Haul / Beauty Swap

Few weeks before Christmas, my sister came over to the UK, so we arranged for a beauty swap; they are basically items that we were not using anymore/didn't suit us so we donated them to the other one.

I think I got some pretty good items here:

Helena Rubinstein Color Clone Subli-Mat Foundation in 22 Rose' Apricot - I've been wanting to try this foundation for a while and it didn't disappoint! It feels like silk on the skin and it transforms into powder, once blended; I think this is perfect for warmer countries (I will definitely invest in a bottle to use when I'm in Italy), because it does stay matte and perfect for many hours and it has an SPF12, too. It's such a shame that Helena Rubinstein is discontinued in UK, I think it's amazing quality make up and often snubbed when people do holiday hauls; I heartily recommend to check this brand, next time you're in Sephora - the mascaras and velvet lipsticks are my favourites.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill in 10 Airy Jade - She has 3/4 of these and she let me choose one; I picked this frosty silver with blue undertones because I don't have anything similar in my collection; the consistency is dreamy and I've been looking forward to try one of these for a while. It's also beautiful just in the inner corner, paired with a deeper blue.

Shiseido Hydro Powder Eye Shadow in H13 Clover Dew - The prettiest mint colour for eyes. I think it can look really nice as a simple wash of colour in Spring, without looking outdated. The formula feels very creamy to the touch but transforms into powder, on application; I'm impressed! I was definitely expecting more creasing but they are actually true to their claim.

L'Oreal Color Infallible in 026 Golden Mahogany -  I was so excited about this colour! I'm not sure if this was ever released in UK, but I've been looking for this shade since I saw it on a Canadian youtube channel, over a year ago; then, my sister spotted it at a jumbo sale and got it for me! :)

Kiko Fierce Spirit Sun Bronzing Blush in 103 Mariachi Pink - This blusher is perfection! You get a blush, highlighter and bronzer in one and the 3 colours combined are the most stunning and flattering shade. I'd actually been 'borrowing' it during the summer, so she finally gave it to me since I love it so much… awww… :) 

If you get the chance to try any Pupa Make Up, definitely invest in these Multiplay Triple-Purpose Eye Pencil. They come in every possible colour of the rainbow, they are super soft to work with and long lasting. I have no. 22 (Silver) and no. 24 (Green), which I've been in love with forever; I like to use them on the lower lashline to brighten up the eyes.

Kiko Eye Pencil in 102 is another pretty lilac shade - not as soft as the Pupa pencils but still a decent eye product, especially for the price. 

Finally, you may have already spotted the Essence Happy Holidays Nail Sweets in action, here & here. I had fun using them and they are quick to apply too; they come with glue - similar to false lashes - and I have to say that they lasted longer than expected on the nails. 

Any particular product that caught your eye? :)

Review / Neve Cosmetics Flat Perfection

I like mineral foundations but I don't enjoy the fussiness of loose powders so I've been looking into getting a pressed version for a while... when Neve Cosmetics Flat Perfection* came along just at the right time.
The product is very light and fine but still provides good coverage and reduces redness as well; it comes in 8 shades with  a choice of undertones: neutral, rose, warm.
The neutral shades are perfect for me: Light Neutral is my skin to a tee, whilst Fair Neutral is a bit too light. Of course, you can mix different powders to achieve perfection but I have actually been using the lighter shade for touch ups, during the day.

I like to use a kabuki brush for application - it blends easily and it's perfect for early mornings because I get my face on in a matter of seconds.  It's totally been my savior for the last few scorching days because provides better longevity than liquid foundation, on my skin type. It also let me skip an extra step (liquid foundation, powder)... it's like a practical 2-in-1 product really.

About the packaging - not sure if you can tell from the pictures but the sleek compact reminds me of a smooth pebble and in fact the harmonious design took inspiration from stones of a zen garden. :)

Have you tried Neve Cosmetics yet? Do you prefer liquid or powder foundation?

Review / Pür Minerals

Exciting new launch to share with you today!

Pür Minerals is a leading american brand of mineral make up that is going strong for over 10 years and  it has now arrived in Uk.

I was kindly sent the Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup* to try out.

I was very intrigued to give it a go since, I must admit, I had never heard about this brand before.

I like the dotted design both on the box and the actual item: sleek and substantial compact with a mirror to pop in your handbag.
I have blush medium which is a great match for me but the range comes in 10 shades, which is a decent number, and you're bound to find a colour that suits you too.

This pressed foundation feels very smooth on the skin and doesn't accentuate lines or dry skin.
But what does 4-in-1 mean? The product is a foundation, powder, concealer and SPF15... how about that for multi tasking!
Personally, I can vouch for it: I have never achieve such a high coverage from any other powder before. 

There is also a specific brush - Chisel Makeup Brush -  to go with the powder and I got to say this is a match made in heaven!
I didn't think much about the brush, when I first saw it, but I was blown away as soon as I tried it out. It just collects the right amount of product and the short and chubby handle blends to a consistent, uniform finish. 

