Introducing / Sprout p.1

I'm so excited to be talking about this brand today - Sprout.

Lately, I've been trying to go more natural with my skincare/beauty products so I've been researching the web for the latest offerings; I got to say, I've been often disappointed as some brands seem to associate natural with boring, unfortunately!

When I came across Sprout for the first time, the packaging caught my eye at first - loved the blackboard style labels and also the actual jars and bottles have got that je ne sais quoi... simple yet cool!

The lovely Adina - founder of Sprout Skincare - kindly offered to send me a samples from the whole line to try, straight from Brooklyn New York.

Sprout Body Scrub*

This product is simply made with demerara sugar, organic shredded coconut and organic coconut oil; the instruction literally says to 'apply to wet skin. Lick your hands'. Great! I do love a multi-use product. ;)

But seriously, I wanna eat this considering I'm totally obsessed with coconut... in the kitchen and in the bath!

It's the perfect consistency for a body scrub - quite rough at first but on contact with the wet skin, it doesn't scratch at all and the oil leaves a nourishing film.

Sprout Cream*

Apparently, this is the mother of all Sprout products.

The base is wild-harvested shea butter sourced from the Fair Trade Women's Cooperative in Ghana; the shea butter is then whipped with extra-virgin coconut and olive oil.

I would call this more a body butter as it's very rich in consistency and literally sinks deep into the skin, like melted butter; personally, I found it ideal for my dry areas as heels, knees and elbows but it's suitable for the face, too.

Guys!!! Again this smells divine and I would happily just spread it on a slice of toast!

What do you think... are these products that may interest you?

Check back tomorrow when I'll be talking about the skincare items, too.

Thank you for reading!!! :)

xxx

Random Catch-up

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Protective Sun Lotion SPF 15

I got this through the post; you could enter a draw to receive a sample on the Hawaiian Tropic website, months ago.

This sunscreen lotion has moisturizing ribbons that, apparently, keep you hydrated during sun exposure. It arrived quite late for me to try out now, plus the SPF15 is nowhere near enough to actually sunbathe, in my opinion.

I will save it for next spring and use it as a city spf protection - smells lovely!

I'm a big fan of both the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain & Clinique Chubby Stick - and I want to get another one... the problem is that I can't decide on which colour to buy... so I went a bit swatch-crazy in Boots. ;P

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

Clinique Chubby Sticks

I also want one of these Clinique holders that you could get in June (when the new colours came out)... anybody knows if they're still available and where??

Lancome New Hypnose Star mascara

The lovely Sandra from Beauty Balm heard me complaining that I couldn't find a Tatler magazine with the free mascara anywhere, so she kindly posted one to me - she's such a sweetheart! :)

I love this mascara - it's really become one of my favourite, I'm just not a fan of the floral scent.

Still, I like it so much that the smell doesn't put me off from using it.

I got both these parfumes from Boots.com - you can often apply for a free sample and I usually find out about these on Twitter.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire is not to my liking: it's too sweet, coming from the cherries and berries in it, and gives me an headache.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle, instead, is lovely! This is warmer and powdery and grown up, which I prefer.

I just realised that's the one with Julia Roberts in the advert... she looks pretty amazing in it, don't you think?!

I'm pretty obsessed with trying new foundations - lately, there are just too many coming out all the time that I don't have enough hours in a day to try them all, really... the most hyped have been YSL Le Teint Touch Eclat and Urban Decay Naked Skin.

They are both very very nice foundations but I have to give the edge to Urban Decay Naked Skin!

The consistency of UD one is just right up my street - it's nearly liquid and disappears into the skin. 

I got the shade 3.0 which I think it's a tad too light for me but still, It's performing really well.

YSL also gives a great, natural finish... but I now tend to compare all foundations to my favourite - NARS Sheer Glow - and that baby still comes up on top!

Finally, I won Raffles Bizarre giveaway - YAY!!

A huge collection of diy goodies, note paper, stickers, postcards... I'm obsessed with stationery as well so I was thrilled to see this parcel in my letterbox. I'm sure it will come in hand to prettify Christmas pressies, too. ;)

 

What have you been up to lately? :)

xx

Must Haves

Just a couple of items that I purchased in recent months but I haven't had the chance to share on the blog, yet.

I have used them few time, I really like them - I guess the clue is in the title! ;) - so I can write some reviews now.

