Review / Laidbare Smooth As A Peach

Laidbare is a brand that puts much consideration into the ingredients used in order to achieve the promised results; their items are free from petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance & colours and free from animal testing. So if you're looking to switch to a more natural skincare and bodycare regime, don't look any further! I can't recommend them highly enough and prices are really affordable too. 

Laidbare Smooth As A Peach* is a body cream targeting cellulite prone areas like thighs, bum and tum.

If like me you go to the gym regularly, you may be able to reach your desired weight - have a toned body, thanks to the body pump classes - but you know that you still need a little help to firm the skin and those wobbly bits.

This cream is ideal to improve the appearance of the skin and it's also gentle enough that can be used on the chin (or double) too.

Main ingredients are Catappa Leaf Extract to firm and tighten skin tissues and Elder Flower Extract to brighten the skin and it's also got antiseptic properties; Caffeine that is a must in cellulite treatment since helps the body eliminate the fat and the dreadful orange peel and Chlorella Vulagaris also reduces the appearance of stretch marks.

The consistency is a bit thicker of what I'm used to, but it makes perfect sense because it requires some high duty massaging action which is all good and recommended to attack these dimples; for this reason it's ideal for winter especially, when the skin may not be as receptive and some extra tlc is needed.

Having said that, it still absorbs completely into the skin without leaving any residue on the surface and it has a comforting, delicate floral scent.

If you're lucky enough to have perfect skin, it's also a great everyday moisturizer and the skin is left soft and smooth.

Have you tried this cream yet?

New In / Dr. Ceuticals Bodycare

Interesting new releases from Dr. Ceuticals this month!
Dr. Ceuticals Body Tone & Tan* is a firming body cream with an added gradual tanner. I think this product is genius because of his multitasking benefits! You see, I always use a self-tanner before going on holiday and when I apply it, I need to skip my firming/cellulite product because I don't like layering and mixing creams. It's a shame because I feel I need to make a choice... that I really don't want to make.
So you can imagine my joy when the same product tackles my dimples, whist also adding a beautiful glow to the skin. It has really changed my pre-holiday routine and I can now cater for both on a daily basis.
Of course, on top of the active ingredients that help toning the skin, the natural looking tan also disguises flaws and your skin is left looking healthier and radiant.
It's actually ideal as a post-holiday treatment to prolong your tan and easy your way into winter, too.
It comes out like a transparent gel with a refreshing scent and refreshing on the skin; it also dries very fast and doesn't leave any tacky residue, like some self-tan products.

I was also very excited to try the Dr. Ceuticals Hand De-Age Cream*. We all know that eyes and hands are the first areas that can dramatically age a woman and since I turned 30 few years ago, I have been paying special attention to these areas. Hands, especially, can really suffer from everyday simple tasks and the weather - sun or wind - can really affect the appearance of the skin around your digits.

I love hand creams! They are kind of a weakness of mine, I always have few tubes open at the same time and a stash that could compete with the Boots aisle. 

I'm guessing I apply (and re-apply) my hand cream about 6/7 times per day, but I have never used a age targeting one before. The Dr. Ceuticals product helps brighten dark spots, but also works on preventing new ones, thanks to the SPF15; using an hand cream with SPF is particularly important if you drive to work - for example - because the window glass amplifies the rays and the damage. It also improves hydration levels and elasticity and boosts the  regeneration of the thin skin on the back of your hands.

It's too early to see any difference yet, but I can tell you that I have been enjoying using it a lot, especially as a preventive treatment. It appears quite thick and very white (like an SPF?) and not like anything that I'm used to, but it actually absorbs really quickly and doesn't leave any greasy residue.

Have you tried Dr. Ceuticals before? I love their simple and sleek packaging and prices are really affordable, considering how well these products perform!
[More from Dr. Ceuticals here]

Review / Weleda Citrus Refreshing Body Oil

Weleda oils are some of the finest you can find on the market. I was first introduced to this brand a few year ago and since then I have also tried the Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil and the Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil. I love the green philosophy of the brand and the attention to absolutely avoid artificial preservatives; the dark glass bottle is also not by accident but will protect and preserve the natural ingredients inside, from the light.

