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!

How I spent my Boots points...

So I had about £50 worth of points to use from Boots and I decided to pick up few essentials; I don't usually use the points to treat myself to anything special but I spend them on meal deals and just everyday items, really.

Soooo glad you can now use the points online too so I placed an order on Boots.com.

I've been busy training for my new job, lately and not had a chance to pop into town... plus, I had a voucher for £5 off on orders of £45 and you get free delivery over £40... Pretty good service, really!

 As I said, I had to stock up on essentials mainly... but here you go anyway:

Compeed Blister Plasters - these were 3 for 2 and they are total saviors! I usually buy these when they are on offer as they are quite pricey. Always handy to have some in the house.

I got 2 boxes of the 'extreme' and 1 of Caroline Wozniacki... haven't tried these versions yet, hopefully they'll be even better than the regular ones.

Tea Tree Witch Hazel 6 Nose Pore Strips - also on offer in the 3 for 2; I recently spoke about these strips in my empties post.

Bodycare: I got few body creams because I use them twice a day and go through them quite quickly:

Jergens Skin Firming Tones & Tightens - never tried this before but I'm absolutely in love with the scent! I have just started using it so I can't comment how effective it is. I can only say that it takes a bit to work into the skin and it really requires some good massage action.

Nivea Firming Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream - another product that I haven't used before. I'm usually quite happy with Nivea products so I have good expectations for this as well.

Biotherm Celluli Laser D.Code + Biofibrine - I really like Biotherm products! I use these creams regularly, especially when I feel I need an intense treatment 'cause they give great results.

I also want to try their face serums... when I finish all the half full bottles I got around in the house, tho. :(

ahhhhh, the best for last! ;)

I also bought a small tube of the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer light oil-free.

I've been wanting to try this for ever and I'm so glad you can buy the sample, without committing to a full size bottle. Can't wait to try it out!

That's all for my Boots delivery... How do you use your points??

x

More Beauty Swaps

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

I'm not too bothered with hair products; I like a mask here and there but I don't have one that I swear by and I always try a different one (usually, what's on offer in Boots).

Then, I heard that the Elasticizer was originally created for Audrey Hepburn so I HAD to try it.

This is pre-shampoo treatment with improves elasticity and shine and provides UV protection.

I love it! It will, definitely, become a staple in my hair routine (in fact, I noticed it's on the 'wish-list' on buyapowa and looking forward to buy a full size!!).

I swapped with the gorgeous Emily @ peoniesandsweetpeas.blogspot.com

Trind Nail Repair

This is a treatment supposed to straighten your nails - you need to apply it everyday for 2 weeks but remove the previous coat before (which I thought was a pain plus using acetone everyday... surely can't do any good). I really didn't see any improvement on my nails appearance but I liked the shiny finish so I will just use it up as a top coat.

The Balm Frat Boy Blush

This is such a gorgeous colour!!! It has no shimmer, not too over-powering but easy buildable and so cream - it's a joy to apply. Definitely, one of my fave blusher of all time. <3

Both of the above, traded with the talented Katie @ Facebook.com/heartbeads


Gatineau Strategie Jeuness Throat Gel

Gatineau Defi Lift 3D Mask has been on my wish-list for a long time (and probably stay there for a bit longer) - apparently, it's a red carpet must have... so when I saw this product, I jumped at the chance of trying the brand and hopefully banish the double chin, before the big day!! ;)
So far so good - I'm loving this gel: it's very fresh and light, lovely smell and it has definitely a tensor effect. I would expect this to be very expensive so I don't think I'm gonna buy again but I'm definitely enjoying this tube.

Elizabeth Arden All-Over Cellulite Skin Treatment with Green Tea

I didn't really enjoy this product - It smelled funny and it didn't do anything for my cellulite, to be honest. Also, it was a bit sticky and It didn't even firm my skin. I think it has been discontinued now and I understand why.

Biotherm Body Resculpt Svelt 

Biotherm is one of my favourite body cream on the market - sure, they're on the expensive side but I like how they perform and I usually stock up when they are on offer (they regularly run 3for2 in Boots)... and this one didn't disappoint either. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find it on the market in Uk - they have probably replaced it with their S & D code but it's still available to buy in Europe.

Last three creams got from Martina Smith.

This Works Clean Skin Daily Wash

Since receiving my Clarisonic at Christmas, I have been trying all different cleansers with it. This one is, definitely, in the top 3: It works very well with the Clarisonic but it fairs well also 'manually'.
It gets rid of make up easily and the olive oil performs as a moisturiser too. It never dries my skin or make me break out. I'll definitely consider buy the full size.
Swapped with Dorothy @ http://dorothyinbeauty.blogspot.com/

Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask

I'm a huge fan of this brand - and you can read me raving about their body stuff here & here.
Unfortunately, the face mask didnt live up to my expectations; it really didn't do anything for me. :(
I received this from Charlotte Johnson.

Are you a fellow swapper?? :)

I'm going to London tomorrow to see PULP!!! I can't wait... so excited - will definitely try and post an outfit (if I feel like it, meaning brave enough to face a camera).

Anyway, I was off today and popped into town and had a spot of shopping - here is the damage:

3 for 2 in Boots on Revlon means 1 nail polish + 2 foundations: nail polish is called PAssion Fruit and is part of the scented collection (obvious to say it smells like passion fruit?); well, scent is not that strong and last like 2 minutes. I like the colour but I really disliked the handle of the brush, far too thick and difficult to use.

Then, I picked up ColourStay foundation in 220/Natural Beige and PhotoReady in 007/Cool Beige; first impressions, I prefer PhotoReady. I know, many people have a problem with the 'glitter' in it but I don't think it is so overpowering plus it's definitely more noticeable in sun light so I'm planning on use this foundation in the evening (artificial light is totally fine with the shimmer). The packaging is also way better as the bottle has got a pump.

ColourStay is also fine but has the name says, the lasting ability should be its forte - to be honest, I haven't noticed a better durability (comparing to my other foundations).

I've heard a lot of good things about the Biotherm body creams so I decided that it was time to give it a go and take advantages of the 30% discount. I'm pleased the package has got two different types so I can  see which one is the best.

Usually, hand creams from L'occitane are the best! I got this one on sale but for the first time I was disappointed; after full absorption it left a whitey residue on my fingertips :S

~~~~~

In Topshop I picked up this bracelet & ring, both from Orelia; i've been wanting the Zoe bracelet for over a year, but stupidly priced at £18 I always refrained from buying it - very glad I got it on sale. The ring, well, i loved it straight away and couldn't resist. :(

Accessorize - Precious Metal Hammered Ring

I want to wear both rings together on the index and medium fingers of my right hand - what you think?