Mac Sheertone Blush in Blushbaby

If I need to use one word, I would say this product is brown. I read many bloggers raving about it... but still all my blushes are pinks, really... with a few reds and corals... and just didn't see myself wearing a brown blush.

BUT It did look amazing on people!

Having said that, it's a pinkish beige and I'm so glad I got it as it's become my go-to blush when I don't know what to wear.

It's, definitely, scarier in the pan; it's very sheer on application - again, sheertone... names do mean something sometimes - and build up very nicely so you don't risk to reach the point of no return with some dirty stains on your cheeks.

I think this colour suits many skintones, also very pale ones. I like the matte finish and how understated it looks - it's the safe choice when you do a bold lips look and don't want to look like a clown!

heavily swatched

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Another much raved about product and considered a 'miracle in a tube' by many.

First, let me talk about the smell because it's one of things that people comment on frequently: I like it!

The cream is quite highly scented but I don't think it's a strong smell; I find it comforting, actually... maybe a bit old fashion, tho.

My skin looks brighter and firmer - generally, improved and I'm so impressed that I also used it on my wedding.

 Apparently, the trick is in the application: you are not supposed to rub it into the skin but to smooth it over the face and then apply make up immediately.

In fact, I've been using it as a primer really - I never wear it just as a day cream.

Personally, I like it a lot and I could happily use it everyday although I don't do it as Lisa Eldridge herself said she's not using it too often otherwise her skin would get used to it and wouldn't see the full benefits anymore... all I can do is follow religiously the advice! ;)

Do you have any of these two?

Yay or Nay?

xxx

FOTD - Ramatuelle

Face: Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in 3.0, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in Pink, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Benefit Moon Beam, Bourjois Blush in 33 Lilas D'Or, Urban Decay Afterglow in Crush;

Eyes: Nars Ramatuelle Palette, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara, Bourjois Intuitive Liner;

Lips: Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Party Alice (this lipstick makes my lips look huuuuuge!!!)

Review / Liz Earle Signature Lip Colour in 13 Melon

Liz Earle Colour Collection launched back in May and they have now released the latest items to complete the make up range.

Not long ago, I reviewed the Sheer Lip Gloss but let me tell you, there's even more exciting stuff!

New additions include Signature Foundation, Perfect Finish Powder Foundation, Natural Finish Pressed Powder, Signature Eye Colour, Brow Pencil, Lip Pencil and Signature Lip Colour.

The accessories line has been extended too, including more brushes, pencil sharpener and tweezers.

As always, the range contains a blend of carefully selected botanic extracts which work in harmony with the skin and with added benefits. 

On top of that, the shades are perfect for an every day, simple look which is flattering and there's a solution for every skintone. I've already seen some pretty eyeshadow colours, perfect for autumn.

I was mostly excited to see a lipstick in the range. Liz Earle Signature Lip Colour is a sheer, yet creamy and comfortable formula. It's lightweight on the lips and, although you get a veil of colour with one swipe, it can easily be built to a more intense colour.

Enriched with vitamin E, avocado oil and shea butter - you can also be sure that your lips are being taken care of and it's super moisturizing (good news for the coming winter months, for sure!)

Melon* is a peachy coral which is an all around shade; I can see it working very well with a mossy green eye, this autumn... and of course, it's gonna be ideal in spring, too.

The colour is truly gorgeous and love the shiny, sheer finish!

The packaging is in keeping with the brand range, with the blue bullet and I love the monogram engraved on the lipstick itself! :)

I also received Beauty Insider, Liz Earle Beauty Bulletin, which has fantastic skincare tips and make up looks; inside, I also found a sample of the new foundation that I'm so eager to try!

Have you tried anything from Liz Earle make up range, yet? :)

Delivery / Nike

Yes, you guessed it... more gym stuff!

As mentioned in my previous post, I'm very happy with my Reebok pants but - since I go to the gym between 4/6 times per week - I needed some extra tops.

Nike has some great deals in their clearance section on the website; if you're not too bothered by the latest collection and just want some good quality clothes for the gym, I'd recommend to check it out.

 I popped in store in Glasgow, as well, but they didn't have as many items on sale as online.

Demi Crop Women's Training Top

Love the colour-block on this top! It's not too short and it reaches my hips, actually and - even if it's a loose fit - the pleating in the front keeps it in place, during movements.

I think it's pretty cool and funky and perfect to wear with a sport bra for a Zumba class.

Shape Swoosh Women's Sports Bra

I got this in pink to wear with the top above - perfect combo!

