Holiday Shopping

I'm always interested in trying different brands of micellar water, so I bought the Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal. I'm pretty disappointed: there was too much rubbing needed, for my liking and it stung my eyes. They gave me a sample of the Yves Rocher Pure Light - which looks like a luminous tinted moisturiser - and Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Ultra-Volume Mascara - I love the look of the wand, can't comment on the formula yet.

The hydrating gloves are a present from my cousin - I'll make sure to use them before bedtime, they have a lovely and soothing lavender scent!

I also picked up the new Kiko Cupcake Nail Lacquer in 650; it was on offer for only 2.99euros so I could't pass it on. To be honest, I'm not sure if I like it - kinda but don't love it... a bit disappointing! :(

These wee macaroons are made of ceramic and you can pop them in your drawers or on your vanity table and they leave a lovely scent behind. They came in a super cute jar too! :)

Collistar is an all time favourite brand of mine, especially for body products: They deliver! This time I picked up Intensive Anticellulite Serum and Bust Firming Cream-Gel. I love that the sizes are always so generous with these products and - although the prices are on the high end - they last a long time and I can always see improvements with constant use.

A friend also gave me a sample of Biotherm Aquasource BB-Cream, which is too dark for her, but I’m sure I can make it work in the summer. I just tested it and it gives a nice healthy glow... promising!

I luuuurv L'Erbolario packaging! My mum got me this set because honeysuckle is one of my favourite scents. 

I haven’t used baby powder in ages - I have to say I’ve been enjoying this decadent ritual and  it leaves my skin velvety and lovely perfumed.

I also got some make up samples from a friend that works in a department store.

Pupa Vamp! Mascaras - Love the brush; I will save the purple for autumn but I have already used the green. It’s quite fun and not 'in your face’ as I was expecting. I would definitely use it occasionally now that I have it (but not something that I would go out and purchase, tbh).

Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick in 343B – It's a gorgeous colour and moisturising on the lips. I was expecting a matte finish but it’s actually pretty sheer and buildable.

Pupa Perfetta in 1 Minuto – this is a multi-tasker like no others! It's a 24-hr moisturiser, eye cream and overnight mask. It's extremely refreshing on the skin, perfect for summer.

Also, really looking forward to try all the wee samples from La Mer – not tried this brand yet. 

I got La Mer Face & Body Gradual Tan, La Mer The Eye Concentrate and La Mer The Regenerating Serum. Have you used any of this? What do you think?

My husband bought me this cute bracelet from Carpisa - Carpisa is famous for their bags mainly but I'm glad to see that they do accessories and jewellery too; they are pretty affordable and always fantastic for gift ideas. 

Finally, I picked up this shirt from Pull & Bear - it's a tad sheer so I will have to wear it with a vest underneath but the cotton is so so soft. I fell in love with the print (obviously) and it was on sale too... score!

Shopping My Stash / #6

I've been trying the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm this week but I've to say that I'm disappointed; it doesn't seem to improve the appearance of my skin or prolong make up longevity and smells funny too. :(
I applied a thin layer of Becca Luminous Skin Colour in cashmere that is the best matching base that I've ever had, shade-wise; I then added extra coverage with Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF15 in real sand.

On the cheeks another Becca product: Shimmering Skin Perfector in opal, which I reckoned better using it now, since it's a bit too dark for winter months; I also added a bit of colour on the apple of my cheeks with Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in cherub, which is the perfect pink for without adding any redness to the skin.

Prepped the eyes with the one & only Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and used the gray and green shades from the Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel palette. 
I also got the chance to try a couple of products that my sister donated to me: Pupa Made To Last Eyes in 201, which is a gorgeous brown eye pencil with gold shimmer that does not budge!
Then I used the Collistar - a brand that I adore and I raved about plenty here - Eyeshadow Luminous Powder in 4 to add light to the inner corner.
Finally, lips were quite bright with Naj Oleari Affinity Lipstick in 78 - total dupe for Ysl Fuchsia in Rage.

Haul / Holiday Shopping

I couldn't pass on some pharmacy shopping, obviously!

My Bioderma 'stock' is nearly finished so I was going to get more but then I decided to get the Lierac Micellar Cleansing Water, instead. 

As mentioned in this post, I'm interested in trying other brands too and this, in particular, was on offer for 10euros.

I will still use up the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (even if I'm not thrilled with it), but I also got a mini Bioderma Sebium H2O to try and because I can't stay without some Bioderma in da house! :D

Aquolina is well renowned for its mouthwatering scents, from white chocolate to pistacchio to strawberry milkshake; the scent are all very 'true to life' and the body lotions are my favourite because leave the skin extra smooth and velvety.

I got this body wash for a bargain 1euro and got the guava scent because I adore the Korres version.

I've been pretty obsessed with Acqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi lately and rationing my tiny sample wisely. Luckly enough, my sister's boyfriend mum works for a department store and managed to get me this set - How sweet!

I've also learned that I really like figs scents, apparently and the next one on my wishlist is the Caudalie Figue De Vigne Eau Fraiche.

The wee Le Sorelle Lavender Soap is a present from my sister (how appropriate!); she went on a road trip in Tuscany this summer and found the most quaint shop, run by four sisters. They produce natural beauty products and also food and house decor. Check their website www.lesorelle.toscana.it and it's a recommended stop, if you're in Tuscany in the near future.

Pupa Milano used to be sold in Boots years ago but it's no more available in Uk, as far as I know. They are currently running a Facebook promotion where you can get a nail polish for 1euro and the eyeshadow for 5euros.

