FOTN - Mother's Day Dinner

Hello girls! Sorry, I've been quiet - just back home and running about like crazy to sort stuff for the wedding. Hopefully, I'll try do more posts next week... Here is a wee look, in the meantime. :) kisses xoxoxo

FACE:

Estee Lauder DayWear BB Cream in 01 Light

St. Tropez Skin Illuminator in Violet

Mac Sheertone Blush in Blushbaby

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in 1 Pink

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer in 3 Medium

EYES:

Bobbi Brown Sand Tortoiseshell Eye Palette

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara

LIPS:

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 090 Sweet Tart

I wore my new skirt, bought last week (check here) with a very old top from H&M (this is 6/7 years old but I like how it looks on me) :)

FOTN - Anniversary Dinner

Face:

Maybelline The Eraser Foundation in 040 Fawn

Benefit Erase Paste in medium

Givenchy Prisme Again Blush in Red Passion

Benefit High Beam

Eyes:

Mac Paint Pot in Painterly

L'Oreal Chrome Intensity Eyeshadow in 182 Blue Jean

Ysl Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils in 4 Sea Black

Daniel Sandler Baby Jet mascara

Benefit Bad Gal Blue mascara

Collection 2000 Idol'Eyes in Bling

Lips:

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in 78 Phoenix

Our 'get-together' anniversary was back in October. We've been going to Jamie's Italian for the last couple of years... it's pretty pricey so we end up going once a year, really. I think the food is really good, tho; my favourite dishes include Polenta Chips and Tagliatelle with Truffle Oil. Man, I'm hungry again! ;)

Zaggora Hot Pants Review

I got the Zaggora Hot Pants with a Groupon offer - it was few months ago now, but I think I paid £19 for them.

If you wanna read about all the claims - please, go to their website.

Personally, I didn't experience any increase in helping loosing weight but I admit I haven't been wearing them ALL the time. I wear them during the day, around the house (I work from home so basically a minimum of 5 days per week - 10 hours per day) but I can't wear them when at the gym or at nightime; simply because I get too warm and so uncomfortable. I tried to exercise in them but I had to stop because I was so hot that I felt like fainting.

In my opinion, what all the testimonials on the website are experiencing is water loss (a bit like the foil suits of the eighties) and people that maybe have a lot of weight to loose and they would see a difference even without pants, as soon as they make few changes to their diet.

I did notice an improvement to the appearance of my skin: The skin on my thighs and bottocks is definitely much smoother and softEr and even my fiance' commented on it. :)

Well, in conclusion, I don't really think they are worth all the hype - I got them and I'm wearing them... until one day I'll forget about them and I won't miss them! 

Have you tried them?

and the Winner is...

Sunny!!!

Congratulations girl - your prize is on the way... Enjoy!!! :)

St Tropez at the Oscars

St. Tropez has been collaborating with international, first class events for many years; only recently, it was present for the sixth season in a row to London Fashion Week, making models glow on both at Roksanda Ilincic and Erdem catwalks.

Personally, I got a soft spot for the glamour-ness of Hollywood and I was thrilled to discover that the hottest starlets received custom skin finishing treatments for the red carpet, courtesy of St. Tropez!

It's the fourth year that St. Tropez Light, Camera, Glow! treatment helps these celebrities achieve flawless, glowing skin for the biggest night of the year.

We have the Contemporary Tan seen on Penelope Cruz - the Luxe Tan chosen by Gwyneth Paltrow - or the Pastel Tan as rocked by Emma Stone.

Personally, I chose to try the Vintage Tan: "1940s rich and creamy skin meets a soft 1950s glow"

To master this look, I'm using Gradual Tan Firming Lotion everyday; I start brushing my skin before showing and then apply the lotion on clean, dry skin at night time.

I'm, genuinely, loving this product: what's selling it to me is the fact that it also tone my skin. I, rarely, use a 'simple moisturizer' but always reach for toning, cellulite-fighting ingredients too.

It's, truly, gradual as I started to see some colour after 4/5 days and you don't risk to become too dark too quickly. I'm concentrating on my arms and decollete and I'll keep using it until the wedding to get a bit of colour.

Also, it has a beautiful scent and it never develop to the 'biscuit smell' of many of these tanning products.

The second step consists of Violet Skin Illuminator, strategically applied to get a dusky romantic complexion.

This product is very easy to blend on the skin and because it's used on the red carpet, it's guaranteed to photography well, too - you should concentrate on shoulder and collarbone but it can also be used on the face: cheekbones, bridge of the nose to add instant luminosity!

I chose the violet version which is suitable of every skintone but there's also a rose illuminator (for pink undertone) and gold (for yellow undertone). 

Which is your St. Tropez favourite product?

*pr sample*

Samples/Freebies Time

The girl at the Nars counter in House of Fraser recognises me by now... hehe... in fact, she approached me and asked me if I wanted to try the new Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturiser SPF30 (first time EVER i was offered a sample, without asking!!!) - She did mention she remembered me. :)

They just had 1 light and 1 medium shade to try so she just gave me the best suitable for me and she told me to go back and get properly matched once the product goes on sale.

