excited.

I stayed in a comfortable, modern suite with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living/dining area and a full kitchen. The view from the terrace showcased a row of chunky apartment buildings and big fluffy trees lined the streets. An elderly Spanish woman emerged from her balcony to water her plants with experienced hands and I could hear the construction of the nearby basilica. Spain was just as I imagined it to be.

(The apartment I stayed in is called Hispanos Siete Suiza Appartments at Sicilia 255-08025 Barcelona Spain website: http://www.hispanos7suiza.com/en/ I highly recommend these accommodations for the great service and location.)

Two blocks from my stylish apartment towered the famous Sagrada Familia. The basilica began construction in 1882 and is still under construction today! This building is definitely unique; it combines old Gothic architecture on the outside with stunning Art Nouveau on the inside.

As Sagrada loomed above me with its dark gaudy exterior I half expected Dracula to emerge! Although I can appreciate the sinister carvings on the exterior and the astonishingly intricate ceiling inside, the ongoing construction annoyingly obstructs a clear view.

Inside the basilica

Next I headed to La Rambla, one of the most famous tourist streets in Barcelona.

My favorite thing about this street was La Boqueria, a bustling outdoor market that sells fresh fruit juice, chocolate, spices, meat and more.

After sipping strawberry coconut juice and munching on chocolate covered strawberries I leisurely strolled down to the pier taking in the beautiful fountains and small shops before heading into the mall.

The Gothic Quarter is a must see! The streets are brimming with restaurants, stores and bakeries and the architecture is a sight to behold.

On the old narrow streets with their charming shops and patios I stumbled upon the Barcelona Cathedral; a gorgeous church carved with intricate details, high arched ceilings and gargoyles of the Gothic period. I liked the dark and mysterious ambiance of the Gothic era and you can spend hours roaming and discovering art in every corner.

Many of the Spanish menus consisted of a lot of meat, including: beef, seafood, lamb and pork.I found a great restaurant that served Spanish, Mediterranean and Indian food called Taj Mahal Restaurante close to Sagrada Familia at- (C/Rosellon, 400 Barelona). The service, variety and food were good.

I definitely recommend stopping at an outdoor patio or bar to have some refreshing sangria! 

On day two I went to Camp Nou, a famous football (soccer) stadium and home to the futbol club Barcelona. The stadium is impressive with a capacity of 98,787 people! There were interactive exhibits, famous memorabilia and many interesting football highlights from years past. I think the stadium was a great place to gain an appreciation for the impact of sports on the culture and the pride locals have in their team.

Next I made my way to Passeig de Gracia, one of the most popular shopping and business areas in the heart of the city. On this street you will find high-end stores such as: Gucci, Chanel and Dior as well as famous buildings such as Casa Batllo.

Casa Batllo was one of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces, a famous Spanish architect responsible for many well known buildings in Barcelona.

Although my feet were beginning to ache from all the walking the next day I moved on to Parc de la Ciutadella, a famous 70 acre park that boasts beautiful landscaping, fruit trees, ponds and a zoo. (Entry is free.)

From the park I walked to nearby Barceloneta Beach. The area around the beach has a nice boardwalk, great for spending a relaxing evening and enjoying a local drink.

There are also many shops and restaurants close to the beach. I highly recommended trying Dinos Italian Gelato in Barceloneta. Even after all the gelato I had in Italy Dinos was by far the best!

My last day in Barcelona was one of my favorites. I took a train an hour outside of the city into Montserrat. If you ever visit Barcelona this is a must! The air is clean, the hustle and bustle of the city is in the distance and lush green mountains surround you.

I will admit to being a bit apprehensive about taking the small yellow cable car that dangles on a line and pulls you high up to the peak but the experience was wonderful! ( Train rides are also available to get up the mountain).

Montserrat has a beautiful church where you can get a glimpse of the Black Madonna; a famous and very rare saintly figure. There are also picnic areas and local farmers selling fresh honey, homemade cheese and other natural foods. I enjoyed the scenic hiking trails and stunning views of the valley below.

In the evening the Magic Fountain show which displays impressive jets of water, lights and music and the Torre Agbar building which is pretty when lit up are also great pastimes. 

Travelers tips for visiting Barcelona:

*Do your research on the kinds of foods and restaurants you prefer to avoid bad meals. There are a variety of cuisines aside from Spanish food and tapas such as: Indian, Turkish and fast food chains such as MacDonals, Starbucks and KFC. Prices vary depending on location and some restaurants include a service charge.

*Grocery stores are a great place to find affordable produce, snacks and drinks including good wine for as little as €2.

*Tapas are traditional in Spain. Tapas are a variety of small appetizers that may be served at bars along with drinks or at restaurants.

*Public washrooms are generally pay as you go and if not it is advisable to bring your own toilet paper. Personally I prefer paying the small fee as these washrooms are generally better maintained.

*The transportation system is excellent in Barcelona. It is easy to get anywhere by metro and costs €10.30 for ten rides and €17.50 for a day pass. Buses and trams also run throughout the city.

*It is also easy to get around by foot. Many of the tourist areas and streets are clean and ideal for a day of strolling.

