Holiday Shopping

I'm always interested in trying different brands of micellar water, so I bought the Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal. I'm pretty disappointed: there was too much rubbing needed, for my liking and it stung my eyes. They gave me a sample of the Yves Rocher Pure Light - which looks like a luminous tinted moisturiser - and Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Ultra-Volume Mascara - I love the look of the wand, can't comment on the formula yet.

The hydrating gloves are a present from my cousin - I'll make sure to use them before bedtime, they have a lovely and soothing lavender scent!

I also picked up the new Kiko Cupcake Nail Lacquer in 650; it was on offer for only 2.99euros so I could't pass it on. To be honest, I'm not sure if I like it - kinda but don't love it... a bit disappointing! :(

These wee macaroons are made of ceramic and you can pop them in your drawers or on your vanity table and they leave a lovely scent behind. They came in a super cute jar too! :)

Collistar is an all time favourite brand of mine, especially for body products: They deliver! This time I picked up Intensive Anticellulite Serum and Bust Firming Cream-Gel. I love that the sizes are always so generous with these products and - although the prices are on the high end - they last a long time and I can always see improvements with constant use.

A friend also gave me a sample of Biotherm Aquasource BB-Cream, which is too dark for her, but I’m sure I can make it work in the summer. I just tested it and it gives a nice healthy glow... promising!

I luuuurv L'Erbolario packaging! My mum got me this set because honeysuckle is one of my favourite scents. 

I haven’t used baby powder in ages - I have to say I’ve been enjoying this decadent ritual and  it leaves my skin velvety and lovely perfumed.

I also got some make up samples from a friend that works in a department store.

Pupa Vamp! Mascaras - Love the brush; I will save the purple for autumn but I have already used the green. It’s quite fun and not 'in your face’ as I was expecting. I would definitely use it occasionally now that I have it (but not something that I would go out and purchase, tbh).

Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick in 343B – It's a gorgeous colour and moisturising on the lips. I was expecting a matte finish but it’s actually pretty sheer and buildable.

Pupa Perfetta in 1 Minuto – this is a multi-tasker like no others! It's a 24-hr moisturiser, eye cream and overnight mask. It's extremely refreshing on the skin, perfect for summer.

Also, really looking forward to try all the wee samples from La Mer – not tried this brand yet. 

I got La Mer Face & Body Gradual Tan, La Mer The Eye Concentrate and La Mer The Regenerating Serum. Have you used any of this? What do you think?

My husband bought me this cute bracelet from Carpisa - Carpisa is famous for their bags mainly but I'm glad to see that they do accessories and jewellery too; they are pretty affordable and always fantastic for gift ideas. 

Finally, I picked up this shirt from Pull & Bear - it's a tad sheer so I will have to wear it with a vest underneath but the cotton is so so soft. I fell in love with the print (obviously) and it was on sale too... score!

Haul / Beauty Swap

Few weeks before Christmas, my sister came over to the UK, so we arranged for a beauty swap; they are basically items that we were not using anymore/didn't suit us so we donated them to the other one.

I think I got some pretty good items here:

Helena Rubinstein Color Clone Subli-Mat Foundation in 22 Rose' Apricot - I've been wanting to try this foundation for a while and it didn't disappoint! It feels like silk on the skin and it transforms into powder, once blended; I think this is perfect for warmer countries (I will definitely invest in a bottle to use when I'm in Italy), because it does stay matte and perfect for many hours and it has an SPF12, too. It's such a shame that Helena Rubinstein is discontinued in UK, I think it's amazing quality make up and often snubbed when people do holiday hauls; I heartily recommend to check this brand, next time you're in Sephora - the mascaras and velvet lipsticks are my favourites.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill in 10 Airy Jade - She has 3/4 of these and she let me choose one; I picked this frosty silver with blue undertones because I don't have anything similar in my collection; the consistency is dreamy and I've been looking forward to try one of these for a while. It's also beautiful just in the inner corner, paired with a deeper blue.

Shiseido Hydro Powder Eye Shadow in H13 Clover Dew - The prettiest mint colour for eyes. I think it can look really nice as a simple wash of colour in Spring, without looking outdated. The formula feels very creamy to the touch but transforms into powder, on application; I'm impressed! I was definitely expecting more creasing but they are actually true to their claim.

