Introducing / Maple Holistics + #Giveaway

I was recently contacted by an over-the-sea brand - Maple Holistics - to be featured on my blog.

After a tour on their website, I was taken by their unique and committed approach to deliver a range of high quality, effective and natural products.

They kindly sent me their Maple Holistics Ancient Clay Facial Mask* to try; face masks are a paramount step of my beauty routine and I use 2/3 times per week.

My skin tends to be combination, so I make sure that I use a clay/charcoal mask once a week.

Clay is brilliant at drawing out impurities and this product in particular contains only 100% blend of french green clay, bentonite clay and fuller's earth. They all have their own therapeutic benefits and play their part in synergy to deliver impeccable results: french green clay absorbs and removes impurities from the skin; bentonite clay revitalises and softly extracts toxins; fuller's earth helps clearing from white and blackheads whilst hydrating.

The mask comes in powder form and with a measuring cup; you need to mix 1 cup of product with 2 cups of water to create a paste and then you leave it on the skin for around 10 minutes. 

I love the dry composition which means the product will last longer; you also get a very generous amount so you can decide to use it for a body detox session.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

You can also get the chance to try their products, thanks to the generous people at Maple Holistics, join the giveaway below (sponsored by edumuch.com).

The lucky winner will receive :

- Maple Holistics Hydrate Shampoo for dry & itchy scalp with oil treatment;

- Maple Holistics Silk18 Natural Hair Conditioner with Shea Butter & Jojoba Oil.

Giveaway is running for 1 month and the prize will be sent from Maple Holistics directly. Giveaway open internationally... and Good Luck!!! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nails 2014 / Q1

I’ve been playing with glitters a lot, lately. 

I’m not a massive fan of glitter polishes, mainly because they are such a pain to remove; but I have a few in my collection so I took them out for a spin, these past few months.

I really like the 'tips dip' look. I feel it looks even better when it’s a couple of days old, uneven and a bit rough around the edges.

Zoya in Rina / Leighton Denny in Honey Trap

I took inspiration for this blue tutorial from Nouvelle Daily… Btw, I need to get my hands on Essie Aruba Blue… *gorgeous!*

Revlon Colorstay in Indigo Night / Essie in On A Silver Platter

Barry M in 354 Amethyst Glitter is so versatile and you can pair it with purples, pinks, blues... a really steal for a few pennies. 

Finally, big shout out to Simply Sarah - a classy lady with great taste and I was lucky enough to win her first Giveaway - Yay Me!!! ;)

... and remember to enter my current Giveaway here too!

Spring Giveaway - CLOSED!!!

Content:
- No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick in Mango Sorbet
- Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Peach Kiss
- The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream
- Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Textured Polish in Turquoise Mix 

Rules:
- Please follow GFC or Bloglovin (extra entry for both)
- Leave a comment below with your email address

Extra Entries:
- Like the Facebook page (+5)
- follow me on Twitter @PrincessLeica (+5)
- tweet about the giveaway with #giveaway (+1)
- blog about the giveaway/link back to this post on your blog (+2)

***Please leave only 1 COMMENT with all entries - Thank you***

Giveaway is open internationally and will close on the 23rd of April @ noon - UK time.
Winner will be picked via random.org

Good Luck!!! :)

Empties / November 2013

Body Items:

Dove Shape Up Firming Body Cream: this body cream has a lovely fresh scent and absorbs easily into the skin... unfortunately didn't make any improvement to my skin whatsoever! With other products, I do see a change with constant use but used this one for nearly 2 months... and nothing. Shame 'cause it's also reasonably priced at about 5 quid.

Repurchase: nope.

Burt's Bees Beewax & Banana Hand Cream: this is the best cream for keeping your hands and cuticles in good conditions or in case of emergency. It's super thick so I only use it before bed but every night without fail. Love the banana scent and last ages.

Repurchase: yep.

