New In / Kiko Milano Modern Tribes Collection

Modern Tribes is the new Summer Collection from Italian Make Up Brand - Kiko Milano.

It pays tribute to an earthy, multiethnic globe constantly connected and sharing energy and inspiration.

The collection includes: Sunproof Cream Foundation Spf15, Sunproof Powder Foundation Spf15, Essential Bronzer, Tri-Bal Soul Baked Blush, Sunproof BB Cream Spf30, Graphic Ritual Kajal Eyeliner, Free Spirit Lips & Cheeks, Sahara Glow Highlighter, Dawn Till Dusk Volume Mascara, Modern Tribe Face Brush and 3 Roller Scents.

The skin is bronzed - like kissed and warmed by the sun - with natural nuances and with added pops of colour on the eyes and lips.

The packaging - with wooden cases and gold engravings - perfectly embodies the elegant and tribal soul of this collection.

Kiko Milano Free Spirit Lips & Cheeks are multitasking pencils - as the name says - that work as lipsticks and blushers.

02 Supreme Guava* is my favourite as a blush; the shade is a soft pink with cool undertones that gives a radiant  and refreshed look to the cheeks.

06 Illusion Red* instead is a bright ruby red that was born for a statement lip; I found it also the most comfortable on the lips and still retaining good staying power.

The formulation is soft, doesn't drag on the skin and enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E; they are easy to blend on the cheeks and leave a uniform, vivid coat of colour on the lips.

They both have great pigmentation at the first swipe but are buildable to the desired effect, too.

Each jumbo pencil also comes with their own pencil sharpener - and for £8.90 - that alone is fantastic added value.
What are your  picks from the Modern Tribes Collection?

New In / L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine Balmy Gloss

L'Oreal has recently released their own version of lip crayons in the form of L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine Balmy Gloss.

I had a glimpse at these when I was in Italy during the summer and they looked very promising under the bright light of Sephora. Well, they are still as glorious and perfect to brighten these Scottish autumnal mornings.

I find the packaging very attractive with the silver shine finish; the shades also are juicy and the tip glides smoothly on the lips.

The finish is glossy and I was pleasantly surprised with the colour saturation too.

909 Mad For Pomegranate* especially is a blue undertone red, steering towards magenta; the colour pay-off is fantastic with just one swipe and leaving the lips stained for few hours, even after the gloss has worn off. I've been wearing it constantly in the last week and also received compliments in the office.

I have a feeling that 914 Fall For Watermelon* could be a favourite for many ladies. :) It's a pinky peach with a warm undertone and the slightly silver shimmer enhances the glossiness, giving a mirror effect to the lips.

 915 Die For Guava* is a true bubblegum cool-toned pink and understandably my favourite too.

It's gorgeous with only black eyeliner and tons of mascara for the perfect rock chick look.

top-bottom: 915 die for guava, 914 fall for watermelon, 909 mad for pomegranate

In conclusion, they certainly live up to expectations: non-stick, very hydrating (perfect for the drying central heating air) and enriched with flower extracts.

Have you tried them yet? They are currently on 3x2 in Boots and I'm very tempted to grab Dare The Dragonfruit too - a gorgeous berry shade with blue shimmer! 

Pür Minerals Show Off Collection

Pür Minerals Show Off Collection* is a 6-piece set, part of the Christmas Collection 2013 - It contains 3 eyeshadow sticks and 3 cheeks & lips products. 

It's the perfect present for the make-up addict in your family or, believe me, it's worth investing as a treat for yourself, especially with the party season upon us!

These crayons are the perfect size for your handbag or your office kit and you can go from day to night look in a few minutes.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Pür Minerals and once again, I'm impressed with the quality and the gorgeous, pigmented shades. The eyeshadows are vitamin enriched and the lip/cheek glosses are very hydrating, thanks to shea butter and jojoba oil.

Eyeshadow Sticks in: Exposed, Unveiled, Staged

top - bottom: exposed, unveiled, staged

The eyeshadows are easy to modulate to the desired degree, for a natural look or a smokey eye.

During the day - I like to use Unveiled as a base colour and then apply Exposed to the waterline and inner corner, to make me look more awake.

For a night look - I simply add Staged to the crease and blend (to add depth) and smudge below the eye.... easy-peasy!

Exposed is a vanilla colour with a hint of pink, Unveiled is the perfect burned gold and Staged - my favourite - is a chocolate with purple sheen.

