Haul / Debenhams

I’ve been wanting to get my hands on the Clinique Cheek Pop since they came out; although the colour range is not wide (only 4), I simply couldn’t decide on one.

I finally decided to go with 02 Peach Pop since it’s supposed to be a dupe for Benefit's Coralista (another blush on my wishlist).

Without doubts, it looks beautiful! The packaging is pretty sturdy, but it’s so tiny that I find it a bit difficult to get it open - and infact I have already stuck my nail in it :(

I’m also happy with the colour – very flattering – and the quality gets the thumbs up too. The formula is impressive – comfortable to wear and lasts all day!

I just wish they would release new colours because I would definitely buy more.

I also got another Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow. They are so quick to apply and you can achieve a striking look with only one shadow - it's so multidimensional. Diamond Dog is a warm brown – great for autumn – with silver particles.

You can read more about the Moondust shades here.

Finally, I stocked up on a couple of essentials. 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is my favourite serum of all time! I was a bit apprehensive since they have reformulated  it but it seems to perform just as well as before. It is incredible the difference that it makes to my skin (nearly) overnight.

Elemis Absolute Eye Serum is one of the best eye products that I have ever used; it dramatically improves my dark circles. I got to say that I’m not a fan of the new white packaging – It looks cheap.

New In / La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3-Step Anti-Blemish System

La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3-Step Anti-Blemish System* is one of the most exciting new launches for Autumn 2014!

Fighting imperfection is not a simple task and La Roche-Posay has combined their many years of experience in working with sensitive skin with an effective and highly tolerable anti-blemish system.

All the products are free from soap, colourants, parabens, oil… and bonus – La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water can be found in every step too!

I’m already loyal to the moisturizer in the set and I’ve been using it religiously for several months – if you try it and see the difference that it makes to the skin, one can’t simply live without it!

The idea of the set starts from a simple 3-step routine that should be at the base of every beauty regime: Cleanse, Tone, Correct & Hydrate.

Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser – first step is to clean the skin, of course; this cleanser aims at reducing the production of sebum and getting rid of bacteria that may lead to the formation of new spots.

It looks like a clear gel, it lathers really well and I can use it with my Clarisonic too; it's easy to rinse and leaves the skin feeling very clean.

Second step includes a new product to this line: Effaclar Clarifying Toner that smooths and tightens the pores; it contains Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid for a gentle exfoliation and Silica, Zinc Oxide and Zine Gluconate to absorb oil and provide a mattifying effect.

It's gentle on the skin, thanks to the no alcohol formula and leaves the skin feeling refreshed.

Finally, the Effaclar Duo [+] which moisturizes the skin and corrects red and brown marks left by blemishes.

I’ve already talked extensively about this product before, please refer to this post for more info.

Every step works integrally with the others to balance the skin, target concerns in a gentle way with guaranteed no irritation... or your money back!

Marks & Spencer Haul

I love visiting in the Marks & Spencer Beauty Hall - It's truly a pleasure to browse in the white and pristine aisles, it's kinda of a calming experience and I have discovered several interesting brands and products. 

You can also find some fab offers and in my most recent trip, I picked up the APIVITA Cleansing Purifying Tonic Lotion and APIVITA Lip Care with Chamomile.

The toner is very gentle on the skin and a tad astringent, whilst the lip balm has become one of my all time favourite. I actually went back and I bought a few back ups and pretty chuffed with the 50p price  - I've seriously become addicted to it!

A shout out to the M&S own line too, if you have not tried it out yet. The products are really cheap and often in 3x2; my personal favourite is the Fig & Orange Oil scent but they have a huge variety for every taste. The line is also vast, including body lotions, bubble bath, hand cream, lip balms...

Have you tried any of these products? Do you shop in Marks & Spencer?

Review / Noble Isle Heather Honey Hand Wash

Today’s review is about another fine fragrance from Noble Isle: Heather Honey!

I love honey and adore anything honey related so this range is right up my street; Noble Isle sources the heather honey from the Heather Hills Honey Farm in Perthshire in Scotland, specialists since 1945. 

The Noble Isle Heather Honey Hand Wash* leaves the hands gorgeously scented and super soft; it’s a comforting fragrance, ideal for every season with fresh notes of orange blossom and jasmine – yet warming, thanks to the sandalwood and amber.

