Shopping My Stash / #1

I recently started a new job - I used to work from home for years but now that I need to go to the office, I use make up pretty much everyday.

I enjoy reading the 'shopping my stash' posts from other bloggers so I decided to start this series too... 

This past week, I've been loving wearing... not all at once, mind you! ;) ---->

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow: I wasn't really blown away by this foundation at the beginning... but I've grown to like it. It does last all day on me and the spf25 comes in handy now that is 'summer' (brackets needed for Scotland);

Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium: I have just been using this as a setting powder to prolong the longevity of the foundation. It can look a bit cake so realllly soft hand;

As an highlighter I chose Benefit Moon Beam and kept my lip neutral with Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Colour spf12 in #18 Soft Nude to complement the colourful eyelook.

For the cheeks, I've been rotating between Clinique Fresh Bloom Blush in Peony, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed and Nars Blush in Sex Appeal; I forgot how pretty Peony looks! it's half highlighter so looks really radiant and fresh on the cheeks. The Tarte blush (with the Buxom lip cream below) are new acquisitions from a US swap: couldn't wait to try them out but I will share the swap in more details soon. :)

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream in Mudslide: as I said this is new but I already want more from this line. I've been using it as a lipgloss to top up the lipstick because it can be too brown for me and mudslide adds the perfect touch of pink!

For the lashes it's been Pur Minerals Big Blink Mascara all the way and to conceal my under-eye area:  Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection in medium and Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink.

For the eyes, I've been choosing between these combos: 

1) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion + Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow Palette in Brandied Bronze + Collection 2000 Idol'Eyes in Bling

2) Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr in Permanent Taupe + no7 Stay Perfect Liquid Eye Liner in Mermaid + Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire

3) Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Eyeshadow Stick in 003 Bad Girl Bronze + Neve Pastello in Petrolio

Do you use any of these products? 

Introducing / Etat Pur

Etat Pur is a skincare system developed by Jean-Noel Thorel, the man behind Bioderma/Institut Esthederm; he is the inventor of biomimetic cosmetics, the philosophy of Etat Pur which is a totally new approach to skincare.

Etat Pur aims at meeting customers expectations, delivering a totally customized beauty regime; it means going back to basics, using only clear ingredients with proven action and without anything which is useless or harmful.

This innovative routine works around 2 phases: the first line - pure actives - targets specific problems at the optimal dosage, wherever needed; the second line - biomimetic skincare - takes care of the skin needs in absolute respect of his nature.

It's skincare personalization to the next degree and, when you visit www.etatpur.co.uk, you'll be able to do a quick test and come up with the perfect solutions for your needs.

For my dark circles, I was 'prescribed' Etat Pur Apigenin [25mg]*

This serum targets dark circles and at the same time smoothes out the delicate and thin area around the eyes and reduces signs of fatigue.

I could really see a visible improvement within days; I started with an initial intensive treatment, using it mornings and nights for a couple of weeks and now I only need 1 application for day.

This is definitely an essential step of my skincare regime now with such fantastic brightening results!

The pure molecule of this product is extracted from Grapefruit, with a purity level of over 95% and these concentrated essences come in handy bottles which dispense the right dose for every application.

Etat Pur Citric Acid - AHA [3000 mg]* targets dull skin, instead.
I'm a big fan of AHA and always looking for radiance enhancing products; citric acid is an acid found in fruits and a powerful natural exfoliant so you only need to use this item 1 to 3 times a week, at night only.
I did experience some dry patches on my chin, but nothing major, and the dryness actually testifies for the regeneration of the cells.
I can also see results on my cheeks with a rosy and healthy complexion!

Finally, the website recommended Etat Pur Glabridin [2.5 mg]* to target hyperpigmentation.

The main extract comes from liquorice roots which inhibit the synthesis of melanin and has very good depigmentation power. 

The consistency of this item is a bit too oily for my skin type, in fact I can't really use it during the day so I've been applying it at night, alternating it with the other serum; as mentioned above, the citric acid can be a bit drying but I found that the lipids in Glabridin compensate with that and the 2 products work in perfect synergy together!