Lipgloss Sticks in: Pucker, Taunt, Fling

top - bottom: pucker, fling, taunt

These pink pencils are the perfect consistency and colours for both lips & cheeks. 

They are non-sticky and blend seamlessly on the cheeks, giving a healthy, blushing-from-within look; at the same time, they deliver a punch of pigmentation on the lips, without being drying.

I particularly love Fling, which is the perfect shade of berry for autumn! Taunt - the deepest shade - compliments the cool tones of Staged and it's great to channel the wine stained lips of this season. Finally, Pucker is a light pink - beautiful and glossy on the lips and also works to perk up the complexion on the apple of the cheeks.

Pür Minerals is available from Marks & Spencer nationwide - link

Haul / Holiday Shopping

I couldn't pass on some pharmacy shopping, obviously!

My Bioderma 'stock' is nearly finished so I was going to get more but then I decided to get the Lierac Micellar Cleansing Water, instead. 

As mentioned in this post, I'm interested in trying other brands too and this, in particular, was on offer for 10euros.

I will still use up the L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (even if I'm not thrilled with it), but I also got a mini Bioderma Sebium H2O to try and because I can't stay without some Bioderma in da house! :D

Aquolina is well renowned for its mouthwatering scents, from white chocolate to pistacchio to strawberry milkshake; the scent are all very 'true to life' and the body lotions are my favourite because leave the skin extra smooth and velvety.

I got this body wash for a bargain 1euro and got the guava scent because I adore the Korres version.

I've been pretty obsessed with Acqua di Parma Blue Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi lately and rationing my tiny sample wisely. Luckly enough, my sister's boyfriend mum works for a department store and managed to get me this set - How sweet!

I've also learned that I really like figs scents, apparently and the next one on my wishlist is the Caudalie Figue De Vigne Eau Fraiche.

The wee Le Sorelle Lavender Soap is a present from my sister (how appropriate!); she went on a road trip in Tuscany this summer and found the most quaint shop, run by four sisters. They produce natural beauty products and also food and house decor. Check their website www.lesorelle.toscana.it and it's a recommended stop, if you're in Tuscany in the near future.

Pupa Milano used to be sold in Boots years ago but it's no more available in Uk, as far as I know. They are currently running a Facebook promotion where you can get a nail polish for 1euro and the eyeshadow for 5euros.

I got the Pupa Lasting Color Gel in 18 Delicate Crimson which is such a pretty shade of pink; I'm wearing it on its own, without top coat and I'm not terribly impressed with longevity but  you can't go wrong for 1euro and it dried super fast.

The Pupa Wet & Dry Eyeshadow in 102 Peach is from the latest Vamp! Collection and it's neutral with a bit of peach, perfect for everyday use or as a base; it's a baked powder and buttery soft.

Collistar is a brand that I've been faithful to for many years. Prices are in between - for example, this Collistar Twist Ultra-Shiny Gloss retails around 12/13 euros (about £11) but quality is far superior than the high street items. It contains hyaluronic acid and pro-collagen which plumps up the lips, leaving them soft and smooth.

Differently from other chubby sticks that I have used before, it doesn't have the peppermint scent but a vanilla flavour (similar to Mac lipsticks).

It's also extremely moisturizing and the colour pay-off is incredible; in fact, I guess it's more of a lipstick with a glossy finish than a lip balm.

As just mentioned I love Collistar so I was super thrilled to receive these samples and make up bag too; the Collistar Magica BB Cream for the Body, especially, is wonderful! It leaves legs & arms looking glorious and very comfortable and dry on the skin. Not that I will get much use in Uk, since I'm constantly wearing tights. :(

Speaking of tights... ;)

Calzedonia is a shop completely dedicated to tights and socks, basically; the variety is huge and they also do bikinis and swimwear in summer.

Fashion tights can be a bit expensive - for instance, the ones above are from the new Autumn Collection and are 9,95euros - but ordinary microfiber or lycra tights and leggings are around 2-3euros. They come in every possible colour, great selection of dens and they are very resistant (I'm still pairs that I bought 6 years ago! The shame!).

I believe they now have a couple of stores in London too. 

Cruciani phenomenon started in august 2011 and it fast became the must-have summer accessory in many resorts in Italy, Dubai and Tokyo.

I don't usually follow these trends but these crochet bracelets are too cute to pass on. The original version is a four-leaf clover but the line now includes starfishes, hearts, pirates and charity, limited editions like the Disney version or Damiani, sprayed with gold. 

