Pregnancy / Bodycare

I went off beauty products straight away at the beginning of the pregnancy; mainly the different scents didn’t agree with my morning sickness but I also couldn’t stand the feeling of the products on my face :S

I still tried to keep up my routine to a minimum with cleansing in the mornings and nights - I must admit that I skipped few nights - but hopefully not much long-term damage has been done to my skin. I basically didn’t wear any make up at all – I just couldn’t cope with removing it at the end of the day.

I did was very consistent with moisturizing my enlarging body, tho. I used an oil every night after a shower on wet skin and then sealed up the hydration with a bump butter/cream... and I'm happy to report that I didn't end up with any stretch mark at all. Yay!!! :)

I chose products specific for pregnancy to try and avoid nasty ingredients and brands that I already trusted.

At about 20 weeks, I stepped up the bump routine to twice a day and used a moisturizer in the morning too.

Oil-wise, I tried the followings: 
My favourite was the Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil that felt like a proper oil; both Sanctuary Mum To Be Stretch Mark Oil and Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil felt too watery.
Although, the Weleda smells pretty herbaly and the Burt's Bees was the one that I tolerated the most with a hint of citrus.

For the Body Butters – 

I loved both the Sanctuary Mum To Be Collagen Boosting Body Butter and Burt’s Bees Belly Butter; they both sank into the skin quickly and the only difference is that the Sanctuary is quite heavily scented but it didn’t bother me. They also felt really refreshing on the skin which can be a relief, if you experience itchiness.

What bothered me instead was the smell of the Mum & Me Bump Stretch Mark Cream: I only tried a sample and then didn’t purchase for that reason.

I found the Palmer’s Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks pretty good too but too thick for the bottle and ended up throwing away half of the sample; real shame because it was a cheap alternative.

I didn't like the Palmer's Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks at all; wayyyy too thick, like a proper butter - just too greasy for my liking.

Have you tried any of these yourself? Which products do you swear by during pregnancy?

New In / My Picks for Spring 2014 with Sanctuary Spa, Good Things and Orla Kiely

Sanctuary Spa 7 Day Moisture Miracle Oil Balm

I'm a big fan of beauty oils - face oils, body oils and even hair oils - and they have now been a staple in my routine for many years; it's no secret tho that they can be a bit messy. They work fine on wet skin, in the privacy of your bathroom, but they are not great for travelling or for your handbag.

Sanctuary Spa 7 Day Moisture Miracle Oil Balm* comes in a handy little tube that is purse-friendly and comes in a balm form. You will find that it's solid and you can squeeze the desired amount on the go, without any spillage disaster.

It contains 7 essential oils - Gold of Pleasure Oil, Corn Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Rice Germ Oil and Camelia Seed Oil - that provide on the spot relief for problematic areas, like elbows, cuticles, heels; the skin is instantly softened and it also doubles up as an hand cream, leaving my skin gorgeous scented. 

It locks moisture into the skin for up to 7 days! It's not super greasy (for an oil) and absorbs easily – It’s the perfect compromise! 

Love the luxurious gold packaging and it would make a lovely and useful gift too!

Sanctuary Spa Relax Nourishing Shower Creme

Transitioning into Spring/Summer, I always struggle to fall asleep at night:  first the clock changes then there is too much light outside. Up here in Scotland, it could be light until  11ish pm and, at the same time, temperatures could be (fairly) hot and I usually not in the mood for warm baths.

If like me you also have trouble sleeping, Sanctuary Spa Relax Nourishing Shower Creme* is the perfect alternative to easy you into a restful night; I have been using it for a few months now and the comforting and delicate scent certainly helps me relax and unwind before bed time. 

 Essential oils of vetiver, cedarwood and labdanum help calm the mind and melt the tension of a busy life; the pampering cream is nourishing and hydrating for the skin, thanks to shea butter and lotus extract. 

The Relax line also includes Cocooning Body Butter, Warming Sugar Scrub, Unwind Candle so if you fall in love with the Shower Creme, there's no reason why you can't count on its benefits all year round and add them to your bedtime routine.

For Spring 2014, Orla Kiely came out with  a Bergamot Collection - the line includes hand wash, hand lotion, shower gel, body lotion and hand cream. 

The description of the scent sounds just amazing: "...warm cedarwood, patchouli and refreshing notes of grapefruit and bergamot... hint of fresh floral with petigrain, neroli and orange flower extract; spicy nuances of cardamon and coriander are combined with herbal hints of aniseed and peppermint to create a zesty twist..."

There’s also a useful new addition to the popular Geranium bath and body range that launched last year - Orla Kiely Geranium Hand Sanitiser*.