I love the transparency of this brand and you can also read clinical studies which prove the effectiveness of the active ingredients on the website.
Have you heard of Etat Pur before? :)

Haul / Boots

Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturizer: I have actually tried this product before because it has been available on the Italian market for years but only recently came out in Uk.

I loved using it - I normally switched to this product during the summer when the extremely hot weather would make my skin too greasy - since you have to rinse the skin conditioner - it was a tiny bit more comfortable on the skin. 

I got the dry skin version purely because I like the smell better but there's a normal skin version too. 

It looks like a normal lotion and be careful because you can easy use too much product.

I believe there's a similar item from Lush but it comes in a tub so it's messy and probably overpriced and I have never tried it.

 Dove Shape Up Firming Body Cream: I think this is a new product so I thought I'd give it a go.

If you know me, you know I always look for added firming benefits in my body cream and for £3.99, the price was right too!

The cream looks like a whipped consistency, gel-like so it should be light on the skin too but I haven't tried it yet. Not a big fan of the jar compared to a tube - purely for practicality - but not the end of the world.

La Roche-Posay Ceralip: this is an old friend!

God knows I don't need another lipbalm (probably ever!) but this is the only product which does good to my sensitive lips, without being a medicate cream.

I shared my lips odyssey few months ago here and it was actually recommended to me from a dermatologist back home, probably a decade ago. I used it for years and it was great but then vanity prevailed and I started trying different things but I think I wanna go back to this. 

I mainly got it as a back up for stressful periods and I will slowly finish my other balms too

It looks like Lanolips but it's softer and unscented.

Have you tried any of these products yourself?

xxx

Introducing / He-Shi

I'm not a hardcore fanatic when it comes to tanning but I still appreciate that a good tan can really enhance the appearance of your skin. In particular, if you have to attend a special event or show a bit more flesh than usual, a tasteful tan can boost your confidence and generally make you look healthier.

Said that, I still think that sunbathing/tanning beds can be dangerous and pretty time consuming so my 'tool' of choice is always been a self-tanning product.

He-Shi is an award winning, professional brand with a wide selection of tanning products that deliver a beautiful and golden fool-proof tan!

The range includes liquid tan, foaming mousse, gradual tan but also 'preparation' and 'finishing' items like scrubs, moisturizers and bronzers.

He-Shi Quick+Easy Exfoliating Bodywash*

Man, i didn't know you could get sooo excited about a bath product. :)

This is, most definitely, one of the best scrubs that I have ever used; it smells divine of strawberries and it's a treat for the skin. It's super quick to use because doubles as a bodywash and, although used wet, it still provides sufficient scrubbing action. Also it cleanses gently, it foams nicely and a little goes a long way.

He-Shi Quick+Easy Day To Day Gradual Tan*

I was apprehensive to use a product formulate both for face & body: in my experiences, they tend to be too rich but the consistency of this self tanner is very light and fresh so sits very comfortably on the skin and didn't give me a greasy face.

I like the control you get from a gradual tanner - no mistakes or streaks in sight, no weird development overnight but gives a natural look because it works in unison with your skintone.

Personally, to achieve the grade of colour that I wanted, I had to apply the product for 6 consecutive days and now I top it up twice a week, to maintain the tan.

It also contains hydrating agents so my skin is also been taken care of all summer.

What's your favourite tanning method?

Haul / Clothes

SALE SALE SALE !!!

I bought a couple of pieces that I have been eyeing for a while from Ted Baker; a few days ago, I was in House of Fraser by chance and - at half price - I couldn't leave these beautiful knits behind. 

Also, I still had some money left on a Christmas giftcard so the damage wasn't too bad ;)

Ted Baker - Loris Floral Wrap

Ted Baker - Amberly Geo Print Knit

I've been looking into adding a Mac to my wardrobe for year but never managed to find the perfect one before; most of them are double breasted, which I like, but not very flattering on my body shape.
This Zara coat has an unusual, shiny finish - it's not cotton - so it looks a bit smarter if you're dressed up.
It comes in dark blue too, which is really nice too but I really wanted a traditional, neutral trench coat, myself. Also, It has no buttons so it looks great just thrown over the shoulders and I really like the striped lining - Great touch!

