Holiday Shopping

I'm always interested in trying different brands of micellar water, so I bought the Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal. I'm pretty disappointed: there was too much rubbing needed, for my liking and it stung my eyes. They gave me a sample of the Yves Rocher Pure Light - which looks like a luminous tinted moisturiser - and Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp Ultra-Volume Mascara - I love the look of the wand, can't comment on the formula yet.

The hydrating gloves are a present from my cousin - I'll make sure to use them before bedtime, they have a lovely and soothing lavender scent!

I also picked up the new Kiko Cupcake Nail Lacquer in 650; it was on offer for only 2.99euros so I could't pass it on. To be honest, I'm not sure if I like it - kinda but don't love it... a bit disappointing! :(

These wee macaroons are made of ceramic and you can pop them in your drawers or on your vanity table and they leave a lovely scent behind. They came in a super cute jar too! :)

Collistar is an all time favourite brand of mine, especially for body products: They deliver! This time I picked up Intensive Anticellulite Serum and Bust Firming Cream-Gel. I love that the sizes are always so generous with these products and - although the prices are on the high end - they last a long time and I can always see improvements with constant use.

A friend also gave me a sample of Biotherm Aquasource BB-Cream, which is too dark for her, but I’m sure I can make it work in the summer. I just tested it and it gives a nice healthy glow... promising!

I luuuurv L'Erbolario packaging! My mum got me this set because honeysuckle is one of my favourite scents. 

I haven’t used baby powder in ages - I have to say I’ve been enjoying this decadent ritual and  it leaves my skin velvety and lovely perfumed.

I also got some make up samples from a friend that works in a department store.

Pupa Vamp! Mascaras - Love the brush; I will save the purple for autumn but I have already used the green. It’s quite fun and not 'in your face’ as I was expecting. I would definitely use it occasionally now that I have it (but not something that I would go out and purchase, tbh).

Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick in 343B – It's a gorgeous colour and moisturising on the lips. I was expecting a matte finish but it’s actually pretty sheer and buildable.

Pupa Perfetta in 1 Minuto – this is a multi-tasker like no others! It's a 24-hr moisturiser, eye cream and overnight mask. It's extremely refreshing on the skin, perfect for summer.

Also, really looking forward to try all the wee samples from La Mer – not tried this brand yet. 

I got La Mer Face & Body Gradual Tan, La Mer The Eye Concentrate and La Mer The Regenerating Serum. Have you used any of this? What do you think?

My husband bought me this cute bracelet from Carpisa - Carpisa is famous for their bags mainly but I'm glad to see that they do accessories and jewellery too; they are pretty affordable and always fantastic for gift ideas. 

Finally, I picked up this shirt from Pull & Bear - it's a tad sheer so I will have to wear it with a vest underneath but the cotton is so so soft. I fell in love with the print (obviously) and it was on sale too... score!

Empties / December 2013 + Mascara Round-Up

Happy New Year lovelies!

I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and a wonderful start to 2014.

I didn't finish many products this month, however I decided to add an end of the year mini mascara reviews.

Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel: I'm actually falling in love with Yes To… ranges; this eye cream is no exception. It feels fresh and hydrating and  I also think my concealer looks better when applied above this gel. I like to keep it in the fridge to enhance the cooling effect of the gel.

Repurchase: Yes 

REN F10 Smooth And Renew Mask: I like all the masks that I have tried from REN but I think they are all very similar; like the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (which is my favourite), this is a chemical exfoliant that eats at the superficial layer to reveal a smoother skin.

Repurchase: Maybe 

Lavera Hand Cream: at first I loved this cream but soon the scent started to annoy me; It's just too herbaly for my liking, I wish it would just smell like almond & shea butter - the main ingredients. It's a shame because I like the fresh consistency: it really feels like a splash of water and dries super fast.

Repurchase: No

First Aid Beauty Gentle Body Wash: this wee bottle had been sitting in my cabinet for far too long. Scent-free and nothing special in my opinion.

Repurchase: Nope

I'm definitely guilty of not changing my mascaras enough but I recently bought some new ones and I kept these for this post; as a rule of thumb, I don't like wet formulas and I prefer volume to length.

THUMB UP: 

One of my favourite mascaras of all time is Clinique High Impact Mascara; I usually prefer a plastic wand to the fiber but this one is super soft and flexible and create amazing volume effortlessly. 

