L'Occitane Angelica Instant Hydration Mask

L'Occitane en provence has just added three new products to the already successful Angelica line: 

- instant hydration mask

- exfoliating gel

- hydration face mist

I'm a lover and believer of face masks but having combination skin, I have always moved towards purifying, mud/clay types. Years ago, little I knew that there's an actual difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin and that's why L'Occitane Instant Hydration Mask* is suitable for every skin type.

You can have oily skin and yet being dehydrated - like I have experienced in the last couple of years.
You can do a quick test: pinch your cheek and if the skin doesn't return to its original form fairly quickly, you can also suffer for dehydration.

This mask is great to restore elasticity to the face; it works effectively in 3 minutes and you'll see that your cheeks are instantly plumped and radiance. It's, also, very gentle and doesn't leave any redness afterwards so it's ideal as a last minute boost, before a special event.

The star ingredients are organic angelica water and essential oil and in fact the mask feels like a gel, very light and ultra fresh... such a joy to apply, especially in summer.

Angelica is quite an extraordinary plant, actually: I read, on L'Occitane website, that it can grow to a height of up to two meters in just few days, thanks to its capacity for self-hydration.

I always find it interesting to read the 'boring facts' on how the science and nature behind these products work and take inspiration from... call me geek! ;P

What I noticed is that you need to use it constantly/regularly to fully see the benefits and I have integrated it in my routine, using it 2 times per week. Also, I recommend to apply a generous thick layer to allow the skin to really soak it in.

Oh, and the scent is of delicate flowers (that I imagine is how angelica smells like)!

Have you tried this L'Occitane line before? I already have the Angelica UV Shield SPF40 on my list...

New iPhone Case

Just want to share my new iPhone case with you, guys...

Isn't it sooo cute?? I love owls - hehe ;)

Originally, I wanted the Iconemesis Bows Case but no way I'm gonna spend 25quid on a case... especially since my last one fell to pieces unreasonably quickly... so, from now on, I'm not gonna spend more than £5 on a case!

I got this one on ebay from this seller - personally, I had a good experience: it's based in Uk, free delivery and arrived pretty fast.

Introducing - Prtty Peaushun

PRTTY PEAUSHUN Skin Tight Body Lotion* could be easily described as a body lotion... but it's so much more than that!

I don't like self-tanning especially since reading in an article recently that it's not that harmless; sure, it's better than sunbeds but it actually create an humongous number of free radicals... did you know that?

Now that I've discovered this magic potion that is prtty peaushun, I don't feel the need for self-tanning products, anymore.

Created by celebrity make up artist, Bethany Karlyn and I was lucky enough to have some sent to try by Bethany herself.

This is an all natural product infused with an innovative blend of plant extracts to lift, firm tighten the skin.... plus it has light reflecting particles that blurs imperfections and give a flattering, sexy glow.

It can, also, be used on face and hair.

You could argue that there are other similar products on the market... but no, my friend, this is the bee's knees!

The formula is the true innovation: Prtty Peaushun is made of 92% natural raw ingredients, fragrance free and no toxic ingredients!

Also, everything is green about this product: the packaging is designed to leave the least carbon footprint as possible (although, I need to admit that my only criticism goes to the packaging which I find not very practical and I took it travelling with me and I was worried it would break in my luggage).

It comes in 4 shades: light, medium, dark and extra dark - the one demonstrated below is medium.

 
 

 
Honestly, you have to try it to really believe how amazing it is... until then, have a look on the website

www.prttypeaushun.com and the red carpet photos on the official blog!

I used it on my wedding day (blogpost here) and I don't think I could give it a better compliment than that! :)

"Look Great in Your Birthday Suit"

Liz Earle Summer Offer Sneak Peek

Hello ladies!

Just a quick lunchtime update coming from Liz Earle HQ:

a new offer - including this beautiful summer bag - will be launching tomorrow on the website at 9am.

I'm soo curious - I can't wait to have a look tomorrow 'cause I WANT this bag!!! :)

www.lizearle.com

 

FOTD - shopping date

Face: Benefit Hello Flawless foundation in Honey, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in 3 medium, Wet n Wild ColorIcon blusher in Pearlescent Pink, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes;

Eyes: Wet n Wild ColorIcon Eyeshadow Trio in Knock On Wood, Shu Eumura Eyelash Curler, Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect mascara;

Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in 050 Berry Smoothie.

