FOTN - WinterFest 2011

artificial light

Face:

Max Factor Experience Foundation in no. 45 Raw Silk

Benefit Erase Paste in medium

Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame

Benefit High Beam

Benefit Benetint

Eyes:

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Mac Eyeshadow in Rolled Gold (from 6 Twists of Tartan palette)

Clinique Brush-on Cream Liner in no. 02 True Black

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Extra-Black

Daniel Sandler Baby Jet Mascara

Lips:

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in no. 78 Phoenix

I luvvv this hat, its from River Island - coat from Warehouse.

xxx

Review / Lipcote

I, finally, got my hands on one of those!!!

It was a bit of a quest tho: after visiting a few Boots and Superdrug in vain, I found it in the smallest Boots at the train station.

 I've never used Lipcote before but after the aggressive campaigning to re-launch it - which could be spotted on their facebook page and many blogs - I decided I had to get one!!! You see, advertise works!!! ;)

Anyway, the first thing I noticed is the smell! It's so strong of Alcohol, pure alcohol and in fact I'm a bit aware of putting it on my lips, to be honest.

It definitely seems to seal the lipstick a gret deal but not completely. I can still see a stain on my glass.

Also, I find it a bit drying and it changes the finish of the lipstick - they all look matte now.

I've seen few bloggers mixing few drops with lipstick before application (that is not even suggested on the actual box) so I may try this method too.

The problem is that the pungent alcohol doesn't stop to the smell but I can also taste it in my food!!!

Personally, I don't mind reapplying the lipstick normally but It would have come in handy when going out to a restaurant... but not if it's going to ruin my dinner. In conclusion - in my opinion - it's a waste of money.

Have you tried it yourself? do you like it or do you hate it? :)

Nails of the Week

ORLY Green with Envy & Naughty

FOTD - with Revlon Fire & Ice

FACE

Mememe Seventh Heaven 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in no. 52 Vanilla

YSL Touche Eclat in no.1

YSL Blush Radiance in no. 5

EYES

Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque

Blink + Go Mascara

YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils in no. 4 Sea Black

LIPS

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 720 Fire & Ice

Skirt: H&M

Shirt: Zara

Ring: Swatch - original post here

Wellies: Hunter - here

Merry Xmas!!!

I just want to wish a lovely Christmas to all my followers and your families!

I really appreciate your support and reading your blogs is one of my everyday pleasure... I meant to do a giveaway for reaching 100 readers but I've been quite busy so I have just postpone it to the new year. :)

My parents sent me a Christmas package - It's full of presents and foooood - YAY!!! :)

Last night, I went to take few pictures in town - George Square in Glasgow is very much alive with festive lights and music. 

kisses

xxx

FOTN

Apologies for the quality of these pictures but It gets dark so early now that It's impossible to take a decent photo; artificial light is not the best to show make up... but here you go anyway.

FACE:

Dr Brandt Pores no more primer

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in 52

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer in SC-3

YSL Touche Eclat in 1

Ruby & Millie Face Gloss in 50 Wine

Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame

EYES:

Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque

YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils

Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara in Extra-Black

LIPS:

Topshop Lipstick in Hazard

Skirt: Topshop

Jumper: ASOS - I love the vintagy feel of this knit!

Tights: ASOS - they got snowflakes on it. :)

Nails of the Week

Another nail look using OPI Pirates of the Caribbean

OPI Skull & Glossbones

Nails Inc. Electric Teal

I also added Rimmel matte finish on top!

What do you think? :)

xx

Versatile Blogger Award

Claire Louise over at xx Dolly Blossom gave me this award few weeks ago. Thank you, sweetie!! :)

Rules

1. You need to thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog;

2. Then, you have to share 7 facts about yourself;

3. Finally, you need to send the award to 15 other bloggers whose blog you appreciate and let them know they have been given the award.

7 Facts

- I'm Italian but living in Scotland
- I'm left-handed

- I work from home and it's awesome!

