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

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?

Shopping My Stash / #1

I recently started a new job - I used to work from home for years but now that I need to go to the office, I use make up pretty much everyday.

I enjoy reading the 'shopping my stash' posts from other bloggers so I decided to start this series too... 

This past week, I've been loving wearing... not all at once, mind you! ;) ---->

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow: I wasn't really blown away by this foundation at the beginning... but I've grown to like it. It does last all day on me and the spf25 comes in handy now that is 'summer' (brackets needed for Scotland);

Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium: I have just been using this as a setting powder to prolong the longevity of the foundation. It can look a bit cake so realllly soft hand;

As an highlighter I chose Benefit Moon Beam and kept my lip neutral with Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Colour spf12 in #18 Soft Nude to complement the colourful eyelook.

For the cheeks, I've been rotating between Clinique Fresh Bloom Blush in Peony, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed and Nars Blush in Sex Appeal; I forgot how pretty Peony looks! it's half highlighter so looks really radiant and fresh on the cheeks. The Tarte blush (with the Buxom lip cream below) are new acquisitions from a US swap: couldn't wait to try them out but I will share the swap in more details soon. :)

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream in Mudslide: as I said this is new but I already want more from this line. I've been using it as a lipgloss to top up the lipstick because it can be too brown for me and mudslide adds the perfect touch of pink!

For the lashes it's been Pur Minerals Big Blink Mascara all the way and to conceal my under-eye area:  Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection in medium and Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink.

For the eyes, I've been choosing between these combos: 

1) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion + Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow Palette in Brandied Bronze + Collection 2000 Idol'Eyes in Bling

2) Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr in Permanent Taupe + no7 Stay Perfect Liquid Eye Liner in Mermaid + Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire

3) Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Eyeshadow Stick in 003 Bad Girl Bronze + Neve Pastello in Petrolio

Do you use any of these products? 

Empties / May

Body Items

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil: another GlossyBox offering coming to an end. I use body oils daily after the shower and this is pretty average. Don't get me wrong - it's not bad and it didn't make any difference to my stretch marks (not that I had any hopes, anyway) but it's nothing extraordinary either. It smells like lavender and rosemary.

Repurchase: nope, I can get alternatives for cheaper.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: the Elasticizer is one my favourite hair masks. You leave it on pose for 20 minutes before shampooing; it needs to be applied on wet hair which kinda of annoys me because by the time I jump in the shower, I'm freezing! ;) but that's me for you, I get cold very easily.

You can read my original review here, my opinion hasn't changed.

Repurchase: yes.

No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment: hated it hated it hated it and then multiply by a 1000. The actual product takes ages to absorb and, even with all the massaging, I didn't see any improvement on the cellulite. I didn't enjoy using the applicator either (you can see a picture here) but had no choice because you can't open the bottle and use it normally. Well, you may want to cut the bottle like I did, if it gets REALLY frustrating.

Repurchase: hell no... it's over 20 quid and not worth it!

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: I really like this foot cream and I have used it few times in the past. It looks quite thick but doesn't leave a greasy residue; it smells minty but not in an overpowering way and it's bright pink!!! The joy! :D

Repurchase: yes

Face Items

Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner: I didn't actually finish this product but found it at the back of my drawer and had completely forgot about it. It's all dried up now and pretty old so I wouldn't use it on my eyes anyway. I remember not being particular impressed with it and it made my lashes crispy too.

I have tried few lashes primers but, to be honest, it's an additional step so rarely use them; also because I don't see a huge difference - one day I'll try the much hyped Dior one and see what I've been missing out on.

Repurchase: no.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream: to be honest, I've been *I don't want to say disappointed* unimpressed by many REN products and this cream is also average for me. It absorbs well and I strangely love the peppery smell but I can't justify buying it for that reason alone. It's still a nice night cream but I can get the same performance cheaper from the high street. Shame! :(

Repurchase: nope.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: What can I say? This is my favourite night serum. I know it doesn't work for everybody but when I use it, my skin looks considerably improved OVERNIGHT!

No spots, radiance and smooth skin so I'm a bit sad to see it go but it was nearing the expiry date so can't complaint, it lasted a long time.

Repurchase: absolutely!

Sprout Cleanser: I used this cleanser to remove the first layer of make up at night; it did a good job and left my skin soothed. I found the scent to be soothing for the mind, too. 

Sprout has actually re-branded as S.W. Basic of Brooklyn but for what I can see that's the only thing that has changed - Full range review here!

Repurchase: yes.

Sorry for the loooong post but I did finish more items than usual this month (hurray!) - do you like empties posts?
xxx

Haul / Boots

Few weeks ago I placed an order on Boots.com to take advantage of the 3for2 offer that included make up, skincare and body care.