What's in My Handbag

www.whatsinmyhandbag.com is another website which is becoming popular, lately...

You'll find a pick inside other women's bags, which is great if you're noisy by nature and it's also great for discovering new products.

You can share your own bag content, have the chance to add items to your wishlist plus create your beauty cabinet with products that you own yourself.

Every week - they, also, offer a product to try: you can register very easily on the website and if your name is drawn, you'll receive your sample in the post.

I was lucky enough to be picked and received Miller Harris Citron Citron - both a parfume sample and a body lotion.

lovely personal message on the wrapping

 I'm pretty picky when coming to scents but I'm liking this sample - it's very fresh and citrusy and I think I will enjoy wearing it, this summer.

The body lotion - well, this is going to waste with me as I don't do 'plain' body creams so I will not be using it. I will, probably, add this to my swap box and try to exchange it with something else.

Have you signed in to wimh yet?

xx

Wedding Post - Make Up (part 1)

Hi guys!

Many of you know that I got married recently and got many requests about the dress, make up... 

so, I've finally got around to write about my big day - I've scheduled few different post... 

We had a great time and loved every minute, I can't believe it was over a month ago already!!!

Hope you enjoy :)

Let's start with make-up (of course!!)

I got ready in my parents' room - I thought the furniture would suit best for the vintage feeling and taking the pictures.

I did my own make up (and my mum's); at first, I decided to do my make up because I didn't know any make up artists in Italy and to be completely honest I knew I just wouldn't trust somebody else's. I wanted to have control on the products used and the end result, of course.

I must admit that a few days before I started to get very nervous and having second thoughts: what if I was too nervous to cope with the pressure? It could have easily been a disaster... Well, it was too late to change my mind... and luckly, I was pretty calm on the morning and everything went smoothly. :)

Here is what I used:

I started using Clarins Flash Balm as a primer and the foundation I chose is Nars Sheer Glow in Deauville; I used the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply the foundation - definitely the best brush for foundation, in my opinion.

Concealers - under my eyes: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in 1 pink, followed by Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer in 07 Warm Light.
To perfecting the skin, I used Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3.

Eyes - started with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in original and then patted Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in 86 Ebloui on the eyelid with my fingers; this product is amazing! I've been using it for some time now and I really like the quality - want more colours (review to follow soon).
Then added a layer of Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour in Crystal Beige; this colour works well with the Chanel - also, the powder shadow helps to set the cream shadow.
Both are between brown and purple: brown is ideal for a classic look and the purple is perfect to bring out the green of my eyes.
Finally, i brought both under my eyes too.
I used YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Shocking just a thin line to thicken the lashline; I like how glossy this product looks and the felt tip is foolproof to use, even with shaky hands :P
I, also, added a bit of Revlon Grow Luscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso on the upper waterline and bottom outer corner.
I curled my lashes with Shu Uemura and first applied a coat of L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra-Black (to separate) and a second coat of Clinique High Impact (to volumize). Finally, I used the Clinique Bottom Lash wand for applying the L'oreal to the bottom lashes (the actual product of the Bottom Lash mascara is definitely NOT waterproof - be aware of that!).
In the end, I decided to leave the false eyelashes.

On the cheeks, I used Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl as highlighter - Nars Blush in Sex Appeal to sculpt under the cheekbone (I'm not a fan of bronzers).
Then, I applied a first layer of Benefit Posie Tint on the apple of my cheeks and a second layer of a powder blush - I chose Givenchy Sari Glow in 43 Maharani Pink... this product gives the most beautiful radiance to the skin and I don't use it enough!

Lips were, heavily, moisturised with Lanolips and then a touch of Lancome French Touch Lipstick in Sweet Marmalade, for some colour.

****
These are the body products that I used in preparation towards the big day:

I brushed my skin everyday, before showers, with the Bliss FatGirl Slimulator to boost circulation.
Collistar Talasso scrub on alternating days and Collistar Intensive Anti-Cellulite Serum twice a day on problematic areas. Also, The Beauty Parlour gel on my chest twice a day.
St Tropez Firming Gradual Tan Lotion three times a week for the last month to get a bit of glow and maintain it - on chest and arms.
PRTTY PEAUSHUN in medium on the morning of the wedding - this is such an exciting product and I can't wait to speak about it extensively very soon!!! This deserves a post of his own!!!

