This week I'm in love with...

Since receiving the Caudalie Divine Oil as my birthday treat few weeks back, I've been rediscovering the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR.

I was first introduced to this oil when I received a sample in a GlossyBox - I went quickly through the small bottle because I fell in love with it and I couldn't get enough of it.

The scent is absolutely divine and, because I'm very smell-sensitive, this product doubles as a perfume for me. I picked up the golden shimmer version, last Spring.

The smell is also very similar to the Caudalie' one, although the blend of oils is different; Nuxe's includes borage, st johnswort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut and macadamia.

Between the two, I prefer the Nuxe oil because it feels drier and not sticky at all, whilst the Caudalie leaves a greasy residue on my skin.

The glitter does separate from the oil so you just need to give it a good shake before application and - although it looks pretty glittery in concentration - it just leaves a subtle glow, once blended.

The only thing I'm not too happy about is the packaging: I would prefer a spray bottle (mine is not but I understand there's a spray version available on the market) and the writing on the bottle rubbed off straight away (I literally kept finding wee white letters on my hands!).

This product is great in the summer - perfect to enhance a tan - but it will also looks beautiful in the upcoming festive season - as an extra glamorous touch for your Christmas parties.

Have you tried this oil before?

xxx

GlossyBox - Harrods Edition

Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter: first things first - love that it is paraben free.

This is a beautiful body butter - the consistency means you need to work it in the skin a wee bit but once absorbed, it disappears.

It's, also, very refreshing and smells divine.

A definite pampering body product - shame it hasn't added benefits as anti-cellulite or firming.

ReVive Intensite' Creme Lustre SPF30: unfortunately, this is too thick for me; so thick that I found it even hard to get it out of the jar. I tried few times, at night, and it just doesn't suit my skin type but I read nice reviews from other users. 

I will pass it over to my mum, I think, as she has dry skin.

Versace Vanitas Eau de Parfum: I'm not a fan of perfume samples as they are so personal - and I'm so fussy - that I rarely liked the ones that I was sent before.

Exception to the rule, I suppose, as Im really liking this scent; also, it's a deluxe sample - the bottle is quite big and very pretty - love the engravings on the cap.

Clarins Entra-Firming Body Cream: this cream is just right up my alley - exactly what I look for in a body cream. The tube is too small to really see any improvement in the toning department but I have faith in Clarins and I might give a full size bottle a go.

Leighton Denny nail polish in Honey Trap: I was sent another Leighton Denny varnish before but I didn't like it very much as it took ages to dry.

This looks better: love the colour, it has a very glossy finish and it's not streaky at all... liking the mini bottle, too.

Everything's available to purchase from Harrods

Which box did you receive? Happy with the content?

xxx

Nails of the Week

This is my attempt to Zooey Deschanel-inspired french manicure.

Man, I know why I'm no good at nail art... I dont have the patience!

I used tips guides so pretty straight forward and simple... but I'm so going to pay an expert next time I decide to go with this look. ;P

The tip should be more of a minty colour and the base more nude but I don't have these shades in my collection and I decided to use Topshop' Celestial - such a pretty colour!! 

The Denny Leighton is Honey Trap from Harrods GlossyBox.

What do you think? I'm quite liking it now thats finished.

xx

GlossyBox Feb 2012

Very Disappointed. :(

There's no one item in here that I'll be using... In fact everything is up for swap, let me know if you interested.

I'd like to try the Dr Bronner's Magic Soap but in another scent, if anybody wants my lavender.

So, what did you receive? Are you happy with your box?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Delivery / BrandAlley

Finally, my order from BrandAlley arrived!!!

I ordered it on the 8th of January and I was starting to get a bit restless, to be honest.

I've become a big fan of Monu since I discovered this brand in the November GlossyBox so I couldn't pass on the chance to try other products since everything was 50% off.

Monu - Recovery Balm

I've been wanting to try this for some time. I received the Skin Perfector in my GlossyBox (and LOVE IT!) but with my sensitive skin, I thought I give this balm a go.

First of all, It doesn't really feel like a balm but more like a cream (actually, the Skin Perfector is more like a balm/gel) but nevertheless it sinks beautifully in the skin and it's very comfortable.

I'm really liking it so far! It's beautifully scented and an ideal daytime cream. Now, I hope it will help my stressed skin and keep it a bay, too... but it's too early to tell.

Monu - Neck And Bust Cream

I find it really hard to find cream specifically for the bust area on the high street. Usually, I stock up when I go to Italy and if I run out I end up buying Clarins which is 30quid.

This bottle is tiny - I have used it for a week (once a day) and It's already half empty - not much product in it.

The cream is really thick and not the easiest to apply, I think it has a 'tensor effect' on the skin but It's not really moisturising. I won't re-purchase, I'm afraid.

