Haul / Debenhams

I’ve been wanting to get my hands on the Clinique Cheek Pop since they came out; although the colour range is not wide (only 4), I simply couldn’t decide on one.

I finally decided to go with 02 Peach Pop since it’s supposed to be a dupe for Benefit's Coralista (another blush on my wishlist).

Without doubts, it looks beautiful! The packaging is pretty sturdy, but it’s so tiny that I find it a bit difficult to get it open - and infact I have already stuck my nail in it :(

I’m also happy with the colour – very flattering – and the quality gets the thumbs up too. The formula is impressive – comfortable to wear and lasts all day!

I just wish they would release new colours because I would definitely buy more.

I also got another Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow. They are so quick to apply and you can achieve a striking look with only one shadow - it's so multidimensional. Diamond Dog is a warm brown – great for autumn – with silver particles.

You can read more about the Moondust shades here.

Finally, I stocked up on a couple of essentials. 

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is my favourite serum of all time! I was a bit apprehensive since they have reformulated  it but it seems to perform just as well as before. It is incredible the difference that it makes to my skin (nearly) overnight.

Elemis Absolute Eye Serum is one of the best eye products that I have ever used; it dramatically improves my dark circles. I got to say that I’m not a fan of the new white packaging – It looks cheap.

Empties / April 2014

Skincare:

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths: These are the Rolls Royce of wipes. I only use wipes to qiuickly remove my face before the gym, but I nearly felt guilty using these for that purpose… they are too good!

They have a lovely fresh scent, extremely soaked in product and foam up on the skin. They are loaded with product and don’t require rinse afterwards.

I got them on sale, but apparently they retail for £30  - ouch. High end performance AND price; I will keep an eye on them and hopefully I will find them reduced again – I’d love to use them again.

Repurchase: maybe, depending on the price.

 Etat Pur Apigenin [25mg]:  I’ve been using this eye serum for almost a year, it lasted ages; I really enjoyed using it and I think it's a fantastic, working product. My favourite eye serum has always been Elemis Absolute Eye Serum but I have to admit that I haven't been missing it. Apigenin has a thin consistency, non-oily and it doesn’t have any particular scent, either. I think it has helped with my dark circles and I do feel that they are lighter than in the past. The dropper is perfect to get  the required amount of drops, without any waste.

Repurchase: I have just bought a new bottle of the Elemis serum ( to see if I still like it so much) but I will definitely buy the Etat Pur again!

Sarah Chapman Overnight Exfoliant Booster: this is a night serum to resurface the skin and get rid of dead cells. I've been using it twice a week and it does a great job at clearing the skin and doesn't feel harsh or stripping. I like it but I feel it's very similar to the Etat Pur Citric Acid AHA [3000 mg], which I like better - this post has become kinda of Ode to Etat Pur, hehe ;)

Repurchase: probably not.

Bodycare:

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Bust Cream: High duty moisturizer for the chest area. It’s like a butter and pretty thick so I was concerned that it would break me out. Instead, it melts into the skin without leaving any oily residue and it has a delicious cocoa scent. It’s cheap to be a target product and you get a generous amount.

Repurchase: yes.

Taaj Ayurveda Hand Cream: I didn't really like the micellar water from this brand but I definitely agreed more with the hand cream; it feels fresh on the skin, leaves my hands really soft and I love the slightly peppery scent. Great to wake me up in the morning.

Repurchase: yes.

PitRok Crystal Roll-On Deodorant: this wasn't great, to be honest! I like the fragrance - kind of baby powder - and that's about it.

 I'm not a person that sweat a lot and never had any issue in the past of feeling 'moist' in the armpit area - sorry if I'm sharing too much details - but this product didn't keep me dry... and we are talking about winter months; not smelly but felt pretty uncomfortable.

Repurchase: nope.

*****

Congratulations to the winner of my giveaway: Laura Wildman @ Ray of Glitter

Hope you enjoy your prize!!! :)

Empties / September 2013

Body Products:

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream: this was an allright cream but tube too small to see any real improvement. A bit on the thick side but smells lovely and enjoyable to use in the evenings. 

Repurchase: maybe.

Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter: love this cream! The scent is unusual but awesome, I really liked it and very refreshing too. Again, semantics get lost here: I wouldn't call it 'body butter' because I'd expect something thicker. Also thumbs up for the paraben-free formulation and I love Bliss packaging.

Repurchase: Hell yeah! It's a lovely treat.

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream With Macadamia Oil + Grapeseed Extract: another Bliss product that I've enjoyed using; actually, so far I liked every item from Bliss that I've tried. It's a great hand cream for mornings because the consistency is a cross between cream/gel and absorbs instantly. 

Repurchase: yes.

Doctor Duve Lifting & Firming Hand & Decollete Cream: kinda of a very specific targeting product here. I had a few samples and I used them on my decollete/neck areas since I have so many hand creams already. Again a very nice product but that I don't really feel the need for now. 

Repurchase: maybe, in 5 years time.

Face Products:

Chanel Huile Confort Silky Cleansing Oil: what a disappointment. I used to love Chanel make up removers, 10 years ago... but I guess I didn't know any better at the time. First of all, the oil gets everywhere! I've used oil removers that are not that oily - if this makes any sense - and much more manageable to use. You're supposed to be able to rinse this with water... in your dreams!

Then, it doesn't tackle eye make up one bit and I don't wear waterproof mascara or such.

A useless mess!

Repurchase: no!

Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes: I use face wipes to take my face off before the gym and I then remove my eye make up/mascara properly, later at home. So, I don't need anything too powerful for a bit of foundation and blusher. 

I liked the ingredients list but I can't say I was particularly impressed with the product: they were pretty dry from the beginning and not as effective as they should be. Nothing majorly wrong with them but can't recommend them.

Repurchase: nope.

REN Maybloom Balancing Cleansing Gel: quite a nice cleanser that I use when my skin is particularly oily. It does a good job at leaving my skin squeaky clean but shame it's too thin to be used with the Clarisonic.

Repurchase: maybe.

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.

FOTD - Pur Minerals palette

Need an haircut!!! O.o

Face: Nars Sheer Glow foundation in deauville, Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, Estee Lauder DoubleWear concealer in 07 warm light, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Mac Blush Ombre in azalea blossom, Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder i 002;

Eyes: Pur Minerals Beautiful Creatures palette (shades secret and fantasy), Kiko Building Base mascara, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion;

Lips: byTerry Aqualip Jelly Tint in 101 dancefloor flirt.

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.

Delivery / Debenhams

I took advantage of the gift with purchase for Elemis and placed a cheeky order on the Debenhams website, last week.

At the moment, there's this Limited Editon: Papaya Daily Facial Essentials Kit available; I had both the Papaya Enzyme Peel and Soothing Apricot Toner on my wishlist for some time, so it made perfect sense to buy this set. In the bag, you also get the Melting Cleansing Gel - which is a bonus - and Maximum Moisture Day Cream - which I read so many raves about.

The print of the washbag is gorgeous, too - the design is from Laura Oakes for the celebration of the papaya enzyme peel 10th Anniversary; for the occasion, Elemis have teamed up with charity SOCO to provide founding for over 50.000 vaccinations for children in Africa.

I have another one of these washbag and I, actually, use it to store jewellery more than toiletry.

love the details on the plaque too :)

 For the second purchase, I got the Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser: I'm running out of the Liz Earle cleanser so I thought I try this one as It's supposed to be very similar... this one, also, comes with muslin glove.

Finally, the gift set. 

I'm, mostly, looking forward to try the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash - which was also on my wishlist; the Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum sounds, also, exciting... and for the bath, you get a Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash and a Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir. I will save these for the winter months: perfect to unwind in a relaxing, warm bath!

Have you tried any of these products?

Any like/dislike?

Debenhams 4/6

MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium

I don't have a favourite setting powder so I have been trying few different ones, recently. I don't need to use a setting powder regularly, luckly... nevertheless I've started this quest to find the perfect one to use on my wedding day.

One product that always seems to come up as a recommendation on blogs is the Mac Mineralize SkinFinish.

Let me just have a rant now! So, I went to the MAc counter in House of Fraser Glasgow to have a feel of this powder, research it a bit... well, it was the most horrific experience - seriously! 

