Empties / March 2014

Dirty Works Coconut Caress Body Scrub: this scrub was pretty perfect. First of all, love the tube for practicality in the shower. Perfect consistency too, easy to spread. Lovely coconut scent and fantastic price! Definitely a worthy budget alternative.

Repurchase: yes!

Steamcream: I really really want to love the Steamcream… but I have grown to only like it. I like the fresh, light consistency, velvety feel and it aborbs quickly but I don’t think it is an exceptionally good moisturizer, to be honest (especially on rough, very dry skin). I’m also not a fan of the lavender scent but it’s not too strong so I’ve learnt to live with it. Their tins are always so pretty tho ;)

Repurchase: maybe.

Liz Earle Foot Repair Moisturiser: It has a typical minty scent like other foot creams, it’s fast absorbing and refreshing. Don't get me wrong: it's a lovely cream but pretty ordinary and far too expensive for what it is.

Repurchase: no.

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash: I really enjoyed using this face wash. It feels nourishing but still deeply cleansing and fresh. It has some exfoliating beads but it’s not too harsh and could be used on a daily basis, I reckon. The bubblegum scent is nice too and a change from the usual herbal smell of products nowadays.

Repurchase: yeah.

Murad Renewing Eye Cream: not too impressed with this sample. I found it quite oily and took a bit too long to sink in; consequently, my concealer didn’t apply uniformily. The sample is far too small to notice any difference obviously, but I can safely say that I don't feel the need to further investigate/invest in this item.

Repurchase: nope.

Shopping My Stash / #7

Giving Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua another shot this week, but still not liking it - so strange, it doesn't last on me more than a few hours and looks awful at the end of the day. :( 

Glad I asked for another sample and never bought the full size.

I also took care to use a primer - Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish - and to set it with Mac Mineralize SkinFinish in medium, but they didn't make any different to the longevity of the product.

I used Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo to contour, 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Blush in plum for a pop of colour on my cheeks and St. Tropez Skin Illuminator in violet to highlight.

Eyes were kept simple with neutral colours from Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trio in silent treatment. 

As a primer I used Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr in permanent taupe, added a bit of Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in expresso and loads of Neve Cosmetics Occhioni mascara.

Finally, I went for bright lips to cheer me up in these dark and chilly autumn mornings with CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipstick in 400 temptress.

Have you tried any of these product before?

FOTD - Saturday Shopping

Face: Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in shade 5, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in medium, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF30, Clinique Fresh Bloom Blush in 1 peony, Benefit Sun Beam, Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel in 65 Sable d'Or;

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Clinique Brandied Bronze Palette, Revlon GrowLuscious mascara, Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in black fire;

Lips: Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in mexican rose.

FOTD - Owl Sanctuary

When my sister was visiting last month, we decided to go to the Scottish Owl Sanctuary - it was awesome!!!

I am seriously owl-crazy, and I know there are a few ladies out there that share my passion, but I don't want to bore everyone to death with 50 pictures of different owls so here is the link to my flickr, if you're interested. :)

Anyway - beauty-related, this is the simple make up that I wore on the day:

Face: Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish, Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation in 3.0, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in 60 Coffee Cake, Topshop Blush in Butterscotch, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes;

Eyes: Givenchy Les Ombres a Fleur de Peau in 01 pearly rose, Collection 2000 Idol'Eyes in Bling, Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Revlon GrowLuscious mascara, Clinique Bottom Lash mascara;

Lips: Kiko Pencil Lip Gloss in 8, Mac Creme Cup Lipstick.

FOTD - Afternoon Tea

Face: Ginvera BB Cream, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Mac Creamblend Blush in Something Special, Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium, Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish;

Eyes: Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs in 04 Les Bois De Rose, Benefit Eye Bright, L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes mascara in extra-black, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara;

Lips: Collection 2000 Cream Puff in 3 Fairy Cake.

Month's collection of mag freebies/swaps/samples

Red Magazine with Ren Trio

I was really looking forward to get my hands on this! Initially, I thought you had to choose One of the three but - in actual facts - you get a mini set... even better ;)

The trio contains: Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream, Vetiver v7 Hand and Body Cream, Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel.

I've already started using these as I've been waiting for somE time to try this brand... so far so good, I haven't seen any major improvment but I'm liking how they feel on the skin.