I like how their selection of plant oils caters for different needs, on top of supplying for moisturization.

The Citrus Refreshing Body Oil* is ideal for this time of the year when - maybe after an holiday in the sun - our skin could suffer from dehydration.

This Collection is created using Sicilian sun-kissed lemons, extracting essential oil, juice and flesh from 75,000 tonnes of fruit in one season; in this oil you will only find pure, essential lemon oil and it takes 100kg of lemons to product 100gr of essential oil, involving amazing artisan and harvesting work.

It feels refreshing on the skin and also invigorating and stimulating, thanks to the zesty scent; almond oil and unsaturated fatty acids leave the skin subtle and super-soft and the lemon is a natural astringent which can also help with the appearance of cellulite.

I've been enjoying using it every evening after a shower and it's great to nourish slip-ends, without weighting the hair.

Empties / July

Body:

Clarins High Definition Body Lift: a favourite of mine, I have gone through a couple of these already. It absorbs fast and doesn't feel sticky on the skin. It's pricey but it's one of the few creams where I can actually see some improvement. It smells lovely and floraly too and comes with a booklet with massaging tips.

Repurchase: probably, like a treat due to the price.

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Cuticle & Nail Refiner: I've been using it once every fortnight; it's pretty gritty and an high duty exfoliant and a little goes a long way but I can't say it made any significant difference to the appearance of my cuticles.

Repurchase: probably not.

Percy & Reed Totally TLC Hydrating Mask: Definitely in my Top5 of favourite hair masks; I got it for free in a magazine... added bonus. I love how soft it leaves my hair and it's pretty fast acting in 10 minutes; I'm just not too crazy about the 'manly' scent.

Repurchase: yes.

The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub: I'm not a huge fan of The Body Shop, if I'm honest and I can't say to shop there regularly but their body scrubs are my absolute favourites. They are good value for money, they are just the right consistency for my liking and come in so many beautiful scents; Talked about the pink grapefruit one here.

Repurchase: Hell Yeah!

Face:

L'Oreal Perfect Clean Foaming Cream Wash - Soothing: this is actually not finished but I have had it for ages and when I tried to use it again it stung my face... I think it may have gone off, better safe than sorry!
I remember I quite liked this and the wee brush too - there are a couple of different ones and the blue, I liked it even better, very refreshing on the skin. I can recommend this but I'm not sure if I would repurchase, simply because I tend to spend a bit more money on face cleansers nowadays.
Repurchase: see above.
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream: nope - Balance Me just doesn't blow me away; I have tried few different products now but I'm once again underwhelmed. It's an ok cream but not moisturizing enough, for my needs. I was pretty glad to finish it off, actually.
Repurchase: no.
Ren Keep Young And Beautiful SH2C Serum: same as above - Underwhelmed! There are maybe 2 products from this brand that I like but the rest just disappointed me. This serum also broke me out so definitely thumbs down in this case.
Repurchase: no.
Yes to Cucumber Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towellets: I use face wipes to remove most of my make up before the gym and then I do a deep cleanse before bed. These served me pretty well: they are a handy travel size and stayed moist until the end (hate when wipes dry out mid-pack!). Scent is not annoying and not harsh on the skin.
Repurchase: yes.
St. Ives Apricot Scrub Invigorating: LoveLoveLove! Who doesn't like the St. Ives scrub, let's be honest?!
I love everything - from the apricot scent to the exfoliating particles to the price! It does the job and it does it well, it's easily available on the high street and convenient.
Repurchase: yep!

Have you tried any of these products?

Haul / Kiko Make Up Milano

Biiiiiiiiiig haul!
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Kiko make up and I simply couldn't resist the amazing sale on the website; a bit annoying that there's a minimum spend of £25 but prices are really good and you get free delivery on your first order, I believe... get in there before it's too late! ;)

Kiko Vinyl Lips Liquid Lipstick in 02 Rich Crimson

Such a deep and gorgeous shade - a coral with gold shimmer. Comfortable and perfect for summer!