No7 Revitalising Hand Saviour: I always use an hand scrub before painting my nails; this is quite pricey but very good (and with the Boots voucher you can save a few pounds). It's a quick and easy way to care for your hands, without wasting too much time or if you don't have time. It leaves the skin super-soft and nourished, thanks to almond and grapeseed oil, and it smells lovely too.

Repurchase: yes.

Face Items:

Botanics Cleansing Face Wipes All Bright: I was actually pleasantly surprised wit these wipes. The material is very soft - cotton-like - not abrasive and don't have any particular scent; they are properly soaked in remover and stayed wet until the last one. They did remove make-up quite well, even mascara, although I can't vouch for the waterproof part.

Repurchase: probably yes.

Clinique All About Eyes: what to add about this product? I haven't come across anybody which doesn't like it, honesty... definitely a winning product from Clinique and best seller.

One of my all time favourite eye cream, if not my favourite! I've been using it for years - on and off, simply because I like to test other products too but come back to this pot regularly. I love the texture, how it performs and perfect for sensitive or allergic-prone skin.

Repucharse: oh yes!

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash: I fell in love with this product. The exfoliant particles are really fine and I feel it really refines the skin, every time I use it. It's lovely and gentle on the skin and scent-free.

Repurchase: yep... stay tuned for a Philosophy haul very soon ;)

***
Congrats to Carly from http://carlywatts.blogspot.co.uk/ for winning the Autumn Giveaway... your goodies are on the way, girl! :) xxx

Shopping My Stash / #8 + Giveaway Reminder!!!

Another week, another shopping my stash!

For the base I used Stila One Step Correct Brightening Serum and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 42 vanilla - both favourites of mine. The primer is not oily or heavy and the foundation gives a beautiful, flawless finish to the skin. My skin has been oilier than usual lately so I'm really taking care to use a powder to set - Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium is a trusty ally that never looks cakey.

I've also been in the mood for bold red lips so I used a combination of Mac Marilyn Monroe Lipstick in scarlet ibis and Maybelline Baby Lips in cherry me to top up the moist, throughout the day.

I chose Mac Sheertone Blush in blushbaby which is the perfect 'neutral' blush but with a red/brick undertone to tie with the lips perfectly.

I like big & bright eyes with a red lip - I used the Nars Trio Eyeshadow in ramatuelle and built up the lashes with Kiko False Lashes Concentrate Building Base Mascara and Pur Minerals Big Blink Mascara. I thickened the top lashline with Bourjois Intuitive liner and added Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Line in nude to further open the eyes.

***Giveaway Reminder - enter here***

Autumn Giveaway!!! CLOSED

When I was in Italy last month, I  decided to pick up few things for a future giveaway.

I chose items that you can't get in Uk (or not that easy to find) - Hope you like the selection :)

Content:
Sephora Candle in Monoi
Kiko Makeup Milano Glow Touch Lips & Cheeks in 02 Icy Watermelon
Bottega Verde Shiny Lip Gloss with mango butter and vitamin E in Geranio
Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in 216 Plum Paradise (I realise this is now available in Uk but I didn't know at the time... still a pretty shade, no? Perfect for autumn)

Rules:
- Please follow GFC or Bloglovin (extra entry for both)
- Leave a comment below with email address

Extra Entries:
- Like the Facebook page (+5)
- follow me on Twitter @PrincessLeica (+5)
- tweet about the giveaway with #giveaway (+1)
- blog about the giveaway/link back to this post on your blog (+2)

***Please leave only 1 COMMENT with all entries - Thank you***

Giveaway is open internationally and will be closed on the 14th November @ noon - UK time.
Winner will be picked via random.org

Good Luck!!! :)

Shopping My Stash / #3

It has been so unusually warm in recent weeks so I decided to give my liquid foundation a break and I used Neve Cosmetics Flat Perfection smoothing powder foundation in light neutral as my base. As a primer I used Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation Primer which never impress me, if I'm honest, but seemed the perfect match to use with this pressed powder.