 Talika Lipocils Expert
I swapped this with Sandra from Beauty Balm - she is the sweetest gal ever! Look how pretty wrapped was the packaging. :)
At the moment, I have no beauty boxes subscription but still want to try some products... I've been using this every day, twice a day... hopefully, I'll see an improvement to my eyelashes.

She, also, sent me a Balance Me sample as she knew I wanted to try more from this brand... I told you, she is THE sweetest!!! :)

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in light

Again, another product I'm looking forward to try as I've seen some promising reviews online.

I got this through the post from Boots, I believe...

L'Oreal Youth Code Luminize Super Serum

Free sample that you can request on the L'Oreal website.

This is quite nice but I consider it more like a primer than a serum, honestly.

It has a pearlessence to it which helps illuminate but it appears to be only a temporary effect and not a long-term benefit.

L'Oreal Revitalift 10 Repair BB Cream in medium tinted

HATED HATED HATED!

This just makes you shine... all in the wrong places! Usually, I don't have these problems on my chin but I had to powder constantly while wearing this product.

Apart that the shade was totally wrong for me - my husband actually asked me if I'd been using fake tan - it, also, broke me out pretty badly!

Another swap arranged on Beauty Box Swappers on Facebook, including Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream and Avon Anew Clinical Lift and Tuck Professional Body Shaper; both a chance to discover Clinique & Avon body products that I have never tried before.

Finally, Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser that I'm really looking forward to try as I'm a fan of AHA exfoliant... also, another opportunity for Murad to wow me (which has always failed so far!).

Glamour with Balance Me

You can choose between 4 different items with August issue - I picked up a Pure Skin Face Wash and Rose Otto Intensive Lip Salve.

So far, not too sure about the lip salve - the smell is putting me off... you know, I really really want to like/love all these new brands with natural ethic but they really need to sort out the herbaly scents!

Enough with the lavender, rosemary and geranium!

FOTD - a day in Edinburgh

FACE:
Murad Skin Perfecting Primer Dewy Finish
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H in 30
Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in 07 Warm Light
Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame
Nars Cream Blush in Cactus Flower

EYES:
Bare Minerals High Shine EyeColor in Vapor*
Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire
Dior DiorShow New Look mascara

LIPS:
Nars Cream Blush in Cactus Flower


* talking about BM here - http://fashion-olic.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/debenhams-36.html

close up of the BM eyeshadow

GlossyBox - August

So, I had a couple of weeks to play with the items in the latest GlossyBox and here is what I think:

AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion: I LOOOOOVE THIS! I'm not a fan of 'only moisturising' body creams but this smells too good. I will definitely re-purchase and I'd like to try other products too! Also, I like the graphic on the bottle.

MURAD Time Release Blemish Cleanser: the consistency is quite fresh and gel-like and it doesn't foam at all (I didn't really like that as I don't have the feeling it's cleaning my face) - I have to fail this product. 

Initially, I didn't even want to try it as I don't have acne but then I read that you can use it anyway and will keep your face blemish-free... well, not true! At least in my case, I had breaks out on my upper lip and jaw (places which I usually don't have any spot at all - if I get any occasional spot would be on my chin) and I can only connect it to this face wash. So, I passed it over to my better-half that had recently some blemishes on his chin and he reported and it actually dried them out a bit. So, I would say to give it a go if you have problematic skin, otherwise stay away!

It's a shame: I have tried 4 Murad products and all have failed to impress me (you can check out the others here and here).

DANIEL SANDLER Baby Jet Mascara: I'm not too fussy with mascaras - basically I get them on offers on Boots, any brand really or use up the miniatures that come with free gifts but I'm pleased I received this one. It's a 'specialised' product, if you wish and I wanted to try Clinique Bottom Lashes for a while - this is a similar concept. It works fine: I apply the 1st coat on my top lashes which helps with the length and then use it on the bottom lashes. Finally, I like the sleek-smart thin tube.

KMS CALIFORNIA Hairstay Style Boost: honestly, I didn't care for this product... I gave it a try and - after the initial fascination with the crackling - I still don't care about it. You see, I'm really quite against these products: I feel it's like spraying plastic on your hair - surely, It can't be good for your scalp. I'm becoming more and more 'a purist', concerning my head. On the contrary, I'm happy to use masks and repairing treatments.

