New In / Urban Decay Spring 2015

The piece de resistance of Urban Decay Spring 2015 Collection are the Sheer Revolution Lipsticks*!

This new line joins the already popular Revolution Lipstick range with a sheerer finish, ideal for Springtime; we have 10 of the existing colours that have been reformulated with an high-shine finish but the same creamy consistency that we are used to from Urban Decay.

The packaging - as expected - is stunning! The bullet comes in a lilac & purple tube, gorgeously faceted and embossed, that is a real act of pleasure to use and show off.

I received the Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash Palette for Christmas and I like the original formulation but absolutely adore the sheer version even better; the product feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips and nourishing thanks to a blend of shea butter, jojoba, olive oil, babassu oil, vitamin E and vitamin C.

All the shades are wearable thanks to the 'discreet' finish and, although translucent on first application, they are pretty buidable too.

l-r: walk of shame, liar, rapture

Walk of Shame translates clear on my lips, adding just a hint of golden shimmer; it's perfect to simply dress your nude lips or to add a shiny top coat on top of another colour.

Liar is a neutral rose that will suit most skintones; it's the ideal daywear effortless shade to match any eyeshadow. 

Rapture is another shade that I would classify neutral with plum undertones instead; real lovely and flattering on the lips.

l-r: obsessed, ladyflower, streak

Obsessed is a bubblegum pink with cool undertone; I don't usually suit cool pinks too well, but because of the light finish, I can wear this and it's the perfect compliment to a black smoky eye.

Ladyflower is a cool-toned medium pink, easy to wear both day & night.

Streak is probably my favourite shade from the collection; a warm pinky coral that add luminosity to the face. 

l-r: anarchy, slowburn, f-bomb, shame

Anarchy is a bright fuchsia, also with a cool hint and fantastic pigmentation. 

Slowburn is a warm orange-red and I found it to be the shade that delivered the most colour pay-off; I would't say that it is sheer, in fact but the finish makes it more wearable than a matte version, definitely.

F-Bomb is a cool-toned red, instead; like with Slowburn - it has great pigmentation with the added benefit of a balm consistency.

Shame is a berry/plum colour that looks really scary in the tube but it's stunning on the lips; I can see myself favourite this shade in autumn too!

The Spring Collection also includes Ultra Definition Powder Foundation, Naked Concealer, Mascara Ressurection, Mooniest Eyeshadow.

I love the Urban Decay Naked Skin face products so I was super excited when I heard about the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer* - Concealers are a must-have in my daily routine, especially for my dark circles.

The product provides full coverage with a semi-matte finish. It's fantastically buidable without looking cakey, even after several layers; the formula is very light that settles quickly without creasing around the eyes.  

It comes in 8 shades with also a selection of neutral or warm undertones; the packaging is very appealing too: it comes in a mini glass jar with a slimline, flexible applicator. 

I'm well impressed! It certainly delivers on the 'weightless' & 'complete coverage' name and I love how it adds luminosity to the eye area - I wasn't expecting anything less, considering the great quality of the other Naked Skin products. 

l-r: medium-light neutral, medium neutral

What are your thoughts on these new launches?

Rose Inspiration

Hello ladies!

How many of you will receive a bouquet of roses on Valentine's Day?!

 Well, roses are not only beautiful but also smell fantastic and no wonder that it's a popular scent for many beauty products.... and the inspiration for today's post:

Nourish Radiance Rejuvenating Peptide Serum* contains Damask Rose which provides healing and soothing properties; you'll also find hyaluronic acid for a more youthful appearance, tripeptides to smooth the skin and tonka beans to add luminosity.

It has a thin and comfortable consistency which absorbs easily and the complexion is left visibly and instantly radiant; in fact it can also be used both over or under your moisturiser depending if you prefer a dewy or matte look.

Personally, I've been enjoying it in the morning over my day cream as it doubles as a primer. 

This serum is suitable for normal skin and you can trust Nourish Skincare for their natural and high performing ingredients.

Melvita Damask Rose Floral Water* is obtained by steam distillation of fresh Damask Rose petals; this method allows for an high concentrated formula, rich in active principles.

