Xmas 2015 / Kiehl's Holiday Gifts

A beautiful wrapped present certainly makes an impact on the eye of the receiver, it shows that you care and an eye-catching packaging makes the gift even more appreciated!

Proof of that, Kiehl's has teamed up with Pop Art artist Peter Max to redesign their Holiday 2015 Collection, making their iconic products extra special and festive.

The inspiration comes from his masterpiece 'The Cosmic Runner' and the colourful drawings represent vibrant Holiday Flyer characters with an aura of magic. The all concept embodies values important at heart for the artist and the brand: love, joy, solidarity and respect for the environment.

There are several holiday edition bundles of products to choose from and my top pick goes to Kiehl's Essentially Yours Gift Set*.

This set contains a complete selection of skincare best sellers, from cleansing to moisturising.

In the roomy and chicly branded beauty bag, you'll find a full size Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and a full size Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

The cleanser is very mild and suitable for all skin types; it's ph-balanced so it doesn't dry out the skin and also dissolves make up.

The night serum - well, who doesn't know this product?! - is a true skincare hero! It comes with a dropper and you only need to use a couple of drops, on its own or under moisturiser; it's paraben free and 99.8% natural and it promotes skin recovery during the night for a more radiant appearance in the morning - A miracle worker!!!

Finally, you also receive a sample of the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer that works in unison with the cleanser; this lotion is very light in consistency but still provide 24-hr hydration.

The Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate is an 100% natural and paraben free face oil which is full of antioxidants and provides protection against daily environmental aggressors. I haven to used this one before and it sounds pretty amazing - looking forward to try it out!

Peter Max has also rebranded several single items for the Holiday 2015 Limited Edition Collection. The Kiehl's Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter* is one of them.

I love the airy consistency of this moisturizer! It melts into the skin and leaves my skin soft for up to 24 hours.

The special soy milk & honey formulation also gives it its particular indulgent scent and I dare you not to smell your arm all day long. ;)

Again, the illustrations are cheery and Christmasy and just put you in a good mood at the end of a hard day.

Have you seen this Collection in store? Head over to http://www.kiehls.co.uk for your Christmas shopping.

Review / Botanicals Orange Blossom Body Balm #OrganicBeauty #Campaign4Clarity

The Soil Association announced September as the Organic Month and launched the Campaign For Clarity, throughout Organic Beauty Week - 14th to 21st September 2015.

Unfortunately with no legislation in place, it can be confusing and misleading when trying to purchase products that are truly organic from those with the claim but little natural origin.

And this campaign aims to educate and encourage people to be careful and properly informed, when buying.

During Organic Beauty Week Twitter TakeOver will take place to promote the benefits of choosing organic in your skincare products.

Wendy Stirling - founder of Botanicals - is sharing few tips on how to select real organic products:

- select products with certified key ingredients;

- check that the percentage of organic ingredients is higher;

- see if the company has won any award for its commitment in the field;

- research how the product is made; often in smaller batches and greater quality;

- organic skincare doesn't need to be more expensive than luxury brands but are safer and kinder to the skin.

To round up this post, I'd like to talk about the latest product that I've been using.

The Botanicals Orange Blossom Body Balm is an outstanding skin moisturiser that nourish and protect the skin.

It contains a blend of shea butter, apricot kernel, jojoba oils, neroli, patchouli, bergamot and sweet orange essential oils that give it its exotic scent, inebriating for the senses too; these ingredients derived form active plants promote the skin's natural ability to heal and regenerate.

The balm doesn't feel greasy at all and melt into the skin - its conditioning properties make it the perfect ally for post-holiday skin; it helps calm irritations, protects skin from flaking and leaves a beautiful sheen on your sun-kissed skin.

Botanicals is a multi-award-winning natural organic skincare brand and the Orange Blossom Body Balm is 89% organic and 100% natural!

You can get yours on www.botanicals.co.uk and Botanicals is also running a series of September offers.

Review / Nourish Balance Vita-Boost Body Cream

Nourish have recently relaunched their body creams and I'm pleased to see that they have been repackaged in a pump tub; there are still 4 lines - Balance, Radiance, Protect and Relax - that complement the relevant shower gels. 

I'm a big fan of the Radiance range (you can read more here) but this time I decided to go for the Balance moisturiser because I'm still in full post-partum body crisis and this product promises to smooth and tone the skin.

 Nourish Balance Vita-Boost Body Cream* contains natural apple extracts that boosts elasticity and photo-active marine algin, hyaluronic acid and peptides that stimulate collagen synthesis to improve suppleness and firmness.  

