The Body Shop / Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

This summer, The Body Shop brought out a collection of lightweight, cooling treats for the body and face.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet* appealed to me straight away, especially with the untypical warm weather that we have experienced in Scotland... and what sounds better than a sorbet, right?

My skin is middle of road, normal/combination without any particular requirements so I tend to prefer gel/light consistency for comfort, anyway.

What can you expect from a product that is called sorbet? A splash of freshness, injection of hydration... and that’s exactly what you are getting with this skincare! The formula contains Aqua Sphere Technology - microscopic moisture spheres that deliver 24hr feed of moisturisation to the skin.

The freshness also feels soothing on irritated skin and cheeks are left plumped up; it also contains mineral particles that absorb oil and mattify the complexion.

The consistency is a dream, but quite heavily floral scented so be aware if you’re a sensitive to powerful smells.

This has certainly been a summer staple for me and will do me good well into Autumn with these mild temperatures.

There is also a new range of The Body Shop Body Sorbets in mouthwatering scents: Strawberry, Mango, Peach, Satsuma and Moringa.

Have you tried any of these yet?

Empties / Summer 2014

Hello chicas!

You may have noticed that I’ve been absent for some time; I haven’t been feeling really well lately but now I’m better and I thought to easy myself into the Blogosphere again with an inoffensive (and overdue) Empties post. ;)

Weleda Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash: I adore these body washes, especially for the shower since they don't foam up a great amount; they are so creamy, don’t dry the skin and last ages. I really like the tube, which is practical for the shower. Wild Rose is not my favourite scent but it’s pretty delicate.

Repurchase: yes, I already have a stash ;)

St. Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Plus: I don’t use self-tan products regularly, but I like to keep a bottle in my stash for special occasions (e.i.: weddings, holidays); this is fool-proof to apply and develops slowly, so also risk-free. It has firming properties - which is always a bonus - a fresh scent and no 'biscuity' at all.

Repurchase: Yep.

The Body Shop Shea Sugar Body Scrub: You can't go wrong with The Body Shop scrubs; they come in all different scents and consistencies. The shea is one of my favourites - love the buttery scent and the sugar particles provide very good exfoliation; it's a tad oily, so be aware if this is not your thing.

Repurchase: Absolutely!

Nip+Fab Bust Fix Plumping Treatment: This was a sample from a magazine and I had been wanting to try it for ages; quite a generous size for a freebie too. The product itself is very pleasant on the skin, lightweight & not greasy and a comforting scent... but it's too pricey in my opinion.

Repurchase: no, because of the price tag.

Nourish Radiance Purifying Cleanser: This is a cleansing milk and it has been a staple in my routine for many many mornings; I like to be 'delicate' in the morning and simply put some on a cotton wool, followed by a toner - no stripping products for me, thank you!

I love that it's 93% organic, which is something that I'm starting to pay particular attention to, lately.

Repurchase: maybe - I really like it, but you can easily find cheaper alternatives too.

REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask: This is a lovely mask, but I kinda of find that all REN masks are very similar. This provides a chemical exfoliation, thanks to the acids in it, and it has a lovely fruity/pineapple scent. It left my skin super clean and brownie points for the natural approach too.

Repurchase: probably no - I'm currently addicted to the REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial. 

La Roche-Posay Ceralip: this is a lip balm as strip down as it can get; no perfume, colour - simple wax to sooth and repair the lips. I've been using it on-and-off for over 10 years now... and it delivers! It's also recommended if you suffer from allergies and rashes.

Repurchase: yes.

Brasil 2014 / L'Occitane Au Bresil

Brasil 2014 has been a popular inspiration for LE Collections this season.

Inspiration from south American culture with the energy and artistic predisposition, as well as rich natural resources and ingredients, indigenous of these lands.

The two new plants at the heart of L'Occitane Au Bresil Collection are: Vitoria Regia and Jenipapo. 

Vitoria Regia is a water lily found in the Amazon river that sleeps during the day, to protect from the sun rays and blooms at night, revealing pink petals and a delicate scent.

Its dual life has been perfectly captured in L'Occitane Vitoria Regia Day Flower - fresh and light with citrusy notes and the acidity of the green apple. A proper summer scent!

And L'Occitane Vitoria Regia Night Flower - with more powdery under-notes, dominated by musk and sandalwood and a hint of peony.

If you’re a L’Occitane aficionado, the consistency of L'Occitane Vitoria Regia Day Flower Handcream* is thinner than the shea butter counterpart and perfect for warmer months. It absorbs instantly and leaves the hands velvety soft and hydrated.

L'Occitane Vitoria Regia Night Flower Soap* echoes the decadent scent with the gorgeous engraving on its surface; it's fantastic and nearly too beautiful to use. The formula doesn't strip the oil on the skin and leaves the hands nourished and clean. 

Both scents come also as 300ml and 100ml Eau de Cologne bottles too.

Jenipapo is a citrus tree from the Cerrado region that basks in the sun its entire life and rapidly grows above the rest of the savannah to absorb the sun's energy.

The protective and moisturising properties of the fruit are well known to the native populations and they have now been used by L'Occitane to create this suncare line for the face & body.

L'Occitane Jenipapo Lip Balm Spf25* comes out as a clear gloss and it has a green and fruity mouthwatering flavour: you'll find exotic notes of watermelon, pina colada and vanilla.

The line also includes Body Jelly Milk Spf20, Shower Oil and Perfumed Oil Roll-On.

Local artists helped create the pretty illustrations of the flowers on the packaging and they are worth of turn-of-the-century Impressionist paintings. 

L'Occitane Au Bresil is out now in store and on Loccitane.com

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!

Brasil 2014 / Neve Cosmetics Quetzalcoatl Collection

Many brands are jumping on the bandwagon of Brasil 2014 with their Summer collections.

Neve Cosmetics took inspiration widely from Ancient South American civilisations in general and Pre-Columbian Mexico in particular. The actual name of the collection - Quetzalcoatl - is a Mesoamerican deity which means feathered serpent.

This influence transpires in the names of the products, as well as in the vivid and powerful hues that recall the colourful feathers of this mysterious and supernatural creature.  

The collection includes 2 mineral blushes, 4 mineral eyeshadows and 2 eye pencils; all Neve Cosmetics products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Neve Cosmetics Blush in Maya* is a pale pink with pink shimmer; thanks to the subtle shimmer, it also doubles as an highlighter and gives a true healthy glow to the cheeks. It's really beautiful and perfect for me, since cool toned blushes suit me best.  

If you prefer a bit more warm on the cheeks, the other blush of the collection - Flame Tree - is a pinky coral with fuchsia particles (sounds pretty awesome too!)

Neve Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Quetzal* is the personification of this mythological bird with its duo-chorme turquoise and green pigments; Desert*, instead, is a more wearable warm brown with golden glitter, that reminds me of the sun-kissed, dry soil of this rich continent.

You can play it safe or be more daring and they work particularly well when applied wet; these two together are made for each other and complement beautifully!

Finally, Neve Cosmetics offers 2 eye pencils to define the look: the luminous Cielo/Turquoise* and warm Terra/Brown - the names are pretty self-explanatory really!

The quality of these pencils is very high, as always - they are soft to work with, long lasting and have high pigmentation.

I have to say that this is my favourite collection from Neve Cosmetics so far. The histrionic reflections make these hues tridimensional... and have I forgotten about the packaging?! I think the turquoise & bronze combo is simply beautiful.

What do you think of this collection? :)