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.

Shopping My Stash / #12

I haven’t really been bothered to play with make up lately or browse through my collection; I’ve been lazy and simply reaching for simple, natural colours to slap on quickly in the morning. I blame the weather!

Urban Decay Shattered Face Case palette has been perfect for my current mood. The shades are neutral, effortless to apply and blend super easily. I also added a bit of colour with Neve Cosmetics Pastello Eye Pencil in Petrolio which works well both with the browns and purples of the eyeshadows. Finished off the eyes with a coat of Benefit They’re Real mascara… which I’m trying to finish because I really don’t like it - It makes my lashes too crispy!

On the face, I’ve been using Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation in Honey; I’m actually really liking this foundation because it doesn’t accentuate the dry patches that winter brought with it. :(

This foundation is already pretty good in keeping me shine-free, but I also added a dust of Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes to make it lasts all day.

On the cheeks and lips, I used the blushes (Overexposed, Temper), highlighter (Glint) and Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Lovechild from the face case, which complement the eyes and each other beautifully; I have also been enjoying topping up the lippie during the day. J

Must Have / Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

I've been using this concealer for a while now and I've come to truly rely on it.

You may say that it wasn't love at first sight (or use), since it can be a bit drying - I guess the reason it's because it's a long wear product. 

Since the first fine lines made an appearance around my eyes, in recent eyes, I've been having some creasing issues so I decided to try it; my usual concealer just wasn't cutting it anymore and the creasing really annoyed me. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer does last all day and once it's set, I don't experience any creasing. 

Added bonus: it also contains spf10 and it can be built to a pretty full coverage without looking cakey. It's medium coverage to start with, and I find that even a small amount makes a big difference to my undereye area; I don't get many spots thankfully but it does a great job at hiding my dark circles and also add a touch of luminosity.

concealer on the eye on the right (my left eye)

What do you think? Personally, I'm pleased with the result and it still looks very natural.

It definitely gets a A- from me (for the dryness issues). Have you tried this product yet? What do you think?

FOTD

Face: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, Benefit PoreFessional primer, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 warm light, Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Helthy Glow Enhancing Powder on 002, Clarins Instant Light Blush in tonic coral;

Eyes: Mac Paint Pot in rubenesque, Urban Decay Eyeshadow in free love and X, Clinique High Impact mascara, Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in expresso;

Lips: L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in 303 coral & floral.

Shopping My Stash / #7

Giving Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua another shot this week, but still not liking it - so strange, it doesn't last on me more than a few hours and looks awful at the end of the day. :( 

Glad I asked for another sample and never bought the full size.

I also took care to use a primer - Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish - and to set it with Mac Mineralize SkinFinish in medium, but they didn't make any different to the longevity of the product.

I used Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo to contour, 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Blush in plum for a pop of colour on my cheeks and St. Tropez Skin Illuminator in violet to highlight.

Eyes were kept simple with neutral colours from Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trio in silent treatment. 

As a primer I used Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr in permanent taupe, added a bit of Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in expresso and loads of Neve Cosmetics Occhioni mascara.

Finally, I went for bright lips to cheer me up in these dark and chilly autumn mornings with CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in 400 temptress.

Have you tried any of these product before?

FOTD - Coral Eyeshadow

Face: Clinique City Block Sheer Spf25, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Mac Cremeblend Blush in Something Special, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes;

Eyes: Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in On And On Bronze, Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in 29 Intensive Coral, Kiko False Lashes Concetrate Building Base Mascara, Clinique High Impact Mascara, Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in Expresso;

Lips: Revlon ColorBust Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie.

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 - Coral Love!

FACE: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25, Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Make Up SPF15 in blush medium, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 warm light, Kiko Colour Explosion Multi-Tone Blush in 04 bold coral;
EYES: Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in 29 intensive coral, Clinique High Impact mascara;
LIPS: Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor in 515 coral crash.

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 / May

Body Items

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil: another GlossyBox offering coming to an end. I use body oils daily after the shower and this is pretty average. Don't get me wrong - it's not bad and it didn't make any difference to my stretch marks (not that I had any hopes, anyway) but it's nothing extraordinary either. It smells like lavender and rosemary.

Repurchase: nope, I can get alternatives for cheaper.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: the Elasticizer is one my favourite hair masks. You leave it on pose for 20 minutes before shampooing; it needs to be applied on wet hair which kinda of annoys me because by the time I jump in the shower, I'm freezing! ;) but that's me for you, I get cold very easily.