I got the Pupa Lasting Color Gel in 18 Delicate Crimson which is such a pretty shade of pink; I'm wearing it on its own, without top coat and I'm not terribly impressed with longevity but  you can't go wrong for 1euro and it dried super fast.

The Pupa Wet & Dry Eyeshadow in 102 Peach is from the latest Vamp! Collection and it's neutral with a bit of peach, perfect for everyday use or as a base; it's a baked powder and buttery soft.

Collistar is a brand that I've been faithful to for many years. Prices are in between - for example, this Collistar Twist Ultra-Shiny Gloss retails around 12/13 euros (about £11) but quality is far superior than the high street items. It contains hyaluronic acid and pro-collagen which plumps up the lips, leaving them soft and smooth.

Differently from other chubby sticks that I have used before, it doesn't have the peppermint scent but a vanilla flavour (similar to Mac lipsticks).

It's also extremely moisturizing and the colour pay-off is incredible; in fact, I guess it's more of a lipstick with a glossy finish than a lip balm.

As just mentioned I love Collistar so I was super thrilled to receive these samples and make up bag too; the Collistar Magica BB Cream for the Body, especially, is wonderful! It leaves legs & arms looking glorious and very comfortable and dry on the skin. Not that I will get much use in Uk, since I'm constantly wearing tights. :(

Speaking of tights... ;)

Calzedonia is a shop completely dedicated to tights and socks, basically; the variety is huge and they also do bikinis and swimwear in summer.

Fashion tights can be a bit expensive - for instance, the ones above are from the new Autumn Collection and are 9,95euros - but ordinary microfiber or lycra tights and leggings are around 2-3euros. They come in every possible colour, great selection of dens and they are very resistant (I'm still pairs that I bought 6 years ago! The shame!).

I believe they now have a couple of stores in London too. 

Cruciani phenomenon started in august 2011 and it fast became the must-have summer accessory in many resorts in Italy, Dubai and Tokyo.

I don't usually follow these trends but these crochet bracelets are too cute to pass on. The original version is a four-leaf clover but the line now includes starfishes, hearts, pirates and charity, limited editions like the Disney version or Damiani, sprayed with gold. 

I hope I gave you some ideas of brands that you can check out, next time you're on the continent! ;)
Have you tried any of these yet?

Empties / November

Face Products:

Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser - I received this in a beauty box a loooong time ago! Not the best cleanser I have ever used but not even the worst. The consistency is perfect for the Clarisonic (weirdly enough, right?!) but it doesn't leave the squeaky clean feeling, maybe too gentle for me?

Repurchase: probably not.

Elemis Absolute Eye Serum - another one bites the dust. This is a staple in my beauty regime and I can't live without this eye serum. Full review here.

Repurchase: Hell yeah! I already have a back up. ;)

Lanolips 101 Ointment - one of the best lip balm, I have ever tried. Definitely in my Top3. The consistency can be quite hard to squeeze out but then it melts on the lips and apparently, it's better than the petroleum in the Vaseline.

It also doesn't irritate my lips, which is a huge bonus... I often get rashes from lipsticks :(

Repurchase: Yep, I already have the lemonaid version in my stash!

Body Products:
Ahava Mineral Body Lotion in Water - another offering from the beauty boxes. I don't usually do 'plain' body lotions but I love the smell of this one. I've been using it for special occasions, before a night out because it makes your skin smell amazing and leaves it super soft.
Repurchase: Maybe, as a treat.
The Body Shop Body Scrub in Pink Grapefruit - these are my new favourite body scrubs. Love the consistency, very effective, and this scent in particular makes me verrrry happy. I adore pink grapefruit!
The only thing that I'm not crazy about is the tub: not the most convenient to use in the shower.
Repurchase: Absolutely yes!
Collistar Intensive Anticellulite Serum - Collistar is an italian brand, available in Sephora in Italy so I guess in other Sephoras in Europe, too... I have never seen it in Uk, tho.
It's a great brand that I highly recommend to try out. Their body line is one of the most effective against cellulite, especially the Talasso scrub (put that on your wishlist, ladies!). This body serum also has a very light and easily absorbed consistency so it's perfect for morning applications; I go back to this product over and over again. They also do make up and skincare... an exciting brand all round!
Repurchase: Yes.

Holiday Haul

Right, I'm just back from Italy; me & my fiancè are getting married there next year so we went over to get things in motion... And we set a date! YAY!!!
Also, I may have found the dress :))) - I went trying stuff with my sis and mum and put a deposit on one (still with the option that if I change my mind again I can, so got time til autumn, deadline to actually order it, to look around)... Plus, having a date to work towards makes such a huge difference... I feel more relaxed.

Now, back to few bits I got there. Actually, I haven't bought anything; I was planning to get some body cream/serum from Collistar which does amazing great products for cellulite but I was welcomed by the news that my sister's new boyfriend mum works in a drugstore and always gives her freebies and samples - LUCKY GIRL, IF YOU ASK ME - and to make a list of what I wanted so I could benefit from her discount at least. To be honest, I love all the products from Collistar so I wasn't too fussed, which paid off as the lovely lady was able to give me these two bottle completely free!!! They are full size and retail for around €35 each.


Finally, I got these lovely presents from my cousin Stefania! We always exchange presents at Christmas and birthdays but beause I live in uk now, we're not that punctual with dates... Hehe... She was sweet enough to drop these off for me. :)








































Been wearing the necklace everyday. Adore it! <3