I got to admit, It does add volume to the hair but I also found that leaves hair greasy; I used it at night and the morning after I already felt my hair were oily and heavy, plus every time I touched my hair, It left a sticky residue on my fingers.

 Bottom line is that I don't buy or use styling stuff so I'm not going to start using this now, just because I got it for free (kinda). 

Anybody wanna swap? :)

REBEL NAILS Nail Wraps: I'm looking forward to try these, but I'm happy just 50% because I really dislike the design I received. :(

I have never used wraps before but they sounds like fun. I received the toes version so I'll save them for next spring, I think.

That's all folks!

GLOSSYBOX #4

It's again GlossyBox time!

I must admit, this last month went pretty fast - I suppose it helps that the box was sent in advance (I received the July box on the 21st) plus I had sooo much fun playing with the goodies of the previous box.

 I don't know what to think, personally... I will probably not use 2 products (acne, hair) plus I was looking forward to try the nail wraps but I don't like the pattern I was sent. :(

To be positive, I will give all products a go anyway and will write a more detailed post later on.

What you girls think? Anybody wants to swap?? :P

I'm glad we all got the same box (apparently) that way is less of a disappointment... if it makes sense...

Introducing / Korres

First of all, I order these on Lookfantastic.com - yay or nay?

It was actually an ordeal! Basically, they sent me 2 wrong/faulty items and I contacted them straight away to check how to proceed. After three days still no answer (mind you, I emailed them every 24hr) so I phoned them up (0845 number, not happy about that!) and I was asked to email the pictures of the products that required replacement. Fine, no problem at all and in fact I sent the pictures the same day.

Another three days go by and no sigh of package or reply from them, so I phoned again and FINALLY they agreed to send me the correct items.

Not sure its worth ordering again from them, to be honest - ok, I admit prices can be good (for example, I placed this order because I received a £5 off on orders of £30); also, in their favour I got to say they didn't ask me to send back anything (suppose as they don't do free returns) but if something goes wrong, its a really hassle. 

Poor, poor customer service!

What about you guys? Any bad experience with them?

Anyway, I wanted to try Korres for a while now and here's what I got:

- Milk Proteins Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes: nothing exciting about these wipes, good when travelling and milk proteins are renewed to be good for the skin.

- Lip Butter in Pomegranate: I read many good reviews about this one. Quite nice balm and colour is really bright, in fact so strong that you must be careful when apply and use a mirror. I really like the packaging.

 - Yoghurt mask: this mask is for normal to combination skin and it's describe as "ultra-soothing and cooling mask for long-lasting hydration and comfort to oily, yet dehydrated skin". 

This is my favourite item of the lot - it smells amazing, truly amazing and feels even better on the skin.

In the picture, you can also see the day cream of the same collection because they originally sent me the cream instead of the mask. The cream seems a bit too rich for me and its probably better for mature skin, so I will pass it over to my mum.

 

- Milk Soap for Stressed Skin: as you can tell, I like milk (and derivates) in my face products. :)

Usually, I don't use solid soap on my face but if I end up not liking these, they can also be used for the body. They come in a nice box and carving on the bar - pretty! 

Samples! always welcome, especially Dermatologica's ones.

Finally - in the same order - I bought the followings:

- Ole Henriksen's African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser: this is another hyped product in many blogs, but it has failed to impress ME for now. I've been using it for a week now and I would say my skin is 'a tad' worst; I had same breaks out on my chin which, lucky, is quiet unusual for me. I think I'll give it a rest and try it again in a few weeks. I like the foaming pump tho. 

- Murad's Blemish Spot Treatment: as just mentioned above, I don't usually get spots so I merely bought this because it was down to 2 pounds and I needed to reach the minimum amount to use my coupon. :)

It can always come in handy.

I receeived a voucher from Emerald Street (which is the new website from Stylist magazine) for trying Murad Exfoliating Mask; I've heard lots of good things about this brand so this was good chance to give it a go.
Now, I thought the voucher was for a sample, instead it was for a full size pack, including 6 treatments. I also ordered some body cream ( I know I just stocked up on these but I use them morning & night so I will fast go through them).




P.s.: they also sent me plenty of samples - kudos on customer care!


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