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.

Wedding Post - Make Up (part 1)

Hi guys!

Many of you know that I got married recently and got many requests about the dress, make up... 

so, I've finally got around to write about my big day - I've scheduled few different post... 

We had a great time and loved every minute, I can't believe it was over a month ago already!!!

Hope you enjoy :)

Let's start with make-up (of course!!)

I got ready in my parents' room - I thought the furniture would suit best for the vintage feeling and taking the pictures.

I did my own make up (and my mum's); at first, I decided to do my make up because I didn't know any make up artists in Italy and to be completely honest I knew I just wouldn't trust somebody else's. I wanted to have control on the products used and the end result, of course.

I must admit that a few days before I started to get very nervous and having second thoughts: what if I was too nervous to cope with the pressure? It could have easily been a disaster... Well, it was too late to change my mind... and luckly, I was pretty calm on the morning and everything went smoothly. :)

Here is what I used:

I started using Clarins Flash Balm as a primer and the foundation I chose is Nars Sheer Glow in Deauville; I used the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply the foundation - definitely the best brush for foundation, in my opinion.

Concealers - under my eyes: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in 1 pink, followed by Estee Lauder Double Wear concealer in 07 Warm Light.
To perfecting the skin, I used Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3.

Eyes - started with Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in original and then patted Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in 86 Ebloui on the eyelid with my fingers; this product is amazing! I've been using it for some time now and I really like the quality - want more colours (review to follow soon).
Then added a layer of Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour in Crystal Beige; this colour works well with the Chanel - also, the powder shadow helps to set the cream shadow.
Both are between brown and purple: brown is ideal for a classic look and the purple is perfect to bring out the green of my eyes.
Finally, i brought both under my eyes too.
I used YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Shocking just a thin line to thicken the lashline; I like how glossy this product looks and the felt tip is foolproof to use, even with shaky hands :P
I, also, added a bit of Revlon Grow Luscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso on the upper waterline and bottom outer corner.
I curled my lashes with Shu Uemura and first applied a coat of L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes in Extra-Black (to separate) and a second coat of Clinique High Impact (to volumize). Finally, I used the Clinique Bottom Lash wand for applying the L'oreal to the bottom lashes (the actual product of the Bottom Lash mascara is definitely NOT waterproof - be aware of that!).
In the end, I decided to leave the false eyelashes.

On the cheeks, I used Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl as highlighter - Nars Blush in Sex Appeal to sculpt under the cheekbone (I'm not a fan of bronzers).
Then, I applied a first layer of Benefit Posie Tint on the apple of my cheeks and a second layer of a powder blush - I chose Givenchy Sari Glow in 43 Maharani Pink... this product gives the most beautiful radiance to the skin and I don't use it enough!

Lips were, heavily, moisturised with Lanolips and then a touch of Lancome French Touch Lipstick in Sweet Marmalade, for some colour.

****
These are the body products that I used in preparation towards the big day:

I brushed my skin everyday, before showers, with the Bliss FatGirl Slimulator to boost circulation.
Collistar Talasso scrub on alternating days and Collistar Intensive Anti-Cellulite Serum twice a day on problematic areas. Also, The Beauty Parlour gel on my chest twice a day.
St Tropez Firming Gradual Tan Lotion three times a week for the last month to get a bit of glow and maintain it - on chest and arms.
PRTTY PEAUSHUN in medium on the morning of the wedding - this is such an exciting product and I can't wait to speak about it extensively very soon!!! This deserves a post of his own!!!

Finally, essentials that I took with me to touch up, during the day:

Chanel Le Vernis in June - actually, this is the nail polish I decided to wear; I decided to go with something special for the occasion and, being the colours of the wedding Sapphire & Coral, this was just bang on theme. I only applied two very thin coats - I only wanted some colour.
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in medium to keep shine at bay.
Simple Eye Make-up Corrector Pen to touch up any smudges (although, I need to say I didn't have to use it: even with tears, both mascara and liner hold up well).
L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream - everybody knows your hands are at the centre of attention and this is a great hand softener plus smells divine.
Lanolips - of course!!!
Avene Thermal Water Spray to freshen up the make up (used it only once, Nars foundation really didn't need any help - it did a fantastic job!).

... and that's it - I think I mentioned all the products...

I'll follow with a post with my sister's &  mum's make up :)

Shopping / Boots

Boots is doing again their 3for2 offer and this time you can mix&match between body and face products... which makes me veeeery happy!! :)

Nivea Firming Body Oil: this is a new product which just came out. I'm a fan of Nivea Q10 line for many years and I'm fan of body oils so I had to try it.

I like using body oils just after a bath or shower on wet skin; recently, I have been using the Monu oil and I keep it in my bath and planning of keeping this new one in the shower, instead.

Being clumsy, I like that it has a plastic bottle but I'm not a fan of the screw top (too fiddling).

I have only used it twice but I love it - beautiful smell and will definitely re-buy once it's finished.

Biore' Deep Cleansing Pore Strips: I use these on my nose from time to time... they're kinda of ewww but it's kind of satisfying to see all the dirt coming out - sorry for the grossness! ;P

Simple Kind to Eyes Make-up Corrector Pen: I like my make up to be a bit messy, kinda of rock chick but it's good to have a back up in case you need a flawless work. I've been meaning to try this for some time but always holding off because of the price (I think nearly 5quid) so I picked it up now and it was free (because of the 3for2, of course).

Kleenex Facial Cloths Cotton Touch: I bought these to use with my make-up brushes more than on my face. I, sometimes, use a spray to quickly change colours on my brushes, in between proper washes, and I found that wiping them off with toilet paper it's just a mess; the paper breaks leaving all residues on the brittles. I'm hoping these will work better, being more resistant.

Real Techniques Powder Brush: yes, I caved in and got another RT brush. 

I have many blush brushes but only 1 kabuki for the face... so you see I REALLY needed this one. ;)

I already got the Core Collection (review here) so it was a natural step to buy this brand again.

It's super soft and it's the perfect size for a face brush (I like them huge and fluffy to applying setting powders). 

just to give you an idea of the size

Burt's Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Cream:  I've been wanting to try this for so long!!! Unfortunately, it's a disappointment :(

It smells divine in the pot - proper banana that you want to eat it but then once rubbed into your hands, it transforms into a wax smell (not too pleasant). It's also very very thick and I can only use it before bedtime.

Lanolips Lemonaid: here is something which never disappoint, instead. :)

I'm a huge fan, love their original 101 version and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this too. Of course, at 10quid, it's not cheap and that's when Boots offers comes in handy. 

This is already my favourite: it has organic lemon oil to hydrate and naturally exfoliate plus a hint of shimmer. I bet it'll look great as a top coat on lipsticks... or also on its own. 

Lanolips Rose Balm Everyday for Dry Hands & Nails: have I mentioned I love Lanolips yet?? hehe

well, they also have a couple of hands creams... again not cheap but technically free.

I like it very much so... I find the smell very soothing, comforting and it absorbs beautifully. In fact in that sense, it's the best I have ever tried; if you can't stand hand creams because of the residue or greasiness they may leave, you definitely need to give this one a go.

Have you tried any of this products before?

How are you going to take advantage of the Boots' offer?

x