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.

Introducing / Etat Pur

Etat Pur is a skincare system developed by Jean-Noel Thorel, the man behind Bioderma/Institut Esthederm; he is the inventor of biomimetic cosmetics, the philosophy of Etat Pur which is a totally new approach to skincare.

Etat Pur aims at meeting customers expectations, delivering a totally customized beauty regime; it means going back to basics, using only clear ingredients with proven action and without anything which is useless or harmful.

This innovative routine works around 2 phases: the first line - pure actives - targets specific problems at the optimal dosage, wherever needed; the second line - biomimetic skincare - takes care of the skin needs in absolute respect of his nature.

It's skincare personalization to the next degree and, when you visit www.etatpur.co.uk, you'll be able to do a quick test and come up with the perfect solutions for your needs.

For my dark circles, I was 'prescribed' Etat Pur Apigenin [25mg]*

This serum targets dark circles and at the same time smoothes out the delicate and thin area around the eyes and reduces signs of fatigue.

I could really see a visible improvement within days; I started with an initial intensive treatment, using it mornings and nights for a couple of weeks and now I only need 1 application for day.

This is definitely an essential step of my skincare regime now with such fantastic brightening results!

The pure molecule of this product is extracted from Grapefruit, with a purity level of over 95% and these concentrated essences come in handy bottles which dispense the right dose for every application.

Etat Pur Citric Acid - AHA [3000 mg]* targets dull skin, instead.
I'm a big fan of AHA and always looking for radiance enhancing products; citric acid is an acid found in fruits and a powerful natural exfoliant so you only need to use this item 1 to 3 times a week, at night only.
I did experience some dry patches on my chin, but nothing major, and the dryness actually testifies for the regeneration of the cells.
I can also see results on my cheeks with a rosy and healthy complexion!

Finally, the website recommended Etat Pur Glabridin [2.5 mg]* to target hyperpigmentation.

The main extract comes from liquorice roots which inhibit the synthesis of melanin and has very good depigmentation power. 

The consistency of this item is a bit too oily for my skin type, in fact I can't really use it during the day so I've been applying it at night, alternating it with the other serum; as mentioned above, the citric acid can be a bit drying but I found that the lipids in Glabridin compensate with that and the 2 products work in perfect synergy together!

I love the transparency of this brand and you can also read clinical studies which prove the effectiveness of the active ingredients on the website.
Have you heard of Etat Pur before? :)

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.

Selfridges Beauty Box

I would say the much anticipated box is here... but actually, Selfridges only announced it last week - released yesterday and I received it today!

First of all, very impressed with the delivery service - I know some people haven't received it yet - but as far as I know there was only an option of £4.95 p&p.

 Also, I know it was a limited edition but they should have really made more - may people were left disappointed and annoyed... not a good strategy, in my opinion.

 I got to say, I don't have any other beauty box subscription going at the moment (and haven't regretted so far) but as soon as I saw a preview of this, I WANTED it!

It's such a shame that people are already selling half of the items they received or flogging it entirely and personally, I really don't understand: I spent a few good hours, trying to buying it yesterday and I most definitely wouldn't have bothered just to resell it! It's really disappointing when other people really wanted one but didn't manage to get one.

Anyway, onto the box - Really amazing selection of brands and products and for that price!

I think it's a one-off box and marks Selfridges Beauty Workshop - "a revolutionary space designed to create a unique playground of exclusive services and products with over 100 new niche brands and cult classics."

 There's a booklet in the box, explaining more about The Beauty Workshop and with information about the products; there're, also, special offers and counter invitations but I'm pretty far from a Selfridges so unfortunately, I won't be able to take advantage of these.

Clearly, I can't review the products as I haven't tried them yet (they'll come in due course) but here is what you get:

Philip B Katira Hair Masque

Personally, I don't know this brand but I'm not a haircare expert; whilst, I don't use styling products massively, I do enjoy an hair mask weekly.

Star ingredient is the pure Katira extract which should help filling damage in the cuticles to add smoothness and strengh.

It can be used both as an instant 2 minutes treatment or overnight.

Antipodes Organic Avocado and Rosehip Divine Face Oil

Excited about this product - I've been looking forward to try this brand, for a while!

It boosts Type 1 collagen in skin cells, easing the effects of aging and leaving skin fresh and plumped.

I believe this is a full size bottle and comes with a dropper applicator.

Stila One Step Correct

Apart that it looks beautiful (!!!) -I think it's weird that it's described as a serum when in actual facts it's a primer.