Btw, do you know of any good and not too expensive bust cream on the market? :)

Monu - Stimulating Kyoto Massage & Body Oil

There were few different oils from Monuspa line but I decided on this one for it's firming benefits.

I like to use oils on wet skin after bath/shower, it leaves it super-soft and recharged.

This can also be used in the bathtub - I'll try this method too.

Unfortunatelly, I'm not thrilled because the geranium is persecuting me!!!
Nice and luxurious glass bottle - ideal for a present too - I just can't stand that flower smell.

Are you hooked on Monu like myself? :)

GlossyBox - 1st BeautyBox of 2012!

I'm curious to see what everybody else's received...

I'm pretty pleased with mine <3

Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway - only 2 days left!!!

Delivery / Ebay

I got this beauty bag from Ebay.

Originally, it was part of a Bonus Time that Clinique runs periodically so you could get it for free but I think only in the States. Created by Milly designer Michelle Smith.

I needed a bigger storage for my face products and it's a really good size; also, I like that you can open the top completely and have clear look of all the bottle inside... it was around £3.50 and it came with the small pouch too but I haven't figured out what to do with that yet. :)

I'm very pleased actually: I like the print, the material (kinda water-repellent but not plastic), the handle... I had a look around in Boots but I could' find a better one really so I decide to turn to Ebay.

I'm also using some of the beauty boxes to store make up but I like to store my foundation bottles upright; I don't find the GlossyBoxes practical because you need to open the lid all the time and if you stack them one on top of the other is pretty time consuming... I know, there're a few tutorial on blogs on how to create a drawers set but I can't bring myself to cut the boxes (silly me *__*)... so I have decide to keep them, as they are, and customise them for jewellery.

What are your thoughts?

GlossyBox - December 2011

First impressions: definitely, one of my favourite so far. 

Quality brands, good variety and great choice of colours that would suit everybody.

Plus to make it extra special - being Christmas - everything came in a red glossy box.

Blink+Go Hi-Definition Mascara

First item in the box is a waterproof mascara; I was excited to receive it because I'm on the hunt for the perfect waterproof mascara (for the wedding, you know) but I was left disappointed with this one.

I found it extremely drying! I've used a waterproof mascara before and I know they can be a bit of a pain to remove but this one made my lashes 'crispy' straight after application. 

Also, I'm not a fan of the brush: it didn't help separate or for volume.

I'm afraid, it's definitely a no-buy from me.

Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss in Las Vegas

Not impressed with this product as I wasn't impressed with the Cargo eye pencil from Boudoir Prive Box.

I'm not a fan of lip glosses in general and this is not my colour, unfortunately - it's more brown than in the picture, actually.

Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Mini Nail Varnish with Stripped to Go Satchet

I was very excited to see this in the box! I've never tried Deborah Lippmann' polishes before, although read many many good things.

I like the miniature bottle (so cute) and the colour is gorgeous (right up my alley!); it's a purple with glitter and I had good coverage from the first coat.

Longevity wasn't the best: chipped after 3 days but still acceptable.

Together with the polish, we also received a sample of the polish remover mitt. I'm not a fan of these pre-soaked pads but this one was impressive. I used it to remove Razzle Dazzle and, although it says one mitt is enough for both hands, I only managed 6/7 fingers; you need to consider this is an heavy duty polish (with all the glitter) so it's not too bad.

MEMEME Seventh Heaven

I have never used this brand before - I think the packaging looks quite cheap... You see, I would have never bought this product but I'm pleased I discovered it because I liked it a lot.

I use this as a primer: it, also, has active ingredients and extracts to moisturise the skin but I wouldn't use it everyday.

It has a very pleasant citrusy smell and it's light on the skin, creating a smooth canvas for the make up.

You should, definitely, check it out if you're looking for a budget primer.

Rituals Foaming Shower Gel in Yogi Flow

LOVELOVELOVE!!!

This is a full size bottle and it's huge!!! The packaging looks very luxurious and it would be perfect for a present too. 

The Yogi Flow version is the indian rose and sweet almond oil but I bet they are all lovely scented - in fact I'd like to try more.

I'm a big fan of foaming shower gels - I've used the Imperial Leather's before - and I find that a little goes a long wait. Plus, they always leave my skin extremely soft and nourished. 

***

GlossyBox Vs JolieBox

Finally, the boxes are here!!!