You can read my original review here, my opinion hasn't changed.

Repurchase: yes.

No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment: hated it hated it hated it and then multiply by a 1000. The actual product takes ages to absorb and, even with all the massaging, I didn't see any improvement on the cellulite. I didn't enjoy using the applicator either (you can see a picture here) but had no choice because you can't open the bottle and use it normally. Well, you may want to cut the bottle like I did, if it gets REALLY frustrating.

Repurchase: hell no... it's over 20 quid and not worth it!

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: I really like this foot cream and I have used it few times in the past. It looks quite thick but doesn't leave a greasy residue; it smells minty but not in an overpowering way and it's bright pink!!! The joy! :D

Repurchase: yes

Face Items

Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner: I didn't actually finish this product but found it at the back of my drawer and had completely forgot about it. It's all dried up now and pretty old so I wouldn't use it on my eyes anyway. I remember not being particular impressed with it and it made my lashes crispy too.

I have tried few lashes primers but, to be honest, it's an additional step so rarely use them; also because I don't see a huge difference - one day I'll try the much hyped Dior one and see what I've been missing out on.

Repurchase: no.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream: to be honest, I've been *I don't want to say disappointed* unimpressed by many REN products and this cream is also average for me. It absorbs well and I strangely love the peppery smell but I can't justify buying it for that reason alone. It's still a nice night cream but I can get the same performance cheaper from the high street. Shame! :(

Repurchase: nope.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: What can I say? This is my favourite night serum. I know it doesn't work for everybody but when I use it, my skin looks considerably improved OVERNIGHT!

No spots, radiance and smooth skin so I'm a bit sad to see it go but it was nearing the expiry date so can't complaint, it lasted a long time.

Repurchase: absolutely!

Sprout Cleanser: I used this cleanser to remove the first layer of make up at night; it did a good job and left my skin soothed. I found the scent to be soothing for the mind, too. 

Sprout has actually re-branded as S.W. Basic of Brooklyn but for what I can see that's the only thing that has changed - Full range review here!

Repurchase: yes.

Sorry for the loooong post but I did finish more items than usual this month (hurray!) - do you like empties posts?
xxx

FOTN / Urban Decay Theodora Palette

Face: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Mac Mineralized SkinFinish in soft & gentle, Guerlain Meteorites Perles in 01 teint rose', YSL Blush Radiance in 02;

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Urban Decay Oz the Great and Powerful Theodora Palette (west, beware, spell), Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in expresso, Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect mascara;

Lips: L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in 301 dating coral, Mac Archie's Girls Lipglass Lipgloss in kiss & don't tell.

FOTN / Anniversary Dinner

Good Afternoon Ladies!

Couple of weeks ago, it was my first wedding anniversary so we went out for dinner to celebrate.

We ate at a Scottish restaurant in the westend of Glasgow, called Bothy; i had salmon with pearl barley, crayfish and lemon risotto and an amazing warm pear and coconut tart... Definitely want to eat this food again!

Btw, I'm wearing Neve Cosmetics Mousse Framboise from yesterday's review... in love with this colour!

Face: Daniel Sandler Retexturizing Face Primer, Daniel Sandler Invisible Radiance Foundation & Concealer in porcelain, Nyx Cream Blush in glow, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in 002;

Eyes: Wet n Wild ColorIcon Eyeshadow Trio in knock on wood, Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in on and on bronze, Revlon GrowLuscious mascara;

Lips: Neve Cosmetics Dessert a levres in mousse framboise. 

FOTD - A Snow Day in March

l-r/t-b: ted baker lip crayon, urban decay blush, rimmer scandaleyes, bareminerals' frisson

Face: Benefit the Porefessional, Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Make Up in 3.0, Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-on Cheek Tint in Crush;
Eyes: Rimmel Scandaleyes in 003 Bad Girl Bronze, Rimmel Scandaleyes in 005 Nude, bareMinerals Frisson eyeshadow (from The Rare Find palette), Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara;
Lips: Ted Baker Lip Crayon no4.

FOTD / Urban Decay Glinda Palette

 Face: Chanel VitaLumiere Aqua Foundation in B30 beige sable, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Wet n Wild ColorIcon Blusher in pearlescent pink, Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder, Benefit Sun Beam;

Eyes: Urban Decay Glinda palette (Tornado, Aura, Illusion), Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in purple, Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in 40 permanent taupe;

Lips: Urban Decay Super-Saturated High-Gloss Lip Colour in glinda.