So you would apply it as a primer, before foundation, and the three colours combined, target different concerns: green - redness, lavender - sallow undertones, peach - illuminates.

Again, full size product and looking forward to try this multi-helix technology.

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask

This mask is packed with mineral-rich moor mud from the lake Heviz - effectively purifies and at the same time soothes the skin. It looks like a mud/clay mask which is a staple in my routine but we'll see how I get on with this as I was rather disappointed by the Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm.

Sample size, clearly - still around 6quid in value.

Estelle & Thild Lip Balm

This is the other brand I've never heard about; apparently, they're a swedish company, certified organic and their products are saturated with high-quality ingredients and vitamins.

Absolutely love the packaging and smells of raspberry - delicious! I got the natural, clear version but they do tinted ones, too.

If I don't absolutely hate this balm, I'm looking forward to explore this brand more in the future.

Full size.

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum

Another brand that I wanted to try for a while.

Glad we got a serum in the box because I'm a total serum junkie and it's the type of facial skincare that I'm always excited to try out. This serum is good to use on all skin types and should leave a matte finish so I suppose, it can be used both in the evenings and mornings.

Good sample size but I just wish the bottle came with a dropper - it's gonna be unpractical to dispense.

BioEffect EGF Serum

Finally, the item that all alone was making this box exciting for me!

I adore BioEffect: I've been using it regularly since I first discovered in a GlossyBox, last year; I love it that much that I've used it (nearly exclusively) in the months previous to my wedding.

I can, honestly, say that I would be happy to use it exclusively but I like trying different products too much. :)

This little sucker is £49 (and worth it).

Did you get this box?

Have you tried any of these products before?

xxx

 

Delivery / REN

Hello lovelies!

Few posts ago - here - I was telling you about the amazing offer REN is running and last week, I received my order.

Six of the Best

This set was part of the offer and completely free with any purchase!

I've been wanting to learn more about REN so this is perfect as the samples are generous and they are a mix of everything: a cleansing gel, serum, eye cream, mask, .., ..,

It contains:

- Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel

- Jojoba Micro Bead Invigorating Facial Polish

- Omega 3 Night Repair Serum

- Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

- Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream

Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel

Travel Kit

I decided to order this because the set above already gives me plenty to try about skincare; also, it comes in a clear zip bag which is going to be useful for carrying your hand luggage allowance.

This kit includes:

- Neroli and Grapefruit Body Cream

- Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash

- Oat and Bay Conditioning Shampoo

- Pro-Vitamin Hair Conditioner

Finally, I picked this additional samples:

- Photoactive Sun Veil SPF15

- F10 Smooth and Renew Mask

*UPDATE*

Being the serum junkie that I am, I decided to start with the Omega 3 Night Repair Serum; it smelled really fishy and the consistency didn't seem right so I read online that it could have gone off, as the normal smell is more peachy.

I contacted REN on Twitter and they offered to check it for me and to send it back freepost; apparently, it was fine but it clearly wasn't right for my skin as it's a very oily serum... so they offered to send me another serum to try: I chose the Keep Young and Beautiful SH3C Serum.

Very impressed with their friendly and prompt service! :)

Have you tried any of these?

Which one is your favourite? :)

Delivery / Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone

This morning, I received my parcel from Cocosa.

I have few products that I'm trying atm, so I'm not sure when I'll get around to do a proper review; anyway, I thought I'd share this with you now as these products are still available on the website - and you can get a better feel, if you're interested in buying them...

So, what did I get?

- First Blush Brightening Serum

- Night Recharge Retinol Treatment

- Lush Lips Conditioning Balm

green commitment statement

Ok, I admit it: I'm a sucker for a pretty packaging... and I love these - I, also, love the frosted glass of the bottles.

The Night Recharge comes with a separate pump and First Blush comes with a dropper applicator, instead.

Lush Lips comes in a pot... and what can I say, it smells like coconut (obviously) equals perfection! Did I mention that I love EVERYTHING COCONUT??!

It's pretty thick but melts with the heat and reminds me of Nuxe Reve de Miel, minus the grittiness.

 

that is definitely a FULL jar

For what I read around, these products seem to deliver instant results - especially the Night Recharge, where the astaxanthin (from the red algae) is a potent antioxidant that gives shrimps and salmons their pinky colour and should mimic the same on your cheeks: we'll see... but I'm excited to give it a go!

 

Finally, I'm very pleased with the service from this website: it's similar to BrandAlley and I have ordered only once from both but the Cocosa' order arrived in 2 days, whilst the BrandAlley took over a month - so kudos for that!

Have you tried anything from Super yourself?

xxx