*As with many tourist cities pick pocketing is a problem in crowded areas, tourist attractions and on public transportation. Make sure to lock all important documents such as passports in a safe if one is provided by your hotel. Never carry important documents and money in backpacks where they are out of sight, and do not leave bags unattended. Walk with purses clutched firmly in front of you and away from the road.

*For longer stays and groups, apartments are a great option but before booking any accommodations make sure to read travelers reviews on websites such as Expedia or Trip Advisor. To see the great apartment I stayed in visit: http://www.hispanos7suiza.com/en/

*The weather is generally warm in Barcelona and the vegetation is quite tropical. In May the low was about 14 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) and the high was 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit).

*Shops, restaurants and grocery stores tend not to be open very early and often close quite early.

*Before visiting any tourist attractions and churches check the hours of operation. You may be able avoid long lines by booking tickets online. 

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below.

*All photos in this post are copyright of Diray of a Trendaholic and cannot be used, copied or altered in any way.

Judith August Cosmetics: Superior Coverage for Dark Circles

Today I have a review on a product for those dealing with dark circles. If you are like me and the many people who have unsightly darkness under the eyes then you know that concealing them can be quite a task. With deeper shades of pigmentation concealer alone may not be enough to sufficiently even skin tone and a corrector is often needed.

Judith AugustCosmetics manufactures some of the best concealing makeup on the market. Whether you need to cover blemishes, scars, tattoos, birthmarks, age spots or veins this line has something for everyone who craves flawless, even skin. They also make heavy duty block-out makeup for post-surgical discolorations as well as invisible stockings, pressed powders and makeup remover.

The Orange Masking Crème by Judith August is made to offer “superior coverage for dark under eye circles” and consists of three tones: peach, yellow and pink.

What makes the crème effective is its ability to “neutralize the blue and brown tones of dark circles" that are caused by allergies, lack of sleep and heredity. It helps cover “blotches, bruises, freckles and pigmentation loss” and can be used as a foundation to "brighten sallow looking skin." The crème is paraben free and contains vitamins A and E. 

What I like about this crème is that you can use the shades individually or mix and match to create the right coverage and color for your skin tone. For my skin I use the medium shade which is the largest wedge at the bottom and I apply a dab of the deepest peach on top. The lightest shade brightens and highlights my face.

The formula is velvety smooth and lusciously creamy. Using a small amount provides creaseless application but if you layer it heavier creasing may occur. It is also quite hydrating and does not accentuate dry skin. A few small dabs offers full coverage and blends effortlessly. It doesn't usually get cakey but the more you apply the heavier and thicker it tends to feel. The crème disguises discoloration and blemishes while camouflaging dark circles efficiently and it also works well under my foundation. Because the formula is so creamy I recommend setting it well, I prefer a mattifying product.

In the photos below I an wearing the Masking Creme under my eyes and on a couple of faint spots that were beginning to fade. For application you can use a sponge or your finger but my preferred method is using my e.l.f. Cosmetics flawless concealer brush which really gets into the grooves and texture of the skin. Because the creme camouflages darkness so well, my entire face looks even, brighter and healthier. 

You can purchase the masking cream on the website by clicking HERE it retails for $30 

Killer Cleanser Total Makeup Remover

The Orange Masking Crème may help you achieve flawless looking skin for everyday wear or for HD cameras and recording devices but sooner or later it all has to come off! The Killer Cleanser liquefying makeup remover cleanses the face in a jiffy by emulsifying all types of makeup. Recently I have tried and reviewed a few popular oil based removers and so far this one takes first place!

At the end of a long day I want my makeup off as fast as possible and this oil based cleanser lifts off makeup and dirt “while soothing and nourishing skin.” It also helps soften mascara and removes waterproof makeup quickly and efficiently without irritating the eyes. I can wipe off my makeup with just a few quick swipes and it leaves my skin looking dewy, refreshed and smooth. If you wear light to medium coverage makeup you may be able to use this cleanser without following up with a foaming face wash because a small amount works wonders and is gentle and non-drying.

The formula contains: aloe vera, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. The unique thing about this makeup remover is that it blends and melts into skin effortlessly and can also be used as an all over body crème to moisturize dry skin!

You can find the cleanser by clicking HERE it retails for $22 dollars.

To see more great products from this brand visit the website at JudithAugustCosmetics.Com

**Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Judith August Cosmetics. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Annabelle Cosmetics Mineral Pigment Dust

When it comes to eye shadows my favorite formulas tend to be loose pigments. Loose mineral shadows usually provide more color pay-off and vibrancy compared to the average pressed variety. I have been using Annabelle shadows for years; in fact some of my very first eye shadows were from this brand and they tend to have a long shelf life. Today I have a review on the Mineral Pigment Dust in a gorgeous olive green called Eco Chic.

This Pigment is rich and contains fragments of fine glitter and pearl particles that catch light and make eyes standout. With a good primer it provides long-wear and the the color is substantially brighter than it appears in the jar with a high shimmer finish.