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara does exactly what it says on the tube - create tons of volume! As mentioned above, I like the short plastic teeth of the wand that are great to coat even the shortest lashes.

Benefit Bad Gal Blue Mascara: not a big fan of the huge brush and it dried out pretty fast but I always got loads of compliments for the colour.

t-b: Benefit, L'Oreal, Clinique

NEUTRAL: 

These mascaras didn't particularly impress me but I didn't hate them either. ;)

Ellis Faas mascara is impressive to hold the curl but the wand is too long, which makes it awkward to apply; I like the brush of the Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara which is flat on one side; I'm not a fan of scented mascara tho and this one has a strong floral smell.

t-b: Ellis Faas, Lancome

THUMB DOWN:

I know that many people like the Revlon GrowLuscious Mascara but it just didn't work for me: I think because the brush is too big and I couldn't really get in there at the root of the lashes; it also stung my eyes when removing it at the end of the day. Similar experience with the Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara that has an even bigger brush.

The downfall of the Collection 2000 Extreme Coloured Lenghtening Mascara is the quality; maybe mine was faulty but it was completely dry from the beginning… and I like dry mascaras so enough said. The colour simply didn't transfer and was flaky - shame because the brush looks good!

t-b: Revlon, Soap & Glory, Collection 2000

Anyway, I enjoyed having a wee break from the blog and just spend the holidays with the family… but now I'm looking forward to another year filled and shared with beauty with you! :)
xxx

Shopping My Stash / #10

I've been a bit depressed lately; I've been struggling with tendinitis in my right thumb probably due to my job. I've been in my current position for about 6 months and it's constant typing for 8 hours so I have developed this inflammation... what can I say? I work too hard! ;)

Anyway, you can imagine that the last thing I wanna do is to come home from work... and type some more, so apologise for the erratic update on the blog and other networks.

Sooooo to cheer me up I picked up the warm, peachy tones of coral in my make-up this week.

On the face: Mememe Seventh Heaven primer, Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Makeup in 3.0, Guerlain Meteorites Perles in 01 Teint Rose'.

On the cheeks I used Becca Luminous Skin Perfector in opal - which is my favourite together with pearl; I'm really interested to try a compact version of these too, hope they are not too powdery.

The blusher - Cover FX Bronzed FX in golden peach - is also pretty luminous with it's golden shimmer and not my first choice for autumn but nothing to lift the complexion like this baby.

On the eyes, I used another Becca product has a primer: Becca Eye Tint in vicuna that its pretty translucent just with a hint of glitter and most especially, does not budge and it's waterproof.

 As eyeshadow I applied Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in ebloui that I know it works well with corals and I can simply slap it on - not much effort required! ;)

Finally on the lips, I went for a balmy texture with Revlon ColorBust Lip Butter in peach parfait or  a more opaque finish with Lancome French Touch Lipstick in sweet marmalade.

Well, let me know if you suffer/suffered from this condition too and have any advise. For now, I'm just taking it slow and believe me,  using the mouse on the other hand is soooo frustrating!!!

Shopping My Stash / #4

Still acceptably warm so I stick with the Neve Cosmetics Flat Perfection Smoothing Powder Foundation in light neutral - I'm really enjoying mineral foundation this summer. Switched to the Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer because - as I mentioned in my previous Shopping My Stash - the mineral primer is a bit 'meh'.

For the eye, I used the bareMinerals READY Eyeshadows 2.0 in The Vision: it's pretty low maintenance, easy and fast to apply - I also used the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion but it wasn't really necessary because these eyeshadows don't usually crease on me. Lined my waterline with the Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in black fire and used Lancome Hypnose Star mascara for the lashes with a coat of Kiko False Lashes Concentrate Building Base mascara, too; finally, a touch of Benefit Eye Bright in the inner corner.

I always try to keep the rest of the face dewy when I use a powder base: I alternated the Kiko Glow Touch Cheeks & Lips in 01 bitter margarita - on cheeks and lips - to Clarins Instant Light Blush in 02 coral tonic as highlighter plus Kiko Colour Explosion Multi-Tone Blush in 04 bold coral plus L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in 303 coral & floral.