- My unhealthy fascination with the UK started when I started listening to indie/alternative music

- I'm so obsessed with music that in fact I wrote my final dissertation at university around politic and social influences of britpop in british culture in the 90s

- My favourite bands are, probably: Radiohead, Pulp, Belle & Sebastian

- I'm scared of flying

I'm passing this award to these blogs

1. Fashionsmetic

2. Fashion and Cookies
3. CottonCandyINK
4. Lippy in London
5. Beauty... to the Max
6. Beauty Balm
7. Carobunny
8. Ever so Juliet
9. Compagnion2
10. Carina100
11. EpiphannieA
12. Delicious Pink
13. Heart Beads
14. Thrifty Girl Loves
15. My World

Enjoy!!! xxx

GlossyBox Vs JolieBox

Finally, the boxes are here!!!

They arrived together - GlossyBox, 3 days late (by my calculations) and JolieBox on time... I've been avoiding all my favourite blogs because I didn't want to spoilt the surprise but I was getting a bit restless there; I'm glad I manage to resist, tho. :)

Content:

. Blink + Go Hi-Definition Mascara

. Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss in Las Vegas

. Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Mini Nail Varnish with Stripped to Go Sachet

. Mememe Seventh Heaven

. Rituals Foaming Shower Gel in Yogi Flow

****

Content:

. OPI Gold Shatter Nail Lacquer

. Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash

. New CID Cosmetics i-gloss in Baby Doll

. Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust in Rose Gold

. Yon-Ka Vital Defense

. Kusmi Detox Tea

. JolieBox Concealer Brush

I'm very very happy with both boxes: there're some terrific products and I'm glad that they all made a special effort for the Christmas edition - but I'm giving the edge to JolieBox.

Mainly because I was going to buy this  VERY AFTERNOON a) gold nail polish b) concealer brush (no kidding!)

Plus, both eyeshadow & lipgloss colours are perfect for me (whilst I'm not going to use the Cargo lipgloss).

Btw, have I dreamt it or there was supposed to be an extra surprise under the wrapping?? I don't know, I thought I read something on GlossyBox (maybe) Facebook page... 

I didn't find anything... :(  

Christmas Shopping Haul

I've done most of my Christmas shopping in October, actually. I went back home at the end of October so I decided it was best just to bring all the presents with me. :)

But I still had presents for people here to buy and I took advantage of the Boots Extravaganza night to get few bits and bobs. Sorry, I can't show you what I got them (for obvious reasons) but I also got some stuff for myself. :)

I got the Boots Natural Collection and Champneys 'cause I needed new bath sponges and I'll definitely use the bath and shower stuff too. I'm not too sure about the body creams tho - I, usually, use anti-cellulite or firming formulas so maybe give these scented ones away.

 The ducks are super-cute and they must be like bath bombs, fizzing in the water. I'm saving them... hehe :)

The Sanctuary and Soap & Glory items were in the 3for2 also - I've been meaning to buy a body brush for a while and with the offer I got it for free.

The headphones adaptor is great. I had one years ago but I think I lost it; I've been looking to buy a new one but never got the chance to have a look around to get a replacement. It's perfect when travelling (on planes, trains): especially now with the iPad, my fiance' and I can finally watch movies at the same time.

Every year, we get 1 new baubles for the tree. This is the 2011 edition!

I got these Christmas cards in Bhs for FREE!!! Basically, if you're on O2, you can download an app with special offers and this was one of those. I just picked my cards, got the box scanned at the till and showed my promo code. Simple! ;)

I think they're really nice, no?

These are my favourite Christmas candles: I like the scents - really Xmasy - they are long lasting and they actually release the smell in the house (some candles, they don't actually release the fragrance when burning - *cough, Ikea, cough*). Also, they are cheap: I actually bought these in Tesco and they were doing an offer 'buy 1 get 2 free' YES PLEASE!!!

We all like to indulge a wee bit at Christmas, right? Every year, I can't wait for special edition foodies - This Gregg's Gingerbread and Latte Doughnut was delicious!!! I need to get it again before the end of the season.

...and any occasion is right to show an outfit: here I was wearing my Hunter boots and Hobbs gloves for the first snow of the year. :)

Finally, I got this top in House of Fraser. It's from Coast and it was on sale. I liked the metallic bronze colour and it can easily be dressed-up with a skirt (that I'm planning to do on Christmas day) or down with some jeans.

Origins Plantscription Anti-aging Eye Treatment

I received this sample from Origins Facebook page.

It lasted for about 6 days but I, honestly, didn't notice any improvement in my eye area.

