FOTD - Coral Love!

FACE: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25, Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Make Up SPF15 in blush medium, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 warm light, Kiko Colour Explosion Multi-Tone Blush in 04 bold coral;
EYES: Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in 29 intensive coral, Clinique High Impact mascara;
LIPS: Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor in 515 coral crash.

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?

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?

What's In My Travel Bag / September Edition

I'm just back from a 10 days holiday - I went back home in Italy to visit da familia so I kept my beauty case really minimal. 

I actually managed to fit all my skin and body care products (minus make up) PLUS my husband stuff in the Umberto Giannini bag, that I got over Christmas.

Skincare & Body care:
wordcode - Sunscreen! It's Sempteber but it is still pretty warm in Italy, between the 20-30 C degrees.
The Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet is the most pleasant splash of freshness and hydration to the skin and same goes to the Ren Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel with its light consistency.

Make up:

I didn't even wear make up that often, but again I kept my products to a minimum with creamy consistencies and on the coral tones to complement tanned skin.

Accessories:

braided bracelets - h&m / american peace studs - punky pins / chain earrings - claire's / ring - vintage / necklace - brosway

YouTube Debut

I'm currently on holiday and my sister, which has a YouTube Channel, asked me to do a tag video together. I wasn't too keen at first but then I changed my mind and after many retakes and hysterical laughs, we managed to produce a video.

We chose the '7 Deadly Sins of Beauty' tag and it was fun - I'm guessing the key is not to take yourself too seriously! :D

So, If you wanna watch me talk gibberish (ehm Italian) click below. 

Her channel is - NicoleFashionsmetic