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?

Clothes Haul

I haven't bought any clothes in a while, actually - here are a few things I picked up recently.

River Island Light Beige Bird Print Chelsea Girl Top

First, I saw the dress on the website... I just loved the print but the model was pretty boring.

Gladly, I found the blouse in store and when I tried it, I also liked the cut.

The material is kinda of silky and very soft; I hope they're going to make more of these with different prints 'cause it's so flattering. 

Affordable too - it's £15.

(Tights are from Primark - nothing special to add there!)

Last week, Debenhams was running a 25% off on clothes and, on saturday, I received an email with a promo code for extra 10% - so, I decided to order few pieces on the website. 

I also used quidco for cashback so I think I got a pretty good deal and saved close to 20 pounds. :)

J by Jasper Conran - Brown Pleat Front A-line Skirt

This skirt has a beautiful line that suits everybody - I love the colour and I think it will look great with the River Island shirt above.

J by Jasper Conran - Dark Red Ethnic Print Dress

Fitting room picture is a must!! ;)

I fell in love with this dress as soon as I spotted it in store few weeks back. I'm - mostly - inpressed with the print but It feels great on the skin, too. It has long sleeves but it's very fresh so I will, definitely, bring this with me in Italy - perfect for an evening stroll.

Davina McCall for Next - the Fit Shoes

I remember seeing this online, when the collection was announced back in December... but then I totally forgot about them!

I like the Cath Kidston-esque print meet Converse style.

They have pink soles and no laces... I think they're pretty cute. :)

FOTN

Apologies for the quality of these pictures but It gets dark so early now that It's impossible to take a decent photo; artificial light is not the best to show make up... but here you go anyway.

FACE:

Dr Brandt Pores no more primer

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation in 52

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer in SC-3

YSL Touche Eclat in 1

Ruby & Millie Face Gloss in 50 Wine

Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame

EYES:

Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque

YSL Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils

Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara in Extra-Black

LIPS:

Topshop Lipstick in Hazard

Skirt: Topshop

Jumper: ASOS - I love the vintagy feel of this knit!

Tights: ASOS - they got snowflakes on it. :)

OOTD

Day off today - Quick post to show you my outfit of the day!

Theme: Blushing Rose











Bag/Topshop; Rose Ring/Topshop; Nail varnish/Bourjous; Shoes/Topshop; Skirt/Ted Baker; Khaki vest & tights/ASOS; Lace Top/Topshop; Necklace/Past Times; Cardi/Zara; Scarf/H&M; Military Washington Ring/Dannijo.



Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

High Street BYE BYE ;)

Title of this post is a bit provocative... hehe - i was in Testo yesterday and found this lovely flats for 6pounds!!! They are sooooo comfortable and also the colour is right on season neutral preference.

P.S.: perfect match to the Benetton bag (see post 18/04/10)

(not to mention tights for a couple of quid... why have I never found out before??!!)

Went to River Island this morning to grab a pair of floral tights: there were a few on sale, but the only print I liked were a pair of over the knee socks. I figured I could still wear them with the Topshop' blue striped mid lenght skirt. Also got a blue wallet!