Right into my corals and Kiko stuff this week - what have you been enjoying lately? :)

FOTD - Rainy Afternoon

Yep, cut my fringe a wee bit. I used my new Tweezerman shears which give more of a 'square' finish; I quite like it, especially when I tie my hair up - look very tidy and put together. Anyhow, I desperately need a proper haircut. Last time I had an haircut was March 2012 (The shame!) and it's just not acceptable. I've been trying to grow my hair, just for a change... but I just can't see myself with long hair - I definitely think I suit short hair more.

Onto the make up....

Face: Daniel Sandler Retexturizing Face Primer, Lancome Teint Miracle foundation in 010, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in medium, Cover FX Bronzed FX in golden peach;

Eyes: bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0 Limited Edition in the rare find (Surreal & Eureka), Neve Cosmetics Occhioni mascara, Becca Line + Illuminate Pencil in fiji; 

Lips: Bobbi Brown Lipcolor in party alice (not pictured).

Shopping My Stash / #2

For the past hot hot days, I've been using Clinique City Block Sheer Spf25 as a primer/spf protector. I think this may be discontinued which is a shame because it's not greasy and slightly tinted so great to use on its own too.

Then, I chose Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe which is my favourite foundation of all time and never disappoint. I set it with a light veil of Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes. I love the brightening effect and it never looks cakey.

On the cheeks, I used Ruby & Millie Face Gloss in ; this product is kinda of prehistorical! I have had it for ages and as you can see used it and abused it. I literally slap it on and doesn't even need blending - beautiful beautiful natural glow. I also added some extra glowiness with Benefit Sun Beam, on the cheekbone.

Kept the eyes minimal: I applied a quick wash of Neal's Yard Remedies Mineral Pressed Eyeshadow in 76 Oats to the eyelid which is the perfect neutral colour and rimmed my eyes with Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire.

Finally, I chose Lancome L'Absolu Nu in Rouge Nu for the lips! I kinda have re-discovered this lipstick recently - it's the perfect red lipstick for every day and I wore it to the office all week. It's very moisturizing and takes seconds to apply in the morning.

FOTD / Purple Eyes

Face: Me me me Seventh Heaven primer / Benefit Hello Flawless foundation in honey / Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium / Maybelline Bouncy Dream Bouncy blush in 60 coffee cake

Eyes: Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo in 40 permanent taupe / L'Oreal Chrome Intensity eyeshadow in 180 purple obsession / Pur Minerals Big Blink mascara / Bourjois Intuitive Liner

Lip: Lancome L'Absolu Nu lipstick in 101

FOTN - Dinner Date

Face: Ginvera BB Cream, Garnier Roll-on concealer, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Nars Foreplay Palette;

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow in X and Breathless, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast mascara, Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire;

Lips: Lancome L'Absolu Nu in 101 Corail Evanescent

FOTD / Cinema Date

We went to see Skyfall at the weekend - the husband is a fan and I do like watching the James Bond films too, they are entertaining after all. Plus, the iMAX is always the best experience EVER! ;)

Face: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24hr Foundation in BD40 (not a great fan of this foundation - I prefer the Lancome Teint Miracle which is in my Top5 favourite foundations), Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, Benefit Sun Beam, Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in 3 Coral (love this blusher! it's so pretty and easy to wear - I don't find coral blushes always look good on me. I'm not a fan of the packaging, tho... I'd have liked a mirror, at least);
Eyes: bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Vision (I fall in love with this set every time I use it; the quality is really good and I would never thought I could pull off these colours. I can't wear a full on black smokey eye but I like the smoky effect I can achieve with this duo), Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Revlon GrowLuscious lashliner in Espresso, Clinique Bottom Lash mascara, Clinique High Impact mascara, Kiko FalseLashes Concentrate Building Base mascara;
Lips: Collection 2000 Cream Puff in Fairy Cake.

FOTD

Face: Ginvera BB Cream (not pictured), Ysl Touche Eclat in no.1, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, Neal's Yard Remedies blush in Peony, Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes

Eyes: Clinique Brandied Bronze palette (brown shades), Clinique High Impact mascara, Ellis Faas mascara, Clinique Bottom Lashes mascara, Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in 002 Espresso;

Lips: Lancome L'Absolu Nu lipstick in 101 (not pictured).

Don't forget to enter the giveaway :)
xxx

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