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Laura Mercier Eyeshadow

This is something I picked up before Christmas.

The eyeshadow is Crystal Beige and came out in the Laura Mercier Holiday Collection 2011 - Moonlight. 

Unfortunately, It was limited edition so I'm not sure if you can still find it - maybe online.

I don't usually go for single eyeshadows, in fact I only have a couple of Mac and I don't know every single name or dupes like many beauty gurus. I suppose, I'm quite safe when it comes to eyes and go for shades that complement my eye colour... and that's it!

I'm definitely more adventurous with lipsticks.

Anyway, I was randomly browsing in House of Fraser one cold Thursday night and swatched this tiny square... I don't even know why I put my finger in it, honestly, because in the pan it doesn't do much... but then I was hooked. 

It the most stunning metallic brown, warm rosy bronze... but in some lights it gets more purple then brown.

I don't think the name is appropriate, actually. Beige??!

Performance-wise, I'm happy: it's creamy, really pigmented and it doesn't crease on me. I can use it like a quick wash of colour on the eyelid, if I'm in a hurry but also blend it with another shadow for more depth.

I'm not crazy about the packaging: plastic feels cheap but I guess you're supposed to click it off and depot it into a palette. Still, for the price I would have liked something better.

what do you think -

 do you have any Laura Mercier eyeshadow?

FOTD

I went wedding ring hunting over the weekend - this is the casual make up I wore.

I don't have any idea which type of ring I want really... probably just simple band in white gold... am I being boring??!

FACE:

Nars Sheer Glow Foudation in Santa Fe

Giorgio Armani Corrector in no 1

Benefit Erase Paste in medium

Nars blusher in Sin

Benefit Moon Beam

EYES:

Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow Palette in Brandied Bronze

Clinique High Impact Mascara in black

Clinique Bottom Lash mascara in black

LIPS:

Clinique Chubby Stick in no 7 Super Strawberry

I loooove the shirt from Topshop - I bought it in 2009 and it's still going strong; very comfortable and love the colours! Here is a better image from 3 years ago... hehe :)

Boots Haul

... apologies - I wrote this post back in October but then It got forgotten in my draft so these offerS are no more available in store, I think...

Sanctuary Warming Microbrasion Polish - I love this product! It's a thick, creamy exfoliator to use on wet face and the water will active it, warming it up and helping drawing all the impurities out.

I have been using it regularly (I just requires once a week, personally) for over 2 years but I was running out so I decide to stock up again because Boots was giving the 2nd Sanctuary item for free.

Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask - as just mentioned, I got this for free! It's a full size bottle and works with the same principle of the polish: heat! The only criticism is that it's quite glue-ish and I found difficult to spread uniformly so ended up using more than necessary.

Also, it will not dry completely, which is a bonus as it's easier to remove.

I find these mud, clay masks really effective - especially with heat.

After using one or the other - my face feels so smooth and free from any oiliness.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Skin-Brightening MOisturiser SPF15 - I like many things about this product but somehow failed to wow me.

I got it because I read many positive reviews and it was on promotion with 3 pounds off.

I like the packaging, the bottle comes with a pump; I like that it got a SPF15 and the smell is nice too and fades away quickly.

'Skin brightening' because it has sparkling particles that reflects the light and helps hides imperfections - (well, in my opinion - I don't really think all that 'diffuse, trick the eye'-concept makes much of a difference!).

Anyway, the main issue I have with this cream is that it's too heavy. It looks like soufflé when out of the bottle but then I can feel it on my skin for many hours and it doesn't seem to sink it very well; in fact, I'm only using it when in the house or when I don't wear make up.

TRESemme' Naturals - Nourishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner - I never used to be too fuss about hair brands but now I wanna try to use more natural products. 

This new line says is 'hypoallergenic, no added colour with certified organic aloe vera and avocado oil'. Also, shampoo is lower in sulphates an conditioner silicone free.

I like this combo: my hair feel clean, not heavy... not sure about all the claims but I would recommend them. Promotion was buy 1 get 1 free.

No 7 Eyeshadow Blend and Contour Brush - much raved about brush, Mac 217 dupe... you all know... Used the £5 off voucher so it only cost me about £2.25

Finally, I got these samples:

Ojon Damage Reverse - Restorative Hair Treatment: Unfortunately, my face didn't like it. :(
 I put it on my hair, all was good and I really enjoyed the treatment but when in the shower, rinsing it off, I had an allergic reaction on my face. it was pretty bad, all red and burning so I, definitely, can't use this product but I would recommend to others.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 in Nude - to be honest, I was pretty disappointed!  This is supposed to be The Daddy of all tinted moisturisers but I found it too thick for my liking. I wouldn't want a foundation this heavy, nevertheless a tinted moisturiser. 

Colour-wise is a good match and it's a shame because I seriously love other LM products... just not this one. I'm glad I didn't cave in and bought without trying.

Lancome Teint Miracle - Lancome regularly send out vouchers to go and try products in store and this time it was for the foundation. I tried it before and I love it! That much in fact that it's on the short list for my wedding make up kit!

Anyway, I went in Debenhams, House of Fraser and Boots and I got matched 3 times with 3 different colours!

l-r: 010, 01, 03 swatched

blended

My shade is 010; the others are too dark or too yellow or too pink - I'm neutral.

Previously, I tried 02 which is also pretty good for me.

I really can't recommend this foundation enough! Have you tried it yet?