They arrived together - GlossyBox, 3 days late (by my calculations) and JolieBox on time... I've been avoiding all my favourite blogs because I didn't want to spoilt the surprise but I was getting a bit restless there; I'm glad I manage to resist, tho. :)

Content:

. Blink + Go Hi-Definition Mascara

. Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss in Las Vegas

. Deborah Lippmann Razzle Dazzle Mini Nail Varnish with Stripped to Go Sachet

. Mememe Seventh Heaven

. Rituals Foaming Shower Gel in Yogi Flow

****

Content:

. OPI Gold Shatter Nail Lacquer

. Mitchell and Peach Shower Wash

. New CID Cosmetics i-gloss in Baby Doll

. Jane Iredale 24-Karat Gold Dust in Rose Gold

. Yon-Ka Vital Defense

. Kusmi Detox Tea

. JolieBox Concealer Brush

I'm very very happy with both boxes: there're some terrific products and I'm glad that they all made a special effort for the Christmas edition - but I'm giving the edge to JolieBox.

Mainly because I was going to buy this  VERY AFTERNOON a) gold nail polish b) concealer brush (no kidding!)

Plus, both eyeshadow & lipgloss colours are perfect for me (whilst I'm not going to use the Cargo lipgloss).

Btw, have I dreamt it or there was supposed to be an extra surprise under the wrapping?? I don't know, I thought I read something on GlossyBox (maybe) Facebook page... 

I didn't find anything... :(  

FeelUnique Beauty Box

Finishing Touches

- TIGI Bed Head Candy Fixations Sugar Dust

- Annick Goutal Mandragore Eau De Toilette

- Clarisonic Cleanser

- Nails Inc. Oxford Circus Limited Edition Nail Polish

- Figs & Rouge Sweet Geranium 100% Organic Balm

- Living Nature samples

Would you be happy with this box?

xx

GlossyBox - November Edition

ARBONNE FC5 Cooling Foot Creme

I didn't enjoy using this product, purely for the smell.

The cream is, definitely, very fresh and pleasant on the skin at the end of the day or after the gym but the smell really put me off.

It's true it's made with 'fresh kiwi cell' but I don't know how people can say it smells like kiwis. Honestly, I can only think they never ate the fruit before. To me, It had a really strong and pungent chemical scent (which ok, It only goes on my feet - I can live with that, I thought) but it totally totally intoxicated my bathroom every time I used it. I swear, I could still smell it the morning after AND leaving the bathroom window open all night!!!

Personally, I can positively say I'm not going to purchase it for that reason, which could be an important factor for somebody else, but I'm really smell sensitive and the minor 'upset' could trigger an headache for me.

I'd be curious to see if the hand cream also smells the same - anybody tried both??

DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK Dead Sea Bath Salts

I'm a big fan of Dead Sea Spa Magik.

I was using their Algimud Peel-off Body Mask about 3 years ago regularly but unfortunately, my local Debenhams stopped stocking it so I has becoming a bit of a pain to buy it.

I'm glad I'm having the chance to be re-introduced to this brand again and to try other products too - in fact I'm a 'believer' of the dead sea, mud and seaweed benefits.

I'm using these salts to add extra goodness to my bath but apparently, you can also make a concentrate solution for aching hands and feet and re-use it for up to 2 weeks, simply re-heating it.

It's also a generous sample here: I can easily see 4/5 baths coming out of it. 

MONU Skin Perfector

THE HOLY GRAIL!!!

I love love love this cream - I'm so excited even writing about it. I've been using it like a  2-in-1 morning moisturiser/primer, the days I put make up on. I haven't used another primer since I received this one.

I really like everything about it: the smell is a nice soft waking up experience and it feels so light on the skin. I feel it creates a perfect smooth canvas on my face.

I know, a couple of different versions were sent out and I'm desperately trying to get my hands on the Recovery Balm as well - so, pretty please, if you have one that you don't want I'm prepared to give it a good home. :)))

NAIL ROCK Designer Nail Wraps

I'm not excited about these. I haven't even used the toe wraps that I received a couple of boxes ago, yet. I'm curious to try this new trend which is 'nail wrapping' but the pattern, that I received, is really not me - hopefully, I'll manage to swap them for some other one.

SERGE LUTENS L'Eau Serge Lutens & Vitriol d'Oeillet

and finally, the perfume samples, of course!

If I need to pick one, I prefer the white one (L'Eau) but I'm not going to wear neither of them, honestly.

I tried to flog the black to my fiancé - since both fragrances are unisex - but he also didn't like it.

So, there you go - both fragrances failed both sexes!

You heard me complaining about perfume samples before; I, also, find that these wee flacons are not appealing at all - do you remember the Lalique bottle from the beginning? That was a nice object per se (or check the one my sister got in the italian GlossyBox) and I felt an effort was made.

All in all this wasn't a great box but it was good: I discovered Monu - a brand which I never heard about before and that now I want to try every single product!!!
On that principle, I can't complain really because that's what these boxes are all about!

What are your thoughts on these products?