L'Oreal Color Infallible in 026 Golden Mahogany -  I was so excited about this colour! I'm not sure if this was ever released in UK, but I've been looking for this shade since I saw it on a Canadian youtube channel, over a year ago; then, my sister spotted it at a jumbo sale and got it for me! :)

Kiko Fierce Spirit Sun Bronzing Blush in 103 Mariachi Pink - This blusher is perfection! You get a blush, highlighter and bronzer in one and the 3 colours combined are the most stunning and flattering shade. I'd actually been 'borrowing' it during the summer, so she finally gave it to me since I love it so much… awww… :) 

If you get the chance to try any Pupa Make Up, definitely invest in these Multiplay Triple-Purpose Eye Pencil. They come in every possible colour of the rainbow, they are super soft to work with and long lasting. I have no. 22 (Silver) and no. 24 (Green), which I've been in love with forever; I like to use them on the lower lashline to brighten up the eyes.

Kiko Eye Pencil in 102 is another pretty lilac shade - not as soft as the Pupa pencils but still a decent eye product, especially for the price. 

Finally, you may have already spotted the Essence Happy Holidays Nail Sweets in action, here & here. I had fun using them and they are quick to apply too; they come with glue - similar to false lashes - and I have to say that they lasted longer than expected on the nails. 

Any particular product that caught your eye? :)

Nails 2013 / Q3

A collection of nail looks (don't think they classify as nail art) from the last quarter of the year… I'm not super creative when it comes to nails but nails are always a popular subject… let me know if you like this type of posts! :)

Played with a bit of french manicure here:

Revlon Top Speed in 607 Hazy as base and Revlon ColourStay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night for the tips. 

Blue polishes are my absolute favourites!

Execution leaves a bit to be desired but I think the matte/glossy combo looks fantastic!
I used Nails Inc in Lily from the Gossip Girl Collection; I don't really like Nails Inc polishes because they take ages to dry but I got to say that this colour lasted well and it's still fluid after few years. For the matte coat - I used Rimmel Matte Finish Top Coat.

I like the liquid sand effect of OPI What Wizardry Is This? It gives such foolproof results, especially if you're in a hurry. I added Pupa Lasting Colour Gel in 18 Delicate Crimson on my ring finger for a pop of colour.

Finally, a Christmasy look: I used a Ted Baker Gold colour from last year giftset and Essence Happy Holidays Nail Sweets that my sister brought me from Italy :)

I've also been using these Revlon Quick Dry Top Coats - one is a 'proper' transparent polish, whilst the second are drops. I like them both equally and don't smudge. I've used Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops in the past (which I like a lot!) and definitely recommend these too, for a cheaper alternative.

p.s.: sorry for the poor quality of these photos. Something went wrong when I uploaded them and I've already deleted them from the memory card :(

Shopping My Stash / #9

I prepped the skin with Clarins Beauty Flash Balm: love the 'old fashion' scent and it's rich enough to act like my daily moisturizer. I used Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid MakeUp in shade 3.0 as my base and, since I have few blemishes to cover, I set with Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium that gives me a fuller coverage than usual.

Because I don't feel very confident with my skin lately, I also kept a minimal face and used a neutral blush like Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in exposed; these tarte blushes are definitely living up to the hype - can't wait for Tarte to become available in Uk too! I also added a touch of highlighter - Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in opal - that with its golden tone, works beautifully with exposed.

Purplish, yet with a touch of warm coral for the eyes: I used Pupa Wet & Dry Eyeshadow in 102 peach all over the lid and Neve Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in dormouse dreams in the crease: these 2 colours are perfect for each other!

Finally on the lips, I kept the plumy theme with a Ted Baker lip pen or L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in 101 tempting lilac.

***REMINDER: Just few days left to enter the giveaway!***

Shopping My Stash / #6

I've been trying the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm this week but I've to say that I'm disappointed; it doesn't seem to improve the appearance of my skin or prolong make up longevity and smells funny too. :(
I applied a thin layer of Becca Luminous Skin Colour in cashmere that is the best matching base that I've ever had, shade-wise; I then added extra coverage with Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF15 in real sand.

On the cheeks another Becca product: Shimmering Skin Perfector in opal, which I reckoned better using it now, since it's a bit too dark for winter months; I also added a bit of colour on the apple of my cheeks with Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in cherub, which is the perfect pink for without adding any redness to the skin.

Prepped the eyes with the one & only Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion and used the gray and green shades from the Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel palette. 
I also got the chance to try a couple of products that my sister donated to me: Pupa Made To Last Eyes in 201, which is a gorgeous brown eye pencil with gold shimmer that does not budge!
Then I used the Collistar - a brand that I adore and I raved about plenty here - Eyeshadow Luminous Powder in 4 to add light to the inner corner.
Finally, lips were quite bright with Naj Oleari Affinity Lipstick in 78 - total dupe for Ysl Fuchsia in Rage.

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?