Empties / October 2013

Skincare:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution: not much to say about this one - everyone loves it, everyone uses it. Although - as I mentioned in my holiday haul post - I'm branching out and started trying different brands, this is still my favourite in the micellar water world.

Repurchase: definitely!

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes: I use wipes before the gym to remove most of my face make-up; these were allright but a bit on the dry side and I felt I had to scrub more than when using other ones.

Repurchase: no.

Wei White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend: I received this eye cream in the January Birchbox; It's quite thick in consistency, so I mainly used it at night for this reason. Nevertheless I enjoyed using it and didn't feel heavy on the skin (just takes a while to absorb).

Repurchase: maybe.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm: ohhhh my precious - I love everything about this lip balm - the grittiness, the smell, the performance. The matte finish is also an unusual and welcome quality. You can read more in my original review here.

Repurchase: hell yeah!

Bodycare:

Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Wash: can go wrong with a bit of posh hand wash ;) Lovely fresh scent, lathers nicely and not drying - I actually really liked this wee sample.

Repurchase: yes.

Sprout Cream: Sprout's now become S.W. Basics but same lovely products. This is a very thick cream, nearly pure shea butter. I used it on rough areas as knees, elbows and heels and lasted ages. Love the sweet smell, too.

Repurchase: yes.

L'Occitane Date Bouquet Hand Cream: this was from the shea butter limited edition from last year. L'Occitane hand creams are probably my favourite hand creams ever, the date scent was lovely too. I'm currently using the Passionate Jasmine version and it is just as gorgeous - You can check this post for the Limited Edition 2013 scents :) 

Repurchase: always!

Nivea Firming Body Oil: pretty inexpensive body oil, for after shower use that I highly recommend! Easy to dispense, not greasy and beautiful scent.

Repurchase: yes.

All in all a very positive month! Have you tried any of these products yet?

*** New items added to the Shop :) ***

Empties / September 2013

Body Products:

Elemis Pro-Collagen Body Cream: this was an allright cream but tube too small to see any real improvement. A bit on the thick side but smells lovely and enjoyable to use in the evenings. 

Repurchase: maybe.

Bliss Blood Orange + White Pepper Body Butter: love this cream! The scent is unusual but awesome, I really liked it and very refreshing too. Again, semantics get lost here: I wouldn't call it 'body butter' because I'd expect something thicker. Also thumbs up for the paraben-free formulation and I love Bliss packaging.

Repurchase: Hell yeah! It's a lovely treat.

Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream With Macadamia Oil + Grapeseed Extract: another Bliss product that I've enjoyed using; actually, so far I liked every item from Bliss that I've tried. It's a great hand cream for mornings because the consistency is a cross between cream/gel and absorbs instantly. 

Repurchase: yes.

Doctor Duve Lifting & Firming Hand & Decollete Cream: kinda of a very specific targeting product here. I had a few samples and I used them on my decollete/neck areas since I have so many hand creams already. Again a very nice product but that I don't really feel the need for now. 

Repurchase: maybe, in 5 years time.

Face Products:

Chanel Huile Confort Silky Cleansing Oil: what a disappointment. I used to love Chanel make up removers, 10 years ago... but I guess I didn't know any better at the time. First of all, the oil gets everywhere! I've used oil removers that are not that oily - if this makes any sense - and much more manageable to use. You're supposed to be able to rinse this with water... in your dreams!

Then, it doesn't tackle eye make up one bit and I don't wear waterproof mascara or such.

A useless mess!

Repurchase: no!

Nivea Visage Pure & Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes: I use face wipes to take my face off before the gym and I then remove my eye make up/mascara properly, later at home. So, I don't need anything too powerful for a bit of foundation and blusher. 

I liked the ingredients list but I can't say I was particularly impressed with the product: they were pretty dry from the beginning and not as effective as they should be. Nothing majorly wrong with them but can't recommend them.

Repurchase: nope.

