Urban Decay Summer 2013 Collection - part 1

Urban Decay Rebound Build Your Own Palette*

You've probably already heard me talking about these UD palettes before - here and here - and the good news is that there's a new one in town! 

The summer 2013 limited edition tin is the most beautiful yet and it's the right time to get yourself one: with the previous palettes, you'd get one neutral shade included, but this time it's completely customizable and, of course, cheaper (£8). 

You can now choose which base colour you prefer and there are 3 new releases for the occasion: Easy Baked, Desperation and Laced.

Desperation* is a matte blueish gray with a slightly warm undertone and satin finish.  

It has enough depth to be beautiful on its own (it will really make blue eyes stand out) or perfect as a base/all-over-the-lid colour to make brighter shades pop!

Next up are the Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadows, a NEW line of glitter shadows.

I've to admit that I'm not afraid of a bit (or a lot) of shimmer and these are really exciting because you get the same UD smooth and silky quality with added voooom!

The colour payoff is superb and the sparkling particles are fine, giving a metallic finish to the shade.

Glitterrock* is pink galore with pink and silver glitter. Zodiac* is a dark green with blue, yellow and green particles; you can really obtain a beautiful smokey eye look with a twist because of the black base! Stargazer* is going to be a favourite of many: an ultra versatile 'antiqued' gold with a lime undertone. 

Intergalactic* is a true cool lilac with silver sparkle; this is the only shade that doesn't transfer as much on the eyelid and I tend to use it wet, instead.

There are 7 shades available - Zodiac is definitely my favorite and Space Cowboy is the next that shall be mine!!!

l-r: desperation, glitterrock, zodiac, stargazer, intergalactic

...Come back tomorrow for more reviews from this collection! :)

Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo

The Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing Duo is a limited edition, part of the Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013.

As soon as I saw pictures online I was immediately drawn to it; I liked the shades of brown and the lack of orangeness. In fact the side on the left is a pinkish brown and the side on the right is more of a reddish brown. 

Personally, I find that these nuances tend to resemble more of a natural tan. I also have another bronzer which is pretty brick/red looking - Daniel Sandler Watercolour Creme Bronzer in Fiji - and complement my skintone real nicely.

I twirl my brush on both sides but you can of course pick and choose; the lighter shade is matte and the darker has a slight glow to it.

By the way, I didn't realised how HUGE it was until I saw it at the counter! I actually really like it, it's still pretty compact ad slimline.

I still had a gift card from Christmas so, technically, I didn't pay for it but I'm glad I got it and I'm getting a lot of use out of it.

heavily swatched 

The lovely lady in House of Fraser also gave me a sample of the SPF 50 Protective Face Base, the new primer. I've only used it once but first impressions are good: feels really smoothing and lightweight on the skin. I'm pleased it has such an high spf, especially with summer approaching, and a little goes a long way so I bet that wee pot will last me a few months. :)

Have you bought anything from Bobbi Brown recently?

x

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

Introducing / Jurlique

Jurlique is one of these brands that whoever you're talking with, they would say 'You have to try *insert Jurlique product*'!

Recently, I got the chance to test few items from the Purely Bright line and - boys & girls - I'm joining the club.

What you'll notice first is the beautiful and engaging packaging; this is a brand that is proud of what they are offering - rightly so - and not skipping on quality ingredients for sure. 

Let's talk about the facial toner, for example: it comes in a white matte finish square glass bottle that I'm so happy to own.

 The Purely Bright range, in particular, is ideal for uneven skintone - which is kinda of my burden - and to help restore radiance and I'll take any help that I can get, thank you very much!

 The star ingredient is VitaBrightKX which contains Kakadu Plum - the world's richest source of vitamin C - and clinically proven to reduce discolorations.

First, I start off my evening routine with the Jurlique Purely Bright Cleanser*.

This is a creamy cleanser that doubles as a face exfoliant. It lathers into a milky consistency and removes any last trace of make up and dirt from my busy day. The exfoliant action unclogs any stubborn pore and leaves my skin feeling smooth and polished. It's not a mechanical scrub so is gentle enough to be used everyday and I can see my skin becoming less dull by the day. I've been enjoying using it and it also prepares my skin for night treatments. 

Then, I move into my second step with the Jurlique Purely Bright Mist*

I usually spray some toner on a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face to make sure that I have deeply cleansed, but I have used this mist in so many ways because it's fantastic!
In the mornings I mist my hands and then press the palms on my face. It's so refreshing and the perfect way to start my day; Or during the day (let's be honest, any excuse is a good excuse) to brighten up your make up.

It also contains Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract that has shown to inhibit melanin synthesis and that will help fading my dark spots over time. 

The whole line smells divine, like lillies... I'm actually here at my desk, writing this review and enjoying a spritz or two of the mist.... ahhhhh lovely! It is Spring in a bottle, nevermind the weather. ;)
I'm very impressed with the results I'm already seeing and I can hearty recommend this line!
Have you tried any Jurlique product? What do you recommend?
x 

FOTD - Neve Cosmetics Eyes

Face: Benefit Hello Flawless foundation in honey, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Neve Cosmetics Mineral blush in magic potion;

Eyes: Neve Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow in dormouse dreams, Neve Cosmetics Pastello eye pencil in petrolio, Mac Paint Pot in painterly, Neve Cosmetics Occhioni mascara;

Lips: Clinique Chubby Stick in 13 mighty mimosa.