I quite liked it but I still prefer their sheer foundation. Don't get me wrong, it's still a winner product but the foundation is more dewy and that's the look that I go for.

It's perfect for when you're in a hurry and I, definitely, prefer it to the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.

Debenhams Facebook' page sent out an invitation to go in store and collect a sample of Bare Minerals Original SPF15 Foundation.

When I got there, the sale assistant didn't know anything about it - well, surprise surprise, it happened before - so I showed the screenshot on my phone and then she was happy to give me a sample.

The colour I got is medium beige N20 - which is a tad dark for me.

I don't think this is giving me enough coverage: my main concern is pigmentation and I still prefer liquid foundation for uniforming my skin. I do like the finish it provides so I'm gonna use it more like a finishing powder on top.

It, also, comes with a tiny kabuki brush: although it's pretty small, it's very dense and it works fairly well.

She gave me the cleanser and moisturiser but I haven't tried these yet.

Finally, I got a copy of Glamour magazine with the Percy & Reed - I went for the Totally TLC Hydrating Mask.
I used it last night and this morning my hair felt bouncy and light.
The only thing I don't really like is the smell - it smells like an aftershave to me.
It's a pre-shampoo treatment to apply on dry hair from roots to ends. Then you need to wrap hair and leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes.
I reckon, now that my hair are short, the tube will last for 4 applications.
Have you picked up one of these products? Which one?

Lancome Visionnaire LR2412 4%
I got this in the post ages ago and I, finally, got around to try it.
I used it like a serum, layered with my night cream, at night but to be honest I didn't see any improvement. It looks more like a cream than a 'runny' consistency of a serum and I felt it left my skin a bit sticky.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Express Treatment Conditioner

You could order this on their Facebook page. It's a big tube - more a travel size than a sample, I'd say so kudos for that but I didn't think it was anything special. 

It has to be used as a conditioner, after shampoo and then leave it for a minute and some kinda of miracle should happen... well, it didn't.

I think it's an average conditioner... but that's it.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm

I really like the masque and scrub from this line and I heard good review on youtube about this eye cream; supposedly, you can used it both day and night but I think this is more like a primer and not moisturising enough to become your only eye product. 

It feels like a balm and it takes ages to absorb... plus, it's supposed to fill in fine line and avoid creasing but I haven't noticed any difference, to be honest.

Anybody tried this product??

Estee Lauder Day Wear BB Cream

I ordered this on LatestinBeauty, as many others; it cost a couple of quid by txt - I know, paying for a sample... what was I thinking??!! ;)

The colour is 01 Light and it's perfect for me. It lasted well for 5+ hours without setting and I was never shiny. I'm not blown away and, in comparison with the Garnier one, I choose the Garnier - merely for the price point of view.  I find all these BB creams to be very similar in performance, to be honest.

Also, EL has a floral scent and - at first - it's lovely but It tends to linger on the skin all day.

Which samples have you been trying lately?
xx

Clothes Haul

I haven't bought any clothes in a while, actually - here are a few things I picked up recently.

River Island Light Beige Bird Print Chelsea Girl Top

First, I saw the dress on the website... I just loved the print but the model was pretty boring.

Gladly, I found the blouse in store and when I tried it, I also liked the cut.

The material is kinda of silky and very soft; I hope they're going to make more of these with different prints 'cause it's so flattering. 

Affordable too - it's £15.

(Tights are from Primark - nothing special to add there!)

Last week, Debenhams was running a 25% off on clothes and, on saturday, I received an email with a promo code for extra 10% - so, I decided to order few pieces on the website. 

I also used quidco for cashback so I think I got a pretty good deal and saved close to 20 pounds. :)

J by Jasper Conran - Brown Pleat Front A-line Skirt

This skirt has a beautiful line that suits everybody - I love the colour and I think it will look great with the River Island shirt above.

J by Jasper Conran - Dark Red Ethnic Print Dress

Fitting room picture is a must!! ;)

I fell in love with this dress as soon as I spotted it in store few weeks back. I'm - mostly - inpressed with the print but It feels great on the skin, too. It has long sleeves but it's very fresh so I will, definitely, bring this with me in Italy - perfect for an evening stroll.

Davina McCall for Next - the Fit Shoes

I remember seeing this online, when the collection was announced back in December... but then I totally forgot about them!

I like the Cath Kidston-esque print meet Converse style.

They have pink soles and no laces... I think they're pretty cute. :)

Giveaway Reminder & Haircut

It's now, officially, less than a month to my wedding - arghhhh!!!

I'm mostly excited now and I can't wait for the big day but at the same time I don't want to come too fast... I'll, probably, sounds weird but I'm loving being engaged. :)

Anyway... also, a reminder about my giveway - you got time until the 20th march and you can enter here:

http://fashion-olic.blogspot.com/2012/03/giveaway-time.html

Yesterday, I went for an haircut.

I haven't had my hair this short since before the engagement; I have been growing it, just in case I decided in a particular style for the wedding but, to be honest, I don't suit up-dos and I prefer my hair short, anyway.