I hope I gave you some ideas of brands that you can check out, next time you're on the continent! ;)
Have you tried any of these yet?

Boots Christmas Gifts

I love the Boots Christmas catalog!

 Every year, I'm so excited and I can't wait to grab my copy when It comes out, at the beginning of October.

I usually take advantage of the Christmas Events to collect the most points possible and get some stocking fillers for friends and family. I think these sets are fantastic: great value for money, the 3x2 offer is unbelievably good and very nice brands!

Typically, I also end up treating myself - these are my 2012 picks :)

Umberto Giannini Beauty Secrets in a Bag

Firstly, I fell in love with the bag (dah!) - then I was pleasantly surprise with the content too: no styling products (that I don't really use much) but 4 treatment items.

This set targets hydration and, not having particular issues with my hair, I usually go for moisturizing products anyway.

The bag is pretty heavy - you don't get tiny samples in here but I would classify them as full size bottles:

1 shampoo (250ml), 1 conditioner (250ml), 1 mask (200ml) and 1 leave-in conditioner (200ml).

I have only tried one product from Umberto Giannini before - the Sleek & Chic Easy Straight Blow Dry Spray - and I was so impressed that it's one of my favourite hair product ever... so I have high hopes for this items as well.

The bag will also come in handy: it has a zip compartment inside that will be perfect to store small jewellery and rings whilst travelling.

Ted Baker The Name On Everyone's Lips

Again, the packaging is a beauty! I mean, look at this tin: it's not some floppy piece of cardboard but it will last forever, love the design and it also got a cute ballet shoes print inside.

I really like lip pencils/crayons/chubbysticks... however you wanna call them (Ted Baker calls them pens!) and I was attracted by the colours in this set, too.

At first, the colours may look quite 'ordinary' but I actually couldn't find any dupes in my current collection.

The shades don't have names so I will just call them 1,2,3,4 - left to right - for the sake of this post.

Shades 1 & 3 are the most interesting to me... they are quite bright pinks, with 1 being corally, too.

Shades 2 & 4 instead, I was mostly worried about because I don't suit purples on my lips... I was pleasantly surprise as they are very wearable and flattering.

top to bottom: 1, 2, 3, 4

All of them have a great colour pay off and they are very glossy on the lips. I find they last 4/5 hours on me, getting a bit dry and loosing the shine but leaving the pigmentation behind.

Only criticism is the packaging: the actual crayons don't feel properly attached inside and a bit wobbly, in fact shade 4 is already broken after 1 use.

To be honest, I can't be bothered to return it and exchange it and I managed to push it back inside; I reckon I can still use them with a lip brush, if they all happen to have the same issue, in the future.

For the price, tho... I can't recommend them enough!

Have you got your eyes set on any gift from Boots?

x

Birthday Presents

Modalu Pippa Grab Handbag

My mother and sister-in-law surprised me with the Pippa bag... I couldnt believe my eyes!!!

 I've been wanting it for a while - It's gorgeous!

I can't wait to showing it off around town ;)

Warehouse Removable Faux Fur Lined Parka

I've been looking for a parka all summer and of course, I only found one that I like now that it's getting colder and colder!

I like this Warehouse one because it's got a zip that let you take the lining off  - for spring - but I can still use it now - in Autumn -  'cause it's warm enough.

I haven't stopped wearing it since I got it - it's versatile and I like how it looks.

My sister is currently visiting me (reason I've been quiet the past few days - family time) and she brought me some Kiko make up from Italy - she knows me well ;P

 Water Eyeshadow in 202 is a gorgeous taupe with some purple in it and gold shimmer - truly a beautiful shade!

Consistency reminds me of the Mac Extra Dimension eyeshadow... creamy to apply and a pleasure to wear.

Magnetic Nail Lacquer in 703

Never tried magnetic polishes before - really like the effect and it was super easy to use.

Pencil Lip Gloss in 08

Probably my favourite of the lot - love this rose shade, easy to wear and creamy on the lips.

Comete Gioielli Romantica Bracelet
My parents also sent me this birthday present.
I'm totally in love - it's so me! :)
The bracelet is made of cultured pearls and silver; the rose is carved from shell pearl and there's also a tiny pink sapphire charm.
I can't believe the craftsmanship on this piece - it's stunning!

Truly been spoiled! :)