Escentual.com Haul 2/2

Here is what I got with the 2nd voucher:

Guerlain Meteorites Perles in Teint Rose'

Another Guerlain product - Hurray!!! - actually, I think these are the only Guerlain's that I own; I tried the foundations before but I was never wowed enough to buy them.

Another item off the wish-list!

I wanna find a good finishing powder - I have tried this only once but It seems a bit shimmering??... Maybe if I take out some of the 'white shimmer pearls'... anyone using the Meteorites??

The box, again, is beautiful and it smells divine too; I'm happy to have it and hopefully - with a bit of practise - I'll make it work for me.

it arrived a bit dusty but no balls were broken

product cleaned

Clarins Lift Minceur

This is a cellulite control, smoothing and firming body cream. I always use anti-cellulite creams because I do see a difference on my skin. I use more expensive ones or cheaper ones, I tried many brands and as soon as I stop, I see the condition worsen. 

At the moment, it's on special price at £28.40 instead of £35.50 (even cheaper than on Cheapsmells.com).

My sister recommended this, she said she saw a slimming effect - and I'm gonna put it to the test!

You can read about the first haul here
Did you get a voucher - what did you buy with it? 

xx

Escentual.com 1/2

So, you'll remember few weeks ago BuyaPowa.com ran a promotion for a Escentual.com £50 voucher for £30 - well, I ended up getting 2... naughty! :D

First of all, let me say that I'm very impressed with this company: I had never purchased from the website before and they have good brands at competitive prices. Also, the delivery is super-fast: Free First Class on orders over £50.

They include a sweet 'Thank you note' in their packages and a wee gift (see nail file, perfume sample).

This is what I got with 1 voucher:

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blusher in Pop

I've been meaning to try these cheek stains for some months now. I chose 'Pop' which is a limited edition colour, created to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support.

It's the perfect watermelon shade, ideal to uplift the complexion and easily blendable and buildable.

I like these formulations a lot - I pretty rarely use (only) a powder blush anymore.

Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs in Les Bois de Rose

I've been eyeing this compact for a while too; probably, because I've seen so many reviews on youtube and the colours looks really pretty and great to work with.

I was undecided on which one to buy: Les Gris and Les Fumes have some really stunning shades too but I tend to go with pink/purple eyeshadows (to complement my eyes) so I think I'm gonna get the most use out of this one.

The case is beautiful and I'm carefully keeping it fingerprint-less the longer possible ;)
 Once swatched, the eyeshadows are not disappointing. Creamy and easy to apply. Great pigment payoff.

Did you take advantage of this offer? What did you buy with your voucher?
xx

Nuxe - Reve de Miel range

The Reve de Miel range from Nuxe is based around honey and enriched with sunflower and precious plant oils.

 The Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm, is the first, original product which started this line in 1994 and I've been using it for the past couple of weeks: it's the perfect ally for this cold winter. This balm is very rich and comes in a pot - but the thick paste melts in contact with the heat from my skin and my lips are left with a glossy and moisturizing finish. I'm really getting addicted to this product and love the 'typical' nuxe writing on the pot.

I'm also loving that all the instructions are in the inside of the packaging, instead of on a separate leaflet - showing the green commitment of this brand.

Just at the beginning of this year, this range has been expandend and you can also pick up a lip stick, if you're not too keen on the pot.

New addictions, also, include Face & Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel, Ultra Comfortable Day and Night Cream.

Another star item for me is the Hand & Nail Cream. I always have really dry cuticles and hands but this cream does a great job in nourishing and softneing my skin without being greasy.

The texture is kinda of whipped and absorbes instantly leaving an amazing scent and a silky feeling.

it's the signature perfume of Nuxe - if you got the dry oil, you kow what I'm talking about - and its a scent I love.

Finally, worth mentioning, is the partnership with 'Un Toit Pour Les Abeilles' - an organization dedicated to the preservation of bees; Nuxe, in fact, sponsors 6 beehives in the north-east of France to help protect and develop a new colony in the Vosges region.

*pr samples*

Sales

I picked up this bag from the sales in Hobbs.

<3 LOVE <3

When I checked, a couple of weeks ago, they didn't have any left in store so I promptly ordered one on the website. I got it delivered in the store so I didn't pay for the postage but I had to wait 10 days - I'm not too bothered about that. I think it's a great option, if you're not in an hurry and you can save few quids.

I think it's beautiful! I've been eyeing it since it came out in the autumn but I resisted for the price tag... still expensive but Hobbs always have great quality items and I think it's worth investing in.

I like the buckets on the front and the colour: Light Plum. There's a black version too.

It comes with shoulder strap and dust bag - also, the lining is really pretty.

It's from the NW3 Admirals House collection and the name of the bag is Andy.

Finally, I found Bliss' Two Turtle Gloves set in Debenhams.

I have been suffering from very dry hands recently so I'm trying anything to make it better.

It has been reduced twice and I had a look for it in store before but could never find it... It must have been the last of the stockroom as the box was a bit battered.

The gloves have got kinda of a jelly lining and they're quite heavy; once you put them on they stick to your skin and you're supposed to leave them on for 20mins twice a week.

I've only used them a couple of times and my skin does feel really soft straight after the treatment but I don't know if it's going to make any improvement in the long run... hopefully...

The hand cream is a good size, non-greasy and nicely scented - nothing exceptional but I'm happy with it so far.

Have you tried these yourself?

GlossyBox Feb 2012

Very Disappointed. :(

There's no one item in here that I'll be using... In fact everything is up for swap, let me know if you interested.

I'd like to try the Dr Bronner's Magic Soap but in another scent, if anybody wants my lavender.

So, what did you receive? Are you happy with your box?

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