Review / Docteur Renaud 7-in-1 Apricot BB Eye Cream

As a new mummy, my dark circles have gone from bad to worst; apart from the chronic tiredness, I'm also super busy with my new bundle of joy and I have limited time to dedicate to my beauty regime or make up application.

Consequently, I've also developed quite dry skin in the eye area and my old long lasting concealer is just highlighting these problems, making things worst.

So I was looking for a new product that would act both as skincare and make up and I came across the Docteur Renaud 7-in-1 Apricot BB Eyes* which sounded just the perfect multitasking product for my hectic routine.

The pencil is super practical but I prefer to take and apply the product with my finger (for hygienic purposes); the creamy and soft formula is very easy to blend, doesn't drag on the skin and doesn't settle in fine lines.

The Universal Beige shade is suitable for most skintones and it perfectly camouflages dark circles; admittedly, this is not a full coverage concealer but it really brightens the eye area and adds radiance. The final result is a dramatic improvement with a natural finish.

The shea butter helps deliver moisturization and maintain elasticity to further reduce signs of ageing and tiredness; apricot butter is comforting and has restorative properties, it's rich in essential fatty acids to aid repair, nourish and protect the skin.  

Docteur Renaud is renowned for using organic flower, fruit and vegetable extracts to deliver both health and nutrition to the skin. Have you tried their products yet?  

New In / Urban Decay Spring 2015

The piece de resistance of Urban Decay Spring 2015 Collection are the Sheer Revolution Lipsticks*!

This new line joins the already popular Revolution Lipstick range with a sheerer finish, ideal for Springtime; we have 10 of the existing colours that have been reformulated with an high-shine finish but the same creamy consistency that we are used to from Urban Decay.

The packaging - as expected - is stunning! The bullet comes in a lilac & purple tube, gorgeously faceted and embossed, that is a real act of pleasure to use and show off.

I received the Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash Palette for Christmas and I like the original formulation but absolutely adore the sheer version even better; the product feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips and nourishing thanks to a blend of shea butter, jojoba, olive oil, babassu oil, vitamin E and vitamin C.

All the shades are wearable thanks to the 'discreet' finish and, although translucent on first application, they are pretty buidable too.

l-r: walk of shame, liar, rapture

Walk of Shame translates clear on my lips, adding just a hint of golden shimmer; it's perfect to simply dress your nude lips or to add a shiny top coat on top of another colour.

Liar is a neutral rose that will suit most skintones; it's the ideal daywear effortless shade to match any eyeshadow. 

Rapture is another shade that I would classify neutral with plum undertones instead; real lovely and flattering on the lips.

l-r: obsessed, ladyflower, streak

Obsessed is a bubblegum pink with cool undertone; I don't usually suit cool pinks too well, but because of the light finish, I can wear this and it's the perfect compliment to a black smoky eye.

Ladyflower is a cool-toned medium pink, easy to wear both day & night.

Streak is probably my favourite shade from the collection; a warm pinky coral that add luminosity to the face. 

l-r: anarchy, slowburn, f-bomb, shame

Anarchy is a bright fuchsia, also with a cool hint and fantastic pigmentation. 

Slowburn is a warm orange-red and I found it to be the shade that delivered the most colour pay-off; I would't say that it is sheer, in fact but the finish makes it more wearable than a matte version, definitely.

F-Bomb is a cool-toned red, instead; like with Slowburn - it has great pigmentation with the added benefit of a balm consistency.

Shame is a berry/plum colour that looks really scary in the tube but it's stunning on the lips; I can see myself favourite this shade in autumn too!

The Spring Collection also includes Ultra Definition Powder Foundation, Naked Concealer, Mascara Ressurection, Mooniest Eyeshadow.

I love the Urban Decay Naked Skin face products so I was super excited when I heard about the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer* - Concealers are a must-have in my daily routine, especially for my dark circles.

The product provides full coverage with a semi-matte finish. It's fantastically buidable without looking cakey, even after several layers; the formula is very light that settles quickly without creasing around the eyes.  

It comes in 8 shades with also a selection of neutral or warm undertones; the packaging is very appealing too: it comes in a mini glass jar with a slimline, flexible applicator. 

I'm well impressed! It certainly delivers on the 'weightless' & 'complete coverage' name and I love how it adds luminosity to the eye area - I wasn't expecting anything less, considering the great quality of the other Naked Skin products. 

l-r: medium-light neutral, medium neutral

What are your thoughts on these new launches?

Must Have / Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

I've been using this concealer for a while now and I've come to truly rely on it.

You may say that it wasn't love at first sight (or use), since it can be a bit drying - I guess the reason it's because it's a long wear product. 