Finally, essentials that I took with me to touch up, during the day:

Chanel Le Vernis in June - actually, this is the nail polish I decided to wear; I decided to go with something special for the occasion and, being the colours of the wedding Sapphire & Coral, this was just bang on theme. I only applied two very thin coats - I only wanted some colour.
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in medium to keep shine at bay.
Simple Eye Make-up Corrector Pen to touch up any smudges (although, I need to say I didn't have to use it: even with tears, both mascara and liner hold up well).
L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream - everybody knows your hands are at the centre of attention and this is a great hand softener plus smells divine.
Lanolips - of course!!!
Avene Thermal Water Spray to freshen up the make up (used it only once, Nars foundation really didn't need any help - it did a fantastic job!).

... and that's it - I think I mentioned all the products...

I'll follow with a post with my sister's &  mum's make up :)

FOTD

Make up that I wore in my Oasap Post:

Face: Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation Primer, L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation in N4 Pure beige, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush in 60 Coffee Cake, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes;

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Givenchy Ombre a Fleur de Peau in 1 Pearly Rose, Revlon GrowLuscious mascara, Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso;

Lips: Ysl Rouge pur Couture Glossy Lip Stain in 7 Corail Aquatique.

Delivery / Oasis

 I saw Oasis was doing a 20% off dresses last weekend so I had a browse to see if I could find anything interesting... and surely enough, something caught my eyes. ;)

Nouveau Fantasy Dress

When I saw this dress, I instantly fell in love with it!

I like the pleating in the skirt and ADORE this art nouveau-esque print.

It, also, has a cut out detail in the back, cap sleeves and grey & gold belt - Just Gorgeous!

The colours makes it perfect, as well - the pastel blue and pink of the flowers with the cream of the background...  I would say it's very lady-like and ideal for a special occasion, like a fancy party or a wedding.

I ordered it online, but I popped in store first to check sizes and spotted this bracelet, too:

Multi Jingle Bracelet

 

 Man, I can't start to explain how much I love it!!!

It has clusters of pale rose beads on a rose gold setting - This-is-everything-I-could-possibly-want-in-a-bracelet-and-even-more!

It's, easily, become my favourite bracelet and it will got perfectly with the dress, too... I just wish they're doing matching earrings :(

Do you shop in Oasis often?
xx

Recently, I have won a couple of giveaways...

Treacle Moon - Iced Strawberry Dream Bath & Shower Gel 

I won this on We Were Raised By Wolves - It's a limited edition and smells sooo lush!

It, truly, smells like strawberry milkshake and I need to retrain myself, otherwise I'll drink it straight from the bottle. ;)

I like to indulge it in a warm bath - It creates loads of bobbles and my skin feels so soft, afterward.

I find it extremely moisturizing and also love the cute drawings on the bottle.

Go and check Evelyn blog - she has a great review on this product, too.

Natural Radiance Cucumber Collagen Mask

I received this from LolaStar Hearts.

I love face masks but I have never tried this sheet ones... and really looking forward to!

It says it's 100% pulp and you can feel the product being 'gel-like' inside the pouch.

I haven't tried it yet because it says "the cucumber is ideal to restore the skin after UV exposure and create a cooling effect" so I want to save it maybe for when I go to the beach or on holiday and try it at its full potentials.

Did you win any giveaway, recently?

Remember to enter mine here!!

x

Introducing / Oasap

You have, probably, read quite a lot about Oasap website recently...

If you have a blog - don't need to be specifically about fashion, beauty blogs are also accepted - you can apply for the Oasap Fashion Hunter Program. 

Based on how many followers you have (minimum 300), they will add some store credit into your account that you can use to buy from the website. Delivery is also free.

Once accepted, you only need to add the banner on your blog (you'll find mine on the bottom right)... and start shopping. ;)

For what I understand, you need to be invited by a member so if you'd like to apply for this scheme, leave your email address below and I'll forward it to the website (or you can also email me privately, if you prefer).  I think that if they accept you, I'll get some extra store credit and so on... once you are part of the program you can invite friends and get bonuses, too... 

When you receive the parcel, all you have to do is review the item within 7-15 days - including photos and a link back to the website/product page.

Then, send the link to your blogpost to them; they will review it and give you more store credit and so on...

****

Here is the first item I just received:

Distinctive Deer Detail Contrast Colour Shoulder Bag

The bag is available in different colours but I liked how the blue & mustard look together.

It is the perfect size for me: I'm not a student anymore so I don't need huge bags (these satchels all tend to be very wide) but I want to have enough room for an umbrella (I live in Scotland, you know) and maybe a magazine.