The crisp apple scent and comfortable & refreshing consistency make it perfect for Spring/Summer, especially. It has become a pleasant ritual and - although it's too early to see any difference on the firming front - it is a very good moisturiser so far, thanks to African shea butter.

This product is 81% Organic and remember that Nourish is certified organic by the Soil Association and Cruelty Free - All products available from nourishskinrange.com.

Have you tried this brand before?

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?

New In / La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]

Today’s review is of the new launch from La Roche-Posay for 2014: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]*.

My skin has changed quite a lot in recent months: it used to be normal/combination with very few blemishes, but now it seems to have become dryer and I regularly suffer from spots and micro-cysts. You can imagine how annoying and upsetting it is, especially since many of the blemish-prone products on the market are for young skin and far too drying for my needs; it’s also frustrating because I feel like I have just finished dealing with a blemish, that I can already feel a new one ready to make an appearance.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo has been particularly formulated for women aged 18-35, but still providing the same soothing benefits – especially for sensitive skin - that La Roche-Posay is famous for.

The revolutionary formulation acts on every stage of the imperfection: starting from the initial inflammation, that produces an excess amount of sebum that blocks the pores; that way the sebum cannot surface, creating blackheads and the dreaded red painful blemishes. It is really a chain reaction because at this stage the surrounding cells, triggered by stress messages, release an abnormal amount of melatonin that leads to hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, when melatonin builds up it is very difficult to eliminate and that’s why we are left with the red and brown marks, even months after the spot is actually gone.

Effaclar Duo aims at addressing all these issues and you got to love a multitasking cream because you definitely don’t want to pile  layers of products on already problematic skin. I think this cream will be a game changer for many women - It has certainly improved my skin and my daily routine!

The key ingredient is PROCERAD, a powerful patented ceramide that acts like an anti-inflammatory on the first phase, anti-pigmentary on the second and lastly preventing new spots and marks from developing.

I’ve been testing out this product for a month or so now and - although I’m not that perceptive to notice results withing 24hrs, myself  -  I did see a fading of red blemish marks in a matter of days; I also noticed a general improvement of the skin texture, pores look clearer and consequently a reduction on bumps and spots. One morning I woke up and BAM, my skin looked pretty good in the mirror – miles better than it had been in a while!

I also love the silky consistency - the skin feels smooth to the touch, making it a perfect base for make up too; it is also mattifying and hydrating throughout the day, so it can substitute your regular moisturizer.

Have you heard of this product yet? Looking forward to try it? Remember you can now find La Roche-Posay products in larger Boots stores nationwide, on Boots.com and LaRoche-Posay.co.uk

Best discovery of 2014 so far!!!



Liz Earle Advent Calendar / 24

Day 24 - Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser

... and finally a rich moisturizer for very dry or mature skin.

It's not really targeted for me but this is a really generous sample and the pot is so cute.

I will try it out as a night cream and see if I can make it work for me, anyway.

So, that's the end of the calendar - booo - but on the bright side tomorrow is  Christmas - Yay :)

In general, I'd give this calendar a 8.5/10 - a great range of products but I'd have liked to see some make up items too.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

xxx

Liz Earle Advent Calendar / 3

3rd of December - Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser normal/combination skin.

I normal use the combination/oily version of this day cream but I reckon I can make this work in the winter months... looking forward to try it out tomorrow morning! :)

Must Haves

Just a couple of items that I purchased in recent months but I haven't had the chance to share on the blog, yet.

I have used them few time, I really like them - I guess the clue is in the title! ;) - so I can write some reviews now.

Mac Sheertone Blush in Blushbaby

If I need to use one word, I would say this product is brown. I read many bloggers raving about it... but still all my blushes are pinks, really... with a few reds and corals... and just didn't see myself wearing a brown blush.

BUT It did look amazing on people!

Having said that, it's a pinkish beige and I'm so glad I got it as it's become my go-to blush when I don't know what to wear.

It's, definitely, scarier in the pan; it's very sheer on application - again, sheertone... names do mean something sometimes - and build up very nicely so you don't risk to reach the point of no return with some dirty stains on your cheeks.

I think this colour suits many skintones, also very pale ones. I like the matte finish and how understated it looks - it's the safe choice when you do a bold lips look and don't want to look like a clown!

heavily swatched

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Another much raved about product and considered a 'miracle in a tube' by many.

First, let me talk about the smell because it's one of things that people comment on frequently: I like it!

The cream is quite highly scented but I don't think it's a strong smell; I find it comforting, actually... maybe a bit old fashion, tho.

My skin looks brighter and firmer - generally, improved and I'm so impressed that I also used it on my wedding.

 Apparently, the trick is in the application: you are not supposed to rub it into the skin but to smooth it over the face and then apply make up immediately.