Since the first fine lines made an appearance around my eyes, in recent eyes, I've been having some creasing issues so I decided to try it; my usual concealer just wasn't cutting it anymore and the creasing really annoyed me. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer does last all day and once it's set, I don't experience any creasing. 

Added bonus: it also contains spf10 and it can be built to a pretty full coverage without looking cakey. It's medium coverage to start with, and I find that even a small amount makes a big difference to my undereye area; I don't get many spots thankfully but it does a great job at hiding my dark circles and also add a touch of luminosity.

concealer on the eye on the right (my left eye)

What do you think? Personally, I'm pleased with the result and it still looks very natural.

It definitely gets a A- from me (for the dryness issues). Have you tried this product yet? What do you think?

Introducing / Laura Mercier

Today I'm going to talk about Laura Mercier make up.

I have had these products for a little while now so I had a proper chance to use them and form an opinion about them.

First off, the Mineral Powder SPF15 in Real Sand - my favourite item of the lot.

I love love this powder, it's so fine and leaves such a beautiful finish.

You can see, in the picture below, the subtle radiance and flawless look on my hand.

Then I decided to get a primer too and I went with Mineral Foundation Primer to use in conjunction with the foundation.

It's got a nice velvety feeling and helps keeping the top layer in place but I don't think it makes a difference in the appearance of my skin. I wouldn't buy it again, to be honest.

Finally, the Secret Camouflage Concealer in SC-3.

This is great for spots but - fortunately - i don't get many so I don't get a great use out of it.

It is too dry for under eye but, because of the dryness, it sets very nicely when covering blemishes.

Also, I don't like the packaging: the plastic feels cheap and the  mirror doesn't fit properly - I would expect a bit more from an high end brand like Laura Mercier.

I'm really pleased with the results... so have you tried any of these products?

What do you think about Laura Mercier?

x 

Review / Daniel Sandler Invisible Radiance Foundation & Concealer

I was sent this product to review by Hairtrade.com, the Uk's leading online retailer of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products.

I've been wanting to try out the Daniel Sandler Invisible Radiance Foundation & Concealer* since I heard Pixiwoo raving about it about a year ago, so I had high expectations for it.

First off the packaging - I really like this elegant wee bottle! 

Although it contains a foundation and a concealer, it's still compact enough for travelling.

At first, I thought the bottle was glass but it's made of plastic instead, a bonus for my-accident-prone-self.

On the top, you have a lid with the concealer & a decent mirror and then a screw top below, with the foundation. The foundation also comes with a spatula to scoop the product out: both practical and hygienic.

I wasn't sure about the colour to pick, at first - after a quick browse online, I decided to go with Porcelain, the lighter shade, because Beige looked a bit too yellow for me.

Luckly enough, Porcelain turned out to be a good match - I will need to darken it a bit in the summer but I can wear it without any correction now and avoided an unflattering undertone for my skin.

First of all I must say that every time I try a new foundation, I compare it to my all time favourite: Nars Sheer  Glow Foundation. It's fair to say that this is the foundation I chose for my wedding so the benchmark is pretty high! I have tried some good - actually really good - foundation in 2012 but nothing could quite compare to the Nars one.

Until now! Daniel Sandler Invisible Radiance is a foundation with a capital F!

The formulation melts into the skin; I like to apply it with my fingertips and the heat helps to blend it into a second - better - skin.

It delivers everything I want in a foundation - that radiant and dewy look - with an invisible beautifying finish. It's still nicely buidable, yet undetectable.

The concealer sets nicely and effortless to apply, thanks to the creamy texture; unfortunately my dark circles are just too severe so I have been using it as a corrector around my eye area.

Instantly pleased with the results... what do you think??!

Giveaway Reminder & Haircut

It's now, officially, less than a month to my wedding - arghhhh!!!

I'm mostly excited now and I can't wait for the big day but at the same time I don't want to come too fast... I'll, probably, sounds weird but I'm loving being engaged. :)

Anyway... also, a reminder about my giveway - you got time until the 20th march and you can enter here:

http://fashion-olic.blogspot.com/2012/03/giveaway-time.html

Yesterday, I went for an haircut.

I haven't had my hair this short since before the engagement; I have been growing it, just in case I decided in a particular style for the wedding but, to be honest, I don't suit up-dos and I prefer my hair short, anyway.

I have a couple of trials booked in Italy but if nothing convinces me, at least I still have my 'fresh' haircut to fall back on. :)

The fringe is a bit shorter than usual but that way, it has time to grow to the right length for the big day.

Pardon the messy make-up but I had to brush a massive quantity of hair off of my face. ;P

Finally, I popped in Boots to collect my Revlon Lip Butters delivery; I decided to get it delivered in store to avoid missing the postman since I knew I was in town for the haircut.

I have been waiting for so long about these to come out and got a bit carried away and ordered 6 - they're in offer, 2 for £10 and they'll be available in store from monday.