There is also one of these in Sleek Magenta up for grab in my giveaway, if you're interested!

Kiko Colour Explosion Multi-Tone Blush in 04 Bold Coral

I was so glad to find this blush at half price - I've been eyeing it since it came out and I'm naturally a sucker for coral blushes. It's very very soft so you need to be careful not to pick too much product; I've been using it for the last couple of weeks and nearly made a dent already ;)

Kiko Glow Touch Lips & Cheeks in 01 Bitter Margarita - 04 Pleasant Pink Azalea
Pretty exciting pots at under £3 that I nearly bought all 6 of them. They last well on the cheeks and I didn't find them drying on the lips - surprisingly since they have a pretty matte finish.
My favourite is Bitter Margarita (another coral, go figure!) but I got to say that the packaging is a bit of a pain... they take a great strength to twist open.

l-r: bitter margarita, pleasant pink azalea

Kiko Colours In The World Eye Brush

I also picked up this brush in the sale because I was curious to check Kiko's brushes quality. 

The round tip looks interesting and should work well in the crease; I haven't tried it yet but it feels really soft and promising.

Kiko Anti-Cell Serum Spray

This is the only item that was not discounted. I picked this up because I wanted a fast body treatment to use in the mornings; I kinda of can't be bothered to rub creams on my body in the morning... but if i skip it, then I feel guilty! So this spray is the perfect compromise: dries in seconds and let me sleep 5 extra minutes. ;)

It also has a fresh and zesty scent.

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Service annoncement, mainly to my Italian followers (since the channel is in Italian):
My sister just started making YouTube videos... here is the link - check her out for more make up, hauls and recipes! :D
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNicoleblablabla

Empties / May

Body Items

SilDerm Stretch Mark Massage Oil: another GlossyBox offering coming to an end. I use body oils daily after the shower and this is pretty average. Don't get me wrong - it's not bad and it didn't make any difference to my stretch marks (not that I had any hopes, anyway) but it's nothing extraordinary either. It smells like lavender and rosemary.

Repurchase: nope, I can get alternatives for cheaper.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer: the Elasticizer is one my favourite hair masks. You leave it on pose for 20 minutes before shampooing; it needs to be applied on wet hair which kinda of annoys me because by the time I jump in the shower, I'm freezing! ;) but that's me for you, I get cold very easily.

You can read my original review here, my opinion hasn't changed.

Repurchase: yes.

No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment: hated it hated it hated it and then multiply by a 1000. The actual product takes ages to absorb and, even with all the massaging, I didn't see any improvement on the cellulite. I didn't enjoy using the applicator either (you can see a picture here) but had no choice because you can't open the bottle and use it normally. Well, you may want to cut the bottle like I did, if it gets REALLY frustrating.

Repurchase: hell no... it's over 20 quid and not worth it!

Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion: I really like this foot cream and I have used it few times in the past. It looks quite thick but doesn't leave a greasy residue; it smells minty but not in an overpowering way and it's bright pink!!! The joy! :D

Repurchase: yes

Face Items

Jane Iredale PureLash Extender and Conditioner: I didn't actually finish this product but found it at the back of my drawer and had completely forgot about it. It's all dried up now and pretty old so I wouldn't use it on my eyes anyway. I remember not being particular impressed with it and it made my lashes crispy too.

I have tried few lashes primers but, to be honest, it's an additional step so rarely use them; also because I don't see a huge difference - one day I'll try the much hyped Dior one and see what I've been missing out on.

Repurchase: no.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream: to be honest, I've been *I don't want to say disappointed* unimpressed by many REN products and this cream is also average for me. It absorbs well and I strangely love the peppery smell but I can't justify buying it for that reason alone. It's still a nice night cream but I can get the same performance cheaper from the high street. Shame! :(

Repurchase: nope.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: What can I say? This is my favourite night serum. I know it doesn't work for everybody but when I use it, my skin looks considerably improved OVERNIGHT!