REN Maybloom Balancing Cleansing Gel: quite a nice cleanser that I use when my skin is particularly oily. It does a good job at leaving my skin squeaky clean but shame it's too thin to be used with the Clarisonic.

Repurchase: maybe.

Empties / August

Body Products:

Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Bath & Shower Gel: I've been saving this up for a while but it has now sadly come to an end. :(

You would think that it smells like honey but it actually has a fresh scent of oranges. It's very moisturising and all round good for your skin. Also for a good cause - Full review here

Repurchase: yes.

Sally Hansen Moisturising Polish Remover: I really like this remover! It contains Pro-Vitamin B5 and it does deliver on the moisturization part because it doesn't dry my cuticles or leave my nails flaky. This bottle also last ages and it's well priced at £2.45.

Repurchase: yep!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops: another Sally Hansen item and favourite of mine. This product also lasted a long time, so long that I think it's actually discontinued now... what a shame! They do the top coat version but I prefer the drops, really. Easy to use and never had any issues with nail polish smudging.

Repurchase: I wish! :(

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: Finished another tub - I have already featured it recently here

Repurchase: yes.

Face Products:

Nivea Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion: I use cleansing milk&toner combo every morning because I don't want to use anything too aggressive. I like the Nivea ones, I have tried a few plus they are not expensive; It's a lovely cleanser but can't say that it stands out for any particular reason but I can't say anything bad about it either. :)

Repuchase: maybe, I like to try different ones too so it could be a while...

Ren Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel: Love this eye cream! It's perfect for summer too because it's a gel and I like to keep mine in the fridge. It absorbs well, doesn't interfere with the concealer and nicely hydrating.

Repurchase: oh yes, this is my third one :)

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask: it's your typical clay mask but - apart from the price - I don't see anything special about it. It's lovely sure and it purifies the skin nicely, but I can name another half a dozen masks that perform the same way, without the outrageous price tag.

Repurchase: nope.

Make Up:

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in shade# 5: this is just a sample but here goes my two cents. It's a lovely foundation! It's nearly imperceptible on the skin but it uniforms the skintone beautifully. Personally, I like the dewy look but I still need to powder on top, otherwise it wouldn't last very long.

Why it's not an amazing foundation? Because I've fallen in love with the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup SPF15 Foundation! 

Repurchase: don't think so, I want the Maestro!

Haul / Boots

Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturizer: I have actually tried this product before because it has been available on the Italian market for years but only recently came out in Uk.

I loved using it - I normally switched to this product during the summer when the extremely hot weather would make my skin too greasy - since you have to rinse the skin conditioner - it was a tiny bit more comfortable on the skin. 

I got the dry skin version purely because I like the smell better but there's a normal skin version too. 

It looks like a normal lotion and be careful because you can easy use too much product.

I believe there's a similar item from Lush but it comes in a tub so it's messy and probably overpriced and I have never tried it.

 Dove Shape Up Firming Body Cream: I think this is a new product so I thought I'd give it a go.

If you know me, you know I always look for added firming benefits in my body cream and for £3.99, the price was right too!

The cream looks like a whipped consistency, gel-like so it should be light on the skin too but I haven't tried it yet. Not a big fan of the jar compared to a tube - purely for practicality - but not the end of the world.

La Roche-Posay Ceralip: this is an old friend!

God knows I don't need another lipbalm (probably ever!) but this is the only product which does good to my sensitive lips, without being a medicate cream.

I shared my lips odyssey few months ago here and it was actually recommended to me from a dermatologist back home, probably a decade ago. I used it for years and it was great but then vanity prevailed and I started trying different things but I think I wanna go back to this. 

I mainly got it as a back up for stressful periods and I will slowly finish my other balms too

It looks like Lanolips but it's softer and unscented.

Have you tried any of these products yourself?

xxx

Empties / February

This post is a bit late this month, I can't believe it's nearly mid-march o.O

Anyway, here are the products that I finished in February.

Nivea Firming Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream: I have used this body cream before; the texture is really smooth and light and absorbs quickly. Ideal to apply in the morning and the scent is also really fresh.