It also let you build to a decent coverage which is great if, like me, you have issues with uneven skintone. Definitely looking into buy a couple more of those.

yep, I need an haircut :S

Pür Minerals includes a full range of make up essentials like primers, eye and lip products, mascara and liquid foundations and it is now exclusively available from Marks & Spencer You Beauty stores.

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??!

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup Spf15 Foundation

I picked up this sample in House of Fraser a couple of weeks ago and I'M IN LOVE!!!

I literally can't stop using it, I have quite a selection of foundations that I can choose from but this is the only one I've been wanting to use.

I can't say it's my absolute favourite just yet - my number one remains Nars Sheer Glow and the dewy look it gives - but this is a close second right now.

Man, I need to try and get another sample as I think this won't last much longer - I was matched with shade 4.

This month Magazine Freebies:

I got L'Occitane Hand Cream in Date Bouquet with Marie Claire.

I'm a big fan of L'Occitane Hand Creams... and actually anything L'Occitane really so I had to pick up a tube of these; other fragrances available are the original, Rose Petal and Mango Flower (which I may need to buy too as it's too good to miss) and remember, these are limited edition scents.

I got Cha Cha Tint and Sun Beam with InStyle.

I'm so glad I didn't buy Cha Cha when it came out and I wanted it so badly (I remember thinking I would see it as a free sample soon... and there you go!). I got the Posie Tint as a sample too and It's still going strong and lasting ages.

I also bough the Sun Beam as I can't say no to an highlighter and really wanted to see how it compares with my beloved Moon Beam.

l-r: Cha Cha, Sun Beam

Below is the comparison with Moon Beam:

I got to say I thought they would be more similar, actually. Moon Beam is more of champagne highlighter whilst Sun Beam has more bronze in it; personally, I still prefer the pearlessence of Moon Beam but they're discontinuing it, apparently.

l-r: Moon Beam, Sun Beam

Finally, I asked my sister to bring me some Kiko mascaras from Italy.

I donated 1 to the giveaway (you can enter here) and kept the other 2 to try myself:

The first one is a white base coat - I read it is comparable to the Dior one so I have high hopes for it.
I like the wand - it looks flexible and soft.

The other one is a fibre mascara, in fact you can see the filament in the photo below; I haven't tried a fibre mascara yet and I'm very intrigued to see the effect I can achieve. Also, I'm a fan of the 'ball brush' so It looks very promising in my eyes all round.

I shall let you know what I think. :)
xx

Random Catch-up

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Protective Sun Lotion SPF 15

I got this through the post; you could enter a draw to receive a sample on the Hawaiian Tropic website, months ago.

This sunscreen lotion has moisturizing ribbons that, apparently, keep you hydrated during sun exposure. It arrived quite late for me to try out now, plus the SPF15 is nowhere near enough to actually sunbathe, in my opinion.

I will save it for next spring and use it as a city spf protection - smells lovely!

I'm a big fan of both the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain & Clinique Chubby Stick - and I want to get another one... the problem is that I can't decide on which colour to buy... so I went a bit swatch-crazy in Boots. ;P

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

Clinique Chubby Sticks

I also want one of these Clinique holders that you could get in June (when the new colours came out)... anybody knows if they're still available and where??

Lancome New Hypnose Star mascara

The lovely Sandra from Beauty Balm heard me complaining that I couldn't find a Tatler magazine with the free mascara anywhere, so she kindly posted one to me - she's such a sweetheart! :)

I love this mascara - it's really become one of my favourite, I'm just not a fan of the floral scent.

Still, I like it so much that the smell doesn't put me off from using it.

I got both these parfumes from Boots.com - you can often apply for a free sample and I usually find out about these on Twitter.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire is not to my liking: it's too sweet, coming from the cherries and berries in it, and gives me an headache.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle, instead, is lovely! This is warmer and powdery and grown up, which I prefer.

I just realised that's the one with Julia Roberts in the advert... she looks pretty amazing in it, don't you think?!

I'm pretty obsessed with trying new foundations - lately, there are just too many coming out all the time that I don't have enough hours in a day to try them all, really... the most hyped have been YSL Le Teint Touch Eclat and Urban Decay Naked Skin.

They are both very very nice foundations but I have to give the edge to Urban Decay Naked Skin!

The consistency of UD one is just right up my street - it's nearly liquid and disappears into the skin. 

I got the shade 3.0 which I think it's a tad too light for me but still, It's performing really well.

YSL also gives a great, natural finish... but I now tend to compare all foundations to my favourite - NARS Sheer Glow - and that baby still comes up on top!

Finally, I won Raffles Bizarre giveaway - YAY!!

A huge collection of diy goodies, note paper, stickers, postcards... I'm obsessed with stationery as well so I was thrilled to see this parcel in my letterbox. I'm sure it will come in hand to prettify Christmas pressies, too. ;)

 

What have you been up to lately? :)

xx