I’m not a fan of geranium, to be honest but this blend - with eucalyptus, lavender and clary sage - is refreshing and  I found it soothing on the mind too, thanks to these essential oils; some hand sanitisers can be overpowering alcoholic and sterile, instead this is very delicate and still kills 99.9% of germs. This product is also formulated with aloe vera to keep hands soft and moisturised and avoid dryness.

The recognizable Orla Kiely pattern on the bottle makes it stylish enough for your handbag and I like to keep a tube of this in my gym bag at all time, as well.

Good Things Manuka Honey Refining Scrub

Good Things is another affordable and reliable brand that I have come to appreciate in recent years; they do fantastic body care and you can pick their products from the drugstore. The skincare line includes a Manuka Honey range, which is appropriate for the approaching National Honey Bee Day on the 16^th August.

Key ingredient in the Good Things Manuka Honey Refining Scrub* is the Superfood Manuka Honey, of course; together with other bee derivatives - like royal jelly and propolis - sustains the growth of new cells and collagen to prevent the signs of ageing; it's also fantastic to restore Ph balance and promote healthy skin.

It has a creamy consistency with oatmeal flakes that provide a gentle exfoliation and they are soothing for irritated skin; white kaolin helps draw out excess oil and purify the complexion, whilst sweet almond oil hydrates dry skin and it's rich in vitamins E and fatty acids.

The skin is left clean and nourished at the same time and - how you can guess - it has a delicious scent.

You get a very generous amount for a bargain £4.99 so I've been using it on delicate parts like decollete, shoulders and arms as well.

All Good Things products are free from parabens, mineral oils, sulphates and are suitable for vegetarians.

Have you tried any of these products yet??!

Xmas Ideas / Sactuary Mini Must-Haves

Last instalment of the Christmas gift guide and you can say that I have saved the best for last.

Sanctuary presents for the Holidays 2013  are a luxurious option at affordable prices, starting amazingly from under a tenner.

For example, this Sanctuary Spa Mini Must-Haves* is only £8 and contains a Body Lotion, Body Wash, Foaming Bath Soak and Spa Skin Body Polisher.

I love the sensuous and comforting fragrance of this line! You just need a drop of the foaming bath soak to wrap the whole bathroom with the scent and create a luscious bubble bath; the body wash has micro moisturising spheres - filled with jojoba oil and sesame - that leave the skin silky smooth. Finally  to complete your bathroom ritual, the light body lotion delivers 24hr moisturisation and the mix of ginger & spices also stimulates the circulation. 

What to say… They are such incredible value for money and every year I take advantage for myself and stock up on few favourites.
If you've set your heart on skincare instead - I would pick up the Sanctuary Ultimate Girls Night In (that also comes in a gorgeous purple pouch)… or if you're looking for a showstopping offering - the Sanctuary Top To Toe Glow Pamper Tin is guaranteed to impress!

Sanctuary is a brand that I'm very familiar with and I feel heartily to recommend for some last minute shopping: you can buy Sanctuary gift sets at Sanctuary Spa, on www.sanctuary.com, Boots and Debenhams today!

Scrub Up with Sanctuary Spa

I always go for Sanctuary Spa when I want to pumper myself (or a loved one) - a brand worthy of the Spa recognition and at reasonable prices; then the fact that is readily  available on the high street is only a bonus. 

I highly rate both their skincare and body care lines with effective formulations and captivating scents.

Talking about scrubs, we are really spoiled for choice with many different versions for any skin type or personal preference. 

Sanctuary Long-Lasting Moisture 4 Day Moisture Oil Scrub*

This product is the latest addition to Sanctuary scrub collection and combines luxurious fine salt crystals to remove dead skin cells with nourishing olive oil, shea butter and gold of pleasure oil.

It has the signature Mande Lular smell which I adore and I always treat myself to the Sensuous Bath Creme every Christmas. :)

It's a refined scrub, firm in consistency that looks like a paste that you can scoop out and massage, also on dry skin. It left my skin super soft and I didn't feel the need to further hydrate with body oils, after the shower - I'm confident it will please also the driest skin!

Sanctuary Hot Sugar Scrub*

This thermal scrub instead has more of gluey consistency so it works best on damp skin; in fact, it needs water to activate the warming sensation. 

I love it!!! I'm a huge fan of the Sanctuary Youth Boosting Facial Warming Microbrasion Polish and finding the body version is amazing!

The thermal zeolite and kaolin clay are detoxing too and the heat draws out impurities leaving the skin rejuvenated and smooth.

A true discovery and such a relaxing experience in a steamy shower, after an hard day at work!

Have you tried any Sanctuary Spa scrub? Which one is your favourite?