Repurchase: yes

Evolve Skin Cocoon Body Wash: another lovely body product that I highly recommend! Evolve is a quality organic brand with a great ethos and that performs well, too; definitely looking into try more from them.  I prefer to use this body wash in shower because it doesnt' foam up a lot so it's not the best for a bubble bath. Smells like candies... yum

Repurchase: yes

Ysl Forever Youth Liberator Serum: I can't say I was particularly impressed with this sample. Maybe I was expecting too much but It didn't perform better than my favourite serum: Estee Lauder Night Repair Serum. I would probably score 6 out of 10 because I still didn't have any bad reaction and moisturized well but it definitely didn't wow me. Also, it smells kinda of alcohol-y.
Repurchase: no
StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles: this has become one of my favourite eye cream. It seems to target wrinkles but I actually saw a huge improvement in my dark circles and chuffed to bits about that. It also absorbs nicely and allows a good application of make up afterwards.
Repurchase: yes
Caudalie Vinexpert Radiance Day Fluid: another great product from Caudalie! The consistency is kinda of a runny cream and a little goes a long way. It gave me perfect hydration for the whole day and didn't break me out (always a plus!). I should just mention that I love the Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet-Creme better but lovely lovely cream. The scent also is so comforting, reminds me of relaxing days by the sea. :)
Repurchase: yes
Renu Radiant Skin Peel: I can't believe how impressed I've been with this tiny sample; I managed to squeeze 2 uses out of it but I already saw great results after the first use too. You just keep it in pose for 10 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Afterwards my skin looked and felt purified, my pores visibly clean and smaller... I couldn't believe my eyes!
Repurchase: yes

All in all, a great month - I discovered some lovely products and my stash is starting to get smaller, too... hehe... I was running out of space! ;)
xxx

How I spent my Boots points...

So I had about £50 worth of points to use from Boots and I decided to pick up few essentials; I don't usually use the points to treat myself to anything special but I spend them on meal deals and just everyday items, really.

Soooo glad you can now use the points online too so I placed an order on Boots.com.

I've been busy training for my new job, lately and not had a chance to pop into town... plus, I had a voucher for £5 off on orders of £45 and you get free delivery over £40... Pretty good service, really!

 As I said, I had to stock up on essentials mainly... but here you go anyway:

Compeed Blister Plasters - these were 3 for 2 and they are total saviors! I usually buy these when they are on offer as they are quite pricey. Always handy to have some in the house.

I got 2 boxes of the 'extreme' and 1 of Caroline Wozniacki... haven't tried these versions yet, hopefully they'll be even better than the regular ones.

Tea Tree Witch Hazel 6 Nose Pore Strips - also on offer in the 3 for 2; I recently spoke about these strips in my empties post.

Bodycare: I got few body creams because I use them twice a day and go through them quite quickly:

Jergens Skin Firming Tones & Tightens - never tried this before but I'm absolutely in love with the scent! I have just started using it so I can't comment how effective it is. I can only say that it takes a bit to work into the skin and it really requires some good massage action.

Nivea Firming Good-bye Cellulite Gel-Cream - another product that I haven't used before. I'm usually quite happy with Nivea products so I have good expectations for this as well.

Biotherm Celluli Laser D.Code + Biofibrine - I really like Biotherm products! I use these creams regularly, especially when I feel I need an intense treatment 'cause they give great results.

I also want to try their face serums... when I finish all the half full bottles I got around in the house, tho. :(

ahhhhh, the best for last! ;)

I also bought a small tube of the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer light oil-free.

I've been wanting to try this for ever and I'm so glad you can buy the sample, without committing to a full size bottle. Can't wait to try it out!

That's all for my Boots delivery... How do you use your points??

x

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 

First Haul of the Month!!! (and Year!!!)

Well, I'm pleased with myself - it's nearly the end of January and this is pretty much the only shopping I've done since last year.