Inside, you'll also find a zip compartment and 2 front pockets (iphone and lipgloss pour moi!).

 I have used it every day since I got it and I can report is very roomy and versatile; I wore it on one shoulder, across the body or just carried in my hand. It is not leather but it's so soft and waterproof (!!! hehe).

so... what do you think? Interested in joining this program? :)

xxx

FOTD - Rose Gold in Spring

ummm, weird smile anyone??! :S

anyway, I created this look around the Jane Iredale Gold Rose pigment that I got in the JolieBox... hope you like it! :)

Face: Benefit Hello Flawless Foudation in Honey, Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer in 07 Warm Light, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in Pop, The Balm Frat Boy blush, Cover FX Bronzed FX in Gold; 

Eyes: Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque, Clinique High Impact mascara, Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust Shimmer Powder in Rose Gold, Max Factor Liquid Effet Pencil in Black Fire; 

Lips: Clinique Chubby Stick in 07 Super Strawberry.

Summer Essentials GIVEAWAY!!! CLOSED

*Hello lovelies*

It's time for another giveaway, me think! ;)

This time, I picked few of my favourite products for the summer:

- Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light

- Sleek Pout Polish in SPF15 in Powder Pink

- Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in 05 Eternal Gold

- L'Oreal Color Riche nail polish in 208 So Chic Pink

What do you think? I hope you like what I chose.

I think these are colours which will suits most skin tones... and how pretty are the new L'Oreal nail polishes? I love the wee bottles. :)

Rules:

- Follow GFC

- leave a comment with GFC name, email address

- let me know your favourite type of posts (hauls, review, fotd) and which ones you'd like to see more of on my blog

Extra entries:

- blog about the giveaway/link back to this post on your blog (+2)

- follow me on twitter @fashion_olic (+1)

- tweet about the giveaway (+1)

- follow via bloglovin' / no way I can verify that but I'll trust you ;) (+1)

- follow on HelloCotton (+2)

Giveaway is open internationally and it will close on 17/07/12 @ noon UK time.

Winner will be picked with random.org 

*** please, only 1 COMMENT with all your entries, if possible. Thank you!! ***

Thank you and Good Luck!!! 

xxx

Miscellaneous

I got the Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Ultra Softening Lotion through the post a few days ago. This is a new product and they send you 7 satchel to take the 'week challenge'; I think it's, definitely, a good body cream, absorbs fast and smells lovely but I didn't notice any serious improvement.

I swapped the Monu Rosewood Reviving Mist on the Facebook group, Beauty Box Swappers. I think this was sent in a recent GlossyBox but I'm not a sub anymore - still, I'm obsessed with Monu and really enjoying face spritzers/toners, lately.

The smell is a bit too strong for me - the sandalwood makes it quite musky - so I was glad to discover that it can also be used as a body refresher.

I go these candles samples on www.yankeecentral.co.uk ... they only took over TWO MONTHS to arrive!!! You had to pay for postage, that's what is annoying.

Anyway, they all smell really good and I can't wait to try them - Pink Dragonfruit is my favourite. :)

Definitely, I wouldn't recommend to order from this website - the customer care is appalling!

I got the Benefit PoreFessional with Glamour Magazine; I'm already using this product so I picked myself a backup (it's also sealed so It won't get spoiled).

Marie Claire, instead, was giving away a Ciate' nail polish - I chose Bon Bon.

I wished it was more on the pink side (like My Fair Lady) but it's a grower; as always, I love the black bow on the bottle and I'm liking the new skinny font, as well.

Unfortunately, it started chipping after 2 days - not good enough for me as I can't be bother to paint my nails more than once a week.

You can get your Avene samples, filling a profile on their website and then they send you some products to try, targeted to your skin type: Brilliant!

I got the Gentle Gel Cleanser and Hydrance Optimal UV Legere. 

I've very excited to use these - I love Avene as a brand and looking forward to try some new products.

Other swaps from BBS:

Liz Earle Clenase & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - well, I always need a back up of this product as I adore it. You can read what I think about it here.

Percy & Reed Dry Conditioner: I was so curious and intrigued when I heard about it. Dry conditioner? How is it working?

Do love the Totally TLC Hydrating Mask too.

UNE Skin-Glow Foundation: I received this sample from Boots.com - looking forward to try something from this brand... any recommendation? I like their minimalist packaging.

That's all folks! ;)