Using a flat shadow brush I pat the pigment onto my lids; do not use swiping motions as this tends to scatter the particles and create fall-out. The packaging is designed with a hole at the top instead of a sifter which is less messy but a bit difficult to dip a brush into so I usually open the jar.

Below is a look I created using Eco Chic. The shadow is easy to work with and the color adheres well to skin allowing you to build-up the saturation and intensity. I paired it with Annabelle's retractable lip pencil and Annabelle's Beauty Balm, both of which I will be reviewing soon.

The shadows are available in 6 great shades and are talc, paraben and perfume free. They can also be applied wet for more dramatic results and retail for $8.95 each. The quality is very good so I definitely recommend trying them. You can find them online HERE and at select drug stores including Shoppers Drug Mart.

Annabelle Eye Makeup Remover Pads

After applying this gorgeous shadow and adding layers of mascara and liner I needed something to remove my eye makeup effectively. Annabelle has some fantastic fragrance-free, moisturizing remover pads that help lift and dissolve waterproof and long-wear makeup.

There are 75 pads per jar and the size is convenient for use on the go or travel. Each pad is soaked in an oil formula which helps emulsify makeup without irritating eyes or skin. Although there is sufficient oil, the pads are mess-free and non-drip.

They work well to loosen stiff, mascara coated lashes and wipe away liner and shadow quickly and efficiently. I recommend folding the pad over lashes and holding for a few seconds to gently loosen mascara and reduce the loss of lashes.

The pads are perfume free which is ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Although they work like a charm the jar does smells strongly of oil but individual pads do not have a strong odor. They are effective despite their thinness but they do tend to stick together. Overall they are great!

You can find the makeup remover HERE, it retails for $6.95 

 **Disclaimer: These products were provided for review courtesy of Annabelle Cosmetics. All opinions stated in this review are my own and based on my experience with the products. Results may vary based on individual use.**

Prom Makeup, Fashion and Accessories

Prom season is in full swing here in Canada! From mid May to late June seniors across the country excitedly prepare for a magical night of celebration. Prom is a rite of passage; it marks the end of high school and the beginning of new prospects, future achievements and goals.

I can remember my prom like it was yesterday; carefully choosing the perfect dress, finding matching accessories and deciding on a glitzy makeup look that would tie everything together. 

Today I have a list of my top beauty picks and essentials from essence cosmetics, Dermalogica and a few fashion ideas to help get you prom ready in no time! 

*essence Metal Glam eye shadows: These shimmery shadows are perfect for creating glamorous prom looks.

*essence Match to Cover Cream Concealer: high coverage for skin imperfections and dark circles.

*essence Quattro eye shadows: Long-lasting shadows to help create both subtle and smokey looks.

*essence Silky Touch Blush: Provides long-lasting, natural color.

*essence Lash Mania Mascara: Separates and elongates lashes.

*essence Mattifying Compact Powder: Sets makeup for a matte finish, reduces shine and oil.

*essence Long-Lasting Lipsticks: Available in a wide range of gorgeous shades and provides hydrating, vibrant color.

*essence powder brush: Great  for sweeping color onto the cheeks and for touch ups on the go.

Skincare with Dermalogica

With finals, prom planning and waiting for University acceptance letters, life can get pretty stressful. During all the hustle and bustle it’s important to care for your skin. No one wants a huge zit popping up on the big day; but if you do breakout a quick overnight treatment is a good idea.

Dermalogica offers a wide range of products to help clear and prepare skin for makeup application. The Clear Start Breakout Overnight Treatment absorbs quickly to: unclog pores, soothe skin, dull redness and reduce excess oil that causes pimples. It retails for $28 and you can find it HERE

Get ready for prom with essence cosmetics!

The cost of a dress, shoes and accessories can all add up fast so when it comes to makeup many students don't want to break the bank.

Below is an affordable makeup look I created using essence cosmetics. For the face I kept it light and fresh with a flawless finish. For the eyes I went smokey and deep using a combination of essence eye shadows and blending them well.

essence products used:

essence Long-Lasting lipstick in the shade: On the catwalk

Clothing links:

To see links for the dress and accessories from my essentials collage see the following links

*Bariano coral prom dress from Lulus $205 

*Wester Redux Faux Stone Necklace from Forever 21 $12.80

*Striking Metal Trimmed Sandals from Forever 21 $35.80

*All products in this post excluding the Color & Go nail polishes and clothing have been provided for review courtesy of essence cosmetics and Dermalogica. All opinions are my own and based on my experience with the products.Results may vary based on individual use*

essence Cosmetics Express Your Essence Colorscopes Sweepstakes

Today I wanted to give a quick thanks to essence cosmetics for choosing my makeup look as the grand prize winner in the Colorscopes Sweepstakes! I love essence and have been using their products ever since the brand first launched here in Canada. I enjoyed sharing my makeup inspiration using the Metal Glam eye shadows and the Long-Lasting Lipsticks are some of my new favs! 

I will have more great reviews and makeup looks using these cosmetics coming up soon! 

On my recent trip to Barcelona and Italy (which I just returned from yesterday), I stopped by the essence booths to check out the variety of products in those cities as well! essence is actually available in many countries worldwide and remains quite affordable!