Empties / June

Body:

Treacle Moon Iced Strawberry Dream: I won this bottle from a giveaway Evelyn @ We Were Raised By Wolves did last year. It smells incredible but it was a limited edition so not sure if you can still find it around. I kinda of rationed it, it's that good... hehe ;) It also fills the bath with loads of pampering bubbles.

 Repurchase: if I can get another bottle, absolutely. Otherwise, I'll try some other scent... I'm impressed!

Sanctuary Sculpting Anti-Cellulite Treatment: What an awful, overpriced product! First of all, the packaging is extremely awkward to use and you end up wasting a ton; secondly, the product itself didn't make any improvement to the appearance of my skin and it left a oily residue. BUT... it's totally my fault: I actually had already bought and hated this cream in the past... shame I forgot and bought again... what a muppet! :D

Repurchase: hell no!

Rituals Wai Wang Organic White Lotus & Yi Yi Ren Exfoliating Body Scrub: I got to say, if there's something I don't like about Rituals is their long, exotic names... enough already! Anyhow, I got this bottle as a freebie in a magazine and it was a pretty generous size for a sample. This particular scent is lovely and floraly; I liked the scrub too: it spread easily and didn't irritate my skin.

Repurchase: yes 

Nails Inc Vitamin E Oil Pen: I had high hopes for this pen... all irremediably crashed! I have really dry cuticles but I didn't feel any improvement whilst using this product. not even temporary! It's an oil so it feels  a bit greasy once applied but it dries really fast and you're left with the same dry skin as before. really really disappointed. I have to say that it lasted longer than expected, tho (a good 4 months, using it 3/4 times a week).

Repurchase: no

Face:

Apivita Express Beauty with Orange Mask: this is a revitalizing face mask with orange essential oils. What a lovely mask! I really loved using it: it felt fresh and left my skin soft and glowing. Perfect for summer.

Repurchase: yep!

Rodial Glam Balm Lip: I had to get rid of this lip balm. The strong rose scent was really starting to annoy me and it turned liquid-y towards the end. I really don't understand all the fuss around this item: I think it's overpriced and performing averagely.

Repurchase: nope!

Alpha-H Micro Cleanse: this is a really decent exfoliating scrub. It contains 12% glycolic acid, cucumber extract and rice bran and it was just the right consistency. Impressed so far with everything I've tried from Alpha-H.

Repurchase: yes

What's in your empties this month? :)

Empties / January

***

Sanctuary Mandelular Sensuous Bath Creme - I've been loving this scent for years and years and I keep re-buying it.

Very comforting, ideal for a relaxing bubble bath and fills the bathroom for hours; but because it's so strong, I need to take 'breaks' from using it otherwise I would get sick of it. I actually bought this bottle last Christmas and I have just finished it now. Also, very moisturising on the skin.

Re-purchase: Absolutely!  

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover - Yes, I also got sucked into the hype around this product. It started well but the foam inside started to break after few uses... not sure if my bottle was faulty but not impressed!

I decided to finish it to take off my Christmas glitter polish but is definitely time for the bin now.

Re-purchase: Nope.

Renu Age Defence Balm SPF15 - this tiny sample lasted a week, actually.... maybe because it's pretty thick to be an hand cream.  Really like the smell and the fact that it has spf.

Re-purchase: Maybe.

MonuSpa Enriched Body Cream - again pretty small sample but first impression not too good: left a greasy residue on my skin. Smells lovely, tho.

Re-purchase: No.

Vinies Luminous Skin Mask - when this mask was sent in a beauty box, last year, many people didn't like it so I was able to grab few pots in swaps. I just finished the last one and - oh my god- I still love love love this mask! It does leave your skin red after use, but nothing terrifying in my experience... plus the results are incredible. The skin feels soft and purified and in fact I also used it as a pre-wedding treatment.

Re-purchase: Yes.

Boots Aqua Balance Hydrating Eye Cream - I bought this cream ages ago but then just put it at the back of the drawer, whilst trying other products. I decided it was time to finish it off and am I glad it's over! I can't say I enjoyed using it  - in fact I didn't even bother cutting up the tube to use every little drop. It did nothing for my eye area and, although it says it's for dry skin, I didn't think it was particularly moisturizing, either.

Repurchase: Definitely not!

Neutrogena Multi-Defence Night Moisturiser - pretty ordinary, inexpensive night cream but one of the best i have used - in fact my current favourite! It looks a bit thick and white when first applied but it sinks really well and it's the perfect amount of hydration for my needs. I highly recommend it!

Re-purchase: Yes.

Have you tried any of these products before?
What do you think?
xxx

Empties / December

Philosophy shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath trio: I really struggled to finish these off. The scent pay off is not great - you can read my opionion here as it hasn't changed.

Repurchase: nope.