Has anybody else used it before? Can you recommend it? I wondering if - maybe - in the long run, It works... or can you suggest any other GOOD eye cream for dark circles and fine lines that I could try? I'm a bit desperate to find an effective product!

Thanks for your opinion. :)

xx

Sanctuary Christmas Collection

This Christmas, Sanctuary is offering a series of box sets that are perfect for Christmas presents and stocking fillers.

There're 2 lines available - in Boots and Debenhams (and Sanctuary Spas, of course).

 If you prefer to shop in Boots, you can choose from Skin Quenching Selection, Ultimate Facial in a Box, Sanctuary Delights and Sanctuary Celebrations.

In Debenhams, the selection includes Spa Therapies Relaxation Ritual, 2 Step Spa Facial, Ultimate Sanctuary Collection and Spa Perfect Pedicure.

My favourite is the Spa Perfect Pedicure!

My ritual includes, starting with a pedicure: I soak my feet in warm water with rock salt for 10 mins.

Then I use the Luxury Foot Polish to get rid of dry skin and finish off with Moisture Rich Foot Butter.

The socks are going the extra mile to guarantee an ideal moisturization delivery. You should really wear them at night but I can't as I always get too warm (also in winter) so I like to use them during cosy afternoons around the house. They work a treat! When I take them off, my feet are super-soft!

Personally, I use Intensive Rescue Heel Balm on a daily basis, after shower/bath every night.

This is the best choice for your best friend or Secret Santa's colleague: everything is nicely wrapped in this purple and orange opulent box with ribbon and it only retails for £12.

*pr sample*

Boudoir Prive' -November and LAST issue

Here goes the LAST BP review. In few days, we should all received the first JolieBox. I'm excited and looking forward to it - it seems really promising.

DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK Silky Smooth Body Lotion

I'm a big fan of Dead Sea Spa Magik (have a read here if you're interested in check my history with this brand). I had never tried this product before but It's a lovely cream. They also suggest to use it on damp skin, which I did, and I felt absorbed really quickly, leaving my skin comfortably moisturized. Consistency is pretty light and non-greasy plus it has a lovely scent too.

KORRES Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturiser

This face cream delivers 24h moisturization. The smell, as you may guess, is really nice. I like Korres and the natural philosophy they follow. This cream, in particular, was very lovely to use and sinked in nicely into my skin but it didn't blow me away.

RAHUA New Voluminous Shampoo & Conditioner

Amazing!!! and I'm not easily impressed with hair products. I could really see a difference in my hair - definitely in volume and general healthiness. Both shampoo and conditioner were a joy to use, lathering very nicely and easy to rinse. I got 2 uses out of each satchet but at £27/28.50, I'm pretty sure I can't efford to purchase, I'm afraid. :(

I know this items were already send in September GlossyBox but there're not in my box - I'm glad I got a second chance to try them!

VINIES AYURVEDA'S SOUL Luminous Skin Mask

We received 2 small pots of this product, which I thought it was nice - also because it should prolong the durability of the second pot (if you keep it sealed, whilst you finish the first).

Personally, I liked this face mask! I read many girls experienced nasty side effects like redness and burning sensation but luckly everything was normal with me. The first time, I left it for the minimum 2 minutes and then increased to 5, for the following applications. I didn't feel anything different when it was on my face but I experienced tingling after I washed it off. I'm thinking, maybe, the trick is to use COLD water (as directed). I did see (and felt) a difference and althought it says you could use it daily, I'm happy using it only once a week. It feels like 'heavy-duty' treatment and I wouldn't want to put my skin under too much stress - if you know what I mean.

It smells quite strongly of liquorice but I'm totally fine with that - I like chewing liquorice roots, so yeah not a problem for me!

STUDIOMAKEUP Rich Hydration Lipstick

I, actually, received the truly red shade but I swapped it for the tender pink. Mainly because I already have too many reds but now I'm in two minds about the pink; It's quite nice swatched on my hand but I'm not sure it really suits my skintone. I reckon I'm put off by the frost but maybe mixed with another pink, I'll manage to use it. What I learnt? Never impulse swap!!! ;)

November-wise: this was my favourite box, out of the three I receive. Which beauty boxes do you get? Which was your favourite?

xx