It's comfortable and gives good support, but I think I'll get one with adjustable straps, next time.

Pinwheel Wome's Running Shirt

To be fair, I got this shirt because was the one on sale. ;)

Still, it's a nice shirt: the material is very soft on the skin and it has the dry-fit technology.

What's your favourite gymwear??
xxx

NARS Ramatuelle

Finally caved in!

I've been wanting NARS Ramatuelle palette since it came out few months ago but managed to resist... until now.

Then - couple of weeks ago - Asos was having a 25% off as a back to school promotion... so you can see how this was the perfect occasion to get my hands on it... also considering that this palette is a limited edition!

Packaging is the typical NARS rubber black case with a big mirror inside; I don't have any eyeshadow trio but I got a couple of NARS blushes and they are the same size (which just made me realised how much product you get in the blushes!)

The first colour in the trio is a shimmery silver; I don't have any silver eyeshadow in my collection so this is a welcome addition!

The second is also a shimmer colour: it's a pale peach but could look more champagne on some skintones, too.

The third eyeshadow is a matte peach instead; this is much deeper and warmer than the shimmer colour - definitely a burnt orange.

I just wish the single shadows have names...

The quality of the eyeshadows is high: smooth to the touch, easy to blend and colour pay-off is pretty good. 

The first time I tried the palette, I applied them without primer and I did experience some creasing but I got to say I did quite a intense look, packing a lot of product on the eyes... so my bad for not using the primer!

You can get quite few different looks and I can't wait to have a play about...

I'm a happy bunny! :)

Do you have any NARS eyeshadow?

Which one is your favourite? 

x

Soul Mate 3-day Detox Diet

Ok - first things first... anybody else hate the new blogger dashboard??! I really dislike it and manage to keep the old one until yesterday... now it's over... oh well, suppose it's a matter of getting used to. :(
Anyway, onto today's post:

I'm a sucker for this ready-made diet plans... I did Diet Chef few times (review here) and I was pleased with the results.

I think I know a lot about healthy eating but I like to mix things up.

 It's not only a case of loosing weight but more maintaining because having a plan to stick to - when I get bored - keeps me away from junk food.... especially, if you pay for it! ;)

I always wanted to try a detoxing plan where you only have juices - and I can do smoothies myself like for an occasional afternoon snack - but I don't have the knowledge to make them nutritiously 'correct' as your ONLY food intake.

So, I was glad to see a Groupon offer and decided to give this plan a trial.

You get delivered 6 juices x day and you need to drink them in the order that they are labeled, one every 2 hours. It's, also, recommended to try 6 glasses of water per day (something that I do anyway).

I started Day 1 with a warm glass of water with some lemon juice (like every morning) and then had Juice 1 at 11am.

My most favourite juice is no. 2 - pineapple, banana and coconut... simply perfection!

My least favourite is no. 1 - because I hate ginger!!!

I found it quite easy to stick with it because since you have a drink every 2 hours, which is quite close and by the time you finish one, it's nearly time for the next one.

I felt a bit hungry on Day 2, around 4:30 before Juice 4 but I had 2 glasses of water and that kept my hunger at bay.

How did it fair? Well, I lost 6 pounds so I was pleased but I have no illusion that the weighloss was actual fat; still, it's great to get rid of bloating and just give your liver a break, really.
I would recommend if you need a flat stomach quickly, maybe before a special occasion.
Would I do it again? Yes, absolutely. Unfortunately, it's pretty expensive - even with the groupon voucher which was £60.
There's also a 5-day plan but I don't think I could cope with it... I really kinda of need solid food after 3 days :)

Have you tried anything similar yourself? Did you enjoy it?
xxx

FOTD & OOTD - Christening

Face: Ysl Touche Eclat Foundation in BR40, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm light, NYX Cream Blush in Glow, Givenchy Sari Glow blush in 43 Maharani Pink, bareMinerals Original SPF15 Foundation in N20 medium beige;

Eyes: Lancome Hypnose Star mascara, Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel (pink and purple shades);

 Lips: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart.

 Some friends baptised their baby boy, few weeks ago, so we went to the church and to the party afterwards; I forgot how pretty that dress is - it's from Topshop 2009 and I haven't worn it enough. It's a one shoulder and I teamed it up with this h&m cropped cardi... also from ages ago.
Accessories:
 Bangle - Claire's,
Rings - Topshop,
Shoes - Office, 
Bag - Mango, 
Earrings - Swarovski.

I do love an hot fuchsia outfit! :)