Lush Helping Hands: I really like this hand cream; I have used it in the past and always go back, periodically. It's very moisturising but a bit greasy so I only use it around the house. Also love the kinda of yeasty smell. :)

Repurchase: yep.

Sanctuary 5 Minutes Thermal Detox Mask: this is one of the deep cleansing mask that I use once a week, after my steamer session. I like that it's fast acting and the charcoal purifies the skin very well but the consistency is kinda of gluey and you end up using more than needed. Also, it needs to go on wet skin which doesn't help on spreading the product on the face.

Repurchase: probably not.

Dr Nick Lowe Dark Cicles Correcting Cream: this is a decent eye cream but I wasn't blown away - plus it din't make any difference to my dark circles. I need to mention that I, instead, really liked another Dr Nick Lowe eye cream... you can check the review here.

Repurchase: no.

Sprout Toner: I loved spritzing it over my face, every morning! It's very refreshing - perfect to start the day - and also balancing - ideal to keep the odd spots at bay. The pump works great and I will definitely re-fill the min bottle for travelling. The only thing I would mention is the smell of vinegar (one of the main ingredients is organic raw apple cider vinegar, actually) which doesn't linger on the skin so it doesn't bother me but you're warned! :)

Repurchase: yes. 

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?

Giveaway - Winner!!

... and the winner to the giveaway is...

Dragon Mommy

I used random.org for the draw

Congratulations girl!!!

You're prize will be with you soon - Enjoy! :)

I, also, wanted to take the opportunity to thank everybody which entered - I was really chuffed with all the entries and I promise I'm gonna do another giveaway soon... Happy reading! 

xxx

New Year Giveaway - Reminder!

Remember to enter my giveaway HERE!!!

Open internationally :)

New Year Giveaway CLOSED!

I meant to do this giveaway few weeks ago but then I was too busy before Christmas and I had to postpone it.

It was supposed to be for reaching 100 followers but now I'm well over that number so it's become a

HAPPY NEW YEAR GIVEAWAY!!! :)

I use this set myself and I love it so I decided to go out and buy one for you too! 

You can check the review and list of products here.

Rules: 

- Follow my blog

- Leave a comment to this post with email address

Extra entries: 

- Post a link back to this post on your blog

- Follow me on Twitter @Fashion_olic and RT the giveaway

Giveaway is open internationally and it will close 31/01/12 midnight.

Again Thank You sooo much for all  your lovely comments & suggestions... and Good Luck!!!

xxx

Christmas Shopping Haul

I've done most of my Christmas shopping in October, actually. I went back home at the end of October so I decided it was best just to bring all the presents with me. :)

But I still had presents for people here to buy and I took advantage of the Boots Extravaganza night to get few bits and bobs. Sorry, I can't show you what I got them (for obvious reasons) but I also got some stuff for myself. :)

I got the Boots Natural Collection and Champneys 'cause I needed new bath sponges and I'll definitely use the bath and shower stuff too. I'm not too sure about the body creams tho - I, usually, use anti-cellulite or firming formulas so maybe give these scented ones away.

 The ducks are super-cute and they must be like bath bombs, fizzing in the water. I'm saving them... hehe :)

The Sanctuary and Soap & Glory items were in the 3for2 also - I've been meaning to buy a body brush for a while and with the offer I got it for free.

The headphones adaptor is great. I had one years ago but I think I lost it; I've been looking to buy a new one but never got the chance to have a look around to get a replacement. It's perfect when travelling (on planes, trains): especially now with the iPad, my fiance' and I can finally watch movies at the same time.

Every year, we get 1 new baubles for the tree. This is the 2011 edition!

I got these Christmas cards in Bhs for FREE!!! Basically, if you're on O2, you can download an app with special offers and this was one of those. I just picked my cards, got the box scanned at the till and showed my promo code. Simple! ;)

I think they're really nice, no?

These are my favourite Christmas candles: I like the scents - really Xmasy - they are long lasting and they actually release the smell in the house (some candles, they don't actually release the fragrance when burning - *cough, Ikea, cough*). Also, they are cheap: I actually bought these in Tesco and they were doing an offer 'buy 1 get 2 free' YES PLEASE!!!

We all like to indulge a wee bit at Christmas, right? Every year, I can't wait for special edition foodies - This Gregg's Gingerbread and Latte Doughnut was delicious!!! I need to get it again before the end of the season.

...and any occasion is right to show an outfit: here I was wearing my Hunter boots and Hobbs gloves for the first snow of the year. :)

Finally, I got this top in House of Fraser. It's from Coast and it was on sale. I liked the metallic bronze colour and it can easily be dressed-up with a skirt (that I'm planning to do on Christmas day) or down with some jeans.