The Heavenly Hundred

For those people that don't really care or know anything about what has been happening lately in Ukraine (or for those who have no idea where Ukraine is), there is something I want to tell you about. For the last three months, Ukrainians have been protesting agains out political regime, which started on November the 21st as a peaceful demonstration with public protests that demanded closer European integration. It was given the name of Euromaidan, because the main square of Kiev is called Maidan. Unfortunately due to many factors, our protests turned into a war against the government, corruption and abuse of power. I want to tell you about those people who gave their lives for our true independence.

On 30 November 2013, the protests were dispersed violently by the Berkut riot police units, sparking riots the following day in Kiev. On 1 December 2013, protesters reoccupied the square and through December further clashes with the authorities and political ultimatums by the opposition ensued. This culminated in a series of anti-protest laws by the government on 16 January 2014, and further rioting on Hrushevskoho Street. Early February 2014 saw a bombing of the Trade Unions Building, as well as the formation of "Self Defense" teams by protesters.

The majority of victims died on 18-19th of February 2014. This was not even a civil war, professional snipers employed by the government shot protesters in the head and heart from the rooftops, a lot of young men died, the youngest of them was only seventeen. Today Ukraine is mourning. Those who were killed by the dictators are now referred as the 'Heavenly Hundred'. Only 82 confirmed victims are known to us, but more than 200 people are still missing, and we are all afraid that there will be more than one Heavenly Hundred. 

I am thankful to all those brave men who stood up for our country, stood up for us and for Ukraine. I'm proud to live here, I'm proud that so many people around the world supported us, our struggle against the power. We all are happy and relieved that the ex-president Yanukovich is trying to run away, but he will be found and punished for everything he had done. Even though I'm not religious, I pray for Ukraine, pray for the Heavenly Hundred, so they would guard us, the young and the old when we step into a whole new era.

*Victory to the Heroes.

*The author of these photos is unknown, but I'm sure I will take my own this week.

Слава Україні

Throwback edit: Paris

Can any place on Earth be more perfect? I guess, no. Throughout centuries, Paris has been a city of love, romance, high culture and magnificent architecture, but to me, Paris seemed to be all about small little things: antique window frames and ceilings, corner shops and flower markets. It is a city to be, like, you feel so much alive.

It is vivid, colorful and lively. Even when it rains, Paris doesn't lose its charm and invites you outside. i was lucky enough to spend there five days, but still, the time spent there flew so quickly and I was devastated that my mom and I had to leave.

Some people say that the French are quite unfriendly with foreigners, but to be honest, we haven't met anyone who was rude. The women, especially those who stroll down Les Champs Elysees, are so sophisticated and have that particular effortless, Birkin-kind of style. They made me like Paris and France even more.

So now after writing this I want to come back there even more. One day...

Lots of love.

Nika xx

Liberté

I've only recently started getting into make-up. So now I'm keeping myself from buying everything I see, because in this case less is definitely more. There are only three blushes in my 'capsule' collection, and this beauty from Nars is my favorite. Nars doesn't need any introduction, the sleek matte black packaging and insane pigmentation speaks for itself! It's quite impossible to get hold of Nars products in Ukraine, so I bought this baby while I was in Paris. It's bright terracota-peach in the pan, but on the cheeks it looks warm and natural, wearable both in summer and winter.

What's your go-to blush?

Lots of love.

Nika xx

Top 5

For many bloggers it's quite impossible to narrow their lip product collection to only five things. But as I'm trying no to be obsessive and excessive (but still dreaming of Muji storagefuls of lipsticks), I can show some of my favorite ones. To be honest, they all are influenced by blogs, but, nevertheless, they are stunning.

The oldest, and probably, the most favorite one - Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 03 (1st from the right in the swatch photo). A mouthful, yes, but how gorgeous is it? Non-sticky, smooth, nice-smelling, heavenly pretty on the lips! One word - love.

The most luxurious and, probably, the most expensive one - the Dior Lip Glow (2nd swatch from the right). It changes color throughout wear and has a cooling effect. On my lips it looks more pinky and rosy.

The most practical - the Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose (3rd). Perfect for autumn-winter, but would look great in summer with a tan, applies quite thinly but is buildable, I like it with a minimum make up and a thin eyeliner flick.

The most 90s - Clinique Chubby Stick in Graped-up (4th swatch) . This what happens when you ask your mom to buy something at duty-free, but despite that I wanted The Grandest Grape... I'm quite impressed. On the lips it is a dark nude, with a hint of brown - wearable and effortless.

The easiest - MAC Shy Girl. I bought it while feeling sad and spendy, but this impulse buy has turned out to be a success! This lipstick looks so nice with a brown smokey eye and a sheer foundation.

So these are my beloved lip products that I'd definitely repurchase. What are yours?

Lots of love.

Nika xx