I'm planning on going to swatch them and then decide which ones to return so sorry but they're still sealed (it's a torture!!).

Which ones should I keep? :)

I, also, ordered these extra bits:

Eylure Naturalites 101 - these are my favourite Eylure lashes.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in medium - everybody seems to love this so I had to try it. I'm, especially, hoping it won't crease.

Nailene Perfect Tips - I'm not into french manicure but I wanna try the nude/light blue which is trending after Zooey Deschanel picture. 

First Haul of the Month!!! (and Year!!!)

Well, I'm pleased with myself - it's nearly the end of January and this is pretty much the only shopping I've done since last year.

I've bought few bits here and there online but I haven't been in town browsing before - managed to resist the sales and all! :)

I did spend money but wedding related buys: my shoes, jewellery, invitations, cake toppers... everything has been delivered in the last few weeks but I'll share these after the wedding. :)

In Boots, I got few essentials: Niveal Pure & Natural Cleansing Lotion and Revlon Grow Luscious by Fabulash mascara.

My morning routine never change. I try different products at night but in the morning I always wash my face with cold water and then cleanse with milk and toner. That's it. This is recommended especially if you suffer from rashes and eczema as water can worsen the condition. Anyway, I'm never too fussed with the cleansing milk, I usually just get the one which is on offer from the drugstore. The Nivea one wasn't on offer but still cheap enough; it caught my eyes because it's paraben free and contains bio argan oil & bio aloe vera. As far as I don't get any allergic reaction, I'm sure it's gonna be just fine.

I've been wanting to try the mascara for some time and all Revlon mascaras are all £5 so I picked one up. I haven't tried it yet and sorry but I can't show you the brush because I wanna keep it sealed. Have you tried this?

I used points to pay so everything is good! ;)

In Debenhams you get 500 points when you spend £30. 

I wanted the Clinique Bottom Lash mascara which is 11 pounds and then worked my way up to the target... you know, it's like £5 off next time. ;)

This bottom lash mascara is such a great invention! I know you can do the same job with a normal one but it's sooo much easier. I can't believe I haven't bought this before! Also, on the packaging says that it washes away with warm water so I'm thinking the formula is more delicate and I won't have to rub and rub with remover.

next to a ordinary wand

Then I got Dead Sea Spa Magik Algimud Active Peel-Off Body Mask and Burt's Bees Lip Balm.

I've used the body mask before: it comes in a powder form and there're 3 servings in a box. You simply mix it with water and then put the paste on your skin; once tried it will peel off, leaving the skin super-soft. This is a great product and I'm trying to give my body a boost (in the eve of the wedding, of course)!

I have never tried anything from Burt's Bees (shameful, I know) and everybody loves the lip balm so I bought the original version.

Wow, what a surprise: I found it tingling on the lips which I wasn't expecting... having bought the classic. I thought it would have no flavour, maybe honey-like but instead it's very minty (where the tingling sensation also comes from, I 'm guessing). I'm not really complaining, it just not what I expected.

Are they all like that? I saw a honey version... is it also minty?

I had £20 worth of points to use so I only paid about 10 pounds.

First stop in House of Fraser was the Nars counter. I wanted to try the Sheer Glow foundation so the MUA did my make up; after trying 5 shades, I was matched with Deauville and Santa Fe. They are both a really good match on me and so similar that I couldn't decide so the girl, kindly, gave me samples to try at home. 

On the skin, it is beautiful - definitely in my Top 3. At the moment, I'm leaning a wee bit towards Santa Fe because is the medium of the two and if I get slightly tanned, it would be better. 

I did buy a Blusher in Sin! It has been on my wish list for ever and I don't have any cool tone, plum blush.

I love Nars packaging - so sleek and I understand that the rubbery material can get dirty easily but I do take good care of them.

I had £10 in capital bonds from work so I only had £10 left to pay.

Another foundation I've been meaning to try is the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation. 

My match is no 5 - I've only tried once (applied with brush) but I'm not blown away, to be honest. I felt It oxidised real fast but I'll give it another go... what's the best way to apply this foundation, in your experience?

I did buy the Master Corrector no. 1 - Pink.

Everybody raves about this on youtube and it seems to be the holy grail for dark circles! 

oh my... look at the picture - it does improve the situation A LOT!!! You're supposed to use it underneath concealer - like an 'helper'! 

It's expensive - 25quid - but it's worth it and I would recommend it to anybody, bothered by dark circles. Again, I had some capital bonds left so I paid nothing for it! :)

only on the left side (which is my right eye) - hope you can see the difference.

Finally, I bought this belt in Oasis - I don't have any high waist, elastic belt and I reckon I can wear this with pretty much everything. I like the clasp which is a pewter colour.