Empties / February 2014

Bodycare:

Radox Eastern Spirit Bath Soak: I quite like these Radox bath products. I had this bottle for ages and don’t know if it’s still available since it was a limited edition, but they have a wide range of scents and it’s an affordable way for a bit of pamper. My husband is also a fan of the muscle soak version, especially. 

Repurchase: yep.

Kiko Anti-Cell Serum Spray: I bought this product mainly because of the spray bottle - It’s faster to use in the mornings. It has a fresh awakening scent, which was helpful for early starts, but can’t say it made a huge difference to my skin (if any improvement at all). Also - like with many sprays - it wasn't too reliable, the nozzle got clogged a couple of time but... it was a good price.

Repurchase: probably not.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant: This is the perfect deodorant! Lovely scent, kept me fresh all day and I didn’t experience any staining on my clothes. Although it’s quite small, I’ve come to realize that it’s not very travel-friendly because of the glass bottle… nevertheless, I love it! I also love that it hasn't got all the nasty chemicals, aluminium salts and I think natural deodorants is definitely the way to go.

Repurchase: yes!

Skincare:

REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel: Another sample bites the dust! I have gone through countless wee tubes of this Ren eye cream. I love it! The gel consistency is perfect for the eye area and even better if you keep it in the fridge. I shall definitely invest in a full size bottle. 

Repurchase: definitely!

Bioderma Eye Contour Gel Sensitive: This eye cream was disappointing, instead. It wasn’t hydrating enough for my needs and not a good base for concealer either. Shame, since I love the other products from this range and I had high hopes. 

Repurchase: no.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift: Sad face that it's finished :( I tried to use this parsimoniously and only before special occasions (considering the price) but it has come to an end, unfortunately; this serum is a great boost for the skin and it also gives a beautiful glow, thanks to the subtle sparkle particles.

Repurchase: wish I could afford it!

Review / Bioderma Photoderm Ski Spf 50+

Bioderma is mostly famous for their Sensibio H2o Micelle Solution; it's one of my favourite French pharmacy brands and personally, I think that their micellar water is still the best on the market. 

Apart from the well deserved fame for this product, Bioderma offers a vast skincare and suncare range; for example, I swear by Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream that is a lightweight, milky formulation and ideal for my intolerant sensitive skin. 

Bioderma  Photoderm Ski Spf 50+* is a new product, part of their suncare line for extreme exposure to the sun It's particularly indicated for high altitude activities when the skin is subject to aggression from the sun and the cold together.

The Spf 50+  especially guarantees high protection on sunny days on the slopes when the harmful rays are high and reflected on the snow surface; it offers maximum anti-UVB and anti-UVA efficacy to protect from sunburn and premature ageing, too.

Whilst the ingredients aim at protecting from the sun, the formula has been designed to create a barrier and to protect from cold temperatures (up to -10C) and harsh winds. 

This item has the convenience of a 2-in-1 product; in the tube, you get the sunscreen cream for the face - and in the screw top, you'll find a spheric applicator for the lips.
The consistency is also different: the cream has a thicker, white, nourishing texture to avoid the skin from becoming dehydrated; whilst the lip balm feels balmy, like any other lip balm, and prevents chapped lips.
Definitely a handy wee tube to carry with you on your next winter holiday!

Have you tried any product from Bioderma before?

Empties / October 2013

Skincare:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution: not much to say about this one - everyone loves it, everyone uses it. Although - as I mentioned in my holiday haul post - I'm branching out and started trying different brands, this is still my favourite in the micellar water world.

Repurchase: definitely!

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes: I use wipes before the gym to remove most of my face make-up; these were allright but a bit on the dry side and I felt I had to scrub more than when using other ones.

Repurchase: no.

Wei White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend: I received this eye cream in the January Birchbox; It's quite thick in consistency, so I mainly used it at night for this reason. Nevertheless I enjoyed using it and didn't feel heavy on the skin (just takes a while to absorb).

Repurchase: maybe.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm: ohhhh my precious - I love everything about this lip balm - the grittiness, the smell, the performance. The matte finish is also an unusual and welcome quality. You can read more in my original review here.

Repurchase: hell yeah!

Bodycare:

Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Wash: can go wrong with a bit of posh hand wash ;) Lovely fresh scent, lathers nicely and not drying - I actually really liked this wee sample.

Repurchase: yes.

Sprout Cream: Sprout's now become S.W. Basics but same lovely products. This is a very thick cream, nearly pure shea butter. I used it on rough areas as knees, elbows and heels and lasted ages. Love the sweet smell, too.

Repurchase: yes.

L'Occitane Date Bouquet Hand Cream: this was from the shea butter limited edition from last year. L'Occitane hand creams are probably my favourite hand creams ever, the date scent was lovely too. I'm currently using the Passionate Jasmine version and it is just as gorgeous - You can check this post for the Limited Edition 2013 scents :) 

Repurchase: always!

Nivea Firming Body Oil: pretty inexpensive body oil, for after shower use that I highly recommend! Easy to dispense, not greasy and beautiful scent.

Repurchase: yes.

All in all a very positive month! Have you tried any of these products yet?

*** New items added to the Shop :) ***

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?

New In / L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution

I'm a regular user of the Bioderma Micellar water but I'm glad to see more brands releasing their own version. I've been recently testing the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution* and at first, I couldn't really see any difference from my regular remover. I was pleasantly surprised with the performance, it didn't upset my skin and at a cheaper price.
Until one day, I used the No7 Stay Precise Liquid Eye Liner - this bad boy is mean to remove. I started with the L'Oreal product on one eye but it just wasn't cutting it. So I naturally decided to do a comparison test and use the Bioderma on my other eye. Well, the difference was remarkable: a little soaking needed and much less rubbing, too. I had to use the Bioderma to finish removing my make up on both eyes, because I honestly felt uneasy with the rubbing and paranoid to pull off all my lashes.
Don't get me wrong - it's a good micellar solution, well priced and easy to buy on the high street... but it's not Bioderma!
After that, I started to notice the difference even with my everyday, minimal make up; It's not that great after all, it takes longer to dissolve creamy shadows (like Maybelline Colour Tattoos) and it pretty averagely removes your mascara.
Personally, I think Bioderma is the real deal but I'm definitely interested in trying more Micellar waters, too - Any recommendation?