Introducing / CÎME Skincare

I've recently come across CÎME, a certified organic skincare range from Belgium. The brand is the brain-child of 2 friends - Isabel & Anke - and Anke's father - Walter - expert in organic plant extracts.

Their products are also particularly suitable for sensitive skin, because free of synthetic perfumes, parabens, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol and also cruelty free and vegan.

The active ingredients are sourced from plants that grow in the Himalayas; at over 3000 metres, plants are subject to extreme conditions - temperature changes, lack of oxygen, UV radiations - and develop coping mechanisms that enhance the potency of the active ingredients.

CÎME Rosee de Roses* is a micellar water that removes make-up and acts as a toner too.

Micellar waters are an essential step in my cleansing routine and I have tried few different ones - This is definitely going in my Top 5! 

It's very gentle yet effective and has a calming rose scent - thanks to the rose extract that contains.

Why Roses? Essential oil of rose is effective in counteracting the ageing process, is softening and purifying.

  I love the slim, aluminium bottle and it can be sprayed directly on the skin or applied using a cotton wool ball.

CÎME Daisy Delight* is a brightening moisturiser that can be used day & night. It is suitable for all skin type and it has a very light and non-greasy formula. 

It feels lovely and fresh on the skin and absorbs instantly; it has a slightly delicate floral scent but nothing too overpowering. 

I really like this face cream! It performs well, feels great on the skin and it's Organic Cosmetic Certified, with 99% of ingredients from natural origin.

Why Daisies? Daisy flowers and Edelweiss - attenuate dark spots and balance hyperpigmentation, revealing a brighter and radiant skin.

Have you heard of this brand yet?

Haul / Holiday Shopping

I couldn't pass on some pharmacy shopping, obviously!

My Bioderma 'stock' is nearly finished so I was going to get more but then I decided to get the Lierac Micellar Cleansing Water, instead. 

As mentioned in this post, I'm interested in trying other brands too and this, in particular, was on offer for 10euros.

I will still use up the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (even if I'm not thrilled with it), but I also got a mini Bioderma Sebium H2O to try and because I can't stay without some Bioderma in da house! :D

Aquolina is well renowned for its mouthwatering scents, from white chocolate to pistacchio to strawberry milkshake; the scent are all very 'true to life' and the body lotions are my favourite because leave the skin extra smooth and velvety.

I got this body wash for a bargain 1euro and got the guava scent because I adore the Korres version.

I've been pretty obsessed with Acqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi lately and rationing my tiny sample wisely. Luckly enough, my sister's boyfriend mum works for a department store and managed to get me this set - How sweet!

I've also learned that I really like figs scents, apparently and the next one on my wishlist is the Caudalie Figue De Vigne Eau Fraiche.

The wee Le Sorelle Lavender Soap is a present from my sister (how appropriate!); she went on a road trip in Tuscany this summer and found the most quaint shop, run by four sisters. They produce natural beauty products and also food and house decor. Check their website www.lesorelle.toscana.it and it's a recommended stop, if you're in Tuscany in the near future.

Pupa Milano used to be sold in Boots years ago but it's no more available in Uk, as far as I know. They are currently running a Facebook promotion where you can get a nail polish for 1euro and the eyeshadow for 5euros.

I got the Pupa Lasting Color Gel in 18 Delicate Crimson which is such a pretty shade of pink; I'm wearing it on its own, without top coat and I'm not terribly impressed with longevity but  you can't go wrong for 1euro and it dried super fast.

The Pupa Wet & Dry Eyeshadow in 102 Peach is from the latest Vamp! Collection and it's neutral with a bit of peach, perfect for everyday use or as a base; it's a baked powder and buttery soft.

Collistar is a brand that I've been faithful to for many years. Prices are in between - for example, this Collistar Twist Ultra-Shiny Gloss retails around 12/13 euros (about £11) but quality is far superior than the high street items. It contains hyaluronic acid and pro-collagen which plumps up the lips, leaving them soft and smooth.

Differently from other chubby sticks that I have used before, it doesn't have the peppermint scent but a vanilla flavour (similar to Mac lipsticks).

It's also extremely moisturizing and the colour pay-off is incredible; in fact, I guess it's more of a lipstick with a glossy finish than a lip balm.

As just mentioned I love Collistar so I was super thrilled to receive these samples and make up bag too; the Collistar Magica BB Cream for the Body, especially, is wonderful! It leaves legs & arms looking glorious and very comfortable and dry on the skin. Not that I will get much use in Uk, since I'm constantly wearing tights. :(

Speaking of tights... ;)

Calzedonia is a shop completely dedicated to tights and socks, basically; the variety is huge and they also do bikinis and swimwear in summer.

Fashion tights can be a bit expensive - for instance, the ones above are from the new Autumn Collection and are 9,95euros - but ordinary microfiber or lycra tights and leggings are around 2-3euros. They come in every possible colour, great selection of dens and they are very resistant (I'm still pairs that I bought 6 years ago! The shame!).

I believe they now have a couple of stores in London too. 

Cruciani phenomenon started in august 2011 and it fast became the must-have summer accessory in many resorts in Italy, Dubai and Tokyo.

I don't usually follow these trends but these crochet bracelets are too cute to pass on. The original version is a four-leaf clover but the line now includes starfishes, hearts, pirates and charity, limited editions like the Disney version or Damiani, sprayed with gold. 

I hope I gave you some ideas of brands that you can check out, next time you're on the continent! ;)
Have you tried any of these yet?

New In / L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution

I'm a regular user of the Bioderma Micellar water but I'm glad to see more brands releasing their own version. I've been recently testing the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution* and at first, I couldn't really see any difference from my regular remover. I was pleasantly surprised with the performance, it didn't upset my skin and at a cheaper price.
Until one day, I used the No7 Stay Precise Liquid Eye Liner - this bad boy is mean to remove. I started with the L'Oreal product on one eye but it just wasn't cutting it. So I naturally decided to do a comparison test and use the Bioderma on my other eye. Well, the difference was remarkable: a little soaking needed and much less rubbing, too. I had to use the Bioderma to finish removing my make up on both eyes, because I honestly felt uneasy with the rubbing and paranoid to pull off all my lashes.
Don't get me wrong - it's a good micellar solution, well priced and easy to buy on the high street... but it's not Bioderma!
After that, I started to notice the difference even with my everyday, minimal make up; It's not that great after all, it takes longer to dissolve creamy shadows (like Maybelline Colour Tattoos) and it pretty averagely removes your mascara.
Personally, I think Bioderma is the real deal but I'm definitely interested in trying more Micellar waters, too - Any recommendation?