First, I had to wander about for at least 10 minutes before somebody acknowledged my presence... I had to STARE until I, finally, met eyes with one of them and prompt her to come to me. (let's just leave the fact that she was the most flat, non enthusiastic sales assistant ever)... what really makes her a criminal is the fact that she applied said product with a cotton wool pad on my face!!! I let you immagine the result! 

I felt and looked like a layer of wax had been poured on me and I was so upset and ashamed to be seen like that in public that I only caught the first train home, abbandoning my day of shopping. :(

Of course, she didn't even manage to colourmatch me correctly!

All this just to tell you why I NEVER BUY AT MAC COUNTERS!!! I'm no expert but oh boy, to receive such service and getting disappointed (so many times)... I can, definitely, do a better judgment job myself.

Anyway, back to the product: I chose medium and it is damn good indeed.

Elemis Absolute Eye Mask
I, extensively, raved about the serum here - so I decided I want to try every product from Elemis eye range. I picked up this mask because I  have never used an eye mask before but I adore face masks and I can see the benefits of using them.

Unfortunately, this product doesn't seem to make any difference for me!

It said you can use it up to 3 times per week (which seems too much in my opinion), the consistency is very light, gel-like but - aside from the fact that I didn't notice any improvment - it also stings a bit!

I can say, firmly, that I won't repurchase but I'm finishing it up, using it during my weekly steam facial to protect that area (instead of using vaseline).

this quantity is, actually, enough for both eyes... directions state to use sparingly

Have you tried any of these products... I would love to hear your thoughts!
xxx

March Shopping

Last month, I manage to do some last minute shopping before going to Italy but I forgot my memory card in Glasgow (of course, doh!!!)... so I'm only sharing these buys now:

Both shirt and dress are from Warehouse and they were in the sale.

 

Warehouse Mirror Floral Dress

I had seen (and liked) the dress before - and it's really current with the mirror print; Also, the fact that it could be a 2 pieces is pretty cool. The material is very soft, too.

Hand Drawn Pansy Print Silk Blouse

This shirt is so gorgeous! I can't believe it didn't go out of stock and that I found it in the sales rack... and there were plenty of every size!!! It's silk and I paid £25 - but also full price of £55 - I think it's great for what you get.

The design is kinda of oversize and I had to get a size 8 to fit me properly... I'm seriously loving it! ;)

Boots was still doing 3for2 on make up:

Rimmel Lycra Pro nail polish in 500 Peppermint: I wanted a mint nail colour but I'm, also, starting to cut down on polishes as I end up throwing them away half full... so this was a good compromise, shade/price-wise. I'm, usually, happy with Rimmel quality, although this looks a bit stricky with one coat.

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in 40 Permanent Taupe: of course, I wanted to try this new product too!!! VERY DISAPPOINTED because I wanted Pomegranate Punk but It didn't come on in Uk so I picked up this colour, instead. I think it's quite pretty, actually and the staying power is good; I didn't have anything similar in my collection before and I got it to use as a base, mainly, but I've been using it on its own too.

Revlon Grow Luscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso: nothing exciting - I just wanted a brown pencil for the wedding and technically, it was free. It did me real good on the big day: it's a dark brown, it's creamy and it won't budge!!! Definitely, reccomending this product.

I, also, got No7 Revitalising Hand Saviour which is a scrub for your hands and the best manicure product, I've ever used. I've been using it for about 2 years, regularly and it leaves your skin super-soft. I think, it's about £11/13 so I only buy it when I have a discount voucher.

At the Benefit counter I picked up a sample of the new Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow SPF25 foundation (bloody name!!! liking the wee bottle, tho). I was given Honey, which seems a bit dark for me but at least it's not too yellow; I haven't tried it yet so I can't judge, sorry. Anybody tried this yet?

Finally in Debenhams, I had 25quid worth of points to use so I got another bottle of the Elemis Absolute Eye Serum which is MIRACULOUS and I wouldn't want to be without again - you can read my rave about this serum here.

Then, I bought YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in 9 Cool Guava that I've been wanting for a long time.

What a tremendous product! This went straight to the top of my favourite lipsticks... it's so soft and light on the lips, super moisturising and smells so yummy... I just wish they'd make more colours on this line. Sure, it's pretty pricey but totally worth it!!!

Hope everybody is having a lovely Sunday!!! :)