On the eyes, I primed with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and then used different combinations from the Ysl Ombres 5 Lumieres Eyeshadows no.11; when I wore the deeper purple shades, I use the new acquisition Kiko Glow Touch Lips & Cheeks in pleasant pink azalea both as blush and lip stain.

When I used the green eyeshadows instead, I wore Mac Blush Ombre in azalea blossom on the cheeks and Deborah Milano Shine Creator Lipstick in 16 pearly plum on the lips

Gosh! That's a pretty palette...

As an highlighter I chose St. Tropez Skin Illuminator in violet - what else??! - and Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in 02 sunlight - to add a touch of warmth to the skin.

Revlon GrowLuscious was the mascara of choice - mainly because I need to finish it up since I don't really like it; finally, I protected my lips with Softlips which does seem to leave a white cast so I've been using it as a base.

*****
Summer Giveaway Winner is... Sian @ http://www.quitefranklyshesaid.com/
Congrats honey - your prize will be with you soon! :) xxx

Summer Giveaway!!! CLOSED

It has been few months since my last giveaway - gosh, February! - and I think it's time to reward my loyal readers again. I'm also trying to promote my new Facebook page so you will get extra special entries for that ;)

Prize:

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Rimmel Kate Salon Pro Nail Polish in 701 Jazz Funk

Kiko Vinyl Lips in 04 Sleek Magenta

Real Techniques Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush & Brow Brush (I promised I would give these away in my haul post since I don't have any use for them and somebody else can enjoy them. They are brand new, of course and come with the case)

Rules:

- must be a follower GFC or Bloglovin' (extra entry if you follow on both)

- leave a comment below with your email address

Extra Entries:

- like my new Facebook page (+5)

- follow me on Twitter @PrincessLeica (+1)

- tweet about the giveaway with #giveaway(+1)

- blog about the giveaway/link back to this post on your blog (+2)

*** only leave 1 COMMENT with all entries - Thank you ***

Giveaway is open internationally and will close on  the 4th August 2013 @ noon - Uk time.

Winner will be picked via random.org

Good Luck!!! :)

Topshop Mighty Boots

Topshop Mighty Boots

ops, I did it again! I said I wouldn't buy any more shoes and went out and bought another pair... well, boots technically.

I have been toying with getting this boots for few months - originally the black version - but never took the plunge.

Then I spotted the burgundy ones reduced to £25 and I decided I NEEDED them! ;)

Actually, I kinda of needed them since I have been looking for some footwear of this burgundy/oxblood colour for a while, since I got my Paul Smith bag - which I adore!!!

Truly love this bag, it's perfection - got it in the sale few years back... oh well, you can see the original blogpost here for more details.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway here! :)
xxx

Valentine's Giveaway!!! CLOSED

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

It looks like the perfect occasion to say thank you, once again, for your support and share the looove with a little present for one lucky reader.

 Prize: 

Pixi Tinted Brilliance Balm in Rosy Red

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black Noir

Pixi Nail Colour in Fresh Red

River Island Kooky Single Earrings 12-pack

Rules:

- must be a follower GFC (if you don't have GFC, HelloCotton is fine)

- leave a comment below with your email address

Extra Entries:

- follow me on Twitter @fashion_olic (+1)

- tweet about the giveaway (+1)

- follow me on HelloCotton (+1)

- follow me on Bloglovin' (+1)

- blog about the giveaway/link back to this post on your blog (+2)

*** only leave 1 COMMENT with all entries - Thank you ***

Giveaway is open internationally and will close on 14th March 2013 @ noon - Uk time.

Winner will be picked via random.org

Good Luck!!!

Space NK Birthday Present

Last month was my birthday and I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email from Space NK with a  voucher to take in store and collect my birthday present.

I thought it was really sweet, since most of the merchants just give you a discount code - implying you need to spend money, of course.

My present was 15ml bottle of Caudalie Divine Oil.