In fact, I've been using it as a primer really - I never wear it just as a day cream.

Personally, I like it a lot and I could happily use it everyday although I don't do it as Lisa Eldridge herself said she's not using it too often otherwise her skin would get used to it and wouldn't see the full benefits anymore... all I can do is follow religiously the advice! ;)

Do you have any of these two?

Yay or Nay?

xxx

Liz Earle - step 2

I'm a devotee to the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Cleanser - you can read my review here.

Recently, I have started using the next 2 steps of the daily essentials range: the toner & the moisturiser... and once again I've been blown away by how good these products perform!

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

I've the spritzer version of the toner which is incredibly versatile: some mornings, I spray it on my face and let it dry naturally but other mornings - that I'm in a hurry - I can simply spray it on a cotton wool pad and sweep it over my face.

 It's so convenient that I took this with me in Italy and used it in the day to freshen up my make up, during warm afternoons.

The scent is very refreshing and revitalising and it's perfect to wake me up in the morning.

It contains aloe vera, cucumber extract, geranium, calendula - all plants ideal to sooth, calming and toning every type of skin, also the most sensitives.

Also, it's alcohol free and if the spray is not for you - there's a 'normal' bottle version on the market, too.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser

Finally, I've been finishing off my morning routine with the light moisturiser.

The cream is very lightly wiped and absorbs instantly into my skin; I've been using it for nearly 2 months and thanks to the balanced blend of ingredients, I never had any problem or break outs. It's beautifully scented but not too overpowering.

The main ingredients are avocado oil, echinacea, beta-carotene which are antioxidant, replenish moist and help protect the skin.

The packaging is, also, a winner: the cream comes out of of the pump is the best I have ever tried; it dispense the product in small amounts so you don't risk to use too much or waste it.

Then, the slimline bottle is perfect for when I travel back home.

I just spotted a glorious Liz Earle blusher on a magazine... next on the list!!!

Which are your favourite Liz Earle products?

*pr samples*

Boudoir Prive' -November and LAST issue

Here goes the LAST BP review. In few days, we should all received the first JolieBox. I'm excited and looking forward to it - it seems really promising.

DEAD SEA SPA MAGIK Silky Smooth Body Lotion

I'm a big fan of Dead Sea Spa Magik (have a read here if you're interested in check my history with this brand). I had never tried this product before but It's a lovely cream. They also suggest to use it on damp skin, which I did, and I felt absorbed really quickly, leaving my skin comfortably moisturized. Consistency is pretty light and non-greasy plus it has a lovely scent too.

KORRES Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturiser

This face cream delivers 24h moisturization. The smell, as you may guess, is really nice. I like Korres and the natural philosophy they follow. This cream, in particular, was very lovely to use and sinked in nicely into my skin but it didn't blow me away.

RAHUA New Voluminous Shampoo & Conditioner

Amazing!!! and I'm not easily impressed with hair products. I could really see a difference in my hair - definitely in volume and general healthiness. Both shampoo and conditioner were a joy to use, lathering very nicely and easy to rinse. I got 2 uses out of each satchet but at £27/28.50, I'm pretty sure I can't efford to purchase, I'm afraid. :(

I know this items were already send in September GlossyBox but there're not in my box - I'm glad I got a second chance to try them!

VINIES AYURVEDA'S SOUL Luminous Skin Mask

We received 2 small pots of this product, which I thought it was nice - also because it should prolong the durability of the second pot (if you keep it sealed, whilst you finish the first).

Personally, I liked this face mask! I read many girls experienced nasty side effects like redness and burning sensation but luckly everything was normal with me. The first time, I left it for the minimum 2 minutes and then increased to 5, for the following applications. I didn't feel anything different when it was on my face but I experienced tingling after I washed it off. I'm thinking, maybe, the trick is to use COLD water (as directed). I did see (and felt) a difference and althought it says you could use it daily, I'm happy using it only once a week. It feels like 'heavy-duty' treatment and I wouldn't want to put my skin under too much stress - if you know what I mean.

It smells quite strongly of liquorice but I'm totally fine with that - I like chewing liquorice roots, so yeah not a problem for me!

STUDIOMAKEUP Rich Hydration Lipstick

I, actually, received the truly red shade but I swapped it for the tender pink. Mainly because I already have too many reds but now I'm in two minds about the pink; It's quite nice swatched on my hand but I'm not sure it really suits my skintone. I reckon I'm put off by the frost but maybe mixed with another pink, I'll manage to use it. What I learnt? Never impulse swap!!! ;)

November-wise: this was my favourite box, out of the three I receive. Which beauty boxes do you get? Which was your favourite?

xx