Recently, I mentioned in my March' Empties that I finished The Beauty Parlour Boob Tubes but wasn't really impressed.

I love Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula - and how the products smell - so I picked up the Bust Cream which is also reasonably priced at under 7 pounds. The consistency seems a bit on the thick side, like a body butter, but it absorbs really well, I haven't experienced any break out so far and you only need a small amount.

Then, I stocked up on some body cream: I haven't tried the No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment and at £22 I wouldn't normally buy it without being sure it works. So I thought it was the right chance to give it a go. I'm not too fussed with the gimmicky applicator, I just have high hopes on the formulation, really.

Finally, I bought the Tweezerman Deluxe Hair Cutting Shears; I cut my fringe every couple of weeks and currently I'm using a pair with texturising teeth which is really effortless to use. I decided to get a regular pair, in case I want to try a more dramatic, blunt style. they are vvvvery sharp!

I also HAD to get some make up... of course!!! ;)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in On and On Bronze: Big fan of these pots! I already have a couple and been wanting the bronze shade for a while. I've been pretty much used it every day since I got it - it lets you create a beautiful look, effortlessly and quickly. You don't need anything else on top... this is really a case where less is more.

Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night: Prologue - I love blue polishes but a nice, bright midnight blue was missing from my collection. 

I decided to get the Revlon because I've been wanting to try this line since it came out; I'm pleased with both consistency and longevity but £7.99 is a bit steep for an high street polish, in my opinion... I mean you can get an Essie for that price, right?! High street-wise, Rimmel is still my favourite around the 4quid range.

Real Techniques Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Kit: another product I'm crossing off my wishlist.

I'm a bit fan of RT brushes - I already wrote about them here & here.

I mainly wanted to try the deluxe crease brush for concealer since my dark circles are so bad and I figured every little helps. I'm finding the base shadow brush great to apply cream shadows/color tattoos and the accent brush for undereye smudging.

I don't really have any use for the pixel-point eyeliner brush and brow brush so I will keep them to give away in my next giveaway. ;)

Have you tried any of these items? What are your thoughts?
x

FOTD - Business Meeting

Face: Clinique CityBlock Sheer SPF25, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra in 01*, St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Violet, Ysl Touche Eclat in 1, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Mac Sheertone Blush in BlushBaby;

Eyes: No7 Stay Perfect Eye Mousse in Pewter, Ysl Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils in 4 Sea Black, Clinique High Impact mascara;

Lips: Collection 2000 Cream Puff in Fairy Cake.

*I didn't like this foundation at first - too drying - but it's, definitely, performing well in these recent scorching temperatures; this shade is not perfect for me, tho.

March Shopping

Last month, I manage to do some last minute shopping before going to Italy but I forgot my memory card in Glasgow (of course, doh!!!)... so I'm only sharing these buys now:

Both shirt and dress are from Warehouse and they were in the sale.

 

Warehouse Mirror Floral Dress

I had seen (and liked) the dress before - and it's really current with the mirror print; Also, the fact that it could be a 2 pieces is pretty cool. The material is very soft, too.

Hand Drawn Pansy Print Silk Blouse

This shirt is so gorgeous! I can't believe it didn't go out of stock and that I found it in the sales rack... and there were plenty of every size!!! It's silk and I paid £25 - but also full price of £55 - I think it's great for what you get.

The design is kinda of oversize and I had to get a size 8 to fit me properly... I'm seriously loving it! ;)

Boots was still doing 3for2 on make up:

Rimmel Lycra Pro nail polish in 500 Peppermint: I wanted a mint nail colour but I'm, also, starting to cut down on polishes as I end up throwing them away half full... so this was a good compromise, shade/price-wise. I'm, usually, happy with Rimmel quality, although this looks a bit stricky with one coat.

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in 40 Permanent Taupe: of course, I wanted to try this new product too!!! VERY DISAPPOINTED because I wanted Pomegranate Punk but It didn't come on in Uk so I picked up this colour, instead. I think it's quite pretty, actually and the staying power is good; I didn't have anything similar in my collection before and I got it to use as a base, mainly, but I've been using it on its own too.

Revlon Grow Luscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso: nothing exciting - I just wanted a brown pencil for the wedding and technically, it was free. It did me real good on the big day: it's a dark brown, it's creamy and it won't budge!!! Definitely, reccomending this product.

I, also, got No7 Revitalising Hand Saviour which is a scrub for your hands and the best manicure product, I've ever used. I've been using it for about 2 years, regularly and it leaves your skin super-soft. I think, it's about £11/13 so I only buy it when I have a discount voucher.

At the Benefit counter I picked up a sample of the new Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow SPF25 foundation (bloody name!!! liking the wee bottle, tho). I was given Honey, which seems a bit dark for me but at least it's not too yellow; I haven't tried it yet so I can't judge, sorry. Anybody tried this yet?