No spots, radiance and smooth skin so I'm a bit sad to see it go but it was nearing the expiry date so can't complaint, it lasted a long time.

Repurchase: absolutely!

Sprout Cleanser: I used this cleanser to remove the first layer of make up at night; it did a good job and left my skin soothed. I found the scent to be soothing for the mind, too. 

Sprout has actually re-branded as S.W. Basic of Brooklyn but for what I can see that's the only thing that has changed - Full range review here!

Repurchase: yes.

Sorry for the loooong post but I did finish more items than usual this month (hurray!) - do you like empties posts?
xxx

Review / Dr. Ceuticals Leg Tone & Shimmer

I'm obsessed with body products. I've cellulite - Oh yes, I'm saying it out loud! - so I always go for creams with added benefits, ingredients targeting this problematic burden.

You may know, for experience, that the best approach is being constant so I apply my lotions mornings and evenings, religiously.

Recently, I came across the Dr. Ceuticals brand which is available online and currently on offer in Boots, too *hint hint* ;)

There's not one item from this line that I don't want to try: stretch mark solution, hand de-age cream, bust boost to mention a few.

I've been using Dr. Ceutical Leg Tone & Shimmer* in the mornings because it's a light lotion, easily absorbed which lets me get dressed straight away; it also provides good hydration throughout the day.

This product is intended to tone legs, knees and ankles but of course, it works on any area where you may experience saggy skin; it also contains the star ingredient - red algae - which stimulates collagen synthesis and have slimming properties.
The subtle shimmer helps hiding the unforgiving parts and I have actually been applying it to my arms too and looks very pretty in the spring sunshine.

I love the sleek white and silver packaging and the simplicity of the statements/promises on the front of the tube.

I'm really enjoying using this lotion every day and I'm impressed so far - definitely looking forward to try some more. Have you seen this range around? Tried any product?

Haul / Boots

Few weeks ago I placed an order on Boots.com to take advantage of the 3for2 offer that included make up, skincare and body care.

Recently, I mentioned in my March' Empties that I finished The Beauty Parlour Boob Tubes but wasn't really impressed.

I love Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula - and how the products smell - so I picked up the Bust Cream which is also reasonably priced at under 7 pounds. The consistency seems a bit on the thick side, like a body butter, but it absorbs really well, I haven't experienced any break out so far and you only need a small amount.

Then, I stocked up on some body cream: I haven't tried the No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment and at £22 I wouldn't normally buy it without being sure it works. So I thought it was the right chance to give it a go. I'm not too fussed with the gimmicky applicator, I just have high hopes on the formulation, really.

Finally, I bought the Tweezerman Deluxe Hair Cutting Shears; I cut my fringe every couple of weeks and currently I'm using a pair with texturising teeth which is really effortless to use. I decided to get a regular pair, in case I want to try a more dramatic, blunt style. they are vvvvery sharp!

I also HAD to get some make up... of course!!! ;)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in On and On Bronze: Big fan of these pots! I already have a couple and been wanting the bronze shade for a while. I've been pretty much used it every day since I got it - it lets you create a beautiful look, effortlessly and quickly. You don't need anything else on top... this is really a case where less is more.

Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night: Prologue - I love blue polishes but a nice, bright midnight blue was missing from my collection. 

I decided to get the Revlon because I've been wanting to try this line since it came out; I'm pleased with both consistency and longevity but £7.99 is a bit steep for an high street polish, in my opinion... I mean you can get an Essie for that price, right?! High street-wise, Rimmel is still my favourite around the 4quid range.

Real Techniques Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Kit: another product I'm crossing off my wishlist.

I'm a bit fan of RT brushes - I already wrote about them here & here.

I mainly wanted to try the deluxe crease brush for concealer since my dark circles are so bad and I figured every little helps. I'm finding the base shadow brush great to apply cream shadows/color tattoos and the accent brush for undereye smudging.

I don't really have any use for the pixel-point eyeliner brush and brow brush so I will keep them to give away in my next giveaway. ;)

Have you tried any of these items? What are your thoughts?
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