Zara Trench Coat with Belt in beige

Finally, I really needed some new trainers for the gym. I go to Sports Direct usually and - although that shop makes me cringe - the Nike selection is huge and you can always find a good deal; I think I paid £39.99 for this pair which I'm fine with that, they are super light and didn't give me any blister from day one.

Review / Kiko Long Lasting Colour Lip Marker

These type of lip markers have been on the market for a while but I've been kinda of sceptical because I've heard that the tip can dry quickly and the could can apply patchy... but Kiko Long Lasting Colour Lip Marker is none of those things!
At first, I was a bit scared to start drawing on my lips - it's a marker after all and my brain was screaming 'it's permanent, be careful' - but it's actually foolproof to apply.

The tip is stiffer than a lip brush and pretty wet so you have good control but by the time you've finished painting your lips, the colour has set. 

108 Hot Pink* has great pigmentation and - the name says it all - a proper punch just how I like it.

They have the most yummyful and pleasant fruity smell but without being overpowering and annoying; I usually don't like scented lip products but I actually enjoy this one.

They perform like a stain so the staying power is amazing too: I went for a good 6 hours without trouble or transfer on glasses/cutlery and still felt comfortable and non-drying on the lips.

Another A+++ for Kiko and at £6.90, these are better than high street prices.

FOTD - Pur Minerals palette

Need an haircut!!! O.o

Face: Nars Sheer Glow foundation in deauville, Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, Estee Lauder DoubleWear concealer in 07 warm light, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Mac Blush Ombre in azalea blossom, Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder i 002;

Eyes: Pur Minerals Beautiful Creatures palette (shades secret and fantasy), Kiko Building Base mascara, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion;

Lips: byTerry Aqualip Jelly Tint in 101 dancefloor flirt.

Introducing / Nourish Skin & Body Care

Nourish understands that different skin types have different needs so has created a range for everyone. Every system solution delivers the optimal ingredients in order to keep an healthy and nourished skin. 

My skin has been looking a bit dull lately so I've started using some Nourish products from the Radiance line. I've been reaching out for natural and soothing products more, lately and I was pleased to find out that every product is 90+% organic.

 Nourish Radiance Purifying Cleanser* contains rose absolute which is cooling and soothing and gives it its lovely fragrance; all you rose-addicts out there will love this product and its unique twist on the rose scent. Another main ingredients is alpine foxberry which is known for its brightening properties and helps reduce the appearance of pore, leaving the skin looking luminous and refined.

The consistency is like a cleansing milk and comes with a pump; directions say to apply a small amount on a cotton wool and gently sweep over the face. I have been using it this way when I don't wear make up and I think it's perfect to get rid of the day grim and pollution on its own - It leaves my skin clean without being too aggressive. On other nights, I mix it with a drop of water and helps to remove the first layer of make up.

The Nourish Radiance Refreshing Toning Mist* has the same quality ingredients and it's the perfect compliment to finish my daily routine, after the cleanser. In the mornings, I like to spray it on a cotton wool pad, whist at night I spray it liberally all over my face, neck & chest and then pat dry. 

It's extremely cooling, helps balancing the skin pH and apparently, the fragrance has mood enhancing qualities and boosts inner confidence... a treat for body and mind!

Nourish also takes care of your body wellbeing with shower gels, body butters and hand lotions.
Nourish Radiance Phyto-Active Body Butter* has the same rose scent as the skincare line; it's deeply nourishing and hydrating thanks to moroccan argan oil and shea butter, without being heavy; it also contains phyto-active marine algin, hyaluronic acid and peptides that stimulate collagen synthesis and improve firmness. I'm currently using a self-tan cream a couple of times a week but it can dry my skin slightly; I found that this body butter is ideal to use between self-tanning sessions because it leaves my skin super soft.
It also comes in a gorgeous and colourful glass jar, making it a great present too.

Go and have a look on the website - nourishskinrange.com - the range is vast and they also do handy gift packs so you can try the all range at once.
Have you used Nourish before?