Nails of the Week - Nail Wraps

First attempt at water decal nail wraps... AND last one, I say!!!

They look pretty but...

what a pain! It's too fiddling and they lasted less than 48hrs

I think I'll stick to paint my nails, instead of wrapping them! ;P

GlossyBox - Harrods Edition

Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter: first things first - love that it is paraben free.

This is a beautiful body butter - the consistency means you need to work it in the skin a wee bit but once absorbed, it disappears.

It's, also, very refreshing and smells divine.

A definite pampering body product - shame it hasn't added benefits as anti-cellulite or firming.

ReVive Intensite' Creme Lustre SPF30: unfortunately, this is too thick for me; so thick that I found it even hard to get it out of the jar. I tried few times, at night, and it just doesn't suit my skin type but I read nice reviews from other users. 

I will pass it over to my mum, I think, as she has dry skin.

Versace Vanitas Eau de Parfum: I'm not a fan of perfume samples as they are so personal - and I'm so fussy - that I rarely liked the ones that I was sent before.

Exception to the rule, I suppose, as Im really liking this scent; also, it's a deluxe sample - the bottle is quite big and very pretty - love the engravings on the cap.

Clarins Entra-Firming Body Cream: this cream is just right up my alley - exactly what I look for in a body cream. The tube is too small to really see any improvement in the toning department but I have faith in Clarins and I might give a full size bottle a go.

Leighton Denny nail polish in Honey Trap: I was sent another Leighton Denny varnish before but I didn't like it very much as it took ages to dry.

This looks better: love the colour, it has a very glossy finish and it's not streaky at all... liking the mini bottle, too.

Everything's available to purchase from Harrods

Which box did you receive? Happy with the content?

xxx

bareMinerals READY - first thoughts

Recently, I mentioned that I'm getting hooked on bareMinerals - I'm very impressed with all the products I've tried so far: staying power is good, colours are pretty... mineral make up has, definitely, made great improvements in recent years.

Anyway, bM just came out with a new line READY, including eye palettes, finishing powder, blushes... the difference? They are pressed powders. 

In my opinion, a good decision as I was complaining about the mess in my review here.

I went and bought an eyeshadow duo. They remind me of the Nars duos - also because the packaging is the same rubbery material. This is - definitely - a lovely set for 19quid!

I chose The Vision because I don't have anything quite like this. Also, the dark one - Mirage - looks pretty similar to Lorac 3D-licious eyeshadow which was on my list and considering this is not a colour I would use very often, it's a good compromise (price-wise too). It's a brown with a blue duo chrome, really pretty.

The lighter shade - Illusion - is the prettiest powder blue without looking chalky.

They appears like powder but transform into cream, don't crease and they blend very well too.

I may pick few more colours - The Phenomenon, Hidden Agenda and Paradise Found are top of my list.

Btw, did you notice that Debenhams Beauty Club Card - they add a random 500 points into your account, sometimes? They are not points that you have earned but bonuses (like a fiver fallen from the sky) that needs to be used pretty fast, tho (usually in 2/4 weeks time) otherwise you'll loose them... anyway, I thought to mention it as I lost some myself in the past and used this promotion in the above purchase.

Have you tried this product... or looking forward to? :)

FOTD

Face:

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint in 01 Bare

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in 3 medium

Mac Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom

Eyes:

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in 40 Permanent Taupe

Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra-Black

Versace Comfort Eye Pencil in 007 Teal*

Lips:

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 080 Strawberry Shortcake

*this is quite an old eye pencil... in fact I don't think Versace even makes make up anymore... It's a pretty teal colour tho and stays put forever; I'll try and post some swatches, if you're interested... :)

Also, I have started adding links to the swatched of the products... let me know if this is any helpful :)

I love the colours on the this Lee shirt, too!!!

Debenhams 4/6

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium

I don't have a favourite setting powder so I have been trying few different ones, recently. I don't need to use a setting powder regularly, luckly... nevertheless I've started this quest to find the perfect one to use on my wedding day.

One product that always seems to come up as a recommendation on blogs is the Mac Mineralize SkinFinish.

Let me just have a rant now! So, I went to the MAc counter in House of Fraser Glasgow to have a feel of this powder, research it a bit... well, it was the most horrific experience - seriously! 

First, I had to wander about for at least 10 minutes before somebody acknowledged my presence... I had to STARE until I, finally, met eyes with one of them and prompt her to come to me. (let's just leave the fact that she was the most flat, non enthusiastic sales assistant ever)... what really makes her a criminal is the fact that she applied said product with a cotton wool pad on my face!!! I let you immagine the result! 

I felt and looked like a layer of wax had been poured on me and I was so upset and ashamed to be seen like that in public that I only caught the first train home, abbandoning my day of shopping. :(

Of course, she didn't even manage to colourmatch me correctly!

All this just to tell you why I NEVER BUY AT MAC COUNTERS!!! I'm no expert but oh boy, to receive such service and getting disappointed (so many times)... I can, definitely, do a better judgment job myself.

Anyway, back to the product: I chose medium and it is damn good indeed.