I've bought few bits here and there online but I haven't been in town browsing before - managed to resist the sales and all! :)

I did spend money but wedding related buys: my shoes, jewellery, invitations, cake toppers... everything has been delivered in the last few weeks but I'll share these after the wedding. :)

In Boots, I got few essentials: Niveal Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion and Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash mascara.

My morning routine never change. I try different products at night but in the morning I always wash my face with cold water and then cleanse with milk and toner. That's it. This is recommended especially if you suffer from rashes and eczema as water can worsen the condition. Anyway, I'm never too fussed with the cleansing milk, I usually just get the one which is on offer from the drugstore. The Nivea one wasn't on offer but still cheap enough; it caught my eyes because it's paraben free and contains bio argan oil & bio aloe vera. As far as I don't get any allergic reaction, I'm sure it's gonna be just fine.

I've been wanting to try the mascara for some time and all Revlon mascaras are all £5 so I picked one up. I haven't tried it yet and sorry but I can't show you the brush because I wanna keep it sealed. Have you tried this?

I used points to pay so everything is good! ;)

In Debenhams you get 500 points when you spend £30. 

I wanted the Clinique Bottom Lash mascara which is 11 pounds and then worked my way up to the target... you know, it's like £5 off next time. ;)

This bottom lash mascara is such a great invention! I know you can do the same job with a normal one but it's sooo much easier. I can't believe I haven't bought this before! Also, on the packaging says that it washes away with warm water so I'm thinking the formula is more delicate and I won't have to rub and rub with remover.

next to a ordinary wand

Then I got Dead Sea Spa Magik Algimud Active Peel-Off Body Mask and Burt's Bees Lip Balm.

I've used the body mask before: it comes in a powder form and there're 3 servings in a box. You simply mix it with water and then put the paste on your skin; once tried it will peel off, leaving the skin super-soft. This is a great product and I'm trying to give my body a boost (in the eve of the wedding, of course)!

I have never tried anything from Burt's Bees (shameful, I know) and everybody loves the lip balm so I bought the original version.

Wow, what a surprise: I found it tingling on the lips which I wasn't expecting... having bought the classic. I thought it would have no flavour, maybe honey-like but instead it's very minty (where the tingling sensation also comes from, I 'm guessing). I'm not really complaining, it just not what I expected.

Are they all like that? I saw a honey version... is it also minty?

I had £20 worth of points to use so I only paid about 10 pounds.

First stop in House of Fraser was the Nars counter. I wanted to try the Sheer Glow foundation so the MUA did my make up; after trying 5 shades, I was matched with Deauville and Santa Fe. They are both a really good match on me and so similar that I couldn't decide so the girl, kindly, gave me samples to try at home. 

On the skin, it is beautiful - definitely in my Top 3. At the moment, I'm leaning a wee bit towards Santa Fe because is the medium of the two and if I get slightly tanned, it would be better. 

I did buy a Blusher in Sin! It has been on my wish list for ever and I don't have any cool tone, plum blush.

I love Nars packaging - so sleek and I understand that the rubbery material can get dirty easily but I do take good care of them.

I had £10 in capital bonds from work so I only had £10 left to pay.

Another foundation I've been meaning to try is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation. 

My match is no 5 - I've only tried once (applied with brush) but I'm not blown away, to be honest. I felt It oxidised real fast but I'll give it another go... what's the best way to apply this foundation, in your experience?

I did buy the Master Corrector no. 1 - Pink.

Everybody raves about this on youtube and it seems to be the holy grail for dark circles! 

oh my... look at the picture - it does improve the situation A LOT!!! You're supposed to use it underneath concealer - like an 'helper'! 

It's expensive - 25quid - but it's worth it and I would recommend it to anybody, bothered by dark circles. Again, I had some capital bonds left so I paid nothing for it! :)

only on the left side (which is my right eye) - hope you can see the difference.

Finally, I bought this belt in Oasis - I don't have any high waist, elastic belt and I reckon I can wear this with pretty much everything. I like the clasp which is a pewter colour.