I have a couple of trials booked in Italy but if nothing convinces me, at least I still have my 'fresh' haircut to fall back on. :)

The fringe is a bit shorter than usual but that way, it has time to grow to the right length for the big day.

Pardon the messy make-up but I had to brush a massive quantity of hair off of my face. ;P

Finally, I popped in Boots to collect my Revlon Lip Butters delivery; I decided to get it delivered in store to avoid missing the postman since I knew I was in town for the haircut.

I have been waiting for so long about these to come out and got a bit carried away and ordered 6 - they're in offer, 2 for £10 and they'll be available in store from monday.

I'm planning on going to swatch them and then decide which ones to return so sorry but they're still sealed (it's a torture!!).

Which ones should I keep? :)

I, also, ordered these extra bits:

Eylure Naturalites 101 - these are my favourite Eylure lashes.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in medium - everybody seems to love this so I had to try it. I'm, especially, hoping it won't crease.

Nailene Perfect Tips - I'm not into french manicure but I wanna try the nude/light blue which is trending after Zooey Deschanel picture. 

More Beauty Swaps

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

I'm not too bothered with hair products; I like a mask here and there but I don't have one that I swear by and I always try a different one (usually, what's on offer in Boots).

Then, I heard that the Elasticizer was originally created for Audrey Hepburn so I HAD to try it.

This is pre-shampoo treatment with improves elasticity and shine and provides UV protection.

I love it! It will, definitely, become a staple in my hair routine (in fact, I noticed it's on the 'wish-list' on buyapowa and looking forward to buy a full size!!).

I swapped with the gorgeous Emily @ peoniesandsweetpeas.blogspot.com

Trind Nail Repair

This is a treatment supposed to straighten your nails - you need to apply it everyday for 2 weeks but remove the previous coat before (which I thought was a pain plus using acetone everyday... surely can't do any good). I really didn't see any improvement on my nails appearance but I liked the shiny finish so I will just use it up as a top coat.

The Balm Frat Boy Blush

This is such a gorgeous colour!!! It has no shimmer, not too over-powering but easy buildable and so cream - it's a joy to apply. Definitely, one of my fave blusher of all time. <3

Both of the above, traded with the talented Katie @ Facebook.com/heartbeads


Gatineau Strategie Jeuness Throat Gel

Gatineau Defi Lift 3D Mask has been on my wish-list for a long time (and probably stay there for a bit longer) - apparently, it's a red carpet must have... so when I saw this product, I jumped at the chance of trying the brand and hopefully banish the double chin, before the big day!! ;)
So far so good - I'm loving this gel: it's very fresh and light, lovely smell and it has definitely a tensor effect. I would expect this to be very expensive so I don't think I'm gonna buy again but I'm definitely enjoying this tube.

Elizabeth Arden All-Over Cellulite Skin Treatment with Green Tea

I didn't really enjoy this product - It smelled funny and it didn't do anything for my cellulite, to be honest. Also, it was a bit sticky and It didn't even firm my skin. I think it has been discontinued now and I understand why.

Biotherm Body Resculpt Svelt 

Biotherm is one of my favourite body cream on the market - sure, they're on the expensive side but I like how they perform and I usually stock up when they are on offer (they regularly run 3for2 in Boots)... and this one didn't disappoint either. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it on the market in Uk - they have probably replaced it with their S & D code but it's still available to buy in Europe.

Last three creams got from Martina Smith.

This Works Clean Skin Daily Wash

Since receiving my Clarisonic at Christmas, I have been trying all different cleansers with it. This one is, definitely, in the top 3: It works very well with the Clarisonic but it fairs well also 'manually'.
It gets rid of make up easily and the olive oil performs as a moisturiser too. It never dries my skin or make me break out. I'll definitely consider buy the full size.
Swapped with Dorothy @ http://dorothyinbeauty.blogspot.com/

Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask

I'm a huge fan of this brand - and you can read me raving about their body stuff here & here.
Unfortunately, the face mask didnt live up to my expectations; it really didn't do anything for me. :(
I received this from Charlotte Johnson.

Are you a fellow swapper?? :)

Esme Perfume Pendant

If you're, like me, a jewellery AND perfume junkie... then this is the perfect accessorise for you!!!

Esme has created a pendant with a inner heart to store your favourite fragance - ideal to freshen up when out and about.

The jewellery part: it's a stunning Faberge-esque enamel egg with crystals encrusted rim. 

It comes on a 30" silver chain and it has a magnetic fastening.

The perfume part: inside the pendant is hosted a wee container with a rollerball dispenser; all you have to do is spray your perfume into it 2/3 times... and voila' your favourite scent is ready to be with you all day.

Pretty cool, uh!! :)

Esme has created their signature fragrance too; it's described as 'an invigorating fragrance with zesty mandarin and grapefruit entwined with thyme, mint and green notes'... sounds very interesting!!

There's, also a keyring available to buy and the pendant comes in all different colours and styles... I already have my eyes set on the storm blue one :)

It's the perfect and original gift for Mother's Day.

Available to purchase at www.esmejewellery.co.uk

*pr sample*