I was thrilled because I read amazing raves about this product and wanted to try it, anyway.

It comes in a spray glass bottle and, even though is a sample size, I reckon it will last me quite a long time.

This oil is a blend of grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan oils and smells gorgeous!

It can be used on the body, face and hair and it's a dry oil but I still find it too oily on dry skin so I've been using it on damp skin, just out of the shower.

Thoroughly enjoying it - Thank you Space NK! :)

***

Congratulations to Emily @ One Way Beauty  that won my Birthday Giveway!

Your prize will be with you soon :)

x

Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup

I was lucky enough to win Confetti Letters Mac giveaway, recently.

I always feel daunted when I think about Mac lipsticks because there are so many colours and I can never decide which one to pick and end up really confused. 

So, I decided to go down the safe route and chose a classic colour, favourited by many ladies: 

Creme Cup

 The formulation is very creamy and super comfortable on the lips; also, the colour is very easy to wear and I've been reaching for it a lot, since I received it.

I would say this is definitely a neutral shade for me, a neutral slightly blue toned pink.

I'm already loving this lippie and I can see why it's so popular... the only thing I'm not crazy about (as with all Mac lipsticks) is the vanilla smell but I can live with it! ;)

Are you a Creme Cup possessor, too? What do you think about the scent?

x

FOTD

Face: Ginvera BB Cream (not pictured), Ysl Touche Eclat in no.1, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, Neal's Yard Remedies blush in Peony, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes

Eyes: Clinique Brandied Bronze palette (brown shades), Clinique High Impact mascara, Ellis Faas mascara, Clinique Bottom Lashes mascara, Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso;

Lips: Lancome L'Absolu Nu lipstick in 101 (not pictured).

Don't forget to enter the giveaway :)
xxx

Birthday Giveaway *CLOSED*

Few days ago was my birthday... so It's a perfect excuse to run another giveaway, right? ;)

Prize content:

- Bourjois 1 Second Gloss nail polish in 15 Grenadine Tonic

- Vivo Trio Eyeshadow Palette in Bronze Me Up

- Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Mistress

- Kiko False Lashes Concentrate Volume Top Coat Mascara

Rules:

- must be a follower GFC (if you don't have GFC, Bloglovin' is fine)

- leave a comment below with your email address

Extra Entries:

- follow me on Twitter @fashion_olic (+1) ---> button on the side

- Tweet about the giveaway (+1)

- follow me on HelloCotton (+1) ---> button on the side

- Blog about the giveaway/link back to this post on your blog (+2)
- if you follow GFC, you can get an extra entry following Bloglovin' too (+1)

***N.B.: only 1 COMMENT with all the entries - Thank you***

Giveway is open internationally and It will be closed on 13th November 2012 @ noon Uk time.

Winner will be picked with random.org

Thanks for entering and Good Luck!!!

xxx

Random Catch-up

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Protective Sun Lotion SPF 15

I got this through the post; you could enter a draw to receive a sample on the Hawaiian Tropic website, months ago.

This sunscreen lotion has moisturizing ribbons that, apparently, keep you hydrated during sun exposure. It arrived quite late for me to try out now, plus the SPF15 is nowhere near enough to actually sunbathe, in my opinion.

I will save it for next spring and use it as a city spf protection - smells lovely!

I'm a big fan of both the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain & Clinique Chubby Stick - and I want to get another one... the problem is that I can't decide on which colour to buy... so I went a bit swatch-crazy in Boots. ;P

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

Clinique Chubby Sticks

I also want one of these Clinique holders that you could get in June (when the new colours came out)... anybody knows if they're still available and where??

Lancome New Hypnose Star mascara

The lovely Sandra from Beauty Balm heard me complaining that I couldn't find a Tatler magazine with the free mascara anywhere, so she kindly posted one to me - she's such a sweetheart! :)

I love this mascara - it's really become one of my favourite, I'm just not a fan of the floral scent.