This refreshing toner is ideal to improve dehydrated skin and perfect for every season.

I love the blue-tinted slim bottle and the delicate scent that is also soothing for the mind.

Have you tried these products yet?

Introducing... Lara

soooo... I'm happy to announce that our daughter Lara arrived a few weeks back.
It's probably a surprise since my husband and I kept the news pretty private 'til the very end.

My hands are currently pretty full, as you can imagine and I've been feeling pretty rank the whole pregnancy, hence the reason for my erratic presence on the blog lately.
We are utterly in love with her and - although she is less than a month old - it's like she is always been here.
At the same time, it's still pretty surreal and I haven't quite realised that I'm a parent yet.

Now, I'm planning to introduce some pregnancy/motherhood posts too - I relied on reading people's experience for tips and reassurance during my pregnancy myself which I enjoyed very much... so hopefully they could be helpful for others too.

Valentine's Day 2015 / The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Collection

Smoky Poppy is the new Limite Edition Collection from The Body Shop, just in time for this year Valentine's Day!

The range includes a Poppy Seed Scrub, Body Butter, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Bath Bombs, Massage Oil and Eau de Toilette.

The sensual black packaging is pleasing on the eye too and - the popping red flower - is definitely spot on the theme of the love month; the products look sophisticated and they are perfect to immerse yourself in a pure indulging and relaxing experience.

If you feel adventurous or planning a special night, I recommend to try the massage oil or to share a bath bomb with your loved one; if you're more of a traditionalist then - you can't go wrong with the shower gel & body butter combo!

The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Body Lotion* comes in a shiny generous 250ml pump bottle; the light-weight consistency sinks right in, leaving the skin velvety soft. 

The scent is extremely seductive and euphoric and it's infused with hand picked flowers from Turkey.

It's an addictive and captivating fragrance, warm and slightly spicy making it unisex, in my opinion.

The Body Shop makes the best body scrub and the Smoky Poppy Poppy Seed Scrub* doesn't disappointing.  

It contains poppy seeds from Turkey, making it an heavy duty exfoliator and just how I like it! Also, thanks to the extract of oil-rich poppies, the skin is left baby soft and not dried out. 

This is a truly addictive line and a very exciting new release from The Body Shop... I can't wait to see what else the year brings.

Have you stocked up on the your favourite items yet? I predict these products will sell out real soon!

New In / Doctuer Renaud's Discovery Travel Bag

Looking for new brands to try in 2015? Doctuer Renaud has a fantastic Discovery Travel Bag packed with 5 of the best skincare products to sample from the different ranges: Raspberry Cleansing Water, Raspberry Soft Cream, Raspberry Soft Mask, Carrot Scrub Detox and Apple Eye Cream.

Doctuer Renaud is a French brand which uses organic flower, fruit and vegetable extracts to create high performing products that deliver nutrition to the skin and, consequently, the skin is left looking glorious & healthy. 

Raspberry is rich in water and therefore the active ingredient of choice for skin in need of hydration.

The Raspberry Cleansing Water is a micellar water that removes make-up, cleanses and tones in a single step; it’s very gentle and alcohol-free.

The Raspberry Soft Cream adds comfort to dehydrated skin and - for an extra injection of moisture - you can  use the Raspberry Soft Mask once/twice a week.

The Carrots Scrub Detox is rich of Beta-Carotene – extracted from Carrots - which have detoxing properties to restore radiance to dull, stressed complexions;  in this creamy exfoliant you will also find  bamboo powder and jojoba beads that help refine the complexion.

Finally, the Doctuer Renaud Apple Eye Cream* which I have been using for last couple of weeks. It contains 4 apple extracts to target wrinkles and leaving the skin smooth and luminous; it also contains soft orange to combat puffiness and micro algae for dark circles.

The skin definitely feels softer and it’s a real pleasure and treat to apply it to this tired and delicate area, thanks to its fresh texture. 

I'm definitely looking forward to discover more products from this brand - I'm impressed with the ingredients and luxurious packaging! Have you tried this brand yet?