The formula contains proteins, iron and antioxidants which have a restorative and soothing effect; it is also not drying and looks very luxurious on my bathroom sink – I make sure a bottle is on show when I have guests ;)

Did you know that one third of the food would not be available without the hard work of the honey bees? Pretty amazing, huh? There is also a National Honey Bee Day (16^th August), but I say let’s celebrate all year around and what better than treating yourself too. The range includes an hand wash and an hand lotion, starting from £18.00

Boots Haul

I finally picked up the Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush; I’ve been wanting to try it for a while but it was always sold-out in store. It is the same great quality as the rest of the line, it’s also convenient for travelling but still remaining a full size brush. I like to use it both for blusher and setting powder.

L’Oreal Nails a Porter in 002 Killer Nude – I picked these up to try out. I have never use fake nails before – they just seem so uncomfortable to wear – but I loved the design of these. 

Essie Nail Polish in Aruba Blue – this was a long overdue purchase. I adore this colour and blue polishes are my favourites! Not much to say in words, it’s simply stunning and the pictures are speaking for themselves, me think.

Yes To is a brand that I’m been testing lately; I tried the Yes To Cucumber Soothing Facial Wipes before and loved them so I picked up another full pack. I also wanted to try the new brightening Grapefruit line and I  bought the Yes To Grapefruit Uneven Skin Tone Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream, which sounds fab to help lighten my dark circles… will see how it fairs.

The Body Shop / Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

This summer, The Body Shop brought out a collection of lightweight, cooling treats for the body and face.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet* appealed to me straight away, especially with the untypical warm weather that we have experienced in Scotland... and what sounds better than a sorbet, right?

My skin is middle of road, normal/combination without any particular requirements so I tend to prefer gel/light consistency for comfort, anyway.

What can you expect from a product that is called sorbet? A splash of freshness, injection of hydration... and that’s exactly what you are getting with this skincare! The formula contains Aqua Sphere Technology - microscopic moisture spheres that deliver 24hr feed of moisturisation to the skin.

The freshness also feels soothing on irritated skin and cheeks are left plumped up; it also contains mineral particles that absorb oil and mattify the complexion.

The consistency is a dream, but quite heavily floral scented so be aware if you’re a sensitive to powerful smells.

This has certainly been a summer staple for me and will do me good well into Autumn with these mild temperatures.

There is also a new range of The Body Shop Body Sorbets in mouthwatering scents: Strawberry, Mango, Peach, Satsuma and Moringa.

Have you tried any of these yet?

Empties / Summer 2014

Hello chicas!

You may have noticed that I’ve been absent for some time; I haven’t been feeling really well lately but now I’m better and I thought to easy myself into the Blogosphere again with an inoffensive (and overdue) Empties post. ;)

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash: I adore these body washes, especially for the shower since they don't foam up a great amount; they are so creamy, don’t dry the skin and last ages. I really like the tube, which is practical for the shower. Wild Rose is not my favourite scent but it’s pretty delicate.

Repurchase: yes, I already have a stash ;)

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Plus: I don’t use self-tan products regularly, but I like to keep a bottle in my stash for special occasions (e.i.: weddings, holidays); this is fool-proof to apply and develops slowly, so also risk-free. It has firming properties - which is always a bonus - a fresh scent and no 'biscuity' at all.

Repurchase: Yep.

The Body Shop Shea Sugar Body Scrub: You can't go wrong with The Body Shop scrubs; they come in all different scents and consistencies. The shea is one of my favourites - love the buttery scent and the sugar particles provide very good exfoliation; it's a tad oily, so be aware if this is not your thing.

Repurchase: Absolutely!

Nip+Fab Bust Fix Plumping Treatment: This was a sample from a magazine and I had been wanting to try it for ages; quite a generous size for a freebie too. The product itself is very pleasant on the skin, lightweight & not greasy and a comforting scent... but it's too pricey in my opinion.

Repurchase: no, because of the price tag.

Nourish Radiance Purifying Cleanser: This is a cleansing milk and it has been a staple in my routine for many many mornings; I like to be 'delicate' in the morning and simply put some on a cotton wool, followed by a toner - no stripping products for me, thank you!

I love that it's 93% organic, which is something that I'm starting to pay particular attention to, lately.

Repurchase: maybe - I really like it, but you can easily find cheaper alternatives too.

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask: This is a lovely mask, but I kinda of find that all REN masks are very similar. This provides a chemical exfoliation, thanks to the acids in it, and it has a lovely fruity/pineapple scent. It left my skin super clean and brownie points for the natural approach too.

Repurchase: probably no - I'm currently addicted to the REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial. 

La Roche-Posay Ceralip: this is a lip balm as strip down as it can get; no perfume, colour - simple wax to sooth and repair the lips. I've been using it on-and-off for over 10 years now... and it delivers! It's also recommended if you suffer from allergies and rashes.

Repurchase: yes.