Still, I like it so much that the smell doesn't put me off from using it.

I got both these parfumes from Boots.com - you can often apply for a free sample and I usually find out about these on Twitter.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire is not to my liking: it's too sweet, coming from the cherries and berries in it, and gives me an headache.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle, instead, is lovely! This is warmer and powdery and grown up, which I prefer.

I just realised that's the one with Julia Roberts in the advert... she looks pretty amazing in it, don't you think?!

I'm pretty obsessed with trying new foundations - lately, there are just too many coming out all the time that I don't have enough hours in a day to try them all, really... the most hyped have been YSL Le Teint Touch Eclat and Urban Decay Naked Skin.

They are both very very nice foundations but I have to give the edge to Urban Decay Naked Skin!

The consistency of UD one is just right up my street - it's nearly liquid and disappears into the skin. 

I got the shade 3.0 which I think it's a tad too light for me but still, It's performing really well.

YSL also gives a great, natural finish... but I now tend to compare all foundations to my favourite - NARS Sheer Glow - and that baby still comes up on top!

Finally, I won Raffles Bizarre giveaway - YAY!!

A huge collection of diy goodies, note paper, stickers, postcards... I'm obsessed with stationery as well so I was thrilled to see this parcel in my letterbox. I'm sure it will come in hand to prettify Christmas pressies, too. ;)

 

What have you been up to lately? :)

xx

Giveaway Goodies

Zaggora Viva HotPants

 I was lucky enough to win a pair of Zaggora pants on The Sunday Girl blog!

Thrilled about it as I already have a pair of the original Hot Pants and I wear them a lot... so having a change will definitely come in handy.

You can read my original review here... but bottom line, I didn't find them helping me loosing inches but they improved my cellulite dramatically!

I've been, actually, looking at that review and maybe I was a bit pessimistic... I wear them every day so I must feel they are beneficial, after all.

The only thing I would say is to be careful with sizing: I asked for a medium of the Viva because I'm wearing a medium in the original pants, but these are definitely snugger... maybe because they are longer... not sure if other people experienced the same.

I can still wear them but whilst the original are a 'loose' medium, the Viva are a 'slim' medium.

They also gave me a promo code to pass to you, guys - code: ABJONES - it gives you 10% off and I just saw that the originals are, currently, discounted and I think they are perfect to get started.

Maybelline SuperStay 10hr Tint Gloss

I won this on AlbertineB blog, instead.

I'm actually enjoying it very much! The colour is called Lasting Pink but it's more of a pinkish red, in reality. It's light in consistency, very comfortable to wear and it didn't dry my lips. 

I can't say if it  really lasts 10hrs but it did last 6hours on me. I wore it last weekend, from about 8pm and it was still there when I got home around 2am (of course, I'm talking about the stain... the actually gloss lasted 2/3 hours); I had few drinks and some chips so I reckon it performed pretty well.

To be fair, I'm not even bothered about the longevity because the colour is just so stunning!

Have you won any giveaway, recently??! :)

I've been very lucky again with giveaways, recently.

I won this book on the Beauty Balm.

Sandra offered 3 books in her giveaway and I picked Perfumes The A-Z Guide.

The descriptions are witty and interesting, plus there are added pieces of trivia here and there; 

a very pleasant read.

I won this on the Secret Beauty Hoarder.

Kerri's giveaway in occasion of the Queen's Jubilee - the Nails Inc polish is called Elizabeth Street - hehe :)

She also sent me these extras - Thanks, hun!

Finally, I won these goodies on Been There, Done That, Got The Lipstick - amazing, eh?!

I have already used the Clarins Extra-Firming Body Cream and I like it... looking forward to try Skin Doctors Eyetuck and Ysl Forever youth Liberator Serum! :)

*****

Now, it's time to announce the winner to MY giveway...

Congratulations to Emma Kershaw @ Beauty By Emma

... your prize will be with you soon! :)

xxx