Finally in Debenhams, I had 25quid worth of points to use so I got another bottle of the Elemis Absolute Eye Serum which is MIRACULOUS and I wouldn't want to be without again - you can read my rave about this serum here.

Then, I bought YSL Volupte Sheer Candy in 9 Cool Guava that I've been wanting for a long time.

What a tremendous product! This went straight to the top of my favourite lipsticks... it's so soft and light on the lips, super moisturising and smells so yummy... I just wish they'd make more colours on this line. Sure, it's pretty pricey but totally worth it!!!

Hope everybody is having a lovely Sunday!!! :)

Boots Haul

... apologies - I wrote this post back in October but then It got forgotten in my draft so these offerS are no more available in store, I think...

Sanctuary Warming Microbrasion Polish - I love this product! It's a thick, creamy exfoliator to use on wet face and the water will active it, warming it up and helping drawing all the impurities out.

I have been using it regularly (I just requires once a week, personally) for over 2 years but I was running out so I decide to stock up again because Boots was giving the 2nd Sanctuary item for free.

Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask - as just mentioned, I got this for free! It's a full size bottle and works with the same principle of the polish: heat! The only criticism is that it's quite glue-ish and I found difficult to spread uniformly so ended up using more than necessary.

Also, it will not dry completely, which is a bonus as it's easier to remove.

I find these mud, clay masks really effective - especially with heat.

After using one or the other - my face feels so smooth and free from any oiliness.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Skin-Brightening MOisturiser SPF15 - I like many things about this product but somehow failed to wow me.

I got it because I read many positive reviews and it was on promotion with 3 pounds off.

I like the packaging, the bottle comes with a pump; I like that it got a SPF15 and the smell is nice too and fades away quickly.

'Skin brightening' because it has sparkling particles that reflects the light and helps hides imperfections - (well, in my opinion - I don't really think all that 'diffuse, trick the eye'-concept makes much of a difference!).

Anyway, the main issue I have with this cream is that it's too heavy. It looks like soufflé when out of the bottle but then I can feel it on my skin for many hours and it doesn't seem to sink it very well; in fact, I'm only using it when in the house or when I don't wear make up.

TRESemme' Naturals - Nourishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner - I never used to be too fuss about hair brands but now I wanna try to use more natural products. 

This new line says is 'hypoallergenic, no added colour with certified organic aloe vera and avocado oil'. Also, shampoo is lower in sulphates an conditioner silicone free.

I like this combo: my hair feel clean, not heavy... not sure about all the claims but I would recommend them. Promotion was buy 1 get 1 free.

No 7 Eyeshadow Blend and Contour Brush - much raved about brush, Mac 217 dupe... you all know... Used the £5 off voucher so it only cost me about £2.25

Finally, I got these samples:

Ojon Damage Reverse - Restorative Hair Treatment: Unfortunately, my face didn't like it. :(
 I put it on my hair, all was good and I really enjoyed the treatment but when in the shower, rinsing it off, I had an allergic reaction on my face. it was pretty bad, all red and burning so I, definitely, can't use this product but I would recommend to others.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 in Nude - to be honest, I was pretty disappointed!  This is supposed to be The Daddy of all tinted moisturisers but I found it too thick for my liking. I wouldn't want a foundation this heavy, nevertheless a tinted moisturiser. 

Colour-wise is a good match and it's a shame because I seriously love other LM products... just not this one. I'm glad I didn't cave in and bought without trying.

Lancome Teint Miracle - Lancome regularly send out vouchers to go and try products in store and this time it was for the foundation. I tried it before and I love it! That much in fact that it's on the short list for my wedding make up kit!

Anyway, I went in Debenhams, House of Fraser and Boots and I got matched 3 times with 3 different colours!

l-r: 010, 01, 03 swatched

blended

My shade is 010; the others are too dark or too yellow or too pink - I'm neutral.

Previously, I tried 02 which is also pretty good for me.

I really can't recommend this foundation enough! Have you tried it yet?

Garnier BB Cream

I, finally, received the samples by post. 

It's a great free sample if 'm honest - nicely packaged and you get 3 satchels.

You can get 2 uses out of 1 satchel so pretty much 1 week worth - enough to properly try the product.

Personally, I love it!

I'm loving it as a tinted moisturiser; a BB Cream is supposed to 'do more' and on that I'm not sure if you get all the possible benefits, promised by this type of products but as a tinted moisturiser is perfect. Nice light consistency, easy to apply and literally sinks into my skin. Also, the light shade is a good match for me (it reminds me of No7 Dual Protection Tinted Moisturiser SPF15, which I used a couple of years ago, but it's even a better match colour-wise).

Staying power is also very acceptable and I didn't even have to set it.

It's definitely a good budget buy - have you try it yet?

xx