Elemis Absolute Eye Mask
I, extensively, raved about the serum here - so I decided I want to try every product from Elemis eye range. I picked up this mask because I  have never used an eye mask before but I adore face masks and I can see the benefits of using them.

Unfortunately, this product doesn't seem to make any difference for me!

It said you can use it up to 3 times per week (which seems too much in my opinion), the consistency is very light, gel-like but - aside from the fact that I didn't notice any improvment - it also stings a bit!

I can say, firmly, that I won't repurchase but I'm finishing it up, using it during my weekly steam facial to protect that area (instead of using vaseline).

this quantity is, actually, enough for both eyes... directions state to use sparingly

Have you tried any of these products... I would love to hear your thoughts!
xxx

FOTD - a day in Edinburgh

FACE:
Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H in 30
Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light
Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame
Nars Cream Blush in Cactus Flower

EYES:
Bare Minerals High Shine EyeColor in Vapor*
Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire
Dior DiorShow New Look mascara

LIPS:
Nars Cream Blush in Cactus Flower


* talking about BM here - http://fashion-olic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/debenhams-36.html

close up of the BM eyeshadow

Debenhams 3/6

MAC Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom

Finally, I managed to get my hands on this blush. Originally, It was a limited edition in the Spring Forecast Collection 2010 but I missed out. Luckly, it has been recently re-issued in the Daphne Guinness Collection.

Disappointed about the packaging as, although it's a limited editon, it's nothing special but the ordinary black Mac pot.

The product itself... ummm, I'm not sure either. I like the ombre' mix between pink and violet, resulting in a cool pink tone... but it feels a bit waxy and it doesn't write too well... I might just have to try and scratch the surface and see if it improves. 

Is anybody else's having the same problem with this blush?

Bare Minerals High Shine EyeColor in Vapor

I've only recently been discovering this brand... I think the mineral foundation is excellent so I have high expectations for other products too. :)

I decided to try the eyeshadow: there are sooo many pretty colours, they are all vibrant and with dimension. I picked Vapor as I don't have anything similar in my collection; it's a rich, high pigmented blue-ish grey.

I really like it: it's very cream and goes on beautifully without creasing. Being a powder, tho, application can be a bit tricky and definitely not something I reach for when in a hurry. 

Also, I'm not a fan of the packaging - it's very messy and feels like there's not much product in the tube. Apart from that, I'd like to try other colours too - have a look at Meteorite or Moonshine... aren't they gorgeous?!

Finally, I was so thrilled to receive a sample of Especially Escada eau de parfum as I love it!!!

Btw, I don't know what's the deal with Debenhams freebies with online orders: sometimes they send you a sample, sometimes they don't and doesn't even seem to be connected to how much you spend... boh!

This week I'm in love with...

My skin is in exceptional good condition lately - probably thanks to the detox and care I took in preparation for the wedding.

My skin tone is definitey more even - my main issue - so I can pull off only wearing a tinted moisturizer.

I decided to start with the queen of the tinted moisturizers - Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint.

I've been looking around and this is definitely the mostly loved... and I can see why!

It looks a bit thick just out of the tube but when applied it, literally, melts into the skin! I chose the shade Bare 01 as the others look too dark for me. 

I like the glow coming through when I use this product; my skin looks radiant and even. It really - simply - beautify my skin and you can't detect I'm wearing any coverage at all.

As always, Liz Earle products are enriched with natural ingredients and in this case you'll find borage, avocado and vitamin E.

Also, VERY IMPORTANT, it has mineral UV SPF15 protection and apparently, mineral sunscreens are the safest as they are less likely to cause sensitivities and also reflect rather than absorb UVA and UVB rays... I didn't know that!! Bonus!!

*****

BREAKING NEWS FOR ALL LIZ EARLE FANS!!!

I was just informed that there's a fantastic offer coming up next week:

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (100ml plus two pure muslin cloths) will be available for the original lanch price of £9.50!!!!

This offer will start on Wednesday 23rd May until Friday 25th May, or while stocks last.

This is a great opportunity to stock up on the award winner cleanser or give it a try, if you've never used it before.

Exclusively on lizearle.com or via Customer Care line 01983 813 913.

*pr sample*

Samples/Swaps/Freebies Update

St. Ives Apricot Scrub Invigorating 

I think I requested this on Facebook - it's a good size tube and I'm liking it a lot. Enjoying using it so I will probably purchase after it's finished. Great budget exfoliator!

Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste

I, actually, forgot about this - You could get it, signing in on their website.

Nothing too exciting (it's toothpaste!) but useful - again, a great size sample, also for travelling.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation & BB Cream

I, also, received this in the post few weeks ago; I haven't had the chance to try them yet but looking forward to the foundation, especially. I read great reviews!

Erno Laszlo - The Hollywod Collection

Unfortunately, due to the recent increase at the post office I'll keep the swapping to a minimum :(

I got this sent from Chloe @ Giada Beauty

This is a super super luxurious brand and there are 5 different skincare products in this set - very excited to put them to the test!! 

Rituals Wai Wang Body Scrub with Easy Living Magazine

Since receiving the shower foam in a GlossyBox few months ago, I'm adoring Rituals products!

I haven't tried this line yet and it smells amazing - there's also a choice of body lotion with the magazine.