Just In / Weleda Minis

I was pretty excited to hear that there's now a whole line of Weleda minis available on the market.

So many times I have been caught in the conundrum of packing - what to leave behind? Especially with these new airline's rules where they keep reducing the weight you can carry and sometimes it's the dilemma between taking a pair of sandals or that particular lifesaver cream that you *might* need.

And of course, we all do tend to over-pack but  - being the sensible gals that we are - we need to be prepared, right?! ;)

It's not secret that I'm a big FAN of Weleda because of their environmentally conscious methods and wide range of body and face items that cater for the whole family. 

AND just in time for the holiday season!

Some of these best selling products are Birch Cellulite Oil (because you gotta keep fighting that orange peel), Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion (we all know how important is a good cleanse for your skin), Baby Calendula Lotion (for the little ones... and not so little ones), Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash and Skin Food - you can read the reasons why these are essentials here!

There are more than 30 minis available and you can mix & match your set but there are also ready kits for a bit of extra saving.

Recently, I've been using the Weleda Citrus Deodorant* which is free from aluminium and doesn't clog pores. The zesty scent is well refreshing for spring/summer time and uplifting.

I have tried to switch to more natural deodorants since the beginning of the year and this is definitely my favourite: it does effectively keep me bo-free for the whole day and the pump works very well.

If lemon & orange is not your thing then there is also a divine Wild Rose Deodorant and a woody Sage Deodorant option, too.

Of course, this is not only for holidays but ideal to keep in your handbag and personally, I'll make sure to stock up on the full size when this bottle is over!

You can check the whole selection of minis at www.weleda.co.uk ... and Happy Shopping! :)

FOTN / Urban Decay Theodora Palette

Face: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Estee Lauder DoubleWear Concealer in 07 Warm Light, Mac Mineralized SkinFinish in soft & gentle, Guerlain Meteorites Perles in 01 teint rose', YSL Blush Radiance in 02;

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Urban Decay Oz the Great and Powerful Theodora Palette (west, beware, spell), Revlon GrowLuscious Lashliner in expresso, Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect mascara;

Lips: L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in 301 dating coral, Mac Archie's Girls Lipglass Lipgloss in kiss & don't tell.

Haul / Cult Beauty

I placed a cheeky order on Cultbeauty.co.uk a couple of weeks ago - I had a few items on my wishlist that I wanted to try but not easily available on the high street and also took advantage of a £5 off voucher.

Cor The Silver Soap: I got the smaller size because this is pretty pricey and I have no idea if I'll like it since I have never used it before. Sorry it's still wrapped but I'm gonna keep it sealed until I'm ready to use it - I'm currently testing out the Konjac Sponge first, see below. Review to follow, as always.

The Konjac Sponge with French Pink Clay: I've been interested in this sponge for a while but since I got the Clarisonic last Christmas, I really didn't see the point of mixing too many new things at once. I finally decided to give it a go and got the pink clay version which is targeted for sensitive skin.

So basically with this sponge, you don't need to use any cleanser or detergent but just water; they are made from a special natural fibre, similar to potato, that is ph balanced and should naturally deep cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin (we'll see). 

I've been using it for 3 days now both morning and evening - as directed, au naturel; so far I'm liking the low maintenance and simplicity but it's too early to tell if this new routine, it's gonna upset my skin.

For what I've heard, the most important thing is to rinse it really, really well after each use and it should last 3 months. Anybody used this sponge before? Any tips? 

dry

wet

Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel: I tried this more than a year ago but I couldn't really tell the different because the sample was too small (link). Then, I read about people raving about it and I've been intrigued to try it out properly. I'm curious about the 'mechanics' of how it works (if it does work), I haven't see anything else similar on the market. You're supposed to use it every day: apply to dry skin and massage the gel until it dries out and starts to form wee balls/flakes (a bit like an eraser on paper) and finally rinse with water. I don't know, sounds a bit rubbish and I've already regretted buying it... all I can add is: I-really-hope-it-works! 

Finally, the website also lets you choose your samples which is nice: I got a couple of cleansers 'cause I'm always on the hunt for a good one and some Rahua that are the best shampoo and conditioner that I have ever used.

Have you used of these products before? Yay or Nay?
xxx

Review / Daniel Sandler Retexturizing Face Primer

I'm a firm believer in the 'devil is in the details' phrase and relating to beauty how those steps that sometimes you feel you can skip, actually make the look come together.

Take primers - for instance: they get hidden under layers of other products, they are often pretty ordinary looking in the make up world, no exciting swatches to display... but, oh boy, they have a purpose!

With age and wisdom (or dullness, you can be the judge of that), I now find myself excited to try new face primers because I've come to see and feel the difference.

Recently, I've been trying out Daniel Sandler Retexturizing Face Primer* which was sent to me by Hairtrade.com, the Uk's leading online retailer of hair extensions, hair care and beauty products.

The product comes in a compact, black tube with a small nozzle to easily dispense the right amount of product.
I love the scent - it's very delicate with a touch of saltiness that reminds me of days spent in the sun, on the beach when I was a kid; must be one of the sunscreen ingredients. In fact, it has a broad spectrum spf20, UVA/UVB protection against sun damage: personally, I think it's brilliant - definitely , one of the selling points of this base and that set it apart from the others on the market.
It feels silky and velvety on the skin like a silicone base product but I've been using it exclusively for a couple of weeks and I haven't experienced any clogged pore or blemish. I wouldn't say it's matte - but actually let the glow comes through - and doesn't make you greasy after few hours.

It also delivers in ironing out imperfections and blurring pores and can be applied to eyelids and lips too - interested to try it out on my lips next since I have few lines there.

So far, as a face primer, it really smooths out the complexion, bringing the best out of your foundation and it's  the best ally for Spring/Summer make up!

Empties / April

Hope everyone is enjoying their bank holiday - time for me to do another empties post:

The Body Shop Earth Lovers Apricot & Basil 100% Biodegradable Shower Gel: nothing particularly exciting or pampering about this product - does the job well and I love the scent but the thickness was weird: too thin for a shower gel. Actually, I got this for free when I placed my order online so I can't really complaint but I don't think I would like to pay for it (you end up using too much product).

Repurchase: no

James Brown London Heat Styling Protector: hate it with a vengeance! 

Couldn't wait to finish this off - It makes your hair so sticky and it smells like aftershave. Actually, I didn't even manage to finish it because the spray hole is all clogged up but it's definitely time for the bin.

Repurchase: neverrrrrrr!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse: One of best body oil - the scent is phenomenal, doesn't leave you greasy and I simply love it... just as much as the gold version, which I have the full size. 

Repurchase: absolutely!

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser: I have tried a couple of the Clarisonic cleansers and this one is my favourite. The consistency is perfect for the brush action and leaves my skin clean and fresh.

Repurchase: probably yes

L'Occitane Eye Balm: what a lovely eye cream. This cream is part of the Immortelle line but hasn't got the overpowering flowery scent. The consistency is between a balm and a gel - thin enough for the eye area - and great hydrating properties. Also, the jar is made of glass: perfect to keep the product fresh and adding to the cooling action. 

Repurchase: why not

Rodial Glamtox Night: I have mixed feelings about this product: love the scent, the consistency but couldn't help thinking something was missing from my routine, when applying this cream. It's odd because my skin doesn't have particular needs and It does feel great on the skin but, I don't know, I